Best Dog Breeds

[petedelisio]

What are the best dog breeds for long term foot travel, and being around people and other wildlife sporadically?

Also been wondering what some average miles various hunting dogs might put in with an avid hunter out 4 or 5 days a week... Like a beagle or blood hound mountain Cur, Blue tic etc.. Or sheep and cattle dog high mileage at work.

Don't think I would be busting many 10 mile days.

[AllDownhillFromHere]

I heard that the military uses retrievers in .afg because Shephers can't take the mileage and heat.

I saw a husky mix/sled dog on the PCT last year, doing 20-30 mile days just fine. I hear they have a prey drive, although I imagine it's bred out of many purely sled dogs. I'd avoid terriers, for the same reason.

[Slo-go'en]

You want to avoid hyperactive dogs like herders. You want to avoid big dogs like Labs. Medium sized dogs, on the smaller side of medium seem to do best on the AT. They don't have to eat tons of food and are light and agile on their paws.

But the most important thing is training.

[Rex Clifton]

I’ve hiked a lot with my golden retriever and you couldn’t ask for a better dog. Really strong, carries a pack with ease.


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[Feral Bill]

I expect the individual beast would matter more that the breed, and agree that a mellow, mid sized dog would be the place to start.

[swisscross]

A medium sized mutt.

[Slo-go'en]

I’ve hiked a lot with my golden retriever and you couldn’t ask for a better dog. Really strong, carries a pack with ease. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Yea, labs are great, mellow dogs, but I wouldn't take one on a long distance hike. Get into difficult terrain like NH and Maine, they will have trouble. Where you plan on hiking will have a big impact.

[JJ505]

A dog breed for walking long miles, like a Husky. Not the easiest to train though. But they do need high amounts of exercise. Some of them aren't bred to be as large. I'm strictly speaking academically. Don't have/never wanted a husky, but i do like them.

[Slo-go'en]

A dog breed for walking long miles, like a Husky. Not the easiest to train though. But they do need high amounts of exercise. Some of them aren't bred to be as large. I'm strictly speaking academically. Don't have/never wanted a husky, but i do like them.

Expect they don't do well in the heat, and on a long distance hike your probably going to be hiking in hot temps at some point.

[KDogg]

Golden Retriever. Those dogs love people more than hiking. Never saw one on the trail that didn't want to say hello.

[nsherry61]

A dog breed for walking long miles, like a Husky. . .
No kidding. The Iditarod dogs don't walk miles, they run 1000+ miles at race speeds pulling a sled! Maybe you just need to shave them for summer travels. :-?

[ScareBear]

Mine is a cross between a standard Manchester Terrier and a Rottweiler. 40 pounds of trail perfection. Best trail dog I've ever had.

[Puddlefish]

I expect the individual beast would matter more that the breed, and agree that a mellow, mid sized dog would be the place to start.

Very much this. I got a rescue mutt, some sort of energetic terrier retriever mix. Mutts are generally healthier. Seemed like a great trail dog... until within weeks he developed a shoulder issue, so no distance hikes for me. Then he developed some sort of neck issue, and now he can't even handle day hikes. Thousands of dollars later, and I'm pretty much only hiking when I have a dog sitter now.

You can plan all you want, and I've always suggested that people choose a dog that suits their lifestyle. Be certain you really want a dog in your life, even if that dog turns out not to be capable not to hike with you.

Edit: Remember that the dog will likely wear out and get old before you do.

[blw2]

I raised a couple litters of beagles when I was high school aged....for hunting rabbit and deer. They could cover many miles in a day for sure...but I'm not sure about day after day after day after day
knew some folks that had bluetick and other type hounds. Similar but they'd cover the ground a lot faster than a person can.
but in my opinion hounds of any sort would be far too distractable zig zagging and hunting. They want to hunt and chase.

[rocketsocks]

A medium sized mutt.this^^^^^^^^

[TX Aggie]

Australian Cattle Dogs (blue healers) were specifically bred for long miles in the heat on a daily basis. They could definitely handle the rigors of the trail and they are very intelligent and easy to train, but they CAN also be very energetic. The one I have is fairly mellow and I suspect if I would have gotten her out on the trails early enough she would’ve been very good as a Trail companion.
The min thing is getting any dog while they’re young and exposing them to the elements of the Trail.

[archie]

Mutts are generally healthier.

I'm curious about this statement. Do you have any data supporting that?

[nsherry61]

I'm curious about this statement. Do you have any data supporting that?
There is actually all kinds of evidence in animal breading to support that. Mutts may not meet specific needs as well as pure-bred animals bread for a particular purpose, but almost by definition, the pure-bread is good at what it is bread for at the expense of being good at many other general things.

The common term is "hybrid vigor."

[blw2]

I'm curious about this statement. Do you have any data supporting that?

I've read and heard that in a lot of different contexts...and other times have observed the supporting opposite notion that some pure breads have know 'issues'...... such as common hp issues in some breads, as an example

[TX Aggie]

I'm curious about this statement. Do you have any data supporting that?

