Which Type of Dog is Best for Easy Walk
Once upon a time I was a cat person. Then, in college, I watched my Geology field trip friends pal around with their dogs. I decided I wanted a canine best friend. Bad.
I researched A LOT of dog breeds to determine which was the right one for me.
Small athletic dogs weren't even on my radar and I settled on a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Then I ended up living with a roommate that got a Dachshund puppy. I took care of him when she went out of town – which was a lot.
I couldn't leave him home alone so he became my constant adventure buddy.
Not "knowing any better" I did all of the things with him that I would have done with a big dog.
As I found out later, Dachshunds were bred for tracking rabbits, badgers, and other nasty critters.
These small, tough and athletic dogs were used to covering a lot of ground through the woods.
It's no wonder my Dachshund Chester immediately took to things like running 3-5 miles with me, hiking, and generally spending time in the outdoors.
I discovered why hiking with a small dog is better.
I've been hiking with my miniature Dachshunds for almost 20 years and writing about hiking with small dogs for over 10.
I've learned that Dachshunds aren't the only small dog breed that are good at hiking and love it.
I know several people that hike with small dogs.
Through those examples, and my research, I've discovered that Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Pomeranians are pretty good hikers too. (probably the most common small hiking breeds next to Dachshunds).
While some breeds – because of their breed history and build – are more typically seen on the trails, I've seen a whole lot of "non typical" breeds too.
While almost any dog can learn to love hiking and be good at it, I compiled a list of 15 small dog breeds that are best suited to be hiking companions (don't forget that mixes of these breeds, and sometimes purebreds, can be found at shelters/rescues and by searching Petfinder.com)
Small Dogs That Can Hike With the Big Dogs
Note: please research and keep in mind grooming requirements if any of these breeds catch your eye. I am SO GLAD I ended up with a short-haired Dachshund because they are easy to clean off after a hike. A definite advantage of dogs with longer hair though is that they don't get cold as easy. Make sure you have enough time or money for regular grooming though if you get a longer haired dog.
Small Athletic Dogs (typically under 12 lbs)
1) Dachshund
The standard Dachshund (16-32 lbs), which is a type of hound, originates from Germany, and was bred to scent, chase and flush out badgers from their dens.
The miniature Dachshund (5-11 lbs) was bred to hunt smaller animals, such as rabbits. In addition to the standard and miniature Dachshund sizes, the unofficial "tweenie" Dachshund size falls somewhere in-between in size and weight (12-15 lbs).
Dachshunds come in three coat patterns – smooth, wire, and long – and in many colors.
No matter which size, these are small dogs with big personalities, and are generally recognized as being lively, charming, comical, and brave.
They are devotedly loyal to their owners (I can, of course, attest to this), and will likely follow their chosen person to the ends of the earth.
Don't let their long bodies and short legs fool you into thinking these "sausage dogs" can't keep up on the trails.
They have far more will and tenacity than one may think, and are surprisingly athletic.
The primary health concern a Dachshund owner should be aware of when hiking with their pup is their predisposition to spinal problems, such as IVDD.
Living a healthy lifestyle that prevents obesity is one of the primary means of avoiding this. Keeping their muscles flexible and strong helps a lot too.
Some veterinarians say that hiking with a Dachshund is actually a good way to build spine-supporting muscle structure.
Still, a Dachshund owner needs to be aware of IVDD symptoms so they can spot the first signs of trouble. I also highly recommend hiking and walking them with a harness that doesn't press on their neck if they pull.
2) Yorkie
The Yorkshire Terrier (7-15 lbs) was developed in Yorkshire, England during the 19th century as ratters to control rodents in textile mills and coalmines.
They have big personalities and need plenty of regular exercise and mental stimulation as they are pretty inquisitive dogs.
They are known to be brave, adventurous, light-footed and fast, and at times carry a certain air of "importance" in their demeanor.
I've read about Yorkies being good hiking dogs in various forums throughout the years, and get the impression that they're pretty much second behind Dachshunds.
I've seen plenty of Yorkies leading their people up hiking trails.
