But what ingredients does 'a good hiking dog' really have?
To find out, I collected answers from a post in the facebook group: Hiking with dogs.
On this post the question was asked what dog breeds people hike with.
Now most of the members of this group are located from the US, so if you read this from another country, and you have different experiences.... that is possible!
Also, there were more than 560 answers! And after noting down a number of 422 dogs divided into 75 breeds in a for ever growing Excel document, I was getting pretty tired and figured that this number would be a good enough indication of what kind of dogs we commonly come across on the hiking trails.
So to not keep you waiting any longer...............
Who is the winner!!??
1. The mixed breed!
Not so surprising, but the mixed breed rises high above all other breeds with a total number of 91 dogs out of 422 (22%). The mixed breed dog is a dog where either one or more of the breeds it has been mixed with is known. |
| Lab mix (pic from Hiking with dogs member) |
I have seen the most interesting and beautiful mixed dogs in this group, so I thought it would be interesting to calculate which mix is the most common as well.
37 different breeds were named by the owners of mixed bred dogs.
I used the ones with at least 4 occurances to make this graph.
And this is what came out:
The labrador seems to be a very popular breed to mix with. Labradors are very popular dogs to keep as pets, they are generally versatile, people and dog friendly, active and love to please their owner. A good dog to have on the trail with you.They also enjoy swimming so they can be the perfect kanoeing buddy too.
Shepherds and Border collies come right after the Labrador as a popular breed to mix with. Both Shepherds and Border collies are known for their will to please and great obedience, they are active dogs and popular as family pets. All the dogs seen in this list are known to be active and love the outdoors, even Corgi's with their short legs and their little bagpacks can keep up with their hiking loving humans.
Mixed breeds are great, they don't only look special, but they can have very special qualities too, traits from 1 or more different breeds can be combined to create the perfect pet. Of course you might not know what you get from puppyhood. If you cross a Husky with a Corgi, you might get a medium sized dog who loves to pull a sled all day through the snow... or you can get a big dog with short legs, who would rather herd livestock, or why not both??? And that is what makes mixed breeds so great, they are for everyone! And even better, the shelters are full of them!
2. The mutt
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| A hiking mutt (pic from Hiking with dogs member) |
Mutts are dogs for everyone, they come in every size, colour and personality possible, and again, the shelters are full of them!
3. Labrador
Not only a popular breed to mix with, but a popular breed to take with you as your hiking buddy as well. They are big and robust enough to carry their own backpack, and they will greet other hikers with a big lovely smile(even the scary ones) that no one will be able to resist . Labradors are retrievers, and originally bred to retrieve birds such as the waterfowl during hunting. These days they are mainly bred to be companion dogs, but are also used around the world as service dogs and gundogs. And since they are retrievers... they love to retrieve (obviously)! So if you don't mind trowing a slimy ball once in a while, get yourself a Labrador! They seem to be a dog that can be used for anything, their kind and energetic nature makes them perfect for active families as well. Did I tell you they come in 3 colours too?4. Australian Shepherd
Another dog which can be seen working different jobs. Most well known for it's roll in livestock herding. Their high trainability, energy and eagerness to please has shown that they can be great rescue, guide and therapy dogs as well. They are popular as a family pet for the more active family. In the world of dog sports they do very well in frisbee, agility, obedience, fly ball.... well.... seriously.... what can't they do?! Their nice fluffy fur makes them perfect overnight sleeping buddies, keeping both themselves as you warm during the night. |
| Australian shepherds (pic from Hiking with dogs member) |
5. Border collie
And of course... the Border collie! The one everyone was waiting for! The star in high competition dog sports, Disney movies, sheepherding, cattle herding.... people herding... and apparently hiking as well!Border collies are very trainable, love to have a job and are very.... very active! They are medium sizes, so not too big to not fit in your sleeping bag.
