Best Dogs For Camping and Hiking in 2022 – Smart Dog Mom

What are the best camping dogs? Do you like to camp out? Are you someone who loves to go on an adventure and wants to bring your dog?

If you plan on bringing a dog on a camping trip, first you have to make sure the dog is ready for such an adventure. For instance, you need to do the following things:

First, make sure the park or campgrounds are dog-friendly. Not all places allow pets. Be sure your dog is kept on a leash at all times.

Next, it is a wise idea to put booties on your dog’s feet to protect their paws from very hot or very cold ground. You should also have a first aid kit that not only helps you if you get injured but that is meant for helping your pet. It should have Band-Aids, antibiotic ointments, gauze, pads, and other necessities.

Also make sure you bring food and water for both you and your dog, as water is especially important when camping or hiking to avoid dehydration.

You can also bring toys for your pet so he won’t get bored. And of course, make sure your tent or trailer for camping is big enough to house both you and your pet for the night.

18 Best Dog Breeds for Camping and Hiking:

Camping is a great way to bond with your dog as long as you choose the right breed of dog that will love to camp out with you. Here are a few breeds that love the outdoors and would love to go camping:

1. Mixed Breed

It is a great idea to adopt a mixed breed dog from your local animal shelter to help save a life! These dogs are very loyal and in many cases will be a great companion on a camping trip.

2. Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler)

Australian Cattle Dog - Best Camping Dog breed

This breed of dog is very adventurous and will protect their owners on a camping trip. They have a lot of energy as well as are very spirited.

3. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog - Camping and Hiking Dog

Just like the word “mountain” in its name, this dog is a great outdoors dog. It was used on farms in the Swiss Alps and just loves to play and run around in the countryside.

4. Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky - Best Camping dog breed

Huskies are a smart breed, as well as love fun and do great if you plan on any cold weather camping. Their fur is made to keep them warm and cozy and they can even pull a sled to carry your supplies.

5. Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog

This dog was used for hunting boars in its past in North America. It makes a great companion in the wilderness.

6. Portuguese Water Dog

This fluffy dog loves to please people. It loves to swim so would be great if you camp near a lake. And they are hypoallergenic too.

7. German Shorthaired Pointer

This dog loves to hunt and is very smart. It does great on trails and is very trainable. It will do fine on a camping trip.

8. Border Collie

These dogs have lots of energy. They are herding dogs and love the outdoors. It almost never gets tired so would be great for hiking and camping.

9. Labrador Retriever

Labs are known as hunting dogs and love people. They also love to swim and run, so would be great on a camping adventure. They are great family pets too.

10. Vizsla

Vizsla - Best Camping and Hiking Dog

Coming from Hungary, these dogs are part retrievers and part pointer. They make the best of these two worlds and love the outdoors.

11. Australian Shepherd

This breed is very loyal and devoted. It actually comes from the US even though it has Australia in its name. They are herding dogs and are very smart. Plus they bond to their owners, are adventurous and like physical activity so will do great camping.

12. German Pointer

This is a hunting breed, so great for outdoor treks. It gets around 70lbs and about two feet tall. They like to explore and do great on hikes. They love to please their owners and have high energy so are very active, which bodes well when camping.

13. Boxers

Boxer - Best Camping and Hiking Dog

Boxers have a great physique, as well as love to explore and have a lot of energy, which is needed if you plan a camping adventure. They are playful, spirited, and inquisitive.  They get up to 70lbs in weight.

14. Weimaraner Dogs

Another hunting breed, it gets up to 85lbs. It has a great sense of smell and can track all day long. Plus they are alert and obedient and very watchful if you meet a stranger on the trail. They do need obedience training, so be aware.

15. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute - Best Outdoors dog breed

These dogs come from Alaska, as their name suggests. They are spirited, playful, and have lots of stamina. They are great if you want to go hiking with them and can do well in cold weather with their thick fur. Their claws act like a hook and help them navigate on icy ground and they can even pull a sled of supplies.

16. Doberman

Originated in Germany, these are working dogs. They love exercise and adventure, have a great physique and a sleek coat. They are very protective of you and will alert you to danger on the trail. They get up to around 60lbs and 28 inches tall.

17. Belgian Sheepdog

This breed also likes camping and hiking. They were originated in Belgium and used to herd sheep. That makes them protective. Plus they have a lot of energy and get up to 80lbs, and 26 inches tall. Their coat is weather resistant so even if it rains on your camping trip, they will be undeterred.

18. Poodle

Believe it or not, these are not dainty if you go camping with the standard sized poodles. Their coat can endure wet weather and they are great swimmers. They are loyal, smart, and friendly dogs. The standard gets to 70lbs.

Best Dogs for Camping and Hiking
Best Dogs for Camping and Hiking

Conclusion

All in all, these breeds are all great choices to go camping with. Probably several other breeds of dogs are also great for camping, but if you choose one of the above you and your pet should have a fun adventure together!

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Dog trainer, Author & Life coach at SmartDogMom.com

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