The 17 Best Dog Breeds for Outdoor Adventures: A Complete Comparison Guide
Going on outdoor adventures with your furry companion by your side can be an incredible bonding experience. However, not all dogs are well-suited for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Some breeds have the energy, athleticism, and temperament that make them ideal outdoor adventure dogs.
Choosing the right dog breed for joining you on your outdoor escapades can make your adventures more enjoyable for both you and your pup. In this complete guide, we compare the pros and cons of the 17 best dog breeds for accompanying you on all your outdoor adventures.
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Comparison Table of the Best Dog Breeds for Outdoor Adventures
| Breed | Energy Level | Athleticism | Temperament | Trainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | Very High | Excellent | Friendly, loyal | Eager to please, highly trainable |
| Golden Retriever | High | Excellent | Friendly, gentle | Eager to please, highly trainable |
| German Shorthaired Pointer | Very High | Excellent | Friendly, energetic | Intelligent but can be stubborn |
| Vizsla | Very High | Excellent | Affectionate, loyal | Eager to please, highly trainable |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | High | Excellent | Independent, loyal | Intelligent but stubborn |
| Siberian Husky | High | Excellent | Friendly, energetic | Intelligent but independent |
| Australian Shepherd | Very High | Excellent | Loyal, protective | Highly intelligent and trainable |
| Border Collie | Very High | Excellent | Energetic, smart | Extremely intelligent and trainable |
| German Shepherd | High | Excellent | Courageous, loyal | Highly intelligent and trainable |
| Weimaraner | High | Excellent | Friendly, energetic | Intelligent but stubborn |
| Irish Setter | High | Excellent | Friendly, playful | Intelligent and trainable |
| Brittany | High | Excellent | Friendly, energetic | Eager to please, highly trainable |
| Newfoundland | Moderate | Excellent | Calm, loyal | Eager to please but independent |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Moderate | Very Good | Affectionate, loyal | Eager to please but stubborn |
| Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | High | Very Good | Friendly, loyal | Intelligent but independent |
| Portuguese Water Dog | High | Excellent | Friendly, energetic | Highly intelligent and trainable |
| Standard Poodle | High | Excellent | Intelligent, active | Extremely trainable |
Best Large Dog Breeds for Outdoor Adventures
1. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds for good reason – they make excellent adventure companions thanks to their friendly personality, high energy levels, and athletic build. Labs love being outdoors and have an eagerness to please that makes them highly trainable.
Energy Level: Very high
Athleticism: Excellent
Temperament: Friendly, loyal, outgoing
Trainability: Eager to please and highly trainable
Pros
- Energetic and tireless
- Excellent swimmers
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Naturally retrieve objects like sticks or balls
- Friendly with children and strangers
Cons
- Need lots of exercise and mental stimulation
- Prone to obesity if not exercised enough
- May be overly energetic for novice owners
The Labrador Retriever’s energy, athleticism, trainability and friendly temperament make this breed one of the best for joining you on all types of outdoor adventures. They thrive when challenged both physically and mentally. Labs also make great therapy and service dogs. Just be ready to give them lots of daily activity and exercise.
2. Golden Retriever
The friendly, gentle nature of the Golden Retriever, combined with their energy and athleticism, makes them another excellent dog for outdoor activities. Goldens love being by your side whether you’re hiking, camping, trail running or exploring the outdoors.
Energy Level: High
Athleticism: Excellent
Temperament: Friendly, devoted, trusting
Trainability: Eager to please and highly trainable
Pros
- Affectionate and gentle temperament
- Intelligent and trainable
- Excellent swimming abilities
- Energetic and athletic
- Good with children
Cons
- Require a lot of exercise
- Prone to obesity if under-exercised
- Shed a lot
The Golden Retriever is up for any outdoor adventure you have in mind. Their eagerness to please makes training easy. Just be ready to give them an outlet for their high energy through plenty of exercise and playtime. Their full, thick coat also requires regular grooming.
3. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers were originally bred as hunting dogs, so it’s no surprise they make fantastic outdoor adventure companions. This energetic breed thrives when challenged physically and needs lots of exercise.
Energy Level: Very High
Athleticism: Excellent
Temperament: Friendly, energetic, determined
Trainability: Intelligent but can be stubborn
Pros
- Tireless and energetic
- Excellent hunting and retrieving abilities
- Athletic build for hiking, running, swimming
- Minimal grooming required
Cons
- Need constant physical and mental stimulation
- Prone to destructive behavior if bored
- Independent thinking can make training challenging
The German Shorthaired Pointer’s perfect blend of energy, athleticism and determination makes this breed a dynamite partner for outdoor escapades. Be ready to provide this breed with constant physical and mental exercise. Their short coat requires minimal grooming as well.
