Being an outdoor junkie doesn’t mean that you need to leave your furry friend at home. In fact, plenty of dog breeds make great companions on camping trips.
And if you’re looking to get yourself a new pup, then we’ve got tips on the breeds that are best for those family camping trips. So, if you want a doggo that’s ready for the outdoors and adventure, then check out our list below.
1. Labrador Retriever
One of my personal favorites when it comes to dogs, labs make awesome camping buddies.
These dogs love being active, and if there is water near the campsite then you’ll probably find one of these puppers swimming in it.
Of course, grown labs are relatively large dogs, so you’ll need to make sure that your tent has plenty of room for you and your doggo to comfortably sleep in it.
2. Vizsla
The energetic doggos love hitting the trail, and like the labrador retriever, vizslas also enjoy playing in the water.
Also like the labrador retriever, a grown vizsla is a rather large breed of dog. So you’ll definitely need a big tent that can accommodate all the room this pupper needs.
One word of warning though – this is not the breed for you if you do cold weather camping. Vizslas are not good in the cold weather and you’ll need a blanket if you take them when it’s cooler temperatures out there.
3. Siberian Husky
If you’re into cold weather camping, then this right here is the best dog breed for you. It should should come as no surprise though, right?
If you’ve never owned a husky before, then you need to know how energetic these guys are – all the time. Seriously, huskies never seem to tire so if you’re an active camper this is going to be perfect for you.
Like the other dogs above, these guys are big when they’re grown, so plan accordingly for your tent size.
And bonus, huskies are hard workers who are happy to carry a pack and help you with the load if you’re trekking in to your campsite.
4. Australian Shepherd
Another one of my favorite dog breeds, these pups have an adventurous soul and make great companions outdoors.
This breed tends to have a lot of energy, but are typically more obedient than the other breeds above.
And, they do well in most weather, so this breed if a good choice if you camp more than one season per year.
Often the full grown Australian Shepherd doggos are large dogs, so plan on getting a big tent to fit everyone plus the dog.
Related reading: 11 Best Dogs Breeds for Off-Leash Hiking.
5. Portuguese Water Dog
If your campsite is near water or your outdoor adventure involves water activities, like kayaking, then this cute little breed is a great choice.
This is a smaller breed than some of the breeds above, but you’ll still want a roomy tent. And they usually don’t stray from their owner’s sight, which is great.
Portuguese Water Dogs really do love the water, so they’re the ideal companion on a camping trip that includes rafting, canoeing, kayaking, or boating.
Also, this breed is hypoallergenic, which is perfect for campers with pet allergies.
6. Cairn Terrier
These cute little pups are awesome companions on camping trips – and they don’t take up much space in the tent!
If this breed looks familiar to you, then it’s probably because it’s the same breed as Toto from The Wizard of Oz.
This breed normally doesn’t stray too far from their owner, which makes them good trail mates.
If you’re a #vanlife camper, then this smaller breed is an awesome choice for you.
7. Border Collie
High energy and loyal, collies are another great dog breed to take on your camping adventures. If you do a lot of backcountry camping where you need to hike in to get to your campsite, then this is a great breed choice.
Collies seem to never tire, so they can keep up with you on the trail. And they are prone to obedience, which means that you don’t need to worry about all the energy carrying them away from the campsite.
Collies do tend to be rather large dogs when grown though, so plan accordingly with a large tent that has plenty of room.