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| Border collie (pic from Hiking with dogs member) |
6. Husky
And of course... the lovable and beautiful husky! Originally bred to pull sleds, they can just keep on going forever. After a long day of walking... you are tired... a husky will happily drag you a couple of more hours along! They are known for their wolf like appearance with bright blue eyes, but they come in a variety of coat and eye colours. They are athletic and intelligent, but also tend to have a mind of their own, and like to wander. If you have your husky off leash, make sure you know the area well, because you don't want to lose them! Most husky owners I know do not ever let their dog off leash, because of their high hunting instincts and their lust to wander around by themselves. A long line or even a canicross belt can be a great alternative however. And equiped with your belt and husky in front, you will know for sure that you will not be the last one on the top of that mountain! |
| Husky (pic from Hiking with dogs member) |
7. German shepherd
Another very well known working dog (I can see a pattern!), famous for his work in the police force, in rescue teams, as a livestock herder, guide dog, protection dog, guard dog and detection dog. They are highly trainable and very owner orientated. They can be protective over their families and are very loyal towards them. They have high energy, and a great eagerness to please. They will follow their owners everywhere, even if those owners decide to go on a crazy multiple day hiking trip, German shepherds will love it. Investigating all the new smells, and being athletic dogs, they will be able to keep up with even the most difficult tracks.8. Pit bull
Unfortunately a great dog with often not the reputation that they deserve. Pit bulls are very loyal and lovable dogs, commited to their families, well trainable and they love to be outside to explore and play. They will definitely be strong enough to carry their own backpack... and maybe even your own... seriously... have you seen those muscles!? Pit bulls come in a variety of shapes and colours and typically have a short coat, a wiggly body, waggy tail and a huge happy smile! Their energetic nature makes them willing to follow you everywhere. At night they are most likely to crawl up with you in one sleeping bag, snoring the night away. |
| Pit bull (pic from Hiking with dogs member) |
9. Cattle dog or Heeler
Originally bred to herd cattle over long distances and rough terrain, which of course gives them amazing qualities as a hiking companion. They are very sturdy dogs, intelligent and independent. They love a challenge and having a lot of energy and the desire to work, it makes them perfect for outdoorsy people. They are not that big in size, but still have the appearance of a big dog. Their compact sturdy body will fit easily in a small tent, in your sleeping bag and even in your backpack if necessary. |
| Cattle dog (pic from Hiking with dogs member) |
10. Golden retriever
Honestly... what happened to these dogs? It's like I used to see them on every corner of the street, on every commercial on tv, and in every single Disney movie..? And now they are on number 10?? Ah well, they are still very popular! The gentle golden family friend. Known as... well... the perfect family dog I guess? They are also popular as service dogs, such as guide dogs and therapy dogs, but are also used widely as gun dogs. They are retrievers, just like the Labrador, and love water and bringing back that slimy ball that you tried to get rid off over and over again....! They are active, highly trainable, very patient, intelligent and terrible guard dogs... they love everyone, and everyone loves Golden retrievers (didn't Disney condition us to love Goldens? I'm pretty sure they did)! |
| One of the most famous Golden retrievers in the movie Homeward bound (now that is what I call the perfect hiking dog!) |
Other common breeds
Other breeds with a number of 5 or higher were used to make this graph:
If you think that only medium sized, athletic sporty dogs are popular to take hiking...? Think again! Chihuahuas are also dogs that you will commonly come across on the trail. They might not be able to wear a 'normal' doggy backpack... but they can wear the most cutest, tiniest of backpacks and still look like a tough outdoor dog. And don't underestimate Jack russels either, they might be small, but that is not what they think they are!
Other popular dogs seen are Catahoulas, Staffords and Rhodesian ridgebacks, all high energy athletic, and amazing dogs.
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| Chihuahua, they are not all lapdogs! (pic from Hiking with dogs member) |
Conclusion... what is the best hiking dog
There is no 'best' hiking dog. Good hiking dogs come in all sizes, shapes and from all over the world. If your dog likes to walk, can physically handle a good walk... then your dog is a good hiking dog!Some breeds might be more fit for longer walks, some breeds might be more fit for colder climates, and others cope better in hot weather. Know your own dog well and accustome to their needs (no it is not stupid to let your dog wear a jacket if they need it, or booties to protect their paws, if anything, it will make them look even more badass!). Make sure that you and your dog have a good time!
Enjoy and thanks to all the wonderfull outdoorsy peeps from the Hiking with dogs group for all their responses!
Other breeds that were mentioned (yes there are other Airedales and Dalmatians out there ;) ):
| Sharpei | 1 |
| Kelpie | 1 |
| Pointer | 3 |
| Leonberger | 1 |
| Malamute | 3 |
| Samoyed | 1 |
| Boxer | 2 |
| Dachshund | 3 |
| Plotthound | 3 |
| Poodle | 3 |
| Dogo Argentino | 1 |
| Coonhound | 1 |
| Shiba | 2 |
| Great Pyrenees | 2 |
| Min Pincher | 3 |
| Min Schnauzer | 1 |
| Doberman | 4 |
| Shih tzu | 2 |
| Dalmatian | 1 |
| Presa Canario | 1 |
| Corgi | 1 |
| Am Staff | 1 |
| Schipperke | 1 |
| E. Springer spaniel | 1 |
| Puggle | 2 |
| Cane corso | 3 |
| Rough collie | 2 |
| Cairn terrier | 1 |
| Pug | 1 |
| Pomeranian | 1 |
| Labradoodle | 3 |
| Chesapeake retriever | 2 |
| Weimaraner | 3 |
| Cocker spaniel | 3 |
| Griffon | 1 |
| Airedale | 3 |
| Bouvier | 2 |
| English shepherd | 1 |
| Chin Crested | 1 |
| Rottweiler | 4 |
| Golden doodle | 1 |
| Podenco | 2 |
| Borzoi | 1 |
| St. Bernard | 1 |
| Beagle | 3 |
| Cavalier | 1 |
| Malinois | 3 |
| Bloodhound | 1 |
| Corgi | 1 |
| Old E bulldog | 1 |
| Whippet | 1 |
| Great Dane | 1 |
| Bernese mountain dog | 1 |
| Flatcoat retriever | 2 |
| Setter | 1 |
| Deerhound | 3 |
| Brittany | 1 |
| Boston | 1 |
| Bull terrier | 1 |
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