4. Vizsla
The Vizsla is a versatile hunting dog bred in Hungary to retrieve fowl on land as well as in the water. Today they are popular companions for hiking, camping, and all types of outdoor recreation.
Energy Level: Very High
Athleticism: Excellent
Temperament: Affectionate, energetic, loyal
Trainability: Eager to please and highly trainable
Pros
- Lots of energy for all-day adventures
- Excellent swimming abilities
- Velcro dogs that bond closely with owners
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Separation anxiety if left alone too much
- Need constant physical and mental exercise
- Can be destructive when bored
The Vizsla’s high energy, natural athleticism and desire to bond with their owner makes them perfectly suited for joining you on outdoor activities. They do best when challenged both physically and mentally. Vizslas are very trainable but don’t do well when left alone for long periods.
5. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Originally bred to help hunt lions in Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a tough, athletic breed with the stamina to keep up with outdoor adventurers. They were built for life in the field.
Energy Level: High
Athleticism: Excellent
Temperament: Loyal, dignified, reserved with strangers
Trainability: Intelligent but stubborn
Pros
- Excellent hiking and jogging companion
- FerociousProtective instincts
- Minimal grooming needs
- Graceful runner and jumper
Cons
- Can be aloof with strangers
- Strong prey drive makes them want to chase
- Independent thinking can make training challenging
If you need a dog that can keep up with you over long distances, look no further than the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Their athleticism, loyal personality and protective instincts make them great adventure partners. Just know training requires patience and consistency with this strong-willed breed.
6. Siberian Husky
Few dog breeds can rival the Siberian Husky’s energy levels and athleticism. Originating in Siberia, huskies were bred to pull sleds over extremely long distances. Today they thrive on outdoor activities.
Energy Level: High
Athleticism: Excellent
Temperament: Outgoing, energetic, mischievous
Trainability: Intelligent but independent thinker
Pros
- Made for running, hiking and other vigorous exercise
- Thick coat and paws ideal for cold weather
- Gorgeous wolf-like looks
- Minimal grooming needed
Cons
- High prey drive makes them want to chase
- Independent thinking can hinder training
- Prone to escaping enclosed areas
- Tendency to wander if off leash
If you love vigorously exercising outdoors in cold weather, few companions could be better than the Siberian Husky. Their energy and athleticism is seemingly endless. But their independent nature can make training challenging. Keep your husky leashed or contained in unfenced areas.
7. Australian Shepherd
The highly energetic and athletic Australian Shepherd was originally bred to herd livestock all day long. Those qualities make Aussies fantastic adventure dogs today. They love going wherever their owner goes.
Energy Level: Very High
Athleticism: Excellent
Temperament: Loyal, smart, protective
Trainability: Highly intelligent and trainable
Pros
- Energetic and athletic for hiking, jogging, and field work
- Eager to please and highly trainable
- Excellent herding instincts
- Friendly once socialized properly
Cons
- Prone to neurotic behavior if under exercised
- Heavy shedding requires frequent brushing
- May try to herd children and strangers
Australian Shepherds need a job to do. When given adequate physical and mental exercise, they thrive in outdoor adventures alongside their owner. Their intelligence and eagerness to please makes training this breed easy and enjoyable. Aussies do best with plenty of activity.
8. Border Collie
Considered by many to be the most intelligent of all dog breeds, the Border Collie excels at every outdoor activity you can take them to thanks to its unmatched energy, athleticism, stamina and trainability.
Energy Level: Very High
Athleticism: Excellent
Temperament: Energetic, smart, intense
Trainability: Extremely intelligent and trainable
Pros
- Ideal for athletic activities like running, hiking and agility
- Easiest breed to train and mold to your lifestyle
- Tireless work ethic
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Neurotic behavior if not mentally and physically stimulated
- Herding instincts may cause nuisance chasing
- Can be too intense for novice owners
If you want a canine adventure partner that can keep up with the most intense activities, look no further than the Border Collie. Just know this energetic breed needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation daily or undesirable behaviors can develop.
9. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are utilised as police dogs and military dogs due to their athleticism, intelligence and obedience. Those same traits make them fantastic outdoor adventure companions. They love physical and mental challenges.
Energy Level: High
Athleticism: Excellent
Temperament: Courageous, smart, loyal
Trainability: Highly intelligent and trainable
Pros
- Athleticism allows them to hike long distances
- Protective instincts keep owners safe
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Adaptable to all climates
Cons
- Shed moderately year-round
- Can become overprotective if not socialized properly
- May try to herd children and strangers
The German Shepherd’s athletic build, loyal personality and high intelligence make them a top choice for outdoor activities. When properly exercised and socialized, they are confident adventure partners ready for any climate or terrain. Expect moderate shedding with this breed.
