If you're thinking about bringing a dog into your life and are looking for the perfect outdoor companion, we got you! Here we've researched and listed the best dog breeds for outdoorswomen, including a list of outdoor activities they enjoy: running, hiking, swimming, sledding, herding, and hunting.
We'll call out the dog breeds that have that protective instinct for women looking for a watchdog that will alert them of danger - an excellent quality 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
Climates
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
Climates
Warm
Hot
Samoyed
Samoyeds 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
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
Climates
Cold
Cool
Warm
Which of these best dog breeds for the outdoors is a perfect match for your 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
I think a Bernese or Samoyed would be my pick! 😍😍