Are you looking for the best travel companion to take along on all of your adventures? These adventurous dog breeds are the perfect pups for the job!
Labrador Retriever
This friendly dog is considered one of the most popular breeds – and for good reason! Not only are Labrador Retrievers the ideal family pet, but their bold personalities make them perfect adventure companions.
History: The Labrador Retriever is the traditional waterdog of Newfoundland, bred and raised as a duck retriever and companion to fishermen. Later in the 1800s when it was adopted by the English, the breed gained popularity for its athleticism, skill, and natural instinct for companionship and activities.
Temperament: It’s no surprise that this breed is so popular. Firstly, the Labrador is excitable, affectionate with kids, other dogs, and strangers, and extremely loyal. More so, these intelligent pups are coachable and easy to train. Lastly, their curiosity is insatiable and acts as the fuel for outdoor adventures and exploration.
Best Adventure Environment: This sporty dog adores being in nature, using smell and sight to explore as much as they can. Their thick, weather-resistant coat makes it easy for them to withstand cold weather and icy waters, allowing for a great time on forest hikes or camping near lakes and rivers.
Poodle
This pup’s adorable exterior shouldn’t fool you, deep down they’re lovers of adventure! The Standard Poodle was in fact originally bred to be a duck-retrieving helper for hunters in Germany.
History: The name ‘Poodle’ comes from the origin word pudelin, which is a German word referencing the breed’s love of water. Before they became pageant rulers, these adventurous dogs used to jump into freezing waters to retrieve hunters’ prey. Even their stylish haircuts served a more efficient function! Having clipped fur on the limbs allowed them to move freely while swimming, while longer fur near joints protected them against the cold.
Temperament: Poodles are intelligent, obedient, and extremely playful. Above all, their athletic nature gives them limitless energy. With a love to please, they’re quick to learn and easy to train, especially excelling at jumping and agility courses.
Best Adventure Environment: Their comfort with water means the Poodle is a great pet to take on lakeside adventure hikes and jogs by the river! You don’t have to worry about them getting wet or any rough terrain, they’ll probably be loving it!
Border Collie
Next on the list of adventurous dog breeds is the intelligent Border Collie. These sheepdogs are always up for an adventure if it means running around! If you’re looking to stay active, Border Collies are definitely going to keep you on your feet.
History: Border Collies were originally bred to gather and herd livestock in rugged English and Scottish countrysides. The breed emerged as a cross between Roman heavy-boned herding dogs and smaller Viking pooches. Since then, these dogs have gained an esteemed reputation as herders, dominating the most competitive sheepdog trials in the British Isles for over a century.
Temperament: Hardworking, energetic and smart. These dogs are always alert and searching for the next thing to keep them excited. They’re also quick learners, aware of even the most subtle cues from their owners and trainers. Socializing these pups early on keeps them friendly and confident around new dogs and people.
Best Adventure Environment: Border Collies need daily exercise beyond a stroll around the neighborhood. What this adventurous dog breed needs is lots of open space to run around, and stimulating games. Field trips where you both go on a run and end the day with frisbee-throwing or a game of fetch would be ideal for this pup.
Siberian Husky
It’s no surprise this dog made it on the list of adventurous dog breeds! The Siberian Husky is a classic Northern dog known for its eye-catching looks, tolerance to cold weather, and love for running.
History: The Chukchi tribe in Northeast Asia are the original breeders of Huskies, breeding them as sled pullers. These dogs’ thick, fluffy coats helped them withstand freezing weather conditions. Their high endurance and passion for running in the wilderness were pivotal to their job and made them an admirable and desired breed. While the breed has evolved to be the friendly family pet of today, some Huskies are still used as sled dogs in some parts of the world.
Temperament: Friendly and intelligent, Huskies can make for the best adventure companions. Their excitable and active nature means they’re always looking for a way to exert energy and have fun with you. However, they can have independent, and at times stubborn, personalities. Their free-spirited mindset makes them hard to train at times, making early coaching essential. Establishing a close human connection and always giving them a job to do, even if it’s only going on a run with you, will keep this active dog by your side.
Best Adventure Environment: Huskies are most comfortable in cold environments. Although they don’t need to be in freezing temperatures, Huskies can risk overheating if the weather is too warm. Avid runners, Huskies would love the chance to sprint in large open fields or cold, rocky terrain.
German Shepherd
Having a German Shepherd means always being ready for the next adventure! In order to stay happy and healthy, these dogs need to stay active and stimulated, making them perfect companions for outdoor explorations.
History: The ancestors of our contemporary German Shepherd were bred as guard dogs and sheepdogs on German farms. Their duties included herding sheep and protecting livestock from predators and intruders. The breed maintained its observant, obedient, and responsive nature and continues to be both a working dog and a loving companion.
Temperament: These loyal companions are capable and smart. When trained to perform a task, these dogs strive to excel, making them top dogs in any field: military service, herding, guarding, drug detection, and more! However, this doesn’t mean they aren’t also faithful pets! German Shepherds are affectionate with family and children, and their high energy levels mean they’re always wanting to play.
Best Adventure Environment: Camping and hiking in the wilderness is this working dog’s favourite kind of adventure. As a dog driven by mental and physical stimulation, your German Shepherd will love nothing more than spending their days exploring all that nature has to offer. Since they don’t tire easily, hiking with this companion always proves to be an invigorating experience!
Ready for your adventure?
Whether you choose to adopt one of these most adventurous dog breeds or choose to go with a different breed, it’s important to pick a pup that suits your lifestyle.
If you are travelling abroad with your pup, we can help you arrange all aspects of your pet’s transport. Simply contact us today!
