20 Best Outdoor Dogs That Can Live Outside (2023)

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When thinking about getting one of the best outdoor dogs that can live outside, consider the climate in your area and the dog’s coat.

While every puppy likes fresh air, some breeds are better equipped for the outdoors than others.

Not only are the best outside dogs more suitable for outdoor work, but they will also enjoy adventures such as hiking and camping more than other breeds.

The outside dog breeds that are great for outdoor living are the ones who can be outside in any climate and who like to explore nature and be active.

If you enjoy discovering and finding adventure in the outside world, there is no one better by your side than a four-legged friend.

These outdoor dogs are also better choices for owners who plan to keep their dogs in the backyard for extended periods of time.

All dog breeds are adapted for different tasks, with differences ranging from coat length to body strength. This is a list of the best outdoor dog breeds.

Dog Safety Tips While Outdoors

If you have one of the breeds below and you find them thriving outdoors, as a responsible pet owner, you want to do everything you can to make sure their outdoor environment is a safe place for them.

That said, you need to make sure that your dog safe while you enjoy the sun and fresh air. Some important safety precautions to take with your outdoor dog include:

• Protection against parasites: Heartworms can be transmitted to your dog through a mosquito bite, and when this happens, it can become serious to your dog very quickly. Discuss dog dewormers with your vet to prevent this, and you should also make sure there are no standing water and other areas in the yard where mosquitoes breed and thrive.
• Ensure your dog has an ID card: Just in case your four-legged friend strays, it’s important to make sure he’s identifiable. A microchip is recommended, along with an ID tag attached to his collar. not to take it with you. Keep the information up to date, “including the details of your microchip!” To make sure it is working properly.
• Poison dangers: Pesticides are another thing to watch out for as they can also be dangerous for your dog to come into contact with. Besides, there are certain types of frogs, snakes, and spiders that can also be poisonous. Find out which of these potentially dangerous animals are common in your area so you can keep an eye on them and take the necessary precautions to avoid them altogether.
• Provide your dog with a good shelter: If your dog is left unattended, he should have a shelter that will protect him from the elements. Not only is this the right thing to do, but it’s also the law in many jurisdictions.
• Fresh water and dog food: Dogs should have access to clean, fresh water at all times. In colder months, this may require a heated water bowl to prevent frostbite. You can feed your dog outside, but it should be done wisely. Leave it out of consideration as it can attract pests such as flies and spoil it if exposed to rain.
• Vaccinations: Finally, one of the best things you can do for your dog’s health is vaccinating him. Their rabies vaccinations should always be up to date. It would help if you also talked to your vet about other vaccinations that include outdoor dogs that can benefit.

20 Best Outdoor Dogs That Can Live Outside

With the tips above in mind, we’ll now talk about 20 of the best outside dogs below to help you find the best companion for your needs and lifestyle.

1. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are medium to large-sized dogs best known for their ability to swim! Labradors were bred to assist their fishing and hunting owners, making them a great breed for outdoor activities. Your dog has constant mental and physical stimulation to reach his high energy levels. As puppies, this breed can be mischievous, cheerful, and lively. Labradors can come in a variety of coat colors ranging from chocolate brown to golden yellow.

These loyal puppies are not only good for outdoor work and time, but they are also extremely loyal and playful. This breed is full-grown and ranges from 55-80 pounds in weight, and 56-61cm in length, with the males, usually being. Keep an eye on your Labrador’s health as it is a breed prone to hip dysplasia.

2. Alaskan Malamute

This handsome Northern Spitz thrives in cold weather, and some owners even struggle to get their malamute in after fresh snow, as they like to play in fresh powder.

This makes sense considering these large flocks were originally bred to sled across the tundra, and he’s not the dog for warm climates as he overheats easily and can be prone to sore, hot spots.

Malamutes shed all year heavily round, with two “puffing” seasons creating epic hair drum herbs. This ongoing shedding requires daily brushing to get rid of hair.

Because malamutes are naturally working dogs, they also need daily physical and mental exercise to burn off energy, so you won’t like to hang around in a kennel all day.

He can be stubborn and is not an ideal breed for first-time owners.

Early training classes are recommended, along with continued socialization, before getting too big to handle, which can come quickly as males can weigh more than 85 pounds.

3. Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd weighs between 35 and 70 lbs. They are a brilliant, energetic breed and are often considered to be one of the smartest breeds in the world.

They were bred to herd, so they are very fast and agile, and they are always up for a bit of physical activity. They also make good trackers and are rarely used for hunting purposes.

Australian Shepherds are obedient “if properly trained” and get along great with children, although they exercise a lot to be healthy and happy to stay.

4. Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a puptastic breed that likes to live outside. These blue-eyed fur babes of the canine world love nothing more than to lie outside in any weather.

