Camping with your dog can be a lot of fun, but some dog breeds are better suited to outdoor adventures than others.
You don’t want to get halfway up the mountain and realize that your dog is exhausted or struggling to breathe, especially if it weighs 100 pounds and must be carried back to the trailhead.
Of course, every dog is an individual.
So, while some dog breeds might be more suited to camping than others, you’ll have to play it by ear when the time comes.
But if you’re looking for general pointers, this article will tell you which high-energy level dog breeds will likely enjoy an adventure on the trails with you (and which would instead be left at home on the sofa with a dog sitter).
Backpacking vs. car camping
Before we go any further, I want to point out that backpacking and car camping are entirely different.
If you’re backpacking, your dog must be fit enough to manage the hike to your camping spot and small enough to fit inside a lightweight tent.
If you’re car camping, pretty much anything goes.
If you aren’t hiking, you can quickly bring all the extra gear to make your dog more comfortable. You’ll probably have a bigger tent where everyone can spread out.
So, don’t overthink it when it comes to car camping. I’ve seen anything from Chihuahuas to Pugs to German Shepherds and Border Collies having the time of their lives at registered campsites.
Just make sure in advance that your campground allows dogs.
Why should you take your dog camping?
The main reason you’ll want to take your dog camping is that it is tons of fun!
Dogs provide companionship and have boundless energy.
You guys will have a blast, and your relationship will strengthen even more as you explore the world together.
But there are plenty of other good reasons to take your dog along for the ride:
Mental stimulation
Long hikes are great physical exercise, but dogs need mental stimulation to burn their energy.
If you have a high-energy dog like a border collie, you’ll probably find it much calmer when regularly exploring new places. This can also prevent some types of aggression that are triggered by boredom and excess energy.
Resilience
It can be easy to fall into the same habits with our dogs. Before we know it, we can follow a rigid schedule of walks and mealtimes.
Shaking up the routine can help create a more optimistic and resilient dog by exposing it to different situations.
Don’t go from 0 to 100 mph at once. Build up to a big adventure with some longer walks and one-night camps. You can even do a practice run in the yard.
If you teach your dog that every day can be different, they’ll be able to cope with life’s disruptions better.
Safety
I’m a woman who hikes and camps alone, so I feel much safer when my dog is with me.
He’s 65 pounds and looks pretty intimidating. He’s also the worst guard dog in the world and dribbles over anyone who approaches, but just having him with me makes people think twice before approaching!
Inclusion
Some dogs cannot stand being left alone. That makes perfect sense!
Dogs are pack animals that hunt together and protect one another. Being on their own would be a death sentence in the wild. Of course, they aren’t going to die on their fluffy blankets back home, but the instinct to be with their pack still runs deep.
If you, like me, make an effort not to leave your dog alone, taking them on your adventures makes sense.
8 best dog breeds to take on a camping adventure
The kind of dog that you want to take camping is:
- High-energy — or at least fit enough to manage the hike.
- Obedient and with perfect recall — or kept on a leash for the sake of wildlife and their safety.
- Small enough to fit in your tent comfortably (or just be prepared to spoon).
- Hardy enough to deal with the weather — but dog coats and sleeping bags are a good idea.
- Curious and brave — the experience might overwhelm fearful dogs.
You can find these traits in various breeds, but some specific suggestions fit the bill.
1. Border Collie
Border collies are incredibly intelligent and athletic. If bored and understimulated, they can become aggressive, so they particularly benefit from outdoor adventures.
They aren’t too big, and they’re known for their obedience. Be careful if you encounter any livestock, which can trigger their instinct to herd. (In fact, all dogs should always be on leads when livestock are close by!)
Australian Shepherds are also excellent herding dogs with traits similar to those of Border Collies, though they are a bit bigger and can be a bit more aggressive (though this massively depends on their education).
2. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are particularly great dogs for winter camping adventures.
