At first glance, mountain hiking may seem the same as regular hiking. After all, it’s just walking in the forest, right? Not quite. To successfully complete a mountain hiking trek, a dog must be able to navigate rugged and rocky terrain. Luckily, there are certain breeds that have been specifically bred for these sorts of environments and excel in endurance, strength, and agility.
Here, we explore five breeds that are perfect for mountain hiking! These are generally larger, double-coated dogs bred for outdoor living.
1. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees, also sometimes known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, comes from the mountainous regions between France and Spain. In the past, they were bred to guard sheep from large predators like bears and wolves. Their important role as livestock guardians in the harsh Pyrenees Mountains made them super resilient and adaptable to challenging environments.
These gentle giants are known for their impressive stamina, critical for long walks. Their thick, double coat helps them deal with extreme temperatures, keeping them warm when it’s cold and protecting them from the elements.
However, due to being quite big dogs, they may need some extra care during hikes. You must ensure they are comfortable and not overexerted. It is important to know that these canine companions can be stubborn, so training and socialization are critical to make sure they are obedient on the trail. Otherwise, you may deal with issues while out and about that could put damper on your outdoor adventure.
2. Bernese Mountain Dogs
The Bernese Mountain Dog comes from the Swiss Alps and was traditionally a very reliable farm dog used for pulling carts, driving cattle, and guarding homes. Thanks to their history in the very mountainous regions of Switzerland, they have very impressive physical capabilities and a great level of fitness and endurance.
How? They have strong, muscular bodies due to being built for heavy work. Their tri-colored, thick coats provide them with insulation in cold weather, making them well-suited for high altitudes and quite chilly conditions. Despite being pretty big dogs, they are surprisingly agile and capable of handling rocky and uneven terrain. They won’t miss a beat while out on the trail with you.
While their thick coat is great for cold weather, they can overheat if exercised for long periods without breaks. This is why it is important for them to have access to water and shade while hiking. Bernese Mountain Dogs can also be prone to health issues like hip dysplasia and bloat. You can prevent bloat by helping your dog avoid strenuous activity after eating or drinking large amounts of water.
3. Saint Bernards
Saint Bernards were originally bred by monks at the Great St. Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps. They were used for search-and-rescue missions where people were trapped in ice or snow. These dogs’ large size, strength, and great sense of smell made them the perfect rescuers!
Saint Bernards are incredibly strong and resilient dogs, seeing as they were built to handle the demoing mountain trails and terrain in the Swiss Alps. Their history as rescue dogs means that they are naturally alert and cautious, which is very helpful when out navigating difficult trails. While their dense double coat is good in cold weather for those early morning mountain hikes, it can get them into some trouble when it’s warm.
Although Saint Bernards were bred for navigating rocky terrain, they need some conditioning before taking on long hikes. Before heading out on an hours-long hike, start small, like in dog parks or strolls around the neighborhood. These gentle giants can develop joint problems, and you don’t want to worsen any underlying conditions with tough outings.
4. Alaskan Malamutes
The Alaskan Malamute is an ancient dog breed that was developed originally by the Inuit people of Alaska for heavy hauling and sledding in extreme arctic conditions. Their role as sled dogs required them to have great endurance. They needed to be strong, capable of enduring harsh environments, and clever, which they still are today.
Alaskan Malamutes are built for both stamina and strength, which is why they make awesome companions for long and hard hikes. If you live in cold areas, these dogs are great as they have thick and insulated coats.
Despite being quite big, they are agile and quick on their feet. If you want to adopt one of these dogs, know that they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They need to have their activity levels met to prevent any boredom and destructive behavior. These dogs can be stubborn, so consistent training and thorough socialization is key.
5. Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds are one of the most high-energy breeds out there. They were originally bred as herding dogs, known well for their agility, intelligence, and stamina. They are super agile and fast little dogs, making them perfect for navigating complex and rocky terrain.
Their energy levels really do help them along on hikes, contributing to their stamina and helping them keep up with long hikes and challenging trails. They are super adaptable to a range of weather conditions thanks to their medium-length coat.
Note that Australian Shepherds are extremely intelligent dogs and need a lot of stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors. What’s more, when bringing these dogs on hikes, never, ever let them off-leash! Aussies have high prey drives, and they’ll take off after a squirrel without a second thought!
