15 Best Dogs For Walking (Detailed List With Photos)

We all love going for long walks with our dogs and having a friendly, well-behaved, and active dog provides a sense of mental wellbeing and comfort.

Research shows that owning a dog actually helps adults and children recover from stress, depression, anxiety, or any other personal trauma.

Not only that, but dogs love walking and it also helps people to stay active and get some exercise. Exercise is very beneficial for owners, and also enhances the dog’s physical health and mental wellbeing.

There are many dogs for walking, and choosing the right breed is not always easy, especially if you lack experience.

It is crucial to select an easily trainable and high-energy breed that loves to go for walks. Here is the list of best dogs for walking.  

15 Best Dogs for Walking

1. The Australian Shepherd

The Australian shepherd is one of the best dogs for walking. They are an intelligent and diligent type of breed that can accompany you anywhere you go.

However, these dogs often get into trouble at home if they do not receive proper exercise, physical activity, and brain work.

The Australian shepherd usually does best with at least two-hour of exercise daily and is an optimal companion for walking, running, and other endurance sports like biking and hiking.

Besides, they are high-energy, vigorous, and athletic dogs that needs a great deal of physical activity every day.

They are responsive to training and outshine at obedience, agility, conformation, and herding.

The high speed and stamina makes them one of the best dogs for walking, running, and hiking. You will love walking with this colorful, silky coated, striking dog in your neighborhood, park, and hiking trails, etc.

When Walking

  • Intelligent
  • Diligent

Height | Weight

  • Height 20–23 in (51–58 cm)
  • Weight 35–70 lb (16–32 kg)

2. The Border Collie

Border Collies are a highly intelligent, smart, and high-energy working breed. The dog requires at least one hour of physical exercise daily. So taking a long walk with this dog is a great way to get him some good physical activity.

By a long walk, we mean staying active with your dog for a long time and not strolling around the block.

One hour or more is a good time to start. If your collie does not pant at the end of the walk, it has not walked enough. Walking with your border collie will make you feel better and have a clearer mind.

When Walking

  • Very Intelligent
  • High-Energy

Height | Weight

  • Height 48–56 cm (19–22 in)
  • Weight 14–20 kg (31–44 lb)

3. The German Shepherd

The German shepherd is a great dog known for its guarding, loyalty, courage, and herding instincts. Generally, this breed makes an excellent police dog, military dog, and guard dog.

It is likewise a great pet for families. German shepherds love to walk in front of their owners because they have strong muscles and higher energy.

German shepherds need to release energy, and that’s why they are the best dogs for walking. The daily walk allows your dog to stimulate its mind with the sounds, sights, and smells in the outdoor environment.

Keep in mind that the walk’s duration depends on your energy and time because this dog can walk all day long.

When Walking

  • Intelligent
  • High Energy

Height | Weight

  • Height 60–65 cm (24–26 in)
  • Weight 30–40 kg (66–88 lb)

4. The Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois has a strong working drive and intensity. If you have a Belgian Malinois and you don’t take it for walks daily, it can become stressed, bored, and mouthy.

Therefore, It’s recommended taking your Malinois for a long walk every day to tire it out.

Malinois needs physical activity for at least 20 to 30 minutes 3-4 times a day. Make sure you give your dog a vigorous and energetic walk.

A stroll will not satisfy your dog. Because this breed is known for action, It’s suggested to take them for a jog or hike. Your Malinois will love to stay by your side in the outdoor environment.

When Walking

  • Intelligent
  • Obedient

Height | Weight

  • Height 60–66 cm (24–26 in)
  • Weight 25–30 kg (55–66 lb)

5. Cane Corso

Cane Corso is one of the best dogs for walking. Not only is this breed intelligent, confident, and assertive, but it also has a loyal and stable temperament. It means you can control your dog easily in the outdoor environment.

Cane Corso is an easy-to-train dog, and experts recommend owners to socialize them from the start. It also friendly to children and does well with other pets at home when supervised.

The daily walk is important for a Cane Corso to release its pent-up energy. Regular walks also allow your dog to stimulate its mind with smells, sights, and sounds it comes across in the outdoor environment.

When Walking

  • Intelligent
  • Easy Going

Height | Weight

  • Height 62–70 cm (24–28 in)
  • Weight 45–50 kg (99–110 lb)

6. American Pit Bull Terriers

Several reasons make the American Pit Bull Terriers one of the best dog breeds for walking. They are playful and highly energetic breed with incredible stamina, making it an excellent choice for people who spend most of their time outdoors.

