From icy mountain trails to scorching deserts, some dog breeds are built to thrive in the toughest conditions nature can throw at them. Bred for endurance, strength and resilience, these hardy dogs are more than just tough – they excel in environments where others would struggle.
But with that stamina and spirit comes a need for proper care: these dog breeds often require more exercise, training and stimulation than the average dog to stay happy, healthy and well behaved.
Toughest dog breeds
Turkish Kangal
With one of the strongest bites of any dog, the Turkish Kangal has a powerful jaw and the strongest bite force among canines. They are used as livestock guardian dogs in Turkey, where they protect flocks from predators. Their thick double coat allows them to withstand harsh weather conditions while guarding livestock for extended periods.
Siberian husky
Enduring freezing temperatures, Siberian huskies are built for endurance and can pull three times its own weight over long distances. Their double coat insulates them to temperatures down to -50°C, helping them thrive in snowy climates. With its bright blue eyes, the Siberian husky is one of the most beautiful dog breeds in the world.
Border collie
Not only is the border collie one of the most intelligent dog breeds; it’s also one of the most athletic, with remarkable stamina – capable of covering long distances across hilly terrain. The border collie can run over 50 miles a day when it’s herding, and can work long hours herding sheep. You can see them in action at sheepdog trials across the UK.
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Australian cattle dog
Able to tolerate extreme heat, the Australian cattle dog is arguably the Antipodean equivalent of the UK’s border collie, developed to drive cattle across large distances in a farming environment. These resilient, strong-willed dogs are agile and thrive in working environments. They are also one of the healthiest dog breeds in the world.
Find out about another Australian dog breed: the Australian shepherd.
Tibetan mastiff
One of the oldest dog breeds in the world, the Tibetan mastiff was once used as monastery guardians in Tibet. It has a thick double coat that allows it to thrive in sub-zero temperatures and in altitudes of more than 5000m.
These dogs have an imposing stature and powerful bite force, which, combined with their strong-willed, independent instincts, makes them an excellent guard dog – but their energy needs to be harnessed, and they require proper, extensive training.
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a favourite dog of special forces such as the Navy SEALs, thanks to its impressive agility and endurance. It can scale walls of up to two metres, and thrives in conditions of mental and physical stimulation.
We included several Belgian Malinois dogs in our round-up of the bravest dogs of all time, thanks to their involvement with the special forces.
Alaskan Malamute
Like the Siberian husky, the Alaskan Malamute is a sled dog built for hauling massively heavy loads over long distances. They may have less endurance than huskies, but they have much greater muscle mass for pulling power. Like huskies, they can endure very cold conditions and navigate challenging terrains and make sharp turns while they are carrying heavy loads, thanks to their excellent agility.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are some of the best swimming dog breeds, coming into their own in cold-water rescue, with webbed feet that allow them to swim long distances – even with a drowning person in tow. They are strong and resilient in icy seas, and were historically used in shipwreck rescues and fishing operations.
Like many other big dog breeds, Newfoundlands are one of the dog breeds that drool a lot. This is due to the large surface area on their bodies that they need to keep cool.
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