10 Dogs Breeds Who Love the Outdoors

Are you an outdoor enthusiast who takes every opportunity to head into nature for hiking, running, camping, or other active pursuits? If you’re thinking about adopting a new canine companion, consider choosing from one of the many outdoor-loving dog breeds or mixes who would jump at the chance to join you on your adventures. 

Matching your personality and lifestyle to a dog who has similar likes and abilities helps make both pet parent and pup happy. Let’s meet the top 10 dog breeds (and mixes) for outdoor junkies, and also take a look at a few breeds who prefer to hang out inside.

TL;DR: Dogs such as Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, and many large mixed-breed dogs are ideal for active parents who enjoy hiking, running, and exploring. These dogs thrive on physical activity, mental stimulation, and outdoor adventures.

What makes a dog love the outdoors?

Certain breeds and mixes seem made for outdoor activities — especially dogs with high energy levels and a drive to explore, and who have hardy, athletic builds that can adapt to varying terrain and weather. Many types of working dogs were originally developed to do outdoor jobs, whether that involved hunting, dispatching vermin, herding or guarding livestock, pulling sleds or carts, or doing all-purpose farmwork. 

These breeds, as well as their mixes, often combine intelligence with a lot of energy. Such dogs can become bored or stressed if forced to live sedentary lives. But if you put their bodies and minds to work outdoors, they will thrive. Whether you’re looking for dogs for backpacking, trail running, hiking, or family adventures, consider the following traits synonymous with dogs who love the outdoors.

• Energy levels: Herding breeds, sporting breeds, and sled dogs with huge amounts of energy can keep up (or even outpace you) during all your favorite outdoor activities, such as hiking, running, camping, swimming, and exploring. Getting into a daily routine with lots of exercise helps burn off the dog’s energy so they can be calmer indoors. 

• Adaptability: The best dog breeds for outdoor activities are adaptable to new locations, terrain, and weather, as well as any people or dogs you might meet along the way. Dogs who welcome new experiences will love exploring with you outside. 

• Physical build: Not all dogs are built for rugged landscapes or variable weather. Breeds with short to moderate coats, athletic and muscular bodies, and long snouts generally do well outdoors. Those who have long, heavy coats, fragile builds, or flat faces (aka brachycephalic dogs) might overheat or have trouble navigating underbrush.

• Endurance: Athletic dogs with the stamina to go all day are best for prolonged outdoor activities like hiking and trail running. Endurance can be built up to an extent. But some dogs, such as herding breeds and sporting breeds, naturally have high levels of endurance. 

• Sociability: Dogs who are friendly and outgoing tend to enjoy exploring the outdoors more than dogs who are shy or nervous outside of their home territories.

Best big dogs for the outdoors

The best large dogs for outdoor activities are hardy, high-energy breeds who were originally used to working outside. This includes sporting dogs (retrievers, pointers, and spaniels), herding dogs, and sled dogs. If you’re looking for a larger companion to join your adventures, consider one of these breeds or their mixes.

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Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is sporty and athletic, highly trainable, and friendly to all. They were originally bred to retrieve birds for hunters, and love the water and being outdoors. With loads of energy and endurance to spare, Labs and Lab mixes make excellent partners for hiking, camping, swimming, and exploring. Another popular retriever — the Golden Retriever — also makes an excellent outdoor companion.

Traits

• Height: 21 to 24 inches

• Weight: 49 to 77 pounds

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Australian Shepherd

Herding breeds thrive in the outdoors and love going on adventures. They are extremely intelligent, athletic, and energetic, so outdoor activities are great for challenging their bodies and minds. Aussies (and their smaller Miniature Australian Shepherd counterparts) also excel at fast-paced dog sports like agility and flyball. Curious if you’re ready to adopt a Mini Aussie? Read our guide.

