9 Best Dog Breeds for Backpacking Adventures

If you are into backpacking, you need a canine friend that is equally enthusiastic and physically prepared. 

Dogs suitable for such activity should be energetic, resilient, and adaptable to different terrains. Here are the 9 best dog breeds for backpacking. 

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds or Aussies are medium-sized dogs from the United States. They were originally bred to work on farms. Because of their work ethic, they are enduring and excellent backpacking companions. 

The main reason Aussies are great for backpacking is their energy levels. They are active and always ready for exercise. Plus, they are easily trainable and eager to learn.

Awesome! 

Australian Shepherds are social and need human companionship. Plus, they are adventurous and love exploring new trails and terrains. These features make them great partners for outdoor activities like backpacking and camping.

The Australian Shepherd has a thick coat and might be sensitive to hot climates. Therefore, during backpacking, it is important to ensure proper hydration.  

All in all, the Australian Shepherd is one of our favorite backpacking dogs. It is energetic and happy to follow its owner on backpacking trails and adventures. 

Border Collie

The Border Collie is a very intelligent and active breed. Developed on the border of Scotland and England, it was originally used to herd livestock. Because of its stamina and spirit, it is great company on hikes and backpacking trips. 

The hallmark of the Border Collie is its intelligence which enables it to be a great problem-solver. As a result, this dog excels in everything it does - from working to competing in dog sports, such as:

• Obedience 
• Agility

Border Collies are natural athletes. They enjoy physical activities and need mental stimulation. Backpacking provides both. Plus, the Border Collie is agile and can successfully navigate different terrains. 

The breed has a downside, too. Namely, unless properly exercised, Border Collies get bored and even destructive. Also, true to their herding instincts, they are likely to nip other people. 

Overall, the Border Collie is the ideal backpacking partner. This is especially true if you seek a fun-loving, highly energetic, and smart companion. 

Siberian Husky

The Husky is a hardy breed originally developed for pulling sleds in Siberia's harsh, cold climates. Even today, they are well-known for their endurance and strength. This makes them perfect for hiking and backpacking. 

Traditionally, Huskies were supposed to travel great distances over bad terrains and would do this without getting tired. This is a very pleasing feature when it comes to backpacking. 

Siberian Huskies come from a cold place and handle very low temperatures. Therefore, they are best suited for hiking in cooler regions. 

Additionally, Huskies are friendly and have an outgoing personalities. On the trail, they will obey the owners’ commands. However, to do this, they must be trained using positive reinforcement. 

We should note that Huskies tend to wander, especially if triggered by prey or other animals. Therefore, they should be kept on a leash. Also, they must not be taken backpacking in hot weather.

In a nutshell, we sincerely recommend the Husky if you are into backpacking and live in a cooler region. This dog will be your independent, strong, and loyal friend.  

German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile hunter used for waterfowl and upland bird hunting. It is praised for its athleticism and ability to navigate rough terrains. As a result, it is a great backpacking partner. 

In addition to being athletically built, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a highly energetic dog with go-all-day stamina. It excels in tracking, swimming, running, hiking, and backpacking in the wilderness. 

Adventurous! 

The German Shorthaired Pointer is very smart and eager to please. It is easy to train and can learn many things, including following the owner on backpacking trips. 

German Shorthaired Pointers have two main downsides:

• Tendency to be destructive when bored and non-stimulated 
• Strong prey drive that makes them chase other animals on the trail

Overall, the German Shorthaired Pointer is an energetic and fun dog that makes a great backpacking partner. Plus, it is loyal and cuddly. 

Labrador Retriever

One of the most popular dog breeds in the world, the Labrador Retriever, was born in Newfoundland with the purpose of helping fishermen. It is enduring and loves interacting with others, hence being great for backpacking. 

Labrador Retrievers are outgoing and naturally friendly. Plus, they are eager to please and very trainable. This makes them excellent for outdoor activities, including backpacking, hiking, running, and swimming. 

The Labrador Retriever is naturally athletic and excels in different sports and activities. Plus, it is adaptable to different living situations and can live in multi-pet households because of its easygoing temperament. 

