10 Adventure Dog Breeds That Love the Trail

Published July 28, 2016 11:01PM

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.