A sturdy Husky can stand up to 24” on the shoulder, making them an excellent watchdog against most predators. They are loving, affectionate dogs with a high level of intelligence. This intelligence makes them curious, highly trainable, and mischievous. Siberians have a powerful body. And have been bred to work as sled dogs in the extreme cold of the Far North, which has given the breed a high level of stamina and energy, which can make it challenging to keep up.

Due to this high energy, it is best to make sure they have plenty of room to run around, but keep the fence firm, and high or they will keep running. Siberians are known for their walking ability, underestimate this beautiful one, naturally clean dogs; they are one of our top favorites for the best outdoor dog breeds.

5. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are another dog bred to herd and protect livestock. This is why their energy levels for outdoor activities are extremely high. This breed is versatile and hardworking. They are unmatched in their courage and loyalty. These dogs have a high tolerance for the cold again because of their thick coat but adapt to almost all climates. German Shepherds grow to 75-95 pounds and 22-26 inches tall. For these dogs, daily exercise is a must, and their energy levels should not be left unattended.

Because of their breeding background, this breed has a reputation for being great police and military trained dogs German Shepherds are also notorious for being full-time shedders, so be prepared to tidy up the coat and brush a lot. Keep an eye on your German Shepherd that longtime out in extreme heat; their thick coat, although they can adapt to warmer weather, makes them more susceptible to overheating.

6. Rhodesian Ridgeback

If you live in a warmer climate, the Rhodesian Ridgeback may be the companion for you. He is a tough breed native to the savannas of Africa and originally used for hunting.

His short coat only falls off and on. So it requires little maintenance. However, it requires daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Ridgebacks have a strong prey drive and should never be trusted offline. He will shoot at first sight of a squirrel “or even your neighbor’s Chihuahua.”

He is also a stubborn little dog and prefers to do things his way. This can make training a challenge, so it becomes not recommended for novice dog owners.

7. Bernese Mountain Dogs

With an impressive physique and an average weight of 80 to 115 pounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants bred to withstand the cold and windy conditions common in their mountainous homes.

According to the standards for dogs, they have moderate energy levels, making them better pets than some other breeds, and they are also quite intelligent and loyal. They also love to please their owners.

Be careful when taking Bernese Mountain Dogs outside in warm climates because they can quickly overheat due to their long coat.

8.Samoyed

The Samoyed is a beautiful and functional breed. They have a white, thick coat that gracefully protects them from the cold.

These dogs are perfectly suited to temperate and cool climates. Samoyeds are intelligent, confident, and sociable dogs who, like Huskies, are susceptible, for The Samoyed is best not kept alone in solitude. This will certainly cause them to be destructive and behave badly due to their intelligence. Up to 24 large, making coyotes no match for an adult Samoyed.

9. American Foxhound

Weighing in at 40-65 pounds and measuring 21-25 inches in length, number six on our list is the American Foxhound. This breed loves all things outdoors, be it for work or play outdoors; the American Foxhound is happiest. Their love of running and high endurance makes them a great jogging partner for anyone in almost any climate. This medium breed is great for both cold as well as warm temperatures.

However, like any other dog, make sure to monitor your hunting dogs’ temperature when you are outside for extended periods of time to avoid overheating and discomfort for your playful pup.

While American gundogs can make great family friends, they are a very boisterous breed, so they may not be suitable for every household type. These dogs also need to be properly trained and while they are young to make sure they can listen to you when you go on an adventure with your pup.

10. Vizsla

Vizslas are energetic greyhounds, which are among the most active dog breeds in the world.

They love to be outside to exercise their muscles and satisfy their curiosity by exploring forests and fields. And good-natured dogs, but they should be kept busy.

Originally bred for hunting, Vizslas weigh between 45 and 65 pounds, making them a medium-sized breed. Simply put, Vizslas are one of the most rewarding breeds out there, and they are one of the best outdoor dogs.

11. Australian Cattle Dog

The Aussie Cattle Dog is a fantastic outdoor dog. This breed loves to explore the area in wide-open spaces and to be independent. The ACD is full of life and happiest on an adventure hike. The Cattle Dog is perfect for you if you have a very active person who enjoys long periods of activity and daily exercise such as cycling, running, and walking. Originating from Australia, Cattle Dogs were bred to fluctuate their body temperature between extremely high and low temperatures with temperature changes so that they can tolerate most climates.

He’s scrappy by nature and can be reserved with new people, making early socialization with people and animals a priority. And while the Cattle Dog is smart, he’s not always a big fan of listening, which is why he’s not the best option for a novice dog owner.

Livestock dogs have a double coat that works well for outdoor adventures and only needs occasional grooming when he gets dirty. However, he sheds steadily.

He needs daily exercise to be satisfied with dog sports, such as agility, which is highly recommended when not actively working with livestock or performing any other job-like task.

12. Rottweiler

Rottweilers grow to 85-130 pounds and 22-27 inches tall. This breed is best kept in a house with a large yard or a family that goes out often, which is why they don’t adapt very well to apartment living. Make sure to take your pup on an adventure through the woods and fields. Some Rottweilers even enjoy swimming!