Amazing! 

However, it must be noted that Labrador Retrievers are prone to several health issues, such as:

• Hip dysplasia 
• Obesity
• Certain cancers

All things considered, the Labrador Retriever makes a great backpacking dog. It is obedient and sweet. Plus, it will be more than happy to make new friends on the trail. 

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a sizeable dog with a gentle heart. It was bred in the Swiss Alps and used as a farm dog. Used to navigate rough terrains, this dog is fit for backpacking, especially in colder climates. 

The two hallmarks of the Bernese Mountain Dog are size and strength. This muscular dog has no trouble doing heavy-duty tasks like: 

• Pulling carts
• Carrying heavy loads

Plus, it has a dense, fluffy coat that protects it from the cold and allows it to be active in harsh climates. 

Bernese Mountain Dogs are easy-going and laid-back canines. They are keen on pleasing their owners and are obedient. This means they will follow the lead on the trail and obey commands. 

Also, they love kids and are fit for families that love outdoor activities like backpacking. Bernese Mountain Dogs are also suitable for multi-pet homes. 

The breed is prone to some health issues, such as joint problems. They are also sensitive to overheating and must not be taken backpacking in hot weather. 

Overall, the Bernese Mountain Dog is the perfect backpacking partner if you live in a colder climate. It is also fit if you have a family and/or other pets. 

Vizsla

The Vizsla is a medium size dog from Hungary. Originally it was used to hunt small game and birds. It is very adventurous and skilled in navigating, regardless of the terrain. These traits make them excellent for backpacking. 

Athleticism and high energy are the main features that come to mind when discussing the Vizsla. The breed is great at outdoor activities - hiking, running, swimming, tracking, and backpacking. 

How interesting! 

Vizslas are easy to train and will follow commands when backpacking. Also, they are social and happy to meet new friends on the trails. 

When it comes to Vizslas, there are two main behavioral issues: 

• Tendency to be destructive when bored 
• Tendency to chase other animals due to prey drive

Overall, the Vizsla is an energetic and above-average intelligent dog. It is also skilled in the field. This combination makes it the perfect backpacking friend. 

Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is a relatively new dog breed native to Germany. It is popularly known as the “grey ghost” because of its unusual and shiny coat color. This dog is muscular and athletic, hence ideal for backpacking adventures. 

The Weimaraner is a high-energy dog with go-all-day stamina. It is enduring and always ready to exercise. It loves running, hiking, jogging, biking, and backpacking. 

Originally used for hunting, the Weimaraner can go backpacking on various terrains, from steep inclines to rocky trails. 

Powerful! 

Additionally, Weimaraners are loyal and strongly bonded with their owners. They are eager to please and obedient, which makes training relatively easy. 

However, we must note that the Weimaraner has a strong prey drive and may chase other smaller animals on the trail. Therefore, it should not be allowed to roam off-leash. 

Overall, the Weimaraner is the perfect backpacking dog for active owners that are always on the go. It is enduring and will not back down regardless of the terrain. 

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois was originally used for guarding and herding livestock. It is athletically built with an intelligent facial expression. It excels in high-intensity activities, and therefore it is perfect for backpacking.  

Because of its strong work ethic and tenacity, the Belgian Malinois is used as a police and military dog, in search and rescue missions, and as a service dog. All of these job descriptions require hard work and dedication. 

The same applies to backpacking. Plus, Belgian Malinois are highly trainable and can learn to do anything. When backpacking, they are adventurous and independent yet still loyal and protective of the owner. 

Cool! 

However, the Belgian Malinois can be a handful to first-time owners. The breed is complex and requires an experienced handler. 

Overall, the active and athletic Belgian Malinois makes a great backpacking partner for experienced dog owners willing to invest time and effort in training. 

These breeds have the stamina and endurance necessary for backpacking on different terrains and weather conditions. They are obedient and respond to commands on the trail. 

However, until you are fully confident in your backpacking partner, it is best to keep it on a leash for safety purposes.