10 Best Small Dog Breeds for Hiking: Pint-Sized Pups Ready for Big Adventures

We love hiking, and we love our furry friends. But what if we told you that you don’t need a big dog to hit the trails?

That’s right! Small dogs can make amazing hiking buddies too.

They’re portable, energetic, and often just as eager to explore as their larger counterparts.

Small athletic dogs can make great hiking companions, offering the perfect blend of portability and endurance for outdoor adventures.

We’ve put together a list of the 10 best small dog breeds for hiking. You might just find your perfect pint-sized partner for your next trek.

From sturdy little terriers to nimble herding dogs, these pups are ready to tackle any trail with you.

Let’s lace up our boots and see what the world of pocket-sized hikers has to offer!

1) Beagle

Beagles are amazing hiking companions! We love these little hounds for their boundless energy and adventurous spirit.

They may be small, but they’re always up for a good trek. These pups have a ton of happy energy that makes every hike feel like a fun adventure.

Their cheerful attitudes can really lift our spirits when the trail gets tough. Beagles have strong noses that make them excellent trail buddies.

They’ll catch all sorts of interesting scents along the way, adding an extra layer of excitement to our hikes. We find that Beagles are quite sturdy for their size.

Their muscular build helps them tackle rough terrain with ease. Plus, their short coats are easy to maintain, even after a muddy hike.

One thing to keep in mind is their tendency to follow their noses. We always keep our Beagles on a leash to prevent them from wandering off the trail.

2) Jack Russell Terrier

We absolutely adore Jack Russell Terriers as hiking companions! These little bundles of energy are always up for an adventure.

At first glance, you might think their small size would hold them back on the trails. But don’t be fooled!

These pups were bred for foxhunts, and that tireless energy serves them well on outdoor excursions. We’ve found that Jack Russells have the heart of a big dog in a compact package.

They typically weigh around 15 pounds, making them easy to carry if needed. But trust us, these little guys rarely need a lift!

Their intelligence and agility make them perfect for navigating tricky terrain. We’ve seen our Jack Russells hop over logs and scramble up rocky paths with ease.

One thing we love about hiking with Jack Russells is their enthusiasm. They always seem to have a spring in their step and a wagging tail, no matter how long the trail.

Just remember, their high energy means they need plenty of exercise. A good hike is a great way to keep them happy and healthy.

We think you’ll find a Jack Russell to be a spunky and bright outdoor companion.

3) Cocker Spaniel

We adore Cocker Spaniels as hiking buddies! These cute pups may not be the first breed that comes to mind for trail adventures, but they’re surprisingly well-suited for outdoor fun.

Cocker Spaniels have a moderate energy level that’s perfect for hikes. They’re not too hyper, but they’ve got enough pep to keep up with us on the trails.

Their compact size makes them easy to manage on narrow paths. One thing we love about hiking with our Cocker Spaniels is their friendly nature.

They’re always happy to meet other hikers and dogs along the way, making our outings even more enjoyable. Before hitting the trails, we make sure our Cocker Spaniels are in good health and properly trained.

It’s important to keep them on a leash and teach them basic commands for their safety and others’ enjoyment. Remember to pack plenty of water for your Cocker Spaniel.

Their long, floppy ears can get hot during exercise, so regular water breaks are a must. We also bring some tasty treats to keep our furry friends motivated on longer hikes.

4) Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are awesome on hikes! These spunky little dogs are perfect companions for outdoor adventures.

Their compact size makes them easy to handle on trails, but don’t let that fool you – they’ve got energy to spare! Miniature Schnauzers are smart cookies, which means they pick up trail etiquette quickly.

We’ve found they’re always eager to please, making training a breeze. Their alert nature keeps us on our toes, too, as they’re quick to spot wildlife or interesting sights along the way.

One thing we adore about hiking with our Mini Schnauzers is their adaptability. Whether it’s a short walk in the park or a challenging mountain trail, these little troopers are up for anything.

Their sturdy build helps them navigate various terrains without trouble. We can’t forget to mention their adorable beards!

Not only do they look cute, but they also help protect our furry friends from dirt and debris on the trail. Just be prepared for some extra grooming after your hike – those beards can collect quite a bit of nature!

5) Cairn Terrier

We love Cairn Terriers for hiking! These little cuties are tough as nails and ready for adventure.