Best Medium Dog Breeds for Outdoor Activities
10. Weimaraner
Nicknamed the “Gray Ghost” thanks to its unique gray coat, the Weimaraner was bred in Germany as a versatile hunting dog prized for its speed, athleticism and endurance. Those same traits make this breed a tremendous hiking and outdoor adventure companion today.
Energy Level: High
Athleticism: Excellent
Temperament: Energetic, alert, confident
Trainability: Intelligent but stubborn
Pros
- Graceful runner built for speed and endurance
- Minimal grooming requirements
- Excels at obedience and agility
- Protective instincts
Cons
- Separation anxiety if left alone too much
- Strong prey drive makes them want to chase
- Difficult to train and handle for novice owners
The Weimaraner’s speed, grace and endurance makes them perfectly suited for joining you on activities like hiking, running and backpacking. Their short coat requires little maintenance. Early socialization and training is a must with this strong-willed, energetic breed.
11. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is an energetic gun dog bred for endurance and athleticism to work long days in the field. Those qualities translate perfectly to hiking, jogging, and any outdoor adventure you can dream up.
Energy Level: High
Athleticism: Excellent
Temperament: Lively, friendly, mischievous
Trainability: Intelligent and eager to please
Pros
- Tireless energy ideal for all-day adventures
- Excellent running and hiking companion
- Does well in field trials and dog sports
- Playful and people-oriented
Cons
- Requires significant exercise
- Prone to distracted wandering if not trained
- Long coat requires regular brushing
The Irish Setter has the happy-go-lucky personality and seemingly endless energy to make your outdoor adventures more enjoyable. Their athleticism excels in dog sports like agility, dock diving and fly ball. Be ready to provide vigorous daily exercise for this playful breed.
12. Brittany
Hailing from the Brittany region of France, the Brittany dog was bred as an athletic gundog able to hunt all day in rough terrain and thick brush. Those innate qualities make the Brittany an ideal hiking and camping companion.
Energy Level: High
Athleticism: Excellent
Temperament: Happy, alert, energetic
Trainability: Eager to please and highly trainable
Pros
- Tireless and athletic for all-day adventures
- Excellent nose for tracking and hunting
- Compact size without compromising athleticism
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Prone to hyperactivity and boredom if under-exercised
- Will run off chasing scents if not trained properly
- Can be challenging for novice dog owners
Thanks to their compact yet athletic build and seemingly unlimited energy reserves, Brittanys thrive when joining you for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, hunting and field work. They are eager to please but require proper training and adequate exercise.
Best Large Dog Breeds for Cooler Climates
13. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a giant working dog that originated from Newfoundland, Canada. They were bred to haul heavy loads and work in water. Today they thrive in cold weather and love activities like camping, hiking, pulling sleds, and water rescue.
Energy Level: Moderate
Athleticism: Excellent
Temperament: Calm, loyal, eager to please
Trainability: Biddable but independent at times
Pros
- Ideal cold weather companion
- Excellent swimming abilities
- Natural guardian instincts to protect owners
- Tolerant and gentle nature
Cons
- Massive size and strength requires training
- Heavy seasonal shedding
- Prone to drooling
The Newfoundland’s gentle temperament combined with its cold weather abilities and water skills make this breed a fantastic companion for outdoor adventures in northern latitudes. They do require significant grooming to keep their thick coats looking their best.
14. Bernese Mountain Dog
Hailing from the Swiss Alps, the Bernese Mountain Dog was bred as an all-around farm dog able to pull carts, watch over livestock and be a loyal companion. Their versatility and strength translates nicely to outdoor activities.
Energy Level: Moderate
Athleticism: Very Good
Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, faithful
Trainability: Eager to please but somewhat stubborn
Pros
- Thick tri-colored coat ideal for cold weather
- Strength to carry heavy loads on hikes
- Affectionate and gentle
- Excellent cold tolerance
Cons
- Moderate seasonal shedding
- Can overheat in warmer weather
- Slow to mature emotionally and physically
The Bernese Mountain Dog’s combination of strength, endurance and sweet temperament make this breed a great companion for hiking, camping and exploring the outdoors in colder climates. Their thick coat requires brushing multiple times per week.
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15. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
As the name implies, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs were bred in Switzerland to be hard-working farm dogs that could herd cattle, pull carts and stand guard. Today their strength and cold weather abilities translate well to outdoor adventures.
Energy Level: High
Athleticism: Very Good
Temperament: Loyal, dignified, faithful
Trainability: Intelligent but independent
Pros
- Excellent cold weather tolerance
- Strong and powerful for hiking with heavy loads
- Intimidating presence deters strangers
- Minimal grooming required
Cons
- Can be difficult to train and handle
- Heavy seasonal shedding
- Prone to boredom and bad behavior if under exercised
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog’s combination of strength, endurance and protective presence make this breed a fantastic companion for hiking, backpacking, camping and exploring the outdoors. But their independent thinking presents training challenges for novice owners.