If you are looking for long walks, It’s recommended you have the American Pit Bull Terrier. It is a great companion and a friendly dog. The Pit Bull Terrier also has great stature and allow you to feel safer in the outdoor environment.

When Walking

  • Intelligent
  • Very friendly

Height | Weight

  • Height 45–53 cm (18–21 in)
  • Weight 15.8–27.2 kg (35–60 lb)

7. Siberian Huskies

If you live in a city or town where the temperature stays cold throughout the year, it is recommended to have a Siberian husky. The dog was bred for regions with cold, freezing temperatures.

You will love walking with a great companion like a Siberian husky in cold winter.

Because the husky can walk and run for hundreds of miles, it is a good choice for tough terrain. Siberian husky’s intelligence and endurance allows the dog to keep on its trail for long walks in the woods.

It is a great companion dog that can accompany you anywhere.

When Walking

  • Intelligent
  • Lots Of Endurance

Height | Weight

  • Height 21–23.5 inches (53–60 cm)
  • Weight 45–60 pounds (20–27 kg)

8. English foxhound

English foxhounds are great for walking because of their strong muscles, high stamina, and energy. With a strong, deep chest and muscular legs, an English foxhound is always ready to walk, run, and hunt anytime you want.

Bred to be a fast runner with a deal of energy, the English foxhound requires good exercise.

When Walking

  • Intelligent
  • High Energy

Height | Weight

  • Height 23–25 inches (58–64 cm)
  • Weight 29-34 kg

9. Vizsla

Although the Vizsla is not that common in some countries, they are great dogs owner and for walking. These dogs are strong, muscular, and energetic to survive any trial.

The dog was originally bred for hunting, but it also loyal to owners and stick with them anywhere they go. Vizslas can run all day long because these dogs require a substantial amount of exercise to stay active.

When Walking

  • Energetic
  • Obedient

Height | Weight

  • Height 22–25 in (56–64 cm)
  • Weight 45–66 lb (20–30 kg)

10. German Shorthaired Pointers

The shorthaired pointer is a versatile and stylish breed for pet owners. Although the pointer is an incredible hunter, it also excels as a family pet.

German shorthaired pointers are amazing dogs and are ideal for walking in rough terrains, such as in the woods, mountain hikes, and extreme weather.

If you are an adventure enthusiast and love to explore the outdoors, it can give you great company. The muscular German Shorthaired Pointer needs a substantial amount of exercise.

Therefore, it must have physical activity for at least two hours daily.

When Walking

  • Intelligent
  • Energetic

Height | Weight

  • Height 22 to 24 inches tall 
  • Weight 45 to 70 pounds (20 to 32 kg)

11. Australian Cattle Dogs

As the name indicates, Australian cattle dogs were originally bred to herd cattle. These dogs are muscular, strong, and tough enough for outdoor environments.

However, they are also very friendly and love to explore the outdoors with their owners.

Their loyalty, companionship, and fondness for an outdoor walk make them great for walking. The Australian cattle dog will also stay with you if you have to camp in the mountains.

When Walking

  • Intelligent
  • Very Friendly

Height | Weight

  • Height 46–51 cm (18–20 in)
  • Weight 15–22 kg (33–49 lb)

12. Labrador Retrievers

Labrador retrievers are highly energetic dogs, which makes them ideal for long walks. It is an excellent pet for people of all ages. Even if you don’t want to walk, you have to take your Labrador for a long walk.

It is because these breeds require some exercise.

These dogs are friendly companions for owners when they hike the mountains or walk through the woods. Labrador retrievers are beautiful dogs that can run through fields and drive into water, making them fun to watch.

When Walking

  • Highly Energetic
  • Easy Going

Height | Weight

  • Height 56–57 cm (22–22.5 in)
  • Weight 29–36 kg (65–80 lb)

13. Standard Poodles

Poodles were originally bred to retrieve birds from water, but these breeds are also great for walking. It is a tough and energetic dog that can withstand harsh outdoor weather conditions. It can likewise walk under the rain and in water.

Because of its high athletic ability, it can accompany you in the woods and mountain hikes.

A poodle requires a walk of at least one hour at a brisk pace and these breeds have a good level of stamina and can walk for many miles.

When Walking

  • Energetic
  • Very Friendly

Height | Weight

  • Height  35–45 cm (14–18 in)
  • Weight 15–19 kg (33–42 lb)

14. Doberman Pinschers

Although Doberman Pinschers are headstrong to walk, they can accompany you anywhere you go if you train them well. They are one of the best dogs for taking a stroll with and is dedicated to families and children.

