Six month old Italian Greyhound

[robgeo]

I think she could do a through-hike standing on her head! This dog does regular 4-6 mile run/walks with me and she never wants to stop when it's over. Once, I did 13 miles with her no problem!

[robgeo]

IMG_3096.JPG ​There she is

[WingedMonkey]

If she hasn't broken any bones yet, she will.

Most fragile little hyper things I have even been around.

[robgeo]

True that! Man is she scrawny! Her legs are like toothpicks

[atraildreamer]

You should give your dog the trail name: "Trailways".

[squeezebox]

Maybe on a day hike but can a greyhound handle a multiday hike?

[Rocket Jones]

Check with your vet. Most puppies don't need the stress of extended hiking while trying to grow good bones and musculature. Might be too soon, even though she has the energy.

[robgeo]

I take her on very long walk/runs every day and she shows no signs of distress.
My biggest concerns are -
A) The varied terrain. So far she's only walked on pavement and grass. But I can get a sling to carry her to give her breaks.
B) Vulnerability to temperature changes
C) Predators looking for a meal

[Sandy of PA]

They do not do well in cold either. Think raincoat, sleeping bag and pad, etc.

[Water Rat]

She most likely could do a thru hike...and would do a thru hike. But, she is just a baby. She will want to do lots of things... However, that doesn't necessarily mean she should.

Please don't take this wrong - I am all for hiking with dogs! I just encourage you to think about the big picture and many years from now. We all know thru-hiking takes a toll on the human body (as does any sport/outdoor activity), but what does it do to dogs? Especially young, still-growing dogs. Your pooch is undoubtedly special to you and you want to spend time with her. That is awesome! I just encourage you to look at all scenarios before you undertake the journey.

[squeezebox]

At 6 months old is she trained well enough to not get into other hiker's business?

[Hot Flash]

I take her on very long walk/runs every day and she shows no signs of distress.
My biggest concerns are -
A) The varied terrain. So far she's only walked on pavement and grass. But I can get a sling to carry her to give her breaks.
B) Vulnerability to temperature changes
C) Predators looking for a meal

Don't do this to your dog. Very few dogs are suited for trail life, and extended hiking, especially dogs that are inbred purebreeds. Your dog is too far removed from its evolutionary ancestors to be able to handle the wild life, and if you do that to her, you are being cruel.

[Old Hiker]

From the website: http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/italian-greyhound

Agile and athletic, he has a small, muscular body and an elegant high-stepping gait. The IG, as he's often called, retains his instinct for hunting small game and will chase anything that moves. He can reach top speeds of 25 miles per hour, so if he gets loose he won't be easy to catch. Although he's small, he has lots of energy and appreciates plenty of opportunities to exercise. A fit IG can even make a good jogging partner.

I was thinking of a traditional greyhound. This is the smaller version, evidently.Can you chance it getting away in the woods, chasing something?

[robgeo]

Don't do this to your dog. Very few dogs are suited for trail life, and extended hiking, especially dogs that are inbred purebreeds. Your dog is too far removed from its evolutionary ancestors to be able to handle the wild life, and if you do that to her, you are being cruel.

I appreciate what you're saying. Her needs come first. If she's not having a good time, you turn around and head home.

[robgeo]

Don't do this to your dog. Very few dogs are suited for trail life, and extended hiking, especially dogs that are inbred purebreeds. Your dog is too far removed from its evolutionary ancestors to be able to handle the wild life, and if you do that to her, you are being cruel.

hoo u kallin inbred???!!!

Sorry, my dog got hold of the computer....

[tiptoe]

Internet_dog (1).jpg

New Yorker cartoon by Peter Steiner