10 Adventure Dog Breeds That Love the Trail
Forest or desert, mountain or seaside, these 10 types of canine can keep up with you.
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1. Norwegian Elkhound
Bred to hunt moose in Scandanavia, these intelligent, strong-willed dogs are reminiscent of shorter-legged, barrel-chested huskies. With a thick, water-repellant double coat, they’re built for snowy adventures. Photo by Chris Bambrick/http://bit.ly/2a7AaUi
2. Old English Sheepdog
These impressively furry herding dogs are just as at home in the forest as they are in the pasture. Photo by Norlando Pobre/http://bit.ly/2a7AZMU
3. Corgi
Don’t let their little legs fool you: These Welsh cattle herders are bundles of energy, whether hiking in the mountains or playing catch in the yard. Photo by ONLY Corgi/http://bit.ly/2a7AHpc
4. Great Pyrenees
They can be stubborn, so it takes patience to train a Great Pyrenees. But keep at it, and these gentle giants can be perfect wilderness companions. Photo by Aikos/http://bit.ly/2a7Bq9W
5. Dalmatian
These firehouse dogs are legendarily energetic. In an apartment, that may be a ding. But on the trail? What could be better. Photo by Maja Dumat/http://bit.ly/2a7BfeN
6. Chow Chow
Originating from northern China, these medium-sized working dogs look like miniature bears and can learn to love the outdoors with a good upbringing. Photo by Remigiusz Jozefowicz/http://bit.ly/2a7CMkW
7. Alaskan Malamute
The heftier, more muscular cousin to the Siberian husky, the double-coated malamute loves the snow and possesses exceptional endurance and strength. Photo by amberjean/http://bit.ly/2a7DzlW
8. Samoyed
Hailing from Siberia, hardy Samoyeds were bred to help herd reindeer and pull heavy loads across the tundra. Photo by Stiller Beobachter/http://bit.ly/2a7DDlU
9. Keeshond
These fluffy German spitzes are playful by nature, and agile enough to manage the most technical trails right next to their humans. Photo by Terri Brown/http://bit.ly/2a7DbDU
10. Bluetick Coonhound
As the name suggests, coonhounds arose as raccoon hunters, tracking down their prey by scent through the thick brush of Appalachia. Its athleticism and intelligence benefit it just as well on hikes as they do on hunts. Photo by Amy Dawson/http://bit.ly/2a7F0km
Playing outside is more fun with a friend. And what better friend than man’s best friend? These kinds of adventure dog are practically (and sometimes literally) bred for the wilderness. Find your own new hiking buddy through the ASPCA.
Want more? Check out our gallery of the 10 best outdoor dog breeds.