The Rottweiler is another large breed that was bred to herd livestock and pull carts. This breed is not suitable for first-time dog owners as they can be intense and need a lot of training. These dogs enjoy plenty of free time and exercise to adjust their energy levels. Rottweilers can be suitable for moderate levels of both warm and cold climates, but be sure to keep an eye on your dog’s temperature when the weather spikes or drops dramatically.

13. Border Collie

Bred to herd livestock, this medium-sized wonder dog has seemingly bottomless gas tanks and will work endlessly to complete tasks. The border collie is a dream dog for those who love the outdoors as he loves swimming, walking, jogging, agility courses, and more much more while he is with his people.

With that in mind, banquettes may not apply. A border collie needs a lot of daily exercises, or he will be bored and devastating.

Border collies have a weather-resistant double coat so that they can handle the outdoors with ease. He is a seasonal shaker, although you should brush it a few times a week to keep tangles at bay.

14. Belgian Sheepdog

Although not a well-known breed, Belgian Sheepdogs are among the best outdoor dog breeds in the world.

Originally from Belgium, where they were bred to herd sheep in the early 1800s.

It large dogs that weigh between 50 and 65 pounds, and they have a beautiful black coat. They are agile and obedient with excellent stamina and are notoriously easy to train.

For these reasons, Belgian Sheepdogs are excellent police dogs, therapy dogs, and family dogs.

15. Mastiff

Originally bred to be the ultimate watchdog, Mastiffs are alert, good-natured, and very obedient by nature.

Their gigantic size makes them perfect for the outdoors, as they can withstand all weather conditions and also intimidate unwanted intruders. Still, this gentle giant is anything but fierce when it comes to his family.

While they may look tough on the outside, Mastiffs are susceptible and affectionate dogs, and they love to be around their family and love a lot of affection and daily exercise.

16. Norwegian Elkhound

A stocky dog ​​with a clownish spirit, the Norwegian Elkhound, likes to do it his own way. Its thick coat was bred to withstand the Norwegian winters and acts as a buffer against the cold.

This woolly coat falls into the season and should be brushed weekly to stay healthy. It can also cause overheating in hot weather, so don’t leave your moose outside for long in the summer.

Elkhounds are generally too smart for their own good and can be cocky, so they are not the pooch for a beginner. It would help if you started early with obedience classes.

To keep this smart pup happy, challenge him daily with games and toys.

17. Irish Wolfhound

Known as one of the largest breeds globally, the Irish Wolfhound makes a great outdoor dog. These dogs were originally bred to hunt large prey such as deer and are considered one of the world’s best outdoor dog breeds. In an apartment for its size as they grow to 115-180 pounds and 32-35 inches tall at their shoulder. These dogs do best with a large backyard and room to run. They are best suited for an active family and are also very good with children.

The Irish Wolfhound is a brave but not aggressive breed, so while their size may deter some intruders, they are not the number one watchdog. They protect them from the elements and allow them to thrive in both hot and cold climates. The breed is certainly a great dog for braving fields and forests.

18. Keeshond

The Keeshond is another lesser-known medium-sized dog breed that usually weighs between 35 and 40 pounds.

A Northern breed with a thick coat, the Keeshond, is very well adapted to cold climates, and they are usually happiest when given a chance get to play outside.

While they don’t have as much energy as some other breeds, they still need daily exercise. They also need to be washed, brushed, and groomed regularly to keep their coat looking its best.

19. the Great Pyrenees

A large shepherd with a beautiful white coat, the Great Pyrenees attracts attention everywhere.

His double coat repels the elements, and he doesn’t mind chilling when he roams the pasture with his flock. He has long hair; he only needs weekly brushing to keep his coat looking its best. Despite his size, he also does not need a lot of exercises.

Pyrs need a patient owner and are not ideal for people who are just starting with dogs. They are very independent and have selective hearing, which can be frustrating.

Due to their size, training at a young age is a must. They are also reserved with strangers, so make sure to start early with your Pyr starts.

20. Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is totally devoted and protective of their family; they are gentle and playful and love to explore. The Sheepdog’s impressive mane allows him to live outdoors in cooler climates, but they also need indoor access as they like to be around their family.

The Old English Sheepdog needs moderate exercise daily, but otherwise, they are reasonably relaxed. A nice long walk through the neighborhood will suit them well.

Last Thoughts

Make sure to check that your dog is healthy and fit before taking him on an adventure. Always monitor your dog’s temperature and energy level when you are away from home to avoid overheating or getting too cold.

So we’ve covered the different climatic zones. We’ve covered many best outdoor dogs that can live outside and what dogs can live outside. As long as you take good care of your dogs and take precautions for things like rabies, heartworms, and so on, your dog should be fine outside.

Your new friend will be your best adventure companion in no time!

Do you have any of the breeds we’ve listed? Do they enjoy spending time outside? Are there any good outside dogs we don’t mention? Let me know in the comments!