However, due to a tendency to be "darters", it's important they be kept on a leash and work extra hard on recall training.
Yorkies are known to suffer from knee issues more than other breeds, so this is something that all owners should keep an alert eye out for.
3) Norfolk Terrier
Of British heritage, the Norfolk Terrier (11-12 lbs) is considered to be the smallest, as well as one of the most even-tempered breeds within the terrier group.
Originally bred as vermin hunters with a strong prey drive, these dogs are compact, active, agile, and notably courageous.
Norfolk Terriers thrive off of human and canine companionship, which makes them both loyal and generally dog-friendly trail mates.
In general, these dogs are powerful, athletic, fearless, down to get dirty, and full of energy to run or climb.
As stubborn as they can be, they are devoted to their humans and can make great hiking dogs.
In regards to health, Norfolk Terriers often have issues with their hips and joints, and should be monitored in the event of regular hikes.
4) Miniature Pinscher
Originating from Germany, Miniature Pinschers, or Min Pins, (8–10 pounds) are well-balanced, sturdy and agile dogs.
They are assertive, proud, energetic, and prone to helping themselves to their own adventures, whether you choose to come along or not.
These dogs typically love fast-paced and rigorous exercise, making them great hiking partners.
To your dismay, you may even find them waiting and ready for MORE play time after your hike.
They can almost always be counted on to bolt after wildlife, as well as disregard your beckoning calls to come back, which is why they need to be kept on a leash during outdoor excursions.
As is common with small dogs, Miniature Pinschers' knee caps can be unstable and may be prone to popping out of position (luxating patella), which is why it's important to keep them lean.
5) Pomeranian
Named after the Pomerania region of Germany and Poland, Pomeranians (4-8 lbs) became a popular dog breed when Queen Victoria owned and showed her beloved Pom-Poms in the 19th century.
Nicknamed the "little dog who thinks he can", Pomeranians are confident, vivacious, and spirited dogs.
They are far from a "passive" breed, and have large personalities that require an equally strong-willed owner.
They're curious and love to proudly check out every site and smell with much excitement (all the while holding their heads up high).
Without proper training, they can be neurotic or aggressive towards other dogs, but as with any breed, this will vary from each individual dog to the next.
Pomeranians have thick and beautiful fur coats that will keep them warmer than other select breeds. However this may mean quite a bit of additional grooming for the outdoorsman who wants to take his/her dog along.
One of the most common health issues Pomeranians may face that would effect their ability to hit the trails is is tracheal collapse, which leads to the closing of their airway, and thus an intolerance to exercise.
It's extra important to use a harness that rests on their breast bone, instead of their throat, when walking or hiking with a Pomeranian.
6) Chihuahua
Chihuahuas (4-6 lbs) have somewhat unclear origins, however it's believed that they date all the way back to the 9th century in Mexican culture.
They come in all different shapes and colors, and come in both long and short coat types.
Recognized as the smallest dog breed by many kennel clubs, these little pups have a reputation of being feisty, entertaining, and comically quirky.
Chihuahuas have energy and a love for the sunny outdoors just like any other dog and I personally have seen plenty of them hike alongside their humans on trails here in Washington.
If you're considering taking your Chihuahua along for a hike, it's important to note that they're prone to loose knee joints (luxating patella).
Also, they will likely need an outdoor jacket during fall and winter months, as they have minimal fur to keep them warm, their small body mass doesn't generate a lot of heat, and the breed is originally from a warmer climate.
Medium Athletic Dogs (typically under 25 lbs)
7) Beagle
The Beagle (18-25 lbs) is a medium-sized scent hound, developed in Britain to track and hunt hare.
The Beagle is a popular dog due to its ideal size, gentle demeanor, and friendliness towards children.
It should be noted, however, that Beagles are tracking hounds to their very core, and tend to be single-minded and easily distracted when they catch a scent that interests them.
They have a notorious case of selective hearing, and often their instincts trump their desire to obey.
They need quite a bit of intentional exercise, which is why Beagles are awesome medium sized hiking dogs.