At just 13-14 pounds, they’re the perfect size to toss in a backpack if they get tired. Cairn Terriers have endless energy and stamina.

We’re always amazed at how they can keep going and going on the trail. Their sturdy legs and compact bodies help them navigate rocky terrain like champs.

These pups have strong prey drives, so we keep ours on a leash. That enthusiasm makes for an exciting hike as they sniff out every interesting scent along the way.

Their shaggy double coat protects them from the elements. We’ve found it works great in both chilly mountain air and warm sunshine.

Just remember to bring extra water – all that fur can make them overheat if we’re not careful. Cairn Terriers are smart cookies too.

We love how quickly they learn trail etiquette and commands. It makes our hikes so much more enjoyable when our furry friends are well-behaved.

6) Dachshund

We love Dachshunds! These little sausage dogs are surprisingly great hiking buddies.

Don’t let their short legs fool you – they’re built for adventure. Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers, so they’ve got stamina to spare.

Their long bodies and sturdy paws make them perfect for navigating tricky trails. We’ve found that Dachshunds have a real zest for outdoor exploration.

Their curious noses are always sniffing out new scents, making every hike an exciting journey. These pups come in two sizes: standard (16-32 lbs) and miniature (5-11 lbs).

Both are great for hiking, but we think the standard size might handle longer treks a bit better. One thing we love about hiking with Dachshunds is their adaptability.

They’re just as happy scrambling over rocks as they are trotting along flat paths. Just remember to pack some extra treats – these little adventurers can work up quite an appetite!

7) Pembroke Welsh Corgi

We absolutely adore Pembroke Welsh Corgis! These adorable pups may be short, but they’re surprisingly athletic and resilient.

Their sturdy build and endless energy make them great hiking buddies. Corgis were originally bred as herding dogs, so they’ve got stamina to spare.

We’ve found they can keep up on trails quite well, despite those little legs. Just watch out for those puppy-dog eyes begging for treats along the way!

While they’re not built for super challenging terrain, Corgis are perfect for casual hikes. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them easy to train for trail etiquette, too.

We love how Corgis typically weigh between 27-30 pounds, making them a manageable size for most hikers.

Their friendly personalities mean they’re always up for an adventure with us. Remember, those short legs can get tired on longer hikes.

We make sure to take plenty of breaks and bring extra water for our Corgi pals. With the right care, these charming pups make wonderful hiking companions!

8) Whippet

We love Whippets for hiking! These speedy little pups might surprise you out on the trail.

They’re known for short bursts of energy, but Whippets can be awesome hiking buddies too. Their lean, muscular bodies help them navigate tricky terrain with ease.

Grooming is a breeze after a dusty hike, thanks to their short coats. We find they’re agile and sturdy, which comes in handy on rocky paths.

Don’t let their elegant looks fool you—Whippets are tougher than they seem. They have plenty of stamina for longer hikes and seem to enjoy a good adventure as much as any other breed.

One thing to keep in mind: Whippets can get chilly pretty easily. It’s a good idea to pack a light jacket for your furry friend, just in case.

It’s also smart to bring extra water and snacks to keep their energy up. With some training and patience, Whippets can become excellent trail companions.

We love how they bound along the path with us, always ready for the next exciting view or smell. There’s just something joyful about their energy out there.

9) Australian Terrier

We love Australian Terriers for hiking! These little pups are tough cookies with big personalities.

They may be small, but they’ve got energy to spare. Australian Terriers were bred as working dogs, so they’re always up for an adventure.

We’ve found they can keep up on trails like champs. Their short legs don’t slow them down one bit!

These terriers have a waterproof coat that’s great for outdoor exploits. Rain or shine, they’re ready to hit the trail.

We just need to brush them afterward to keep their fur in tip-top shape. One thing we adore about Aussie Terriers is their alertness.

They make excellent watchdogs on camping trips. Their keen senses help spot wildlife before we do!

We’ve noticed these pups have a real zest for life. Their playful nature keeps us laughing on long hikes.

They’re always game for a new challenge or a fun game along the way. Australian Terriers are hardy little dogs that can handle different terrains.

Rocky paths or forest trails, they tackle it all with gusto. Just remember to pack extra water—these energetic pups get thirsty!

