Titin and Snowy, Shaggy and Scooby, Dorothy and Toto, Wallace and Gromit; find your canine counterpart and you’ll form an unbreakable bond that will better both of your lives.
And if you love the outdoors, then there is no one better to share your adventures with than your four-legged companion. But which breeds feel most at home in the outdoors? Here’s ten of the best dog breeds to venture into the wild with.
Labrador Retriever - Playful & Faithful
Labrador Retrievers are renowned for their energetic and playful character. Combine this with their athletic physic and you get a faithful friend who will be always ready to play outdoors and is great with families. Bred originally as gun dogs to retrieve waterfowl, Labrador Retrievers have webbed paws which make them great swimmers. Your Labrador will need lots of exercise which is the perfect excuse for you to get out walking regularly with your new friend. Just check your lab is healthy and fit before you go adventuring as the breed is prone to health problems like hip dysplasia.
Siberian Husky - Winter Wolf
Closely related to the wolf, Siberian Huskies are known for their ability to deal with the demands of a life outdoors. This independent and beautiful dog needs an owner who can keep up with its active lifestyle; after all, this is a breed that can pull a weighted sled over great distances. Mostly at home in cold environments, the Siberian Husky is a fantastic companion for those who enjoy long hikes, camping trips and trail runs.
Border Collie - Intelligent Worker
Considered by many to be one of the most intelligent of the breeds, the Border Collie is an agile runner which has farm work and herding in its blood. The Border Collie is a great companion for extended, active adventures although all collies have great stamina, intelligence, herding instincts and unique agility. These clever and loyal dogs are never happier than when they have a job to do and so the key to a successful owner/collie relationship is to keep your pooch active. Let’s just hope you can keep up!
Jack Russell Terrier - Size Doesn't Matter
Don’t be fooled by its stature, the Jack Russell Terrier is a breed that loves to run! Small in size but with plenty of energy, these adventurous dogs were originally bred to hunt foxes and can cover ground quickly despite their short legs and small bodies. The breed relies on regular exercise and stimulation, but if you’re up for the challenge then you won’t be disappointed.
Bernese Mountain Dog - The Gentle Giant
From a dog small in stature, to a giant that will happily carry a pack for you; the Bernese Mountain Dog is instantly recognisable and is a true outdoor dog at heart… (the clue is in the name). Bred originally as a draught dog to pull carts for Swiss weavers, this dog will feel right at home walking beside you on a short mountain walk. The breed is known for having a big heart, is docile in nature, is easy to train and prefers to walk off-leash. Great for hikers, these dogs do enjoy regular activity; just be aware that they don’t build up much endurance.
Vizsla - The Athlete
Inner-city adventurers will love the intelligence and trainability of the Vizsla. Once trained, this high-energy breed is a great off-leash dog which will remain focused in busy areas and keep up with you in more open spaces. Athletic and light on their feet, Vizslas are well-suited to speed and endurance activities such as running. Traditionally bred as bird dogs, Vizslas have gorgeous coats, a loving temperament and are also great swimmers. Just be aware that these dogs love exercise but are susceptible to the cold so ensure they are wrapped up in colder conditions.
Portuguese Water Dog - The Fish Herder
Inner-city adventurers will love the intelligence and trainability of the Vizsla. Once trained, this high-energy breed is a great off-leash dog which will remain focused in busy areas and keep up with you in more open spaces. Athletic and light on their feet, Vizslas are well-suited to speed and endurance activities such as running. Traditionally bred as bird dogs, Vizslas have gorgeous coats, a loving temperament and are also great swimmers. Just be aware that these dogs love exercise but are susceptible to the cold so ensure they are wrapped up in colder conditions.
German Short-haired Pointer - The Hunter
Bred for hunting and retrieving, the German Shorthaired Pointer is an intelligent and versatile bird dog which is reliable, obedient and handsome. These spotted pooches love to run off-leash and like to have some independence. Don’t worry though, they’ll always find their way back to you, even if you lose sight of each other.
Dalmatian - Out-Spotted
Instantly recognisable and universally admired, the Dalmatian is a large and lean dog which is known for being both athletic and inquisitive. Historically Dalmatians were used as carriage dogs, running in front of firefighting carriages to clear a path. These days their firefighting days are behind them but they are known to keep pace with horses and love a good run around the park. If you’re looking for a loyal and protective breed that will keep up with you on long-distance jogs, then the Dalmatian is the dog for you.
The Mutt - Bags of Character
For those who wish to champion non-pure breeds, the rewards can be great. These dogs boast a characterful mix of breeds and a lineage that makes them incredibly unique. Visit your local animal shelter to find a dog with unique quirks and real charm.
Check out our huge range of dog walking accessories here at Millets, as well as our guides on Top 5 Dog Friendly Walks in Wales and Top 10 Dog Friendly Staycations in the UK.
Send us snaps of you and your dog adventuring outdoors on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Just tag your photos with #mymillets.