While they most assuredly should be kept on a leash at all times, they are masters of the outdoors, and are most in their element when they're discovering new places and scents.
If you choose a Beagle though, beware that they have a tendency to "bay" loudly (howl), putting a damper on the enjoyment of others on the trail. If at all possible, that behavior should be discouraged.
Two health concerns a hiking owner should be aware of with their Beagle is their proneness to certain spinal disk diseases, as well as a condition called "Funny Puppy", which can result in weak legs and a crooked spine.
8) Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund (13-20 lbs) originates from Norway, and was historically used to hunt puffins.
This dog breed is pretty incredible, as they have the ability to turn their head backwards along their spine and turn their forelegs to the side at a 90-degree angle, much like human arms.
In addition to this, they have upright ears that can be folded shut to form a near-tight seal, and SIX fully formed, jointed and muscled toes on their feet (as opposed to the normal four toes that most dogs have).
Because of their breed characteristics, Norwegian Lundehunds are designed to be the optimal outdoor dogs, allowing them to move, climb and jump with ease and a sure-footed confidence.
In addition to this, they are playful and almost completely non-aggressive.
There are currently only 1,400 estimated Norwegian Lundehunds in the world due to them becoming nearly extinct during World War II, so if your heart is set on this breed, be prepared to spend time and money on finding your pup.
While these dogs are generally healthy, they can suffer from severe digestive disorders. There is typically no cure, although the disorders can often be managed so long as the owner is willing to spend the necessary money for health care and proper nutrition.
9) Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai (10-15 lbs) was developed in the 1970s in order to create a companion-sized LOOKING version of the Siberian Husky (it's a breed unto itself though – it's not a miniature Siberian Husky).
Originally bred in private by an individual owner, this breed was not released to the public until 1988, making it relatively new and rare.
They are considered intelligent, active, high-energy, and loyal to their owners. They can be skittish and shy around strangers so need a lot of socialization.
They are considered pretty clean dogs who don't have a "dog odor" and shed only lightly most of the year (they do "blow" their coat twice a year though) so some say they are good dogs for people with allergies.
They make for agile dogs on the trail as they are excellent climbers and jumpers.
Their thick double coat makes them very compatible for cool weather and snowy conditions.
Thus far, this breed is considered to be free of any significant genetic defects, however this could in part be due to the "newness" of the breed and the relatively small gene pool that currently exists.
10) Jack Russel Terrier
Developed in the 19th century to be highly efficient fox hunters, Jack Russel Terriers (14–18 pounds), or JRT for short, today are some of the most high-energy, hard-working, and intelligent dogs within the terrier group.
They are clever and inquisitive, however, despite their desire to please, they have an equally strong (and at times impulsive) desire to chase.
This breed is remarkably athletic, and will do it's best to keep up at all times, likely out running, out balancing, or out jumping you.
They desperately need rigorous active periods, which is why they can make exceptional hiking partners. They need an owner who is willing to spend the necessary time with them to physically and mentally stimulate them.
The primary health concerns to be aware of if you want to make an adventure dog out of your JRT are ligament issues in their knees, as well as eye disorders, such as cataracts.
11) Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier (13–18 lbs) is one of the oldest terrier breeds, and originated in the Scottish Highlands as working dogs and ratters.
As one would expect with any terrier, this breed is intelligent, hard-working, and is happiest when it's using its superior sense of smell.
These dogs are great learners, and love to participate in any event that's taking place around them (perhaps one of the reasons why a Cairn Terrier was chosen to play the infamous Toto from The Wizard of Oz).
Cairn Terriers are very intelligent and curious. They would make excellent and loyal trail mates, with an ability to possibly out-navigate their human.
Hiking will also give them plenty of chances to use their keen sniffer.
Cairns are strong and sturdy dogs, however they are prone to some hereditary health problems, such as cataracts and hip dysplasia.
12) Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer (10 -18 lbs) was developed in Germany in the late 19th century as a ratting dog for rural farms.
As one of the top 15 most popular dogs in the United States, this breed has a wide range of temperaments, which will vary from dog to dog.