Very well documented, pure breeds are the most susceptible to congenital diseases such as deafness, hip displaysia, and skin issues. Inbreeding can be rampant if you’re not careful with breeders, this seems to be especially true of SOME AKC breeders.


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[archie]

I'm just curious to see some if that documentation if you have it.

[TX Aggie]

I'm curious about this statement. Do you have any data supporting that?

Very well documented, pure breeds are the most susceptible to congenital diseases such as deafness, hip displaysia, and skin issues. Inbreeding can be rampant if you’re not careful with breeders, this seems to be especially true of SOME AKC breeders.

Here’s just the first of many that comes up after a quick search. Abstract from a UC Davis study of 27,000 dogs:

http://www.instituteofcaninebiology.org/blog/health-of-purebred-vs-mixed-breed-dogs-the-data


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[TX Aggie]

And don’t get me wrong, there are a few purebred breeds that I love: GSD, Jack Russel, Border Collie, but the stats do show purebreds tend to have greater issues.

Also, this is one of the reason crosses like LabraDoodles have become so popular.


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[archie]

Thanks, I was familiar with that study.

Always looking for new information.

[Gambit McCrae]

I have always been certain that a small framed GSP( German Shorthair Pointer) would be a perfect hiking buddy.

This is a good Article on the Subject Best hiking dogs (http://dogsaholic.com/breeds/info/best-hiking-dogs.html)

[archie]

I agree with gambit that a small framed, well trained pointer would be a good choice.

I don't hike with dogs either.

[molliesmaster]

I have always been certain that a small framed GSP( German Shorthair Pointer) would be a perfect hiking buddy.

This is a good Article on the Subject Best hiking dogs (http://dogsaholic.com/breeds/info/best-hiking-dogs.html)

As much as I love my GSP and GWP, I don't think they would make good trail dogs for a beginner dog handler. I am absolutely sure that with some minimal exercise, either breed could handle the mileage day in and day out. My fear would be the prey drive on the trail would cause some issues. My GSP will chase anything from deer and turkeys to rabbits and squirrels, it's in her nature. My gwp will point a game bird and not leave until you flush it, no matter how far away she is. I don't even want to know what a bear interaction would look like. Again, I love the breeds, but their prey drive is a force to reckon with. They can't help it and I love them for it.

[IslandPete]

Scout is a “Potcake”, which is a Bahamian mutt. Like I told folks on the trail, I think he thought it was the best day ever, day after day...

42130

[sethd513]

We are very happy with our Rhodesian ridgeback. He’s just over 1.5 years and can do up to 15 mile day hikes. We did two 10 mile days in a row. Probably more now as this was before winter. He’s ready to run two days after. I can run him 4 miles now and he still wants to play frisbee after. He carry’s all his own gear and listens very well in the tent. He was the dominate male in the litter and has been a lot to train and will continued to be worked with.

We waited till 12 months to do anything over 2 miles with him. Up to 12 months we made sure to only do 1/4 mile at a time with a good break for him. It was surely a pain but so far it has paid off. Also he is still intact which has also helped with his development. Starting slow and waiting till the joints and bones are fully grown is cheap insurance. Getting ready to mountian bike with him this spring. And getting him a sister from the same parents in June.


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[Gambit McCrae]

As much as I love my GSP and GWP, I don't think they would make good trail dogs for a beginner dog handler. I am absolutely sure that with some minimal exercise, either breed could handle the mileage day in and day out. My fear would be the prey drive on the trail would cause some issues. My GSP will chase anything from deer and turkeys to rabbits and squirrels, it's in her nature. My gwp will point a game bird and not leave until you flush it, no matter how far away she is. I don't even want to know what a bear interaction would look like. Again, I love the breeds, but their prey drive is a force to reckon with. They can't help it and I love them for it.

In my experiences you have 2 very different kinds of GSP's. The workdog/ hunting dog & the family dog. I personally had a GSP that was a family dog. She had the working drive that the breed is known for, but would listen like a well trained lab. She was only about 40lbs which is a good bit on the small side and was very agile. If I get another dog after Ward kicks the bucket it will be another female GSP.

[JJ505]

I have always been certain that a small framed GSP( German Shorthair Pointer) would be a perfect hiking buddy.

This is a good Article on the Subject Best hiking dogs (http://dogsaholic.com/breeds/info/best-hiking-dogs.html)

Most of these lists are kind of BS, but this one is actually pretty good. Though I think ,the Berner is a lovely dog, but they only live about 9-10 years average.

Also i agree with whoever said that Huskies are not real heat tolerant. Though for some odd reason they are popular and can do well in New Mexico, go figure.

Also I think the term "hybrid vigor" is misapplied to mixed breed dogs. Mixed breed dogs are not hybrids. However, they can be healthier due to fewer genetic diseases from inbreeding-- or from breeding in some traits. Some mixed breeds would NOT be good hiking dogs.

Interesting topic, anyway.

[Rain Man]

When I saw IslandPete's "Scout," I thought I'd have to post a pic of my "Boone." As someone else says, he thinks every day on a trail in the woods is the best day ever. He even found me on a trail in the woods as a dumped puppy, on a 4-day backpacking trip on the Sheltowee Trace in Kentucky, in the Daniel Boone National Forest, thus his name.

