Outdoor Dogs 2026: These are the 13 breeds of adorable dog who thrive on plenty of outdoors adventures - including the loving Labrador 🐶

If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.

Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).

So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.

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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.

Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.

If you are an outdoorsy family, it makes sense to opt for a breed that will enjoy joining you for alfresco adventures.

Indeed, some dogs love being outside so much they will be happy to even sleep under the stars – as long as the climate is suitable.

So, here are the 13 dog breeds that need plenty of time outside to stay healthy and happy.

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