by L.C.

Created on: March 24, 2009

If you enjoy hiking, the idea of traipsing through the wilderness with your furry best friend is probably highly appealing to you. However, whether or not you enjoy the experience will largely depend on the kind of dog you get. As you can imagine, going on a hike lasting several hours with a Chihuahua will be very different from doing the same thing with a Border Collie. As such, if you plan to spend a lot of time hiking with your pet, you might want to look into some of the dogs listed in this article.

Ideally, you want to get a dog that is from a "high energy breed". Not only does this mean that the dog will have the energy to go and hike with you, but that it is an active dog that will require this sort of vigorous workout. Fortunately, there are many wonderful high energy dogs, and each is unique and special in its own way.

BORDER COLLIES

Border Collies are considered the ultimate herding dogs, and they are also extremely friendly and intelligent. What makes these dogs great hiking dogs is the fact that they need to be worked by their owners, or else they won't reach their full potential. Border Collies are medium-sized dog, and they get along very well with adults and children alike. However, many owners who purchase these dogs fail to understand just how active they need to be, so if you want to bring your dog hiking regularly, you'll be doing it a great favor.

SIBERIAN HUSKIES

The Siberian Husky is also a medium-sized dog, and it too is very active and needs to be worked. These are great dogs for hiking, because they are powerful and have incredible stamina. Their fur is also designed to be excellent in winter conditions, in case you go hiking when it's cold. Huskies are very good with small children, and while they're affectionate, they're not overly clingy, which makes them ideal pets for many people. The Siberian Husky is also always full of energy, and is very alert.

BOXERS

Boxers have a lot of energy, and excellent stamina. If socialized properly, Boxers get along very well with strangers (whether other animals or humans), which is convenient if you meet other people while hiking. Boxers are also very intelligent, loyal and easy to train, and so you should be able to bring them hiking from a very young age.

GERMAN SHORT-HAIRED POINTERS

While these dogs are great hunters and very active, they are also considered excellent family dogs, as they are sure to get along with everyone, including small children. German Short-Haired Pointers are very energetic dogs, and so when you're not hiking, you'll probably need to take up cycling or involve them in Agility sports on the side, especially if you don't hike regularly.

SHELTIES

Shelties are also said to be excellent dogs for hiking. Extremely attractive and sharp, they are shy and loyal, and so it's rare that they will run away from you while on the trail. Shelties have an intelligence that is considered to be almost human-like, and many owners report that the dog seems to know what they're thinking, which could prove handy while hiking. They are also quick learners, and though they are sometimes suspicious of strangers, they can be socialized and trained at a young age. Shelties are full of energy, and so they will always be up for a hike.

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