They will love exploring in the ice and snow, and you won’t have to worry about them getting too cold. Huskies are active dogs that need tremendous exercise so that those long hikes will do them good.
They are also mischievous and known for being escape artists, so most huskies should always be on the lead. Otherwise, they might disappear over a distant hill. (Good luck running after them with your heavy pack).
Alaskan Malamutes have traits similar to those of Huskies, but they are much bigger, so they’ll take up more space in your tent.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are perfect for camping. They are small, so you don’t have to sacrifice too much tent space, but they are also athletic and strong.
They are intelligent and loving, which makes them easy to train, and they are brave enough to dive into your camping adventure without a second thought.
Their little legs could tire on a long hike, but they’re small enough to be carried if necessary.
4. German Shepard
German Shepherds are incredibly loyal dogs, so they’ll be delighted to be invited to your camping trip. They are territorial and protective, so there is no way they will let anyone into your tent uninvited.
They are also super intelligent and get bored quickly so that they will benefit from the enrichment of outdoor adventures.
Just bear in mind that they have a pretty strong prey drive.
5. Irish Setter
Irish Setters are friendly and energetic. They are a great breed to take camping because they will benefit from the stimulation and physical exercise and have wicked stamina.
They were bred to be hunting dogs, so you’ll have to watch them around wildlife closely.
6. Border Terrier
Border Terriers may be tiny, but they have lots of courage and love to give.
They are hardy, so they aren’t going to get freaked out by bad weather on the trail. Plus, they’re small enough to share your sleeping bag!
They are trainable and less aggressive than other terriers but have a strong chasing instinct and are surprisingly fast.
(It seems like most good outdoor dogs are also hunters. I guess it comes with the territory!)
7. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are loving and energetic dogs.
They are big enough to keep up but not so big that they’ll swallow up the whole tent! They are also eager to please, so training them to listen to you out on the hills shouldn’t be too hard.
Labradors are usually laid back and kind and can hike for miles without tiring out.
They are the perfect balance between friendly and protective, so you can feel safe without worrying that they will take their bodyguard job too seriously.
8. Mutt
Mutts are a combination of different breeds. They could be a mix of two purebred parents or a random blend of hundreds of breeds from many generations!
Don’t overlook mutts, though.
Their vast gene pool makes them incredibly intelligent dogs and tend to have fewer health problems than purebreds. (But this isn’t always the case.)
Mutts are fantastic all-rounders because they haven’t been bred for one particular characteristic at the expense of others.
As some breeds might be better for camping than others, you might find that a mongrel is more resilient and hardy with plenty of endurance.
Dogs you shouldn’t take camping
No dog breed categorically can’t come camping with you, but here are some things to consider
Fitness and energy levels
Some dogs are going to struggle with the trails more than others.
For example, Chihuahuas will probably get exhausted halfway through the hike. However, they are so small that you can zip them into the front of your coat and give them a lift the rest of the way.
Just be aware that lower-energy dogs might need to be carried, so if your Great Dane isn’t much of a hiker, you’ll have difficulty helping them out. Plus, good luck getting a 125-pound dog into the tent with you.
Protective instincts
While your dog can help keep you safe on the trails, some breeds might be too good at their job.
For example, Malinois dogs are extremely protective. This could make it difficult for them to settle in a tent because they will be constantly listening for threats. That means camping could be exhausting for them.
Health issues
If your dog has arthritis, think carefully before taking a long hike. Too much exercise can cause a big flare-up, and your dog could wake up in a lot of pain.
Dogs with flat faces (think Pugs and Boxers) can find breathing more difficult, so consider their well-being before heading off for a strenuous hike. (But some will be fine—it depends on the individual!)
Dog camping gear
Having the right gear can make camping safer and more fun for you and your furry friend.
Collapsible food and water bowls
Look for lightweight, collapsible food and water bowls that are easy to pack and carry. These are essential for keeping your dog hydrated and well-fed during your camping trip.
