The Best Dog Breeds for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Scooby and Shaggy, Timmy and Lassie, Dorothy and Toto… we humans love to bring our dogs along on our adventures! If you love the great outdoors, there’s no better way to enjoy it than bringing your canine counterpart along for the ride. Here are the best dog breeds for the outdoor enthusiast!
Labrador Retriever
If you’re into water sports, these athletic, water-loving playful pups are the perfect choice for you! Labs were originally bred to retrieve birds from the water for hunters, so they are excellent swimmers. They tend to get overweight easily, so an active lifestyle is essential. Just be aware that labs are prone to hip problems, so make sure your pup is in good shape before you embark on your outdoor adventure.
Siberian Husky
We all know that huskies were bred to pull sleds in the snow, but they have a lot of other redeeming qualities that the outdoor enthusiast will appreciate. These loyal dogs have seemingly endless amounts of energy, so they’re perfect for hiking or running on the trail. Huskies are great mountain dogs, but remember that they need to run… if they don’t get enough exercise, they’re probably going to try to make a break for it and run on their own.
Standard Poodle
Many people think of poodles as little yappy lapdogs, but the standard poodle is not such a dog. These dogs were bred in Germany as water retrievers, and they don’t have to have one of those ridiculous haircuts! Poodles are super smart and very trainable. They’re great hunting dogs, but they are also good in the snow, comfortable in the water, and they can keep up with a bicycle. The drawbacks? They must be challenged and exercised every day, and you’ve gotta keep up with all that hair, so it doesn’t turn into hideous dreadlocks.
Australian Shepherd
These dogs were actually bred right here in the American West as versatile ranch dogs that thrive in all kinds of weather. Australian shepherds are super intelligent, highly motivated, and have seemingly endless endurance. They’re ideal for almost any outdoor activity, and they have a strong desire to please. Keep in mind that they’ve got a lot of energy to burn, and they shed… a lot! You’ll want to invest in a good brush and a vacuum!
Brittany Spaniel
Brittany spaniels come from France, and they were bred to be compact, all-purpose, hunting dogs. They’re at home both in the water and on land. Not only are Brittany spaniels cute and happy, but they’re also very sweet, playful, and devoted to their owners. They’re good off-leash dogs that love to hunt, run and play… they’ll enjoy just about any activity. Be aware that these high-energy dogs can sometimes be hyperactive if they’re cooped up and they tend to get separation anxiety if they’re left alone too much. They also like to chew… so don’t leave your shoes lying around!
These are just a few of the breeds that love outdoor adventures. No matter what your favorite outdoor sport is, there’s a dog that’s perfect for you. Also, keep in mind that a lot of mixed breed dogs have the same qualities as purebreds, so don’t rule them out in your search for the perfect outdoor sidekick!
