Photos / Culture / The 10 Best Outdoor Dog Breeds Mixed BreedAustralian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler)Bernese Mountain DogSiberian HuskyLouisiana Catahoula Leopard DogPortuguese Water DogGerman Shorthaired PointerBorder CollieLabrador RetrieverVizsla With the right training, these breeds make for some of the best adventure dogs out there.  But just remember—every dog is only as good as its master. If I like it and decide to continue, I'll pay just $12.00, and receive a full one-year subscription (9 issues in all), a 73% savings off the newsstand price! If for any reason I decide not to continue, I'll write "cancel" on the invoice and owe nothing. Or click here to pay now and get 2 extra issues Offer valid in US only. Choosing your location will enable us to select specific content to your area. Please choose one of the two options below: Let us find your location Your browser may prompt you to enable location services. Choose enable to continue the search.

Photo: Getty Images/iStockThere’s no shortage of dogs who will gladly join you in every adventure, but these 20 prove especially up to the task. If you're looking for a dog who can keep pace, you should start with this list. Photo: kazenouta via Flickr20. Lagotto RomagnoloHailing from the Romagna subregion of Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo was named as a lake dog and traditionally used as a gun dog. With a natural instinct for retrieving, these dogs make for the ideal hunting companions. Their most interesting occupation, though, is truffle hunting. 19. Tibetan TerrierDon't let their size fool you. Tibetan Terriers, originally bred and raised in monasteries 2,000 years ago, make for excellent outdoor companions. Kept as good-luck charms and watchdogs, and originally used for herding sheep as well as retrieving items that fell below mountainsides, Tibetan Terriers are agile, excel in the snow, and love to climb. Bernese Mountain DogOriginally bred as a drafting and droving dog, the huge Bernese Mountain Dog will gladly take on mountain walks by your side - it will even carry a pack for you.

A great dog for hikers, especially if you live in a colder climate and don’t want to bother with a leash, since the Bernese is very easily trained. backpack shreveportPembroke Welsh CorgiWelsh for "dwarf dog," the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is small but no lap dog. backpack tog 24Bred for herding, these creatures love to stay active and do well in the outdoors. backpack anacondaDespite their short legs, corgis are surprisingly quick and athletic. backpack mule deer huntingPortuguese Water DogBred to herd fish, retrieve broken nets, and swim as couriers, Portuguese water dogs excel in the surf. baby equipment rental spokane wa

Given their working history, they also stay close to their owners—inside and outside. With a strong retrieving instinct and love for the water, these dogs make for the ultimate water companions. best backpacking dog breedPhoto: Andre Blais via Shutterstock15. German Shorthaired PointersWhat sets the German Shorthaired Pointer apart is its intelligence and versatility. According to the American Kennel Club, this breed excels at trailing, retrieving and pointing. It’s also comfortable hunting animals like pheasant, quail, grouse, waterfowl, raccoons, possum, and deer. No matter what your hunting style is, this dog can do it all. Shetland SheepdogOne of the most intelligent breeds, Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent, playful, and trainable. And with a strong herding instinct, they enjoy chasing and herding animals. They also love to run in wide-open spaces, but keep them clear of roads—their herding instinct can lead them astray.

Photo: AnetaPics via Shutterstock13. VizslaIf you live in the city or want to skip the leash, vizslas make the perfect companion. Their exceptional trainability helps them keep focused in busier areas, and experienced runners will appreciate the vizsla’s athleticism. According to Runner’s World, this breed excels at speed, endurance, navigating obstacles, and even jumping. Photo: Lottie and lily via Flickr12. DalmationDalmatians can keep pace with horses - they can keep pace with you. These large and lean dogs were classically employed to run ahead of firefighting carriages and clear the way, but they’re just as happy running through the park. Great if you’re looking for a more protective breed to accompany your long-distance jogs. Doberman PinscherThe Doberman pinscher might have an intimidating reputation, but it's really an affectionate friend and guardian. Of course, it's also an excellent fit for active types—fearless but obedient, up for jogs and hikes, and as low-maintenance as they come.

Australian Cattle DogThe Australian cattle dog is a true herding dog: whip-smart, energetic, strong, and protective, not to mention it has some dingo in its blood. With that kind of heritage, you can expect this breed to keep going all day. It loves wide-open spaces but will also form a tight bond with its owners, making it a great choice for active families. Jack Russell TerrierSmall but mighty, Jack Russell Terriers have boundless energy and can run for surprisingly extended periods of time. If you're looking for a more compact long-distance running mate, this adventurous breed should be just right.Rat TerrierAn American dog breed with a hunting and farm-dog history, Rat Terriers are cherished as family pets and for their pest control skills. Often mistaken for Jack Russell terriers, these dogs are equally at home on the sofa as on the hiking trail. Highly nimble and obedient, they excel in agility and obedience training. Rhodesian RidgebackRhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred to hunt lions in Africa, so they are extremely athletic, yet surprisingly good with people.

They have an efficient stride and a short, low-maintenance coat that helps when running in the heat. Photo: Utekhina Anna via Shutterstock6. Australian ShepherdThe Australian Shepherd is another busybody herding breed that sets itself apart with its people skills and protective nature. This breed would make a wonderful addition to an active family, and a good companion for anyone who likes to explore different kinds of terrain.WeimaranerThe Weimaraner is an ideal jogging companion, able to expertly navigate tricky terrain. It's also a good pointing dog for hunters. Plus, its "ghostly" grey coat takes well to hot climates and needs minimal brushing. This breed is known to be rambunctious and extremely active, so you’d be well advised to provide an open running area in addition to exercise. Siberian HuskyThe Husky is a beautiful and independent breed that requires an active lifestyle. After all, this is a breed capable of pulling a sled Iditarod distances. An ideal dog if you live in cold weather and want a capable companion on ultra long hikes, trail runs and camping trips - the tough Siberian Husky will keep you safe too.