Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Can toy dog breeds go hiking and camping? Read this before leaving yours at home

Mary Johnson
By

If hitting your local hiking trail and camping in the great outdoors sound like your idea of a good time, you’re probably also a dog person. But it may come as a surprise to learn that toy dog breeds love spending time outdoors just as much as their larger cousins. Unfortunately, toy breeds have little legs, and they aren’t built for endurance the same way certain breeds (for example, Labrador retrievers) are. However, that doesn’t mean you need to hire a pet sitter or board your toy breed when you go for a hike. Here’s what you need to know, and a few of our favorite tips for hiking and camping with small dogs.

A man wearing sunglasses crouches on a hiking trail with a small brown dog.

Can small dogs hike long distances?

If your typical hike covers several miles of trails, you may be wondering if your small dog can keep up with you. Guess what? Experts say that your tiny fur baby can walk as far as 5-10 miles a day, even over rough terrain. (For large breeds, the distance extends to about 10-15 miles.) As a general rule, your puppy can safely walk for five minutes per month of age until he reaches one year. That being said, your dog’s ability to hike long-distance depends on a variety of factors, such as:

Related Videos
  • Your dog’s general wellbeing
  • Your dog’s experience with hiking
  • The climate where you hike (terrain, heat, inclement weather)

We recommend speaking with your veterinarian before taking your dog on a hike. Some breeds, like pugs and French bulldogs, are brachycephalic (the technical term for having a short, wide snout), meaning they’re more likely than other breeds to suffer from heatstroke and breathing difficulties. Additionally, low-slung breeds like dachshunds are prone to back problems and tend to launch themselves off high perches like tiny, four-legged missiles, so they’re not well-suited to long hikes. However, you may still be able to take your pooch hiking with you if you’re willing to carry him along for the ride in a backpack.

How to keep your small dog safe on a hike

Your vet has given your dog the all-clear, and you’re determined to hit the nearest trail. Not so fast. Before you set off on a hike with your pup, you’ll want to learn a few safety guidelines first.

A man and a woman sit together on a mountain with a small brown dog between them.

1. Make sure your pup is well-trained

Even if you plan on keeping Fido in a hiking backpack for the bulk of your hike, you’ll still want him to obey your commands. Your pup should know how to follow basic commands, such as “sit” and “come,” before you take him on your next adventure. Just to be on the safe side, we recommend keeping your dog on a leash while he isn’t being carried.

2. Build up your dog’s stamina

Just like you probably didn’t start by hiking Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park, reputed to be one of the most dangerous in the country, your little pup needs time to build up his endurance. Stick to dog-friendly trails (which you can find on Bring Fido), and work your way up from short walks around the neighborhood to your favorite local trail.

3. Be prepared

Whether you plan on heading home at the end of the day or you’ve packed your camping gear, you’ll want to make sure your pooch has everything he needs to stay safe and comfortable. Bring plenty of food and water, any medications you and your dog may need, sun protection, and an extra blanket or two. Remember, even the desert can get cold at night during the summer months. (Also, please be respectful of the environment, not to mention your fellow hikers, and bring poop collection bags with you. Just because your pup is outside does not mean the hiking trail is his new bathroom.)

4. Choose the best time to hit the trails

Hikers and campers know from experience that mountainous trails are much cooler than low-lying areas in summer. Sunny days are especially dangerous for dogs. Once the temperature climbs to 80 degrees or higher, your dog may be in danger of suffering from heatstroke if local humidity levels reach 90 percent. Stick to cooler trails during the summer months, and steer clear of the mountains during the winter to ensure that your pup is comfortable year-round.

5. Bring a kennel for camping trips

If you plan on camping out, you’ll want to make sure your pup doesn’t run off during the night. Unless you’re sleeping in an RV or other vehicle, a dog kennel is essential. Not only will kenneling your dog at night keep him from escaping your tent during bathroom breaks, but it will also keep him safe from curious wildlife.

A man holding a chihuahua watches the sunset on top of a mountain.

While taking your dog hiking and camping with you helps solidify your bond (and satisfy your dog’s need to spend time in nature), there are a few steps you’ll want to take before you set out on the trail. Consult your vet before hiking, make sure your pup has everything he needs, and don’t be afraid to cut your trip short if your dog shows signs of exhaustion or agitation. Getting in touch with nature is important, but your dog’s health and happiness mean more.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
5 safe and fun adventures you can plan with your small dog
Your small dog can do just as much as a big one if you follow these tips
Cute small dog stands in front of a blurred background

As a small dog owner, you might gaze longingly at the humans who can play endless games of fetch with their shepherds and go for 5-hour walks accompanied by their collies. But you can have all sorts of good times with your little guy. Don't let their size stop you from planning outings together. While, of course, you'll need to work within your beastie's physical constraints, there are lots of things you can do while accommodating their diminutive size.

