6 Types of Dogs You’ll Meet on the Hiking Trail

Kevin Roberts
by Kevin Roberts
If you hike into the woods today, you’ll meet trail dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Below is our definitive list of all the dogs you are likely to meet on the trails.


Social Media Poser


Don’t I recognize you from somewhere? Thanks to their social media savvy pawrents, these puppers know how and where to strike a pose. High up on a mountain, or running through a meadow at sunset, sleeping in a hammock under a full rainbow – they’re always in the right place, at the right time. And even if you don’t meet them on the trail, you can always follow them on Instagram! Follow them for inspiration for a few cool hikes of your own.


Always Happy Hiker


Why just wag your tail when you can wag your whole entire body?! These dogs are friendly and love to LOVE! Everyone is their best friend. Every adventure is the best one yet. Everything is awesome. Filled with optimism, they’ve never met anyone or anything they didn’t like, anywhere! Being out on the trail isn’t about the scenery; it’s about how many people they can meet. Responsible owners keep these canine socialites on a leash, because they know these pups would happily greet anyone, anywhere!


Related: Cool Tips to Beat the Heat on Summer Hikes With Your Dog


Tiny but Tough Trekker


You may be surprised to scale a mountain, trudge through a swamp or hike for days into a remote spot, only to come face to face with a pocket-sized pup! How did their tiny legs carry them this far? Don’t let their cute looks deceive you; these toy soldiers may be small bodied but they have huge hearts and a strong sense of adventure. Owners of tiny adventure dogs will be sure to tell you they are easy to pack for, and don’t completely hog the sleeping bag at night.


Camouflage Canine


At first glance, you may think your eyes are deceiving you. These dogs may look more like a walking mud puddle or bundle of sticks than a pupper. But look closely and you will see under the mud and leaves there’s a shiny pair of eyes. There’s a dog in there alright! Some dogs just love nature so much that they have literally become one with nature. Running, rolling and plunging into every souvenir collecting opportunity they can. It’s best not to get too close, as most of these dogs may be cute to look at, but the smell is something that the human nose can’t appreciate.


Related: How To Take Bear Care When Hiking With Your Dog


Branded Bitch


Decked out in all the right gear and dressed to impress, these pups have a serious wardrobe and are always dressed for the occasion. Raincoats, doggles, booties, bandanas, handmade collars, and packs filled with all the essentials and non-essentials any dog could want or need. These dogs dress to impress and do a pretty good job of it, too!


Slow and Steady Senior


In the words of Sydney Jeanne Seward, “Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog.” Even more blessed is the person who is fortunate enough to enjoy the trails with a loving dog into their golden years. The pace may be slower, the distance may be shorter, but the journey is richer.


No matter what kind of dog you have, enjoy your trail time together.

Kevin Roberts
Kevin Roberts

Kevin Roberts lives for adventure. Together with his pack of rescue dogs and his husband, he spends as much time outdoors as possible. Kevin lives by the motto: "Get outside and play with your dogs!

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