Make sure you focus on its socialization and behavior. That way, your dog will behave well and stay comfortable with small children and other pets like cats.

Keep in mind that the pinscher is a high-energy dog that requires at least two hours of physical activity daily. Make sure your pinscher maintains a daily walk at a brisk pace.

Likewise, your dog must run off-leash for 30 minutes every day. Regular walking and running allow pinschers to stay in shape and tone their muscles.

When Walking

  • Very Strong
  • High-Energy

Height | Weight

  • Height 68 to 72 cm (27 to 28 in)
  • Weight 40–45 kg (88–99 lb)

15. The Leonberger

A Leonberger is a friendly dog that requires two walks daily. Each walk should have at least 30 minutes duration period. It can also play and run with you and other pets in a secure area.

However, this requires a great deal of training. Besides being one of the best dogs for walking, these are also good swimmers and have a reputation as water-rescuers.

When Walking

  • Very Friendly
  • Strong

Height | Weight

  • Height 72–80 cm (28–31 in)
  • Weight 48-75 kg

Related Article

When Out Walking With Your Dog

Having a well-behaved dog when out walking provides you with numerous social and health benefits. When you take your dog for a walk, it helps you stay outside for some time and breathe fresh air.

Also, did you know that regular walks with your dog can enhance your mental health and at the same time increases blood flow to all organs of the body, including the brain.

As a result, your brain release chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Dopamine and serotonin are happy hormones that suppress stress-causing chemicals like cortisol in your brain.

This is why you feel relaxed, calm, and comfortable after you get back home with your dog. Walking just a few times a week can improve your cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles and bones, and lower blood pressure.

Besides, regular walks with your dog also keep your furry friend healthy and limber. It reduces behavioral problems, including excessive barking, licking, chewing, digging, and other stress-related behaviors.

Obesity in dogs can lead to many health problems, such as heart disease, osteoarthritis, insulin resistance, urinary bladder stones, and liver disorders.

We recommend walking your dog at least once a day, although some breeds require more.

Your dog breed, age, temperament, and fitness level determine the walk’s duration and vigorousness. A walk can make your furry friend happy because it loves spending time with you and likes to explore different places.

If you fail to provide your dog with sufficient exercise, it can become boring and destructive.

Walking a dog outside allows it to interact, exercise, and play, which leads to a healthy and happy life. Socialization is crucial to ensure a well-balanced life for your dog.

It teaches your dog to stay by your side, remain active, listen to you, and have fun.

Dog Walking Essentials

If your planning on going for long walks with your dog or want to go camping or for a walk in the woods, you will need some essential items. Besides the necessary things, you will need to pack extra essentials especially if your hiking.

Some of the required items are a leash, an insulated fleece, a cooling jacket to protect your dog from hot sun rays.

You should also consider essential things like having your dog wear a collar with bells or something that make noise so you can hear them if they go out of sight.

Having at least 2 small lights if your out at night so you can track your furry friend.

You can monitor or track your dog with these items effectively. If you don’t already have one you should consider having an ID tag for your dog just in case you both get separated in the woods.

It’s suggested to carry poop bags to keep the trail clean. You must also bring some extra dog food if you are camping or walking in the woods. Sleeping accessories like dog mattress is an essential item for use in the tent.

A first aid kit is another essential accessory for your dog. The equipment must contain items like gauze, a digital thermometer, non-stick bandages, and adhesive tape for paw care or any other wounds.

Moreover, you can carry some toys to distract your dog.

Toys are handy items to keep your dog busy when you do something different while walking or camping. The interesting thing is that your dog can carry these items on its back.

However, you must not have any unnecessary items to avoid making your dog tired.

Dog Walking Essentials

  • Insulated Fleece
  • Collar With Bells
  • Cooling Jacket
  • First Aid Kit
  • Poop Bags
  • Leash
  • ID Tag

Conclusion

Like human beings, dogs require walking every day to maintain their optimal health. Walking is a great exercise and fun outdoor activity for your dog.

It enables your dog to explore new paths, see other people and their pets, and stimulate their minds.

You can’t keep your dog in the fenced area for a long time. Walking allows your furry friend to release excess energy, strengthen their muscles, and sleep better at night.

Many dog breeds are available on the market, but choosing the best dogs for walking is not always easy. However, in this post, we have given you a list of the recommended dog breeds that are great for walking.

Related Article