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If you’re as outdoorsy as many pet parents are in the Beaches, you probably want a dog who loves the outdoors as much as you do. These 7 breeds are all about the active lifestyle, and they may even push you to get out more than you already do!
Husky
Huskies are all about the cold, but they still have a great time in the summer too.
If you ski, hike, or even just stand in the snow in the winter, your husky will be over the moon excited. He’ll stay out as long as you let him.
Huskies have been domesticated for hundreds of years, and they are great active companions for families.
Australian Shepherd
In or outside the city, your Australian Shepherd loves a good walk. They’re especially nimble along the trails of the Niagara Escarpment, west of the city.
They were bred to herd cattle in the western United States, and they have seemingly endless energy. That isn’t to say they won’t chill out at home and give you some good snuggle-up time, but they will be just as happy to run along the trails from 8am to 8pm, if you’re up for it.
And they’re super smart, to boot!
Lab Retriever
Labs are everywhere, and for good reason.
They’re easy going, they love the water (great for families in the Beaches), and they’re highly social.
Labs live hard and sleep hard. They’ll crash in the waves for an hour, then crash under the shade of a tree for an hour, then head back to the water.
Just be careful what food you leave laying around, it won’t be there very long LOL.
Border Collie
The Border Collie, like the Australian Shepherd, was bred to herd and loves the challenge of the outdoors.
These mid-sized dogs are smart and agile, so can handle almost any hike, whether in High Park or Algonquin Park. They have great fun with special agility training.
In fact, just about every breed of Collie can do great in an active home.
Portuguese Water Dog
Like the name suggests, the Portuguese Water Dog loves the waves.
They were uniquely bred to herd fish into nets. How crazy is that! Because of that heritage, they love water in all forms. They are equally at home in lakes, rivers, or out on the back patio of your city home.
If you spend time fishing, canoeing or just simply love being by any body of water, your Portuguese Water Dog will be the happiest companion imaginable.
Golden Retriever
Goldens are noted for being overly friendly, reliable and trustworthy. In addition to being a gentle-mouthed retriever, they are absolutely wonderful with children.
As a powerful and active dog, Goldens also exceed in obedience training. They do well in suburban or country environments where they get lots of outdoor exercise.
Bernese Mountain Dog
No, it’s not a Burmese, it’s Bernese.
These big dogs aren’t high endurance, but they’re perfect for active families with a less extreme inclination.
They love hikes at family pace, and they’re happy to carry their share of the gear (since they were bred to help out on the farm). They are incredibly friendly and good natured, often so attached to the family that they will stick close by without a leash.
Your Bernese is a great, worry-free, outdoor loving dog.
Of course, there are plenty of other breeds which enjoy a good romp in the outdoors, but these are our picks for life in our part of Toronto.
Most of these breeds do need regular grooming and good, high-protein food. So stop by our shop and see what we have to offer them. Hunt: we have exactly what they need.
