Hiking with a dog
For those who want to spend more time outdoors and are looking for motivation and exercise, a dog is often an excellent companion. Dogs encourage regular outdoor activity, provide social interaction, and alleviate hours of loneliness. Here you’ll learn which dog breeds are perfect for long hikes, what you should definitely consider when planning a hiking holiday with your dog, and some tips and tricks to make a hike with your furry friend even more enjoyable.
Enjoying exercise: these dog breeds will love hiking trips
Not all dogs are the same. Breeding has become so refined that breeds now possess breed-specific personality traits, preferences, and characteristics. Therefore, if you’re looking for suitable dogs for hiking and long walks, it’s worth taking a close l
ook and doing your research beforehand to find the perfect canine hiking companion.
Here you will find a list of interesting dog breeds from all size classes that enjoy exercise and are therefore ideally suited as hiking partners.
Small dogs (up to 30 cm shoulder height)
- Jack Russell Terrier
- dachshund
- Maltese
- Miniature Poodle
- Pomeranian
- Schipperke
Medium-sized dogs (30-40 cm shoulder height)
- Shetland Sheepdog
- beagle
- English Cocker Spaniel
- Dutch Kooikerhondje
- Italian Greyhound
Large dogs (40-50 cm shoulder height)
- Whippet
- Australian Shepherd
- Border Collie
- Springer Spaniel
- German Pinscher
Giant dogs (>50cm shoulder height)
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- pointer
- German Longhaired Pointer
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Weimaraner
- Giant Schnauzer
- Siberian Husky
Danger!
Some of these breeds are very demanding and not suitable for beginners. Some dogs require so much space. Therefore, they should not be kept in an apartment, but in a house with a large garden or yard. They need an experienced owner and consistent training to be a truly fulfilling member of a household. Therefore, research thoroughly and carefully before choosing a specific breed of dog.
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From what age can you go hiking with dogs?
A dog should be challenged and stimulated according to its age. Before it can go on its first longer walk or hike, it should have enough time to grow so its joints and muscles can stabilize and develop.
Like a person, a dog needs to be trained gradually to build stamina and strength. Walks that gradually increase in distance and difficulty, as well as dog sports, are suitable for this purpose, for example...Agility.
To avoid endangering your dog’s health, you should wait until they are old enough before starting training. The right age varies by breed and cannot be easily generalized. Generally speaking, smaller breeds mature faster and are therefore ready for training and hiking sooner than larger dogs.
It is recommended to have a small dog. It is advisable not to subject dogs to overly demanding sporting challenges before they are 12 months old; for large dogs, one should wait until they are 18 months old.
Covering ground: How many kilometers can a dog run in a day?
The distance a dog can cover in a day depends on its physical condition and fitness level. Very athletic, well-trained dogs can cover up to 100 km a day. Dogs that go for regular walks and have an average fitness level can cover approximately 30-50 km. Therefore, they are already capable of keeping up well on longer hikes.
Old, sick, and young dogs should never be overexerted. Several short walks a day, each no more than 2 km, are more suitable.
💡 Important:
Always keep an eye on your dog during all outings and hikes! Animals can injure themselves or become overexerted along the way. The dog’s well-being is always the top priority.
Other things you should consider when hiking with a dog
Take your time.
A hiking trip with a dog requires careful planning and sometimes more patience than hiking alone. Plan enough time so neither you nor your four-legged friend gets stressed.
Research the route thoroughly
Every route has different conditions. Check carefully beforehand where you plan to walk so you don’t overexert your four-legged companion. Larger dogs usually manage a longer distance than smaller ones. You can carry your dog in a backpack if it gets tired.
Take enough supplies and provisions for your dog
Even a dog needs to drink during strenuous hikes. So remember to bring enough water and a drinking source for your dog. On very long hikes or multi-day treks, your dog will also need increased energy intake in the form of a nutritious snack.
Check the weather conditions.
Dogs should never be exposed to excessive sun or heat. Overheating can become life-threatening. Therefore, avoid long excursions in hot, sunny weather.
Check if dogs are allowed on the entire route.
Dogs are not welcome everywhere, and in some areas, they must be kept on a leash at all times. During the breeding and nesting season, dogs must also be kept on a leash at all times. Make sure that dogs are permitted on your planned route.
Tip :
If you’re planning an overnight stay with your dog, it’s a good idea to check whether overnight stays with dogs are allowed at the location. This will help you avoid problems and stress.
Treat yourself and your dog to a break now and then.
Hiking is tiring for both people and animals. For dogs in particular, the experience is even more exciting and requires processing. So, take some time to sit down and relax.
Hiking with a dog is a wonderful experience and can be a lot of fun. With the proper preparation, you can enjoy your hike with your four-legged companion even more and give yourself and your dog a great break from everyday life.