What breed of dog should you get if you like long walks?
Continuing our look at dog breeds, this week we’re looking at the best breeds to get if you like long walks. Over the last year, more people have been buying dogs and they have also been appreciating the great outdoors a lot more – there has been a surge in people relocating to the country or searching for property close to parks and open spaces or with larger gardens and some people have been combining the two by getting a dog and getting outdoors more! But not all breeds are up to the challenge. So this week we’re going to take a look at some of the best dog breeds to get if you enjoy long walks.
Labrador Retriever
As we reported in our recent post about the most popular pedigree dog breeds, the Labrador Retriever is currently the most popular pedigree pup in the UK right now and the fact that they love walking so much may be one of the reasons they’re at the top spot.
Originally bred as gundogs to retrieve game that had been shot, Labradors are happy spending lots of time outside in all weathers. They love to swim and get right into the undergrowth and will essentially follow you wherever you go.
The only downside to this is that they often demand to be walked more than other breeds. They may wake you early and hassle you to go out and then ask for another walk later in the day. If they hear you jangling their lead or picking up the car keys they’ll be right by your side and raring to go!
Labrador Photo by Chris Leipelt on Unsplash
Beagle
Beagles were originally bred as hunting dogs, to track the scent of small game such as rabbits and hares. This means they are very fast and very clever and absolutely in their element on walks with you, when they are outdoors sniffing and running about.
Although beagles make good family pets, because they are essentially hounds they can be quite stubborn and difficult to train. They sometimes have a tendency to ‘turn deaf’ and run off if they spot something interesting in the bushes. They are extremely playful and loving though, so as long as you put some time and effort into their training then you will have lots of fun together on your walks.
Sleepy Beagle Photo by Oliver on Unsplash
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd dogs originated in the US around the time of the gold rush in the 1840s. These dogs are very energetic and can run for hours. Originally bred for herding, they are never happier than when they have a job to do and they probably won’t cope too well if you’re planning on leaving them home alone for long periods of time. Like our homegrown, sheep herding collie breeds, Australian shepherd dogs like to keep occupied and they aren’t really suited to apartment living, they’d prefer a house with a garden.
Because they were originally bred for herding these dogs are intelligent and easy to train. They will listen to you and respond to commands, so you don’t have to worry about them disappearing on your walk.
Australian Shepherd Dog Photo by Martin Blanquer on Unsplash
Siberian Husky
Huskies and Malamutes have become very popular over the last few years, due in part to their similarity to the wolves that featured in Game of Thrones and other popular TV series.
Of course, huskies were bred to pull a sled and they love to run. They enjoy long, challenging walks in harsh climates so if you’re the kind that likes to hike in all weathers, this is probably going to be the breed for you!
Huskies have bags of energy and can happily stay outside for hours. They love to walk all day and can also be trained to participate in other outdoor activities with you such as Canicross.
Husky Photo by Simon Rae on Unsplash
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are huge, similar in stature to St Bernards, but easier to train. These dogs were originally bred to herd cattle in the mountains of Switzerland, where they also pulled carts and kept watch over the farmstead.
These massive dogs can weigh up to 110lbs but they are very calm and friendly and incredibly obedient. If you’re thinking of getting one, obviously you’ll need a lot of space as they don’t appreciate being cooped up indoors and they have a lot of energy. They also shed a lot of hair and they drool!
Bernese Mountain Dog Photo by Alexandra Lau on Unsplash
Does your dog enjoy long walks – and did they make our list? As always, let us know in the comments section below!
Main Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash
T. Lo
Our large 100 pound dog is a mixture of German Shepherd, St. Bernard and Labrador Reyriever.
She is now 6 years old (spayed after adoption at 3 1/2 months of age from Edmonton Humane Society – Edmonton, AB Canada) and she is an amazing companion and loves to hike, go on long walks and she loves the water.
She is gentle with everyone and this includes puppies and children but can be rough and tumble with big dogs – she instinctively knows to go easy on children and puppies and frail, elderly folk or those suffering learning, mental disabilities or dementia.
She is a natural for a therapy dog except she is easily distracted which is why she did not pass the test.
She is a fantastic dog and perfect for our family.
Sometimes mixed breeds are the best when they draw from the best of each breed.
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Cheers!