Oh, what fun it is to enjoy the outside world with no other than your four-legged best friend! You’ve probably heard about Scooby, Lassie, and Hachiko—three remarkable canines that share deep relationships with their human best friends. These loving dogs have accompanied their humans in such woof-derful moments.
This is why when you are choosing a dog, you will want to make sure you pick the right one that can keep up with your active lifestyle. You do not wish to carry your Shih Tzu in your sweaty arms while hiking up the summit.
Like humans, some dogs are more comfortable indoors, while others enjoy having fun outside and in the wilderness. Here are the ten dog breeds that match your thrill-seeking spirit:
1. Labrador Retriever
Probably the most athletic and playful breed, a Labrador Retriever enjoys pretty much everything the outside world has to offer—from swimming in the waters to hiking in the mountains.
2. Siberian Husky
2. Siberian HuskyThis beautiful pup loves to work hard and gives more than what’s expected. Suppose you want to go on long hikes, trail runs, and camping trips during the cold weather. In that case, a Siberian Husky will be your ideal companion. This breed is pure brains and brawn—have a Siberian Husky carry your pack, and they will be glad to do it for you.
3. Border Collie
The Collie is known for their cute features and commendable agility, intelligence, stamina, loyalty, and herding instincts. A Collie possesses high energy levels that you wouldn’t want to get out of hand. So make sure to take occasional outdoor escapades to help satisfy their hunger for adventure!
4. Rhodesian Ridgeback
4. Rhodesian RidgebackOriginally bred to hunt lions in the African landscape, this sturdy, muscular dog makes a great companion in your desert adventures. Be ready to handle its fierceness in the wildlife, though!
Despite their fierce reputation, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are also affectionate and make for great family pets. They are intelligent and trainable, so you can teach them to be well-behaved in any situation. However, because of their strong prey drive, it’s important to keep them on a leash when in unfamiliar territory. With proper training, a Rhodesian Ridgeback can be the perfect companion for hiking, camping, or even just a day at the beach.
5. Australian Shepherd
Known for being agile and energetic, this herding dog can easily surpass the most challenging terrains out there. It can leap across rocks, boulders, and hurdles with little to no effort. How great is that? Australian Shepherds are relatively low-maintenance dogs that adapt well to different living situations. They are just as happy in an apartment as they are on a farm, as long as they get plenty of exercise and socialization. If you’re looking for a smart and versatile breed that can keep up with your active lifestyle, an Australian Shepherd might be the perfect fit for you.
6. Portuguese Water Dog
6. Portuguese Water DogAs the name suggests, this pup does well by the water, making it a great companion during boat trips. Highly intelligent and trainable, this furry creature makes an off-leash swimming buddy.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
This docile, hearty breed is the ideal buddy for chill outdoor activities. Since they don’t have other working dogs’ stamina, the Bernese Mountain Dog will love it if you take them on short hikes and chill outdoor walks. While Bernese Mountain Dogs may not have the same stamina as some of the other breeds on this list, they still make great outdoor companions. In fact, their gentle and calm nature can make them the perfect buddy for more relaxed outdoor activities, such as picnics or short hikes. Additionally, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners, making them a great choice for those who want a furry friend to accompany them on all of their adventures. Just be sure to keep an eye on your Bernese Mountain Dog in hot weather, as their thick fur coat can cause them to overheat.
8. Vizsla
8. VizslaRugged but extremely elegant, versatile but extremely loyal—this red-coated dog has an intense love for jumping, running, and traversing around the forests! Keep in mind that this loving pup is susceptible to cold, so make sure to always pack a warm blanket with you!
9. Dalmatian
This lean and large pup makes a great outdoor companion, especially if you love to run. A Dalmatian is an excellent choice if you want a protective dog to accompany you during your long-distance walks and jogs.
10. Tibetan Terrier
10. Tibetan TerrierDon’t be fooled by their size—this small, active dog was taken care of in monasteries 2,000 years ago, making them a great watchdog. The Tibetan Terrier makes an excellent buddy in snow and mountain activities.
This is a guest article contributed by Mike Powell. Mike loves everything about dogs, and he constantly writes about his passion for canines at Dog Embassy, a website that aims to provide information about dog nutrition, exercise, accessories, and more.