A poodle could be your best hiking dog!

You’ve just hiked a vertical mile. You are at the crest of your favorite destination, prepared to relax and take in one of your favorite views. You settle in to rest with your hiking partner, your dog.
Can you imagine the dog you have with you?

Did you imagine yourself with a poodle?
No? Well then, I encourage you to keep reading so I can alter your imagination a bit.
Take a minute, and get yourself comfortable while I tell you what makes the standard poodle the ideal hiking partner you never even knew you needed!

I thought the poodle was just a circus dog. Boy was I wrong!

The first time I considered a standard poodle as a hiking partner was more than a decade ago when the idea was introduced to me by a kind stranger at a ski lodge. We had just completed a day of skiing and were relaxing by the fire in the chalet, hands filled with hot chocolate. My husband and I were talking about the ideal hiking dog. We had Great Danes at the time, and I was looking for a breed that could do more in the backcountry with me. A man overheard our conversation and joined us by the fire. 

He asked; “Have you ever considered a standard poodle?”

My first thought was likely the same as you; a poodle? Aren’t those circus dogs?

But the stranger assured me I would be pleasantly surprised if I did some research on the breed.
I took him up on his challenge and began that very night to research poodles. Specifically the standard variety.

And the rest, as they say, is history!

Intelligent and Trainable

One of the reasons poodles make excellent adventure dogs is their intelligence. Poodles are highly trainable and can quickly learn new skills and commands. This makes them perfect for outdoor activities that require obedience and discipline, such as hiking or camping.

Poodles are also very observant and have a keen sense of awareness of their surroundings. This can be extremely helpful when hiking on unfamiliar trails or camping in new areas. They are also great at problem-solving, which can come in handy when faced with unexpected challenges on the trail or in the wilderness.

Energetic and Active

Poodles are also energetic and active dogs. They love to run, play, and explore, making them perfect companions for outdoor adventures. They have a lot of stamina and can keep up with even the most active hikers or bikers. Properly conditioned standard poodles won't tire out quickly and can keep up with you on longer hikes or bike rides.

Their energy levels also make them great at playing fetch or other games, which can help keep them entertained and engaged during downtime on your outdoor adventures. 

Low-Shedding 

Another great thing about poodles is that they are low-shedding and hypoallergenic. This means that they don't shed much hair, making them a great choice for people with allergies. This can be especially important when camping or hiking in areas with a lot of dust or allergens.

Their low-shedding coat also means they are easier to maintain and keep clean when you're in the wilderness. Another interesting fact about the poodle coat is that it is water-resistant. Poodles are one of the original water-retrieving dog breeds. Their coats are designed to repel water from the skin. This helps the poodle hair to dry faster and keeps the poodle warm while outdoors on adventures.

A properly textured poodle coat is one of the more important details I breed for here at Galavanting Poodles. Those good coats matter!

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a versatile, intelligent, and energetic companion for your next outdoor adventure, then consider getting a standard poodle. They are perfect for hiking, camping, biking, and even kayaking. They are also hypoallergenic and low-shedding, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies. Their coats are designed for water play and outdoor adventure!
So why not consider adding a poodle to your adventure dog squad? 

Trust me… You won't regret it!