Dog tent or bed
Consider bringing a portable dog tent or a durable, waterproof dog bed to provide your pet with a comfortable and secure resting place.
This will also help protect them from the elements and keep them off the cold ground.
Reflective collar and leash
Opt for a reflective collar and leash to ensure your dog remains visible, especially during nighttime walks.You can also consider using a harness so your dog doesn’t pull and injure its neck.
Dog-friendly insect repellent
Invest in a dog-friendly insect repellent to protect your dog from pesky bugs and insects. Check with your veterinarian for recommendations on safe and effective products.
Paw protection
If you’re camping in rough terrain or hot weather, consider using dog booties to protect your pet’s paws from rough surfaces, hot asphalt, or sharp objects.
Paw protection wax can also help moisturize and safeguard their paws.
Portable dog first aid kit
Prepare a first aid kit for your dog containing antiseptic wipes, bandages, tweezers, and any medications they might need.
Be ready to address any minor injuries or health concerns during your trip.
Training tips for taking your dog camping
Here are some training tips to prepare your dog for the adventure.
Recall training
Before heading out for camping, make sure your dog has reliable recall. Practice calling your dog to come to you, even in distracting environments. This will help you keep your dog safe and under control while camping.
Leash training
While some campsites allow dogs off-leash, good leash manners are important. Practice loose-leash walking and ensure that your dog is comfortable walking on a leash, especially in natural environments with distractions.
Desensitization to camping gear
Introduce your dog to camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks. Allow your dog to get used to these items and associate them with positive experiences to reduce anxiety.
Leave no trace training
Teach your dog to respect the natural environment by practicing “leave no trace” principles. This includes packing out waste, respecting wildlife, and not disturbing the natural surroundings.
Basic obedience training
Ensure that your dog has basic obedience commands, such as sit, stay, and down. These commands will be useful when setting up camp or interacting with other campers and wildlife.
Safety tips for taking dogs camping
Dog camping safety tips:
Identification
Ensure your dog wears a collar with identification tags containing your contact information. Consider having your dog microchipped for added security.
First aid kit
Pack a first aid kit for your dog, including gauze, bandages, antiseptic, and any necessary medications.
Weather consideration
Be mindful of the weather conditions at your camping destination, and plan accordingly. Ensure your dog has adequate shelter and protection from extreme temperatures.
Insect prevention
Use appropriate preventatives and check your dog regularly for signs of insect bites to protect it from ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes.
Water safety
If you’ll be near water, watch your dog closely to ensure its safety from strong currents and deep waters. Consider using a life jacket for dogs if they will be swimming.
Secure campsite
Keep your dog secure at the campsite to prevent them from wandering off or getting lost. Consider using a portable dog pen or tie-out if necessary.
Wildlife awareness
Be cautious of local wildlife, such as bears or snakes, and take measures to prevent potential encounters. Keep your dog on a leash in areas where wildlife may be present.
Health check
Before the trip, ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and in good health for outdoor activities. Consult your veterinarian if you have any health concerns about your dog. By keeping these safety tips in mind, you can help ensure a fun and secure camping experience for you and your furry companion.
Key takeaways on dog breeds for camping
Dogs are individuals who make great companions. Certain breeds tend toward particular characteristics, but their education and upbringing hugely influence their temperament.
If you’re going car camping, you don’t need to overthink it. Pretty much any dog will be OK on a car camping trip, so long as they aren’t too anxious or aggressive around other people.
You need to think a bit more carefully about a backpacking adventure. Start with a smaller adventure closer to home and build up from there.
For the right dog, camping can be a fantastic way to enrich their lives and strengthen their relationship with you.
Rachel Horne is a freelance writer and journalist. When she isn’t writing about camping for publications like The Camper Lifestyle, she’s exploring the great outdoors with her rescue pup, Pirate. She hasn’t convinced him with Wild Swimming yet, but he’ll happily watch from the shore while she dives into the mountain lakes.