Thinking about getting a dog. Any suggestions on a breed, mix etc that is best for a hiking partner?
Thinking about getting a dog. Any suggestions on a breed, mix etc that is best for a hiking partner?
we have a weimaraner and he is an awesome hiking dog... cranks out tons of miles and is good with wildlife, other dogs, kids, etc... we've had him on the trails since he was a pup and he loves it
My friend has a Brittany Spaniel. That dog practically pulled him up the Whites.
They LOVE the outdoors, exercise, and are such go-getters. Oh, and the freckles don't hurt
Man is only half himself,
The other half is a bright thing.
He tumbles on by luck or grace,
For man is ever a blind thing.
For example A Brittany puppy.
Man is only half himself,
The other half is a bright thing.
He tumbles on by luck or grace,
For man is ever a blind thing.
Dogs are excellent judges of character, this fact goes a long way toward explaining why some people don't like being around them.
Woo
Pack Rat immediatly sprang to mind--but then I saw you meant 'dog breed'.
A working dog with a happy personality. A leader and problem solver but one who knows that you are the Alpha hiker. Some dogs like to be 'on journey' but, since they are often territorial in nature, hiking is not so much fun for all if the trail is very far from home.
Working dogs and hunting dogs seem like the best bet. They're active, nimble, driven, and most are bred to take orders.
What not to look for: Personally, I wouldn't take any dog larger than a Labrador Retriever, because you might have to carry them a short distance occasionally. Also big dogs would have a rougher go of it on their joints and feet, I suspect. You'd want a dog that won't overheat too. All the Alaskan sled dog breeds love to put in the miles, but they're not built for heat. Dogs with long coats or especially shaggy coats seem like a bad idea with all the maintenance, ticks, and burs you'd have to deal with.
If I were in the market for a hiking dog, I would look for a beagle, lab, or border collie myself - just based on the types of breeds I like that fit the above criteria. But there's lots more that work too. Lots of the taller terriers would make for great companions too.
If I had to hike with a dog just to win a bet, I would go with a tiny Chihuahua of course. It could ride in the top of my pack. I'd call him Bear Snack.
I prefere large dogs and learned that females are much easier to train and they behave a little better. If I would bring a dog I may bring my Great Daine. Short hair, very active, and well behaved.
I would stay away from scent hounds and hunting dogs (like beagles, bloodhounds, etc) as they will instinctively run after prey and follow their nose and get lost. Too small a dog won't be able to climb over bigger stuff, too big and you won't be able to carry or help it.
"That's the thing about possum innards - they's just as good the second day." - Jed Clampett
+1 for a Brittany. My Chocolate Lab is great too, though. You might want to seek a dog with a "waterproof coat", a Chocolate Lab for instance, so that when they get wet their skin doesn't really get to wet and they stay warmer easier and also dry quicker (don't want to sleep with a soaked pup).
I can't emphasize how much I appreciate my little black lab's (Molly ) waterproof coat. I can take her on a 4 mile run where she will soak herself in the creeks (taking a sip for her also consists of taking a swim) and she will be mostly dry by the time we get back to the car. Not to mention, I have been camping with her in LOTS of wet weather and its wonderful NOT having her completely soaked all the way through the night. I love my Molly =)
I really want to bring her on my thru but I think I'm gonna be selfish and not add the extra worries that accompany.. I would be way more likely to bring her if I didn't have to kennel her in 3 spots along the trail but that's a lot of money and time spent just getting the pup to and from the kennels/trail.
My Golden hikes with me and the local hiking club regularly. She loves human attention and doesnt chase after wildlife. She likes to walk in front of the lead hiker but will heal if I tell her to.
The only dog on the trail that I've encountered that didn't jump on me or go crazy and was extremely well behaved without being leashed was the Portuguese water dog (?). I think that was the breed the owner said. It's the same breed President Obama's family decided on. The owner said he was a great hiking partner.
Happy Lifetime Sectioner!
There are many more breeds that may adjust to hiking just well. Some may just need a little practice and will get soon into the routine. Many times hikers search so much for the ideal hiking breed and then end up finding that a mutt adopted from their local shelter has turned out being the best hiking dog they have ever had.
Most any dog of sufficient size can be made into a trail dog, it's just a matter of putting in the time for consistent training. If you are considering a rescue/shelter dog, it's quite rewarding for many reasons and I've met many a well behaved trail mutt.
To agree with the previous posts, I would stay away from working hunting lines or more primitive breeds, their prey drive is more than most people want to handle on a hiking trail.
If you're looking for pure bred dogs, herding dogs (Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, etc) make great hiking partners as long as you can handle their energy off of the trail. I've also heard great things about Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain dogs as trail companions, but don't have personal experience with them.
Colorless green ideas sleep furiously.
Great Dane? Couldn't be a worse choice. Their hearts are not meant to take that kind of work out. And I have 2 of them.