Best Outdoor Dog Breeds, Ranked
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There is no shortage of controversial opinions when it comes to leaving our canine companions outdoors. Since I live in a warm, tropical environment, I can't leave my dogs outside. They do their business quickly, run around briefly and then head back into our cool, air-conditioned home.
However, many pet owners in temperate climates prefer to leave their dogs outside, especially those in rural areas or on large properties, so their pets can roam. As long as the breed is adaptable to outdoor temperatures and has access to a covered shelter area with drinkable water, this is fine for part of the day. But remember that your dog is a family member and should be treated as such, with love, respect and plenty of together-time.
Despite contrasting views on how much time dogs should spend outside, certain breeds thrive on outdoor living and really need that extra time and space for exercise. These dogs are perfect for owners who lead active lifestyles or who live on properties with a lot of acreage.
15. Siberian Husky
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Temperament: Loyal, mischievous, stubborn
Height: 21-23.5 in. (males) 20-22 in. (females)
Weight: 44-60 lbs. (males) 35-51 lbs. (females)
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Why the Siberian Husky Is Great Outdoors
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The Siberian Husky was made for living outdoors in cold climates. Bred as sled dogs in Siberia, huskies are still used today for commuting across the ice and snow in Alaska. Although sometimes mischievous, the breed is resilient and considered the dog best suited for outdoor living in colder climates.
14. American Foxhound
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Temperament: Calm, sweet-natured, independent
Height: 22-25 in. (males) 1-24 in. (females)
Weight: 65-70 lbs. (males) 60-65 lbs. (females)
Life expectancy: 11-13 years
Why the American Foxhound Is Great Outdoors
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These dogs love to run and need a lot of space for exercise outside or else they will be unhappy. Farmland or homes with large backyards are ideal for the American Foxhound. Owners who lead active outdoor lifestyles will find the perfect companion in this breed.
13. Irish Wolfhound
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Temperament: Brave, easy-going, dignified
Height: 32 in. (males) 28 inches (females)
Weight: 120 lbs. (males) 105 lbs. (females)
Life expectancy: 6-8 years
Why the Irish Wolfhound Is Great Outdoors
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Known for being one of the tallest dogs in the world, the Irish Wolfhound has a thick coat that enables the dog to live comfortably outdoors in cold weather. Since they are large dogs, they need plenty of space to move around and actually prefer being outside.
They are one of the top breeds that are best kept outdoors, except in the evenings when they may want to be inside the home with family.
12. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
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Temperament: Loyal, family-friendly, dependable
Height: 25.5-28.5 in. (males) 23.7-27 in. (females)
Weight: 115-140 lbs. (males) 85-110 lbs. (females)
Life expectancy: 8-11 years
Why the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Is Great Outdoors
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These strong mountain dogs were trained for pulling heavy carts and guarding livestock in the Swiss Alps. Since they are less energetic than other herding dogs, they enjoy indoor and outdoor time, especially if the family is nearby. They also love taking walks with their owners, and since their fur is relatively short, they do well outside as long as the temperatures remain moderate to cool.
11. Alaskan Malamute
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Temperament: Exhuberant, loving, faithful
Height: 25 in. (males) 3 in. (females)
Weight: 85 lbs. (males) 75 lbs. (females)
Life expectancy: 10-14 years
Why the Alaskan Malamute Is Great Outdoors
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Smaller than their cousin, the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute has the same wolf-like appearance and was bred as a sled dog. They were trained to hunt in the Arctic conditions of Alaska and, for this reason, can quickly adapt to living outdoors as long as temperatures remain cool.
10. Norwegian Elkhound
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Temperament: Dependable, friendly, bold
Height: 20.5 in. (males) 5 in. (females)
Weight: 55 lbs. (males) 48 lbs. (females)
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Why the Norwegian Elkhound Is Great Outdoors
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Bred to hunt and protect, the Norwegian Elkhound is Norway's national dog. These pups make excellent family pets due to their loving, loyal nature. Since the breed has a thick coat, it adjusts well outside in colder temperatures. However, you should never leave a Norwegian Elkhound outdoors if you live in a hot or tropical environment.
9. German Shepherd
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Temperament: Intelligent, courageous, determined
Height: 24-26 in. (males) 22-24 in. (females)
Weight: 65-90 lbs. (males) 48-70 lbs. (females)
Life expectancy: 7-10 years
Why the German Shepherd Is Great Outdoors
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These superior watchdogs have thick, double coats to protect them in inclement weather, making them good candidates for outdoor living. Shepherds need enough time outside with exercise and freedom to roam. Otherwise, they become restless.