He was so small he rode on my backpack to camp that night. :) Vet says he's a Rottweiler-German Shepherd mix. He learned very early to respond a command that means "stop what you're doing." On his very first backpacking trip with me while still a pup (after being chipped) on the Chimney Top Trail in Frozen Head State Park here in Tennessee, he rounded a bend ahead of me and spooked some wild boar, which took off like a blur down the mountainside. He immediately gave chase but stopped on my command. He REALLY wanted to keep going per his body language and glances at me and them, but came back to me. I was so proud! :)

I've watched him run from side to side of trails, running first to one side, then the other, over and over out of sheer joy, which reminded me of being a boy holding my arms out like wings and doing the same thing.

Here's a photo of him riding on top of my backpack the day he found me (he was too small to keep up and too heavy to be carried far in my arms). Also a pic of him during a rest/snack stop last year on the Conasauga River Trail in Georgia. He's smart enough to rest when it's a rest break.

I never intended to have a hiking dog, but he sure seems to be a good mixed breed for starters and on top of that has a great mellow disposition, intelligence, and obedience. All that said, I've never pushed him to hike 20 miles, and wouldn't, especially day after day.

I have read/been told(?) one thing that relates to breed: if your dog gets injured, can you carry him/her out to safety?

[blue indian]

I have a female Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Shes 50-55lbs

She is an amazing athlete and highly intelligent. I chose this breed for very specific reasons. Some of those attributes I thought would make an awesome hiking buddy.

Shes a little over 1 year old and we have logged around 400 miles since she joined my family. About 99% of those miles have been off leash.

Here are my observations after the first year:

1. She absolutely loves being on trail. She is meant to be in the woods.

2. She is good about sticking with me, like 85% of the time. She has never run away but her prey drive is very strong. She will chase any moving creature if she wants to. And I cant stop her, I dont want to. Thats her natural instinct and its not fair for me to suppress that. However, if bond and trust between human and K9 is strong enough and you can get your dog to stop and stay on command, all should be good. But the fact that her prey drive is so strong worries me when we go into the big mountains. We have plenty of trails near the house for training purposes.

3. She gets over heated very easily. She has a 2 coat layer system going on. A wooly undercoat and a wirey top coat. If its over 65* and she gets let loose, you need to be extra vigilant with her. I worry about this because often shes much more interested in chasing or sniffing to drink H2O. But if I squirt H2O on her belly and armpits it helps keep her cool.

Overall, we have a very strong start for a long relationship on trail together. But for now, any long distance hike will be done solo. I think when I can fully rely on her to "woah", "leave it", and "stay" she will be joining me for more backcountry forays. When its not going to be hot...

Shes in one of neemors videos if youre interested

[Dogwood]

I go to the folks who know dog breeds better than anyone.
http://www.akc.org/contententertainment//articles/perfect-hiking-partners/

Have owned and hiked with or hiked with these breeds owned by another hiker: Siberian husky(1, nothing longer than 3-4 days), black/chocolate/yellow Labrador Retrievers(many, as long as s couple of wks, have done canoe trips with Labs, popular outdoor and family breed, never a thru hike though of TC length), Irish Setter(1, thru of the AT), Border Collies, Australian Sheperds and these last two mixes(several times up to OR and WA PCT distance), German Short Haired Pointers(2, only long weekend lengths), Weimeraner (1, great hiking breed, day hiles), German Sheperd(2, day and over nighters, one other was a loving faithful companion but his personality and my ineptitude as a dog owner I couldn't go out more than a day), Rhodesian Ridgeback (2). Probably some I'm forgetting.

Not all hikes, dog breeds, individual dog personalities(dogalities?), and all dog owners abilities are optimally compatible. Here in lies problems when dog owners ignore this. They ceasely try to jam a large round
peg into a smaller square hole.

Selecting a dog breed to hike with is only the beginning. I've given this much consideration unfortunately choosing to not hike with some breeds, some dog personalities, and other dog owners. I've owned dogs I would have loved to hike with but the dog wasn't right or I wasn't up to the tasks. I can't teach a dog what I don't know.

[blue indian]

We are very happy with our Rhodesian ridgeback. He’s just over 1.5 years and can do up to 15 mile day hikes. We did two 10 mile days in a row. Probably more now as this was before winter. He’s ready to run two days after. I can run him 4 miles now and he still wants to play frisbee after. He carry’s all his own gear and listens very well in the tent. He was the dominate male in the litter and has been a lot to train and will continued to be worked with.

We waited till 12 months to do anything over 2 miles with him. Up to 12 months we made sure to only do 1/4 mile at a time with a good break for him. It was surely a pain but so far it has paid off. Also he is still intact which has also helped with his development. Starting slow and waiting till the joints and bones are fully grown is cheap insurance. Getting ready to mountian bike with him this spring. And getting him a sister from the same parents in June.


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Is the reason you waited until the pup was 12 months because of joint and bone development? We are waiting for her to go thru one heat before fixing her for those reasons. But Im afraid she might have