There are many reasons to get a dog; companionship, fun, exercise, but this month, we thought we’d look at the top dog breeds best for having adventures with.
Labrador
Labrador Retriever
Labradors were originally bred in Newfoundland to help the local fishermen haul in nets. Labradors are gentle and loyal and good with kids, but also athletic, with heaps of energy and really smart.
They are born with the instinct to retrieve and a desire to please. They are keen swimmers and good for training. They are happy to give anything a go, but they do tire easily, so steer clear of anything endurance based with a lab.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Husky
The Husky is an ancient breed relative to the others on this list. They hail from the Russian Far East and were originally bred centuries ago to pull sleds in the snow. Nowadays they have become popular pets because they don’t tire easily and have boundless energy. They also have very little aggression.
They are loyal and good on hiking expeditions or cross country running. However, if it’s too warm, they will tire easily and their energy levels will deplete rapidly.
Standard Poodle
Standard Poodle
Standard Poodles are a little misunderstood and sometimes seen as comical. Originally bred in Germany to retrieve birds and the like from water, these dogs are really clever and respond exceptionally well to training. However, this means that they do need to be constantly challenged and exercised daily.
Poodles don’t have to have a poofy hair do. If you’re showing one, then yes, but ordinarily they can just have a normal fro. Whatever hair your Poodle has though, it does require regular maintenance.
Poodles are great for hunting, but, because they’re so clever, they can be trained to do just about anything. They are agile, tough, fast and, as per their original breeding, great in water. Perhaps a good dog for avid sailors?
Australian Shepherd or “Aussie”
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd or “Aussie” actually hails from the West of America, specifically bred for herding on the large ranches in the vast ranges of the region. They are clever, motivated and have high endurance at a range of temperatures and thrive at high altitudes. They are good with children and have an innate desire to please. However, they need to run…a lot and do tend to shed quite a bit.
Because of their boundless energy, enthusiasm and endurance you can do pretty much anything with an Aussie.
Border Collie
Border Collie
Originally bred as a sheep dog, it’s basically impossible to wear out a Border Collie! They are athletic beyond measure and tend to dominate in things like agility and frisebee. They are at the top of the list of the smartest dog breeds in the world.
Collies are loyal and energetic and, being so smart, easy to train. They do need entertainment and stimulation, so don’t get a Collie if you’re out at work all day; they shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time and get bored very easily. Because of this, they’re great for teaching new tricks.
Because of their breeding to get sheep to do as they’re told, Collies do tend to nip (not bite) at things, so they’re not the best companion for anything like mountain biking or skateboarding as they’ll likely nip at your tyres. They may even nip at young children if they seem to be astray from the pack, in an attempt to round up the herd.
German Shepherd
German Shepherd
German Shepherds were born to herd, hence the name. They are tireless workers, very loyal and easily trainable. They are also incredibly brave and strong as well as tough and athletic, which is why they are so often used as working dogs in the police, search and rescue and as guide dogs.
For their size, they are good at running and are quite happy on a rugged trail or mountain hike.