Hang at the dog park
This is the pastime of many dogs, both large and small. Don't stay away from the park just because your bud can't race around for hours on end. Many parks now specifically set aside sections for small breeds. Take your pup there to find friends of a similar size. If you want to foray into the big dog section (or there isn't an area available for your pup), you can always ask the group if the dogs in there are friendly to their little cousins.
Go for hikes
While it might take a little preparation (and possibly a dog sling), your tiny Fido can enjoy hiking, too. You should work up to this by doing a little bit more each day or each week until they're ready to strike out for a longer adventure. Also, be sure to prep with necessary accouterments, such as water, treats, possibly a dog carrier, and mushers wax if it's winter.
Travel together
One of the biggest benefits of having a little dog is they can go on planes and trains. If your pooch seems to enjoy exploring new places, take them with you on vacation. The fees to travel by air can be a little high and there are some rules (you need them to lie down quietly under the seat for the duration of the flight). But for many doggies, they prefer the flight to staying behind with a sitter.

Read more
Is a terrier right for you? Here are the 5 things to know before bringing one home
Terriers make great pets. Facts to learn about these pups before adopting one
A Jack Russell terrier lies on their back while the owner rubs their belly and reads a book

We'll cut right to the chase (something terriers love), this dog breed group includes some of the spunkiest buddies in the canine family. The terrier class of dogs represents a wide variety of pups, everything from the small Norfolk terrier at just over 10 pounds to the sturdy bull terrier at 70 pounds.
However, there's something all these guys have in common: They have boundless energy and love to play. While you might not have heard of some of these breeds, a terrier could be the perfect dog for you.

What is a terrier?
Chances are, you know a couple breeds with the word terrier in them, but this is actually a completely separate dog group, like Sporting and Herding. Terriers were predominantly originally bred for vermin hunting, and you'll discover a lot of that in their personalities today. Note some "terriers" belong in the Toy group, namely the Yorkie and the toy fox terrier.
Is a terrier a good dog for me?
There's a good chance that a terrier will fit well into your life, but they're not for everyone. Here's what you need to know before bringing home one of these pups.
They're not tiny apartment dogs
Despite the small size, you can't keep these little buddies in a tiny space. Many terriers require as much exercise as a Lab or golden, despite being a fraction of their stature. Make sure you have a good play area, preferably both inside and outside.
There are lots of different kinds
And each one comes with its own unique set of challenges and personality. Many pit bulls fit into this category along with Jack Russells and miniature schnauzers. Look closely at exactly what type you're getting and if you land on a terrier mix, ask which breed they most emulate.
Some are hypoallergenic
Kerry blue, Scottish, and Westies all have hypoallergenic hair, similar to a poodle. While this coat is great at preventing the sniffles, all dogs with this kind of fur require maintenance, typically including professional grooming and haircuts.
If you don't entertain them, they'll make up their own games
Don't forget, their version of playing probably means destroying your stuff or getting the zoomies. We can't stress this enough: You should only adopt a terrier if you are ready for daily walks and playtime.
Some don't like other dogs or kids
Lots of terriers love people and pets and make great family dogs. But others will only bond with one person. Some are mouthers that will put your hand or their leash in their jaw even into adulthood (this isn't a bite and is usually non-aggressive). You can carefully train this out of them, but it can be scary for small children.

Read more
Think big dogs breeds can’t be in an apartment? Think again
Consider these big dog breeds if you're an apartment dweller
A harlequin Great Dane sleeps on their bed on a wooden floor

When you think about an apartment-dwelling dog, you likely think of a toy or small breed. Chihuahuas, French bulldogs, Maltese, and Pomeranians are often seen walking out of high-rises and suburban rentals. There are valid reasons for this stereotype. Unlike big dog breeds, smaller pups typically don’t need as much exercise (physical activity is important for dogs, regardless of their size, though). Practically, smaller dogs take up less room.

However, don’t count out a larger dog if you live in an apartment. With the right situation, some big dog breeds may even be better roommates in an apartment than their smaller peers. Before welcoming a larger dog into your smaller space, here’s what to know.

Read more