If you’re thinking about bringing a dog into your life and are looking for the perfect outdoor companion, we got you! We’ve researched the best dog breeds for outdoorswomen, that are both active and protective.
Find a list of outdoor activities each dog breed enjoys: running, hiking, swimming, sledding, herding, and hunting.
We’ll also call out the dog breeds that have that protective instinct for women looking for a watchdog that will alert them of danger. Protection instincts are excellent qualities in a dog whether you’re hiking on a trail alone, or securing your home after dark.
While we might be drawn to certain dog breeds due to their undeniable cuteness – who could ever say no to the face of a Bernese Mountain dog? – we will also note the climates that each of these active, outdoorsy dog breeds are best suited for. Australian Cattle Dogs are a perfect match for outdoorswomen who love hiking and exploring the desert, while a Samoyed would love to hike in the snow with a mountain woman.
Which of these outdoor-loving dog breeds is a perfect match for your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments.
Labrador Retriever
Labradors are an ideal breed for outdoorswomen, as these dogs have great natural instincts and love being in the water. Labs have lots of energy to burn, and need to be frequently exercised to avoid the destruction of your favorite things lying around the house.
This dog breed makes for a great companion on hikes or for a day by the lake or river, and make skilled hunters, as Labs have a keen sense of smell. The only question is, which color Labrador is your favorite?
Labrador Outdoor activities
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Running
- Hunting
Best Climates for Labradors
- Cold
- Cool
- Warm
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are smart, playful dogs, and if you’re a work-hard-play-hard type of gal, this dog breed might be a perfect match for you. Australian Shepherds are natural-born herders, who can help keep your sheep and cows well organized if you have livestock to care for.
This beautiful breed, known for their captivating eyes and gorgeous patterned coat, love learning tricks and can be trained to be service dogs and search and rescue dogs. Although they’re not bred for the water, depending on the Aussie’s personality they may love going for a swim, and will certainly be elated for a day running on the beach.
Australian Shepherd Outdoor activities
- Hiking
- Running
- Search and rescue
- Herding livestock
- Swimming
Australian Shepherd Climates
- Cold
- Cool
- Warm
German Shorthair Pointer
German Shorthair Pointers are friendly and affectionate dogs who are also very active and energetic. These sweet dogs are one of the best dog breeds for hunting, and love long walks and a generous amount of time running around outdoors.
German Shorthair Pointers are intelligent and quick learners, so you can have fun teaching your pup new skills and tricks.
German Shorthair Pointer Outdoor activities
- Running
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Hunting
German Shorthair Pointer Climates
- Cool
- Warm
Vizsla
If you’re looking for a sweet and affectionate outdoor companion, the Vizsla dog breed might be your bestie. These dogs are intelligent and can be well-trained, but also require lots of stimulation, and boy are they fast. These dogs can run up to 40 mph – talk about zoomies!
Vizslas make excellent hunters and are eager to please their owner. These dogs have beautiful red coats but they don’t keep them warm for long, so they can only handle cold water in short spurts.
Vizsla Outdoor activities
- Hiking
- Running
- Swimming
- Hunting
- Search and rescue
Vizsla Climates
- Cool
- Warm
- Hot
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are high-energy dogs, and need lots of regular activity, perfect for women looking for a running buddy. This dog breed requires lots of attention and training, and a big living space to move around.
Siberian Huskies are intelligent dogs and love mental stimulation, work, and being challenged. These dogs thrive in a cold environment and will overheat or get dehydrated in warmer climates if owners do not pay special care.
Siberian Husky Outdoor activities
- Running
- Hiking
- Sledding
Siberian Husky Climates
- Cold
- Cool
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are a smart and hardworking dog breed and can make a great partner for women who love the outdoors. This dog breed is high energy and happy to accompany you on your hike or run.
A great asset of this dog breed is that Australian Cattle Dogs can live in a wide range of climates, both hot and cold – able to join you on your adventures across all four seasons.
Australian Cattle Dog Outdoor activities
- Running
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Snow hikes
- Herding livestock
Australian Cattle Dog Climates
- Cold
- Cool
- Warm
- Hot
Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are high energy and require lots of activity. This dog breed will happily join you on your run or hike – and then some. This dog breed is also smart and loves mental stimulation and challenges. Portuguese Water Dogs enjoy running down the beach and playing fetch in the water.
Photo: Unsplash
This affectionate and athletic dog breed doesn’t have a coat with an insulated layer, so they will get cold more quickly than other dog breeds, and don’t do well in the snow.
Portuguese Water Dog Outdoor activities
- Running
- Hiking
- Swimming
Portuguese Water Dog Climates
- Warm
- Hot
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs make excellent outdoor companions for women, as they will be the one to encourage you to get out there! Their calm and strong demeanor make this dog breed a good choice for women who want a dog that has protective instincts – this breed is known to alert you of danger.
It’s hard for Bernese Mountain Dog owners to complain about the heavy level of shedding they have to regularly brush out and clean up because these dogs are so gosh darn sweet. Bernese are made for the mountains, and live their best lives in cold environments.
Bernese Mountain Dog Outdoor activities
- Running
- Hiking
- Sledding
Bernese Mountain Dog Climates
- Cool
- Cold
Collie
Collies are beautiful dogs with lots of energy, and make for a great running partner and can typically hike up to 3-4 miles. Collies are a good dog breed for women who own property and livestock, as they’re bred for herding sheep, cows, goats, and chickens.
This dog breed is smart, loyal, and can be well-trained, listening for their owner’s command.
Collie Outdoor activities
- Running
- Hiking
- Snow hikes
- Herding livestock
Collie Climates
- Cold
- Cool
- Warm
Rhodesian Ridgeback
If you’re looking for the ultimate hiking buddy, you’ve found it in a Rhodesian Ridgeback. This athletic dog breed loves to hit the trails in warm and hot weather, as they’re originally from South Africa. They will also cool off in the water with you, as Rhodesian Ridgebacks are strong and excellent swimmers who will happily dive off a dock.
This is a brave and protective dog breed who is very loyal to their owner and family. Rhodesian Ridgebacks make for a great partner to women looking for a dog with watchdog instincts.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Outdoor activities
- Running
- Hiking
- Swimming
Rhodesian Ridgeback Climates
- Warm
- Hot
Samoyed
Samoyed’s are one of the fluffiest dog breeds out there, and they’re also one of the sweetest. Samoyed can be well-trained and will follow their owner’s commands. They can also handle lengthy hikes of 10 miles or longer in a cooler climate.
These hypoallergenic dogs are playful and do well with kids, but are also protective, with a watchdog mentality. Originally bred to herd reindeer and pull sleds, Samoyeds will happily come along on your adventures in the snow and round up your sheep and goats.
Samoyed Outdoor activities
- Sledding
- Running
- Hiking
- Herding livestock
Samoyed Climates
- Cold
- Cool
Rottweiler
Rottweilers prefer hiking to running and cold climates over warm, with their double coat of insulation. Originally bred to herd livestock in Germany, this breed can be trained to hunt, but isn’t typically a fan of water.
Rottweilers are a good choice for women looking for a companion with a protective, guard dog instinct who will happily hike with you.
Rottweiler Outdoor activities
- Hiking
- Sledding
- Herding livestock
- Hunting
Rottweiler Climates
- Cold
- Cool
- Warm
Which of these dog breeds is a perfect match for your outdoor lifestyle?
- Labrador Retriever
- Australian Shepherd
- German Shorthair Pointer
- Vizsla
- Siberian Husky
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Collie
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Samoyed
- Rottweiler
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