Dogs are our pals and need to move. But not all with four-paws and a waggy tail have the stamina to keep up with their owner on a hike. Sure, all puppers, fluffers, floofs, and woofers like a nice walk. But some are only built for a casual stroll around the block. Endurance has nothing to do with size but breeding. Thankfully, there are plenty of medium-sized hiking doggos to choose from.
There are many mixed-breed medium-sized dogs out there that love hiking. But when looking at purebred medium dogs, excellent choices include:
- Australian Shepard
- Beagle
- Border Collie
- English Springer Spaniel
- Nova Scotia Duck Retriever
- Portuguese Water Dogs
- Vizsla
- And more…
Choosing your new best friend on four legs is less about looks and more about the size of your property and your lifestyle. Some dogs need owners that move and will be miserable just hanging out doing nothing but Netflix and chill. These are the very dogs that are perfect for hikers. They’re not necessarily hyper; they’re just fluffy athletes that require regular workouts, and a fair chunk is medium-sized.
10 Great Medium-Sized Dogs That Love Hiking
The medium-sized category for dogs is one of the broadest. They range from just a bit bigger than your Jack Russel to being as large as the smaller end of your Labrador Retrievers. Some people favor the smaller end of the spectrum, others the higher, and then some people aim for the middle of the middle. Thus, our top 10 medium-sized dogs have an option throughout the middle range.
1 – Australian Cattle Dogs (Blue Heelers) Love Hiking
Australian Cattle Dogs (Blue Heelers) are known for their high intelligence, loyalty, protective instincts, and a strong desire to work. Like German Shepherds, these require an owner who can appreciate their brains but be firm with boundaries and training. These Einstein-doggos are not a breed that can be allowed to get bored. But they are incredible animals who adore their owners. Their practical short coats are perfect for hiking.
- Males: 35- 45 lbs
- Females: 35 – 45 lbs
- Lifespan: 10-13 years
2 – Australian Shepherds Love Hiking
Australian Shepherds are devoted and intelligent dogs originally bred for working in cattle ranches. Thus, they are agile, obedient, and are incredibly athletic. They tend to love kids, are protective of their loved ones, but are not classed or known as an aggressive breed. They may, however, try to gently herd very young children. Also, their lush coats do require moderate grooming.
- Males: 50 – 65 lbs
- Females: 40 – 55 lbs
- Lifespan: 12 – 14 years
3 – Beagles Love Hiking
Beagles are on the smaller end of the medium-dog spectrum, but that doesn’t mean they lack stamina. Originally bred to be small-game hunters, they love to explore the outdoors with their humans. Beagles are sweet, fun-loving, and do well in families. With their soft eyes and floppy ears, they are ranked in the top 10 most popular breeds in the United States.
- Male: 18-30 lbs
- Female: 18-30
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
4 – Border Collies Love Hiking
Border Collies are a clever and high-energy breed that must have a ton of exercise. So if you are a regular hiker who can rack up the miles, this dog will adore you. If you are a trail runner, even better, as collies will happily keep up. The only slight drawback to their overwhelming love of the outdoors is that their coat is on the longer side.
- Males: 30 – 45 lbs
- Females: 30 – 42 lbs
- Lifespan: 10 – 14 years
5 – English Springer Spaniels Love Hiking
English Springer Spaniels straddle the medium to large breed divide. The English Springer were originally bred for flushing out birds on a hunt. Thus, they are enthusiastic outdoor lovers who make excellent companions for hikers. They also love water, even puddles. However, their enthusiasm for playing outside does mean their long coats will require lots of grooming.
- Males: 40 – 53 lbs
- Females: 40 – 53 lbs
- Lifespan: 12 – 14 years
6 – German Short Haired Pointers Love Hiking
German Short Haired Pointers are fantastic family dogs that straddle the line between medium and large breeds. Also, they are classified as sporting dogs, so they need exercise, which makes them excellent companions for regular hikers. Plus, their coat is short and easy, requiring very little attention, perfect for outdoor adventures.
- Males: 55 – 70 lbs
- Female: 45 – 60 lbs
- Lifespan: 12 – 14 years
7 – Nova Scotia Duck Retrievers Love Hiking
Nova Scotia Duck Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve and lure waterfowl. They are wonderful family dogs, highly obedient, curious, and are agile athletes. They will enjoy hiking and swimming with their humans. However, while they enjoy homes with other dogs, they are not considered the best choice if you have a cat.
- Males: 35 – 50 lbs
- Females: 30 – 45 lbs
- Lifespan: 10 – 14 years
8 – Portuguese Water Dogs Love Hiking
Portuguese Water Dogs were rocketed to fame when the Obamas adopted a pup. They are frequently mistaken for a Labradoodle but were originally bred to work with fishermen. Their dense coat does have some high grooming demands, but they are an excellent companion for hikers who need a hypoallergenic breed. They are clever and adore humans, too.
- Males: 42 – 60 lbs
- Females: 35 – 50 lbs
- Lifespan: 10 – 14 years
9 – Treeing Walker Coonhounds Love Hiking
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are medium to a large hound, loyal, friendly, and high energy. They were originally bred for hunting. So while they love other dogs, great with kids, and are very playful, they might not be the best companion if you have backyard chickens. This breed has fantastic stamina and strength, perfect for hikes. Their short coat is ideal, too.
- Males: 55 – 70lbs
- Females: 50 – 65lbs
- Lifespan: 12 – 13 years
10 – Vizslas Love Hiking
Vizslas were bred for pointing and trailing, so they will adore hikes. They also have a short, smooth coat, making them pretty easy to groom. They are very attached to their humans, so they do not do well with families that need to routinely travel without their four-legged friends. However, if appropriately socialized, Vizslas will do well in homes with other pets, including cats.
- Males: 50 lbs
- Females: 45 lbs
- Lifespan: 10 – 14 years
Conclusion
There is an excellent range of medium-sized dogs for hikers. Some even love to swim. We wish you the best of luck as you search for your new best friend.