That being said, the Mini Schnauzer is generalized as being tough, alert and spirited, yet obedient to command, with a friendly demeanor and an often aloof attitude towards those outside of its direct circle.
Miniature Schnauzers make excellent travel companions, with a desire to please and a curiosity for the world.
As ratters, this breed has a strong prey drive, and loves activities that allow them to run and seek.
Because of their strong prey drive, it's important to keep them on leash when hiking so they don't chase after a darting squirrel.
These dogs are a generally healthy breed, however they can suffer from health problems associated with high fat levels such as hyperlipidemia or diabetes (all the more reason to feed your Mini Schnauzer healthy food and live an active lifestyle with him/her!)
13) West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland Terrier (15-20 lbs) reigns from the lands of Scotland, and was an ideal vermin and fox hunter due it's stark white coat that would differentiate it from the hunted prey.
These dogs have a high self-esteem, and hold themselves with an air of confidence and assertiveness.
That being said, they are generally friendly and welcoming of guests, and these busy-body dogs love to be involved in their household events.
In general, the word "jolly" is often used to describe the Westie, making them fun adventure companions. Their hunting background means that they are sturdy on the trail.
This breed is predisposed to both breed specific AND non-breed specific health concerns, such as hernias, Addison's disease, liver disease and "westie jaw".
14) Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Yay for another long and low breed on the list!
The name "Corgi" literally means "dwarf dog" in Welsh.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi (20-25 lbs) is a dog that originated in Wales and was used to herd cattle in rural areas.
The Corgi is a herding dog through and through, and loves games that involve chasing and agility.
These fun-loving and intelligent dogs have no problem keeping up on the trail, however they can be domineering, and at times snippy towards other dogs or passerbyers, so be aware of this if you're taking your Corgi on a popular trail.
Aside from some eye disorders, this breed is generally healthy, with their primary cause of death being cancer or old age.
15) Schipperke
This Belgian breed originated in the 16th century, and hilariously holds the nicknames "little black fox" or "Tasmanian black devil" due to their mischievous, inquisitive, and impulsive nature.
The Schipperke (6-20 lbs) is highly curious, incredibly high-energy, and is always on the move.
Schipperkes thrive on athletic activities, and hiking can be an awesome means of engaging them mentally, while also working some of that energy out.
They tend to be willful and, if overindulged, can be rather manipulative. Making outdoor adventures a regular activity for you and your "little black fox" can aid in bonding, while also providing great training opportunities.
In general this breed has few health concerns, however 15% of todays breed population carries a genetic mutation called MPS IIB, which can affect their balance and negotiation of objects.
Aside from this, the biggest disservice you could do to your Schipperke is withholding physical exercise and overfeeding, as this can in turn lead to joint and skeletal problems.
Other Advantages of Small Dogs
There are many reasons someone might prefer to own a small dog rather than a large one.
Small dogs make great hiking and camping buddies because they can snuggle inside your sleeping bag to keep you warm at night; they're a great conversation piece on the trail because people are amazed that "your little doggy made it"; and you can easily carry them out of the woods if they get hurt or tired.
There are other advantages to a small dog too.
Generally, a smaller dogs is better if you live in a small space and they are less expensive to feed.
Also, if you like to travel a lot, a small dog is more likely to be accepted by dog-friendly hotels that have a weight limit.
Speaking of travel, if you live in a RV full time, or are on a #Vanlife adventure of a lifetime, a smaller dog might be a more convenient travel buddy.
As you can see, big dogs are not the only ones that are great for hiking and adventuring.
A dog's exercise needs, and the activities they enjoy, depend more on their breed and temperament than size.
It makes me sad when I see dogs not getting the exercise they need just because of the stereotype that small dogs don't need it.
I know the stereotype exists because I hear so many "shocked" comments when we are out hiking.
If you want dog you can take on many hiking adventures, but you're not sure a big dog is for you, I highly suggest you check out some of the breeds on this list.
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Source: https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/15-small-dogs-breeds-best-for-hiking-camping/
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