A large yard is preferable for the breed, and as long as the weather is comfortable, they can stay outside for several hours at a time.
8. Bernese Mountain Dog
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Temperament: Faithful, intelligent, strong
Height: 25-27.5 in. (males) 23-26 in. (females)
Weight: 80-155 lbs. (males) 70-95 lbs. (females)
Life expectancy: 7-10 years
Why the Bernese Mountain Dog Is Great Outdoors
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The Bernese Mountain Dog was bred as a herding dog to work outside in the Swiss Mountains' cold weather and windy conditions. Their thick coat helps protect them from freezing temperatures, making them ideal outdoor pets as long as they live in a consistently cool area.
This breed sheds quite a bit, so many owners keep them outside if the weather is agreeable. They are very loving, loyal, and protective of their family, and although well suited to outdoor living, they need plenty of time spent with their owners.
7. Australian Cattle Dog
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Temperament: Loyal, smart, tenacious
Height: 18-20 in. (males) 17-19 in. (females)
Weight: 30-50 lbs. (both)
Life expectancy: 12-16 years
Why the Australian Cattle Dog Is Great Outdoors
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This smart, independent canine gets its name from working in cattle stations in the Australian outback. They are accustomed to being outdoors most of the day, herding cattle over long distances and on rugged terrain. This breed prefers outdoor living as long as it has a warm, dry place to sleep.
6. Mastiff
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Temperament: Brave, dignified, good-natured
Height: 30 in. (males) 27.5 in. (females)
Weight: 160-230 lbs. (Males) 120-170 lbs. (females)
Life expectancy: 6-10 years
Why the Mastiff Is Great Outdoors
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Originally bred as a large war dog some 5,000 years ago, the Mastiff loves spending time outdoors. Because of their size, they need ample space to move around and do well outside if the property is big enough for them to explore. They are also excellent guardians devoted to their families and will easily ward off criminal activity when outdoors.
5. Rottweiler
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Temperament: Obedient, courageous, loyal
Height: 24-27 in. (males) 22-25 in. (females)
Weight: 95-135 lbs. (males) 80-100 lbs. (females)
Life expectancy: 9-10 years
Why the Rottweiler Is Great Outdoors
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This breed is a perfect companion for active, outdoor people. The Rottweiler has a short coat and is just as happy outdoors as he is indoors — as long as the temperatures are not extreme. They love playing with their owners and romping around the yard but are also fiercely protective, making them excellent outdoor guard dogs.
4. Samoyed
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Temperament: Sociable, stubborn, playful
Height: 21-23.5 in. (males) 19-21 in. (females)
Weight: 45-65 lbs. (males) 35-50 lbs. (females)
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Why the Samoyed Is Great Outdoors
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The Samoyed is a herding dog with a thick, protective double coat that helps in almost any weather condition. They were bred in Siberia and used mostly for herding reindeer but were also known to keep their owners warm at night by sleeping on top of or beside them. This breed loves being outdoors and prefers large spaces to explore rather than being cooped indoors for long periods.
3. Australian Shepherd
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Temperament: Clever, work-oriented, high energy
Height: 20-23 In. (males) 18-21 in. (females)
Weight: 50-65 lbs. (males ) 40-55 lbs. (females)
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Why the Australian Shepherd Is Great Outdoors
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Like the Australian Cattle Dog, the Australian Shepherd is bred for herding and guarding livestock. They need a lot of space to run and are known as one of North America's best outdoor dog breeds. They are also the perfect company for high-energy dog owners.
2. Bearded Collie
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Temperament: Playful, smart, affectionate
Height: 21-22 in. (males) 20-21 in. (females)
Weight: 45-55 lbs. (both)
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Why the Bearded Collie Is Great Outdoors
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These amicable, intelligent dogs were initially bred for herding livestock. However, their long coat is shaggy and often needs grooming, especially if they spend most of their time outdoors. They are great family companions but prefer time outside to exercise. This breed is happy at almost any temperature and will adapt well to outdoor living as long as the weather is not extreme.
1. Belgian Sheepdog
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Temperament: Intelligent, serious, alert
Height: 24-26 in. (males) 22-24 in. (females)
Weight: 55-75 lbs. (males) 45-60 lbs. (females)
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Why the Belgian Sheepdog Is Great Outdoors
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The excellent tracking skills of the Belgian Sheepdog make it one of the best breeds for search and rescue teams. They're intelligent dogs that are agile outdoors and easy to train. Since they are prey-driven, their instinct is to chase other animals, so if they are outdoors, they will need to be contained on a large property that includes a fence but plenty of space to run.
Fortunately, they adapt well to most temperatures (as long as the weather is not extreme), making them ideal for outdoor living.