10) Norwegian Elkhound

We love the Norwegian Elkhound for hiking! These pups aren’t exactly tiny, but they’re still on the smaller side and perfect for outdoor adventures.

These ancient Nordic dogs have been around for centuries, even hanging out with Vikings. Can you imagine a cooler hiking buddy?

Norwegian Elkhounds are sturdy and strong. They’ve got thick, weatherproof coats that keep them comfy in chilly weather.

We think they’re great for those crisp mountain hikes! These dogs are super energetic and love to explore.

They’ll keep us moving on the trail, that’s for sure! Their endurance is impressive—they can hike for hours without getting tired.

One thing we adore about Elkhounds is their friendly nature. They’re always up for making new trail buddies, whether human or furry!

Training these pups can be a bit tricky sometimes. They’ve got a stubborn streak, but with patience and treats, we can turn them into perfect hiking companions.

Remember, Elkhounds have a strong prey drive. We always keep ours on a leash to avoid any woodland critter chases!

Benefits of Hiking with Small Dog Breeds

Taking our little furry friends on hiking adventures can be a great experience for both us and our pups. It’s a fantastic way to bond, keep them healthy, and give their minds a workout too.

Building a Stronger Bond

When we hit the trails with our small dogs, we’re creating shared experiences that bring us closer together. We get to explore new sights, sounds, and smells side by side.

It’s like going on a mini-adventure with our best friend! We’ve found that spending this quality time together helps us understand our pups better.

We learn their quirks, what excites them, and how they react to different situations. It’s amazing how much we can pick up about our furry companions during these outings.

Plus, there’s something special about overcoming challenges together on a hike. Whether it’s a steep climb or a tricky stream crossing, working as a team strengthens our connection.

Keeping Them Active and Healthy

Hiking is a pawsome way to keep our small dogs fit and healthy. It’s low-impact exercise that’s easy on their little joints but still gives them a great workout.

We’ve noticed that regular hikes help our pups maintain a healthy weight. It’s much more fun than just walking around the block!

The varied terrain gives their muscles and coordination a good challenge. The fresh air and sunshine are great for their overall well-being too.

We love seeing our little hiking buddies come home tired but happy after a day on the trails.

Mental Stimulation

Hiking isn’t just good for our small dogs’ bodies—it’s great for their minds too! The new environments they encounter on trails provide tons of mental stimulation.

All those interesting smells, sights, and sounds keep their brains busy. We’ve found it really helps prevent boredom and reduces problem behaviors at home.

Navigating different terrains also gives them a cognitive workout. It’s like a doggy puzzle as they figure out how to get over that log or across that rocky patch.

We love watching our pups’ confidence grow as they master new trails. It’s amazing how a little outdoor adventure can turn our small dogs into brave explorers!

Preparing Your Small Dog for Hiking

Getting your little buddy ready for the trails is an exciting adventure! We’ve got some great tips to make sure your furry friend is prepared for all the fun ahead.

Training Essentials

First things first, let’s talk training. We want our pups to be well-behaved on the trail.

Start with basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” These will keep your dog safe and under control.

Next, work on leash training. A well-behaved dog on a leash makes hiking so much more enjoyable.

Practice walking on different surfaces too—grass, gravel, and even rocky paths. Don’t forget about endurance training!

Start with short walks and gradually increase the distance. This helps build up your dog’s stamina for those longer hikes.

Lastly, teach your dog to “leave it.” This command is super helpful when you come across something tempting (but maybe not so good) on the trail.

Essential Gear

Now, let’s talk about the fun stuff—gear! A good harness can come in handy.

It gives you better control and is more comfortable for your pup. Some small dog breeds can carry their weight, so consider a doggy backpack.

It’s adorable and practical! Your furry friend can carry their own water and snacks.

Don’t forget a collapsible water bowl and plenty of water. Staying hydrated is key for both you and your pup.

Paw protection is important, too. Dog boots can protect those tiny paws from hot surfaces or sharp rocks.

If your dog won’t wear boots, paw balm is a great alternative. Lastly, always bring waste bags.

We want to keep our trails clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy!

Health Check-up with the Vet

Before hitting the trails, a visit to the vet is a must. We want to make sure our little hiking buddy is in tip-top shape!

Ask your vet about vaccinations. Some areas might have risks like Lyme disease, so it’s important to be prepared.

Discuss flea and tick prevention, too. Those little critters love hikers—both human and canine!

If your pup has any health conditions, chat with your vet about how to manage them on the trail. They might have some great tips or recommendations.

Lastly, consider getting your dog microchipped if they aren’t already. It’s a great safety measure for any outdoor adventure.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Hike

We love hiking with our small furry friends! It’s important to plan ahead and be prepared.

Let’s look at some key things to keep in mind for a fun and safe adventure on the trails.

Hydration and Snacks

Staying hydrated is super important for both us and our pups. We always bring plenty of water and a collapsible bowl for our four-legged hiking buddies.

For longer hikes, we pack some yummy treats too. Small, high-energy snacks work great for our little hikers.

Things like small pieces of cheese or jerky can give them a nice boost. We make sure to take regular water breaks, especially on hot days.

It’s easy to get caught up in the beautiful scenery and forget to drink! We try not to let that happen.

Trail Etiquette

Being good trail citizens makes the hike more fun for everyone. We always keep our small dogs on a leash when hiking.

This keeps them safe and respects other hikers and wildlife. We yield to other hikers, especially those going uphill.

A friendly “hello” goes a long way too! Picking up after our pups is a must.

We bring extra poop bags and pack out all waste. Leave no trace, right?

If we come across horses on the trail, we step off to the side and keep our dogs calm. Some horses aren’t used to dogs, so it’s best to be cautious.

Weather Considerations

Weather can make or break a hike, so we always check the forecast before heading out. For sunny days, we bring sunscreen for ourselves and our pups.

Yes, dogs can get sunburned, too! On chilly days, we pack a light jacket for our small hiking buddies.

Some breeds like Pomeranians have thick fur, but others might need extra warmth. We avoid hiking in extreme heat or cold.

Early morning or evening hikes are great for avoiding the hottest part of the day. If it’s too hot, we might choose a shaded trail or one near water.

Rain can make trails slippery, so we’re extra careful on wet days. And we never hike if there’s a chance of thunderstorms—better safe than sorry!

Frequently Asked Questions

We love helping fellow dog lovers find the perfect hiking companion! Small dogs can make amazing trail buddies.

Let’s tackle some common questions about taking pint-sized pups on outdoor adventures.

What are some energetic small dog breeds that are great for outdoor adventures?

Beagles and Jack Russell Terriers are two of our favorite energetic small breeds for hiking. These little guys have seemingly endless stamina!

Beagles were bred to hunt in packs, so they love being by our side on the trail. Jack Russells are tough little terriers that can keep up with us all day long.

Which small dogs are known for their loyalty and make great hiking buddies?

We adore Miniature Pinschers for their loyalty and athletic ability on hikes. These pint-sized pups form strong bonds with their humans and love tagging along on adventures.

Cocker Spaniels are another loyal breed that makes a wonderful trail companion.

Could you suggest small dog breeds that are good for hiking and have low-shedding coats?

Miniature Schnauzers are one of our favorite picks for low-shedding hiking buddies. Their wiry coats barely shed and actually help shield them from brush along the trail.

Poodles—no matter the size—also have low-shedding coats. They’re surprisingly great hiking partners and keep up well.

In terms of stamina and enjoyment, which small pets are up to the challenge of a long hike?

We’ve found that Cairn Terriers have impressive stamina for their size. These little adventurers were bred to hunt in the Scottish Highlands, so they really thrive on rugged trails.

Jack Russell Terriers bring boundless energy and can handle long hikes easily. It’s almost like they never run out of steam.

Are there specific small dog breeds that are well-suited for off-leash hiking?

Beagles can make great off-leash hiking buddies if you put in the training. Their pack mentality means they usually like to stick close by.

We also enjoy hiking off-leash with Jack Russell Terriers that know their commands. They’re smart and usually eager to please, which helps a lot on the trail.

How do I ensure my small dog’s safety and enjoyment while we’re out on the trails?

We always pack plenty of water and a collapsible bowl for our small hiking buddies. Taking frequent breaks in the shade helps keep them from overheating.

I check my dog’s paws often for cuts or debris, just to make sure they’re still comfy. If our pup gets tired on longer treks, a doggy backpack or carrier really comes in handy.