A walking holiday with your dog

Hiking with a dog is not only a wonderful experience for active holidaymakers who are keen on exercise. Being active in the great outdoors is also an enjoyable adventure for your four-legged companion. Our individual hiking holidays are divided into four levels of difficulty, so-called levels of hiking and thus offer exactly the right amount of activity for all target groups and dog breeds.

Our Eurohike hiking holidays are divided into four categories or levels of hiking:                              moderate walking, walking, mountain hiking and trekking. Accordingly, the routes are more leisurely or demanding. On our website, we have marked all hiking holidays that are suitable for dogs with a green paw. So you can immediately see how demanding the hiking tour is and whether it is also suitable for dogs.

Nevertheless, we recommend consulting your vet to see if the planned tour will be enjoyable for your four-legged friend. After all, your dog should not be overwhelmed and, like us humans, it is important to ensure the right balance between exercise and relaxation.

When booking your hiking holiday with a dog, please provide us with the following information:

•     Dog breed
•     Weight or size of your dog

Note on hotels and accommodation during your walking holiday: We register your dog in all hotels and accommodation. The fees for your dog as well as the services on-site vary depending on the accommodation.

Eurohike hiking holidays are divided into four levels of difficulty. From

• Moderate walking
• Walking
• Mountain Hiking
• and Trekking

our holidays offer various levels of hiking experiences.

How far you can hike with your dog depends entirely on your particular dog. Factors such as breed, age and also the state of health play an important role in how far you should plan your daily hikes.

If you have any questions about the daily stages, route guidance and tour details of your favourite hiking holiday, our Eurohike travel specialists are always happy to help.

All of our hiking holidays marked with a green paw have been checked by us and are guaranteed to be dog friendly. These hiking tours lead through forests, meadows or past beautiful lakes and the routes are always suitable for your four-legged friend. Your hiking holiday with your dog will be an unforgettable adventure in nature, the environment where your dog feels right at home.

Daily hikes should be individually tailored to your dog. Daily stages can vary depending on the breed, age, state of health and how much exercise your four-legged friend enjoys. If you have any questions we recommend you speak to your veterinarian.

For an all-round successful hike with your dog, we recommend the following equipment:

• A well-fitting harness
• A lead (tow or guide line)
• Water with bowl
• Dog food and treats
• Rain cover in case conditions get wet
• Dog blanket for a well-deserved hiking break
• Sun protection for your dog (especially with short-haired breeds, it is advisable to rub sunscreen on the bridge of the nose, for instance, as your dog can also get sunburn)

You can find even more details and equipment tips for hiking holidays with a dog in our Eurohike check list.

On our hiking holidays, the Eurohike team ensures the journey from A to Z is a pleasure for people and animals. This includes professional advice from our travel specialists, dog-friendly hiking routes, as well as paw-friendly hotels and accommodation throughout your hiking tour.

You need to plan the following equipment for a hiking holiday with a dog:

• Transport box and dog basket (a foldable box would be ideal for transport on site)
• Collar
• Muzzle and lead
• Dog brush
• Dog shoes (if required)
• Water for the trip / car journey
• Dog food
• Poop bags
• Medication (i.e. for abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc.)
• Information about vetarinarians in the holiday region

On our Eurohike checklist you will find all the important information and details about the equipment that you should not forget on your next hiking tour with your dog.

Do you have any questions? Our Eurohike travel specialists will be happy to advise you!

In general, it depends entirely on your dog because not every dog of the same breed is the same and the respective energy level is different. Nevertheless, there are some dog breeds that are particularly hungry for exercise and very much enjoy time out in the fresh air. Here is a selection of dog breeds for which a hiking tour is sure to turn into an adventure:

• Australian Shepherd: A real all-rounder when it comes to exercise. This breed of dog loves sport, has good stamina and is very clever.
• Border Collie: This active breed of dog enjoys any kind of activity in the great outdoors. Whether hiking or cycling, the main thing is action and movement.
• Weimaraner: This high-energy breed is known to be a particularly agile hiking companion. Weimaraner’s have strong muscles, are very obedient and enjoy being outdoors.
• Magyar Vizsla: An equally sporty and agile dog breed is the Magyar Vizsla, a Hungarian pointing dog. Long hikes are no problem for this dog and their particularly friendly nature make them a perfect hiking companion.
• Dalmatians: Stamina and a very friendly nature – this is what Dalmatians are known for. There is nothing better for this spotty dog companion than a hike in nature with a searching game in between.
• Labrador Retriever: This dog breed is also one of the obedient and sporty breeds. With a lot of energy, the Labrador Retriever is happy to be exercised by their owners on a hike.
• Jack Russel Terrier: Small but with a lot of stamina – this is what the somewhat smaller breed of dog is known for. They always adapt to the pace of their owner and are excellent hiking companions.
• Husky: Hours of hiking in the great outdoors? No problem for a husky! Continuous movement is important and a real pleasure for this dog breed. If you are already thinking about the next break from hiking, this breed of dog will still march on full of motivation and energy.

Generally, the EU pet passport must be carried on all trips abroad, including holidays to non-EU countries. This ID confirms that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies and is microchipped. For entry into some countries, a blood test for rabies antibodies, tapeworm treatment or a health certificate from an official veterinarian must also be presented.

In any case please inform yourself about the respecitive regulations in your holiday destination.

If you are checked at the border, you will need the following documents for your dog:

• EU-pet passport

Please inform yourself about the respecitive regulations in your holiday destination before departure. 

For travelling with a dog within the EU, you need the following documents:

• EU- pet passport (you can get this from your veterinarian): you must be noted as an accompanying person and the microchip number must be entered. The rabies vaccination must also be noted.
• Proof of a valid rabis vaccination (the first dose must have been given at least 21 days before the holiday)
• You dog must be at least 15 weeks old
• Your dog must be identified with a microchip (which conforms to ISO-standard 11784)

Different regulations may apply to holidays with dogs outside the EU. Please inform yourself about the entry requirements and local regulations before you start your holiday.