What Breed Of Dog Should You Get If You Love The Great Outdoors?
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When you are choosing a dog breed, you need to consider your lifestyle and what breeds would fit well with it. Some people want a dog that is calm and relaxed and doesn’t require much attention. There are plenty of dog breeds like this and even though they still need walking, they don’t have too much energy. This is ideal for people with a busy schedule that don’t have as much time for long walks every day.
However, some people are looking for the complete opposite. If you are a very active person that likes hiking or running a lot, you might want a companion that can engage in those activities with you.
When you are deciding on the breed, it’s important to find a dog that can keep up. If you exercise your dog too much, it can lead to health problems in the future. The good news is, there are some excellent breeds with lots of energy that just love being out and about as much as possible.
Just remember that if you are going to get a very energetic dog, they will need a lot of space to roam around at home, so they’re not ideal if you live in an apartment or small home.
These are some of the best dog breeds for active people that love the great outdoors.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds and for good reason. This breed gets along with everyone, including other dogs and children. They are very patient and friendly but can also be protective as well as extremely intelligent. The Labradors really love to play outside and they excel at various sports like flyball and agility.
They are a fairly large breed, so have a lot of energy for long hikes or even running. This is one of the most popular dog breeds for active people that love the great outdoors. There are a lot of excellent breeders out there selling labrador puppies, but they are a very popular breed so you have to watch out for unreliable breeders. Always check the health of the puppy first and do a bit of background research on the breeder to make sure they are looking after the puppy.
Terrier
The terrier breeds have a lot of energy and love to play. A lot of terriers are natural hunters so they’re great when you go on hiking trips because they’ll just run around chasing every animal that they come across.
They are often a favorite breed for families because they are incredibly playful and get on well with young children. However, a lot of people overlook terriers when they are looking for an active, outdoor breed because of their size. But just because they are small, that doesn’t mean they are energetic.
Border Collie
The Border Collie is a favorite breed for farmers and herding enthusiasts because they’re very intelligent and eager to please. Originally, these dogs were bred in the uplands of Scotland and Northern England where farms were small and sheep flocks needed to be managed by one or two people.
These dogs need plenty of physical exercise every day but they love mental stimulation as well. If you want to take your Border Collie out hiking, make sure there’s no livestock around because this breed is known to chase and herd them!
Just keep in mind that they are not an ideal breed for people that will be out of the house a lot. They need a lot of mental stimulation or they quickly become bored and restless, so consider whether you can give them the attention that they need before committing to anything.
Beagle
The beagle is a very popular breed that is well known for its passion and loyalty. They are natural hunters, so they’re great for going out on small trips to the park or even in the woods. Beagles have a lot of energy but they aren’t always high-energy dogs because they also love curling up on someone’s lap and taking a nap.
Beagles are a good option for people that want a nice middle ground. If you are looking for a dog that will go on a long hike through the woods with no problem, but then relax and not need too much stimulation when you get back home, this is the ideal breed.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a very active breed that can be best described as ‘high energy, low maintenance.’ If you’re the kind of person that loves to go out and about all day and then come home and chill on the couch, this isn’t the dog for you.
These dogs need a lot of mental stimulation, or they quickly become bored with nothing to do. That being said, Siberians are good watchdogs because they are alert but not aggressive. They love sprinting around in wide-open spaces with their owners, which makes them great for jogs through the park or long walks down by the beach. These are some of the best dog breeds for outdoor people that don’t want another high-energy breed like German Shepherds.
Springer Spaniel
The Springer Spaniel is a good breed for people looking to go on long, extended trips into the wilderness. These dogs were bred for hunting and retrieving games (especially birds), so they can pretty much run all day without tiring out. The only downside of Springers is that if you’re not very active yourself, it’s easy to end up with an overweight dog because of their huge appetite!
So, be realistic before getting a Springer Spaniel and only commit if you can walk them regularly enough. Speak to your vet about managing their diet and getting the best food too, so you can keep on top of their weight.
Vizsla
The Vizsla is a breed that’s great for people looking to go on camping trips in the woods. This dog was bred in Hungary as a hunting dog, but they are also excellent watchdogs because of their alertness. They are very playful and can run around with your kids all day, before being happy to curl up in your lap when it’s time to relax at night.
However, there is one potential downside with this breed – they’re incredibly friendly! If you want an aggressive guard dog or have small children, don’t get a Vizsla because this breed will welcome strangers into the house with no problem. Keep them leashed in public places too because they love meeting new people and often forget themselves.
On the other hand, this is a huge bonus because they will fit easily into your family and get on with everybody. They’re particularly good for people that are looking for companionship and a close bond with their dog, as well as somebody to get outside and explore with.
If you like hiking or biking through the woods, these are some of the best breeds for keeping up with you on your adventures. However, it is important to remember that these high-energy dogs will quickly gain weight if they are not exercised enough. If you are regularly going on long walks, you should be fine.
But if you only like to get outside once a month or so, you should consider choosing a more docile breed that only needs short walks.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog or perhaps already have one and want to do some exploring outside, consider using these breeds as inspiration for your new adventure buddy.
*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.