Traits

• Height: 18 to 23 inches

• Weight: 38 to 66 pounds

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Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky was originally used to pull sleds in cold, snowy places — something the breed continues to do today. Huskies are true endurance athletes, so if you’re looking for a dog to jog, hike, or run trails with you, a Husky or Husky mix is a great choice. The more exercise a Husky gets, the more relaxed they will be at home. Huskies are made for cooler climates, so watch for signs of overheating when exercising in warmer temperatures.

Traits

• Height: 21 to 23 inches

• Weight: 34 to 67 pounds

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Border Collie

Like the Australian Shepherd, the Border Collie loves exploring outdoor environments. They have even more energy than the Aussie, and their minds are always going — so they make wonderful companions for challenging adventures. Border Collies not only love outdoor exercise, they demand it: Without enough activity and mental stimulation, they can develop unwanted behaviors.

Traits

• Height: 18 to 21 inches

• Weight: 31 to 53 pounds

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German Shorthaired Pointer

Like retrievers, pointers were developed to assist hunters, working all day in the field tracking and retrieving birds. German Shorthaired Pointers have boundless energy. They love to run and sniff out birds during their outdoor adventures. Other athletic and outdoorsy pointers to consider include the Vizsla, Weimaraner, and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.

Traits

• Height: 21 to 25 inches

• Weight: 42 to 79 pounds

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Large mixed-breed dog

The exact breeds who make up a mixed-breed dog matter less than the individual dog’s physical traits and temperament. Any large or medium mixed-breed dog might adore spending time outdoors with you, especially if they have an energetic nature, athletic build, longer muzzle (not flat-faced), short or medium coat, and a social and adaptable personality.

Traits

• Height: 5 to 30 inches

• Weight: 5 to 190 pounds

Best small dogs for the outdoors

The best small dogs for outdoor activities are often breeds and mixes who were originally used for outside work. These include smaller terriers, hounds, and herding dogs. Such breeds are small but mighty — with the energy, stamina, and athleticism to explore the great outdoors for hours. For those seeking the best small breeds for outdoor fun, these compact companions are great choices.

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Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are hardy, feisty little dogs who do best with lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Despite their small size, Jack Russells have the energy, stamina, and curiosity to keep up with you on all your outdoor adventures (bonus points if they can dig a big hole while on the hunt for a small, furry critter). Other small terriers who love the outdoors include the Cairn Terrier (like Toto in The Wizard of Oz) and the West Highland White Terrier, also referred to as a Westie by their friends.

Traits

• Height: 10 to 15 inches

• Weight: 12 to 24 pounds

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Beagle

Originally bred to work in large packs hunting rabbits, Beagles are wonderful outdoor companions. Beagles are friendly and adaptable little dogs with lots of energy, endurance, and a drive to explore. Don’t be surprised to hear a bark, bay, or howl when they catch a whiff of a furry or feathered animal. It’s nice for them to be able to exercise their voices in the wilderness where they won’t bother your neighbors.

Traits

• Height: 13 to 16 inches

• Weight: 17 to 37 pounds

Browse for Beagles (and their mixes) for adoption

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Corgi (Pembroke and Cardigan)

Don’t let the Corgi’s short legs fool you — these herding dogs are agile and athletic, and love being outdoors. There are two Corgi breeds: Pembroke and Cardigan, both intelligent, trainable, and highly adaptable. Although a Corgi shouldn’t be a jogging partner, they will happily join you on hikes and camping trips.

Traits

• Height: 10 to 13 inches

• Weight: 23 to 42 pounds

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Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is another spirited terrier who enjoys outdoor adventures. Though small, this scrappy yet sweet breed loves activities such as hikes, walks, and playtime outside. Social and outgoing, Miniature Schnauzers love being a part of your outdoor adventures, whether camping, hiking, or exploring.

Traits

• Height: 13 to 14 inches

• Weight: 9 to 19 pounds

Worst dog breeds for hiking

Active pet parents who plan to do a lot of outdoor activities should consider certain traits when adopting a dog, whether purebred or mixed breed. Some breeds are not well-suited to lots of exercise or exploration in the forests, woods, and other outdoor locations. 

Dogs with long, heavy coats or flat faces are more likely to overheat. Hairless dogs are susceptible to sunburn and skin injuries. Very small or delicate dogs might struggle to make their way through tall grass or underbrush. Some breeds and individual dogs are simply homebodies, who would much rather cuddle on the couch than go for a hike or trail run. 

Here are some breeds who might not love hiking in the outdoors as much as you do: 

• American Hairless Terrier

• Bulldog

• Boston Terrier

• Chihuahua

• Chinese Crested

• Chinese Shar-Pei

• Chow Chow

• French Bulldog

• Japanese Chin

• Lhasa Apso

• Maltese

• Papillon

• Pekingese

• Pomeranian

• Pug

• Shih Tzu

• Yorkshire Terrier

Ideal pet parents for outdoor-loving breeds

Wondering if you are the right type of pet parent for a dog who loves the outdoors? If you meet two or more of these criteria, you might consider adopting an outdoor-loving breed:

• Active individuals or families who enjoy hiking, running, or camping

• People who can dedicate time to regular exercise and mental stimulation

• Pet parents who live in homes with access to open spaces or parks

• Pet parents willing to invest in proper training and outdoor gear

Commonly asked questions

Should dogs be kept only outdoors?

No, dogs should not be kept only outdoors. Dogs are highly social creatures who thrive on human interaction. Even dogs who love exploring and playing outside, prefer to be inside with their human families after a day of adventure. 

What are the best outdoor activities for active dog breeds?

The best outdoor activities for active dog breeds include walking, hiking, jogging, trail running, swimming, tracking, fetch, agility, flyball, and camping. Active dog breeds are happiest with daily opportunities to exercise their minds and bodies, preferably outdoors.

How much exercise do outdoor-loving dogs need?

How much exercise outdoor-loving dogs need depends on their size, breed, and energy levels. Some dogs such as Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, and Siberian Huskies need multiple hours of vigorous daily exercise. Others might be happy with one to two hours of daily walks or playtime outdoors. 

Are outdoor dogs suitable for apartment living?

Outdoor dogs can be suitable for apartment living as long as their pet parents are committed to providing them with large amounts (possibly hours) of daily outdoor exercise and mental engagement in the form of walking, jogging, hiking, swimming, games or fetch, and/or training for dog sports and activities. 

What precautions should I take when hiking with my dog?

When hiking with your dogs, take precautions to avoid dangerous or unstable trail conditions. Keep your dog on a leash if you are hiking in an area with rattlesnakes or other dangerous wildlife. Avoid hiking during extreme weather (ie when it’s very hot or cold), and keep your dog’s parasite prevention up to date.

Can outdoor-loving dogs adapt to urban environments?

Yes, outdoor-loving dogs can adapt to urban environments, especially when they are given daily opportunities to run, hike, and play outside. Most urban areas have access to parks, beaches, and other outdoor spaces where dogs can get exercise and explore. 

References

Smedberg, K., et al. “A Pilot Study of a Joint Outdoor Exercise Program for Dog Owners and Dogs.” Scientific Reports, vol. 14, no. 1, 21 June 2024, www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-65033-0.pdf, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-65033-0.

‌Spangenberg, Elin Märta Fredrika, et al. “Outdoor Housing of Laboratory Dogs: Effects on Activity, Behaviour and Physiology.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, vol. 98, no. 3-4, July 2006, pp. 260–276, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2005.09.004. Accessed 10 July 2020.

Hall, Emily J., et al. “Exploring Owner Perceptions of the Impacts of Seasonal Weather Variations on Canine Activity and Potential Consequences for Human–Canine Relationships.” Animals, vol. 11, no. 11, 19 Nov. 2021, p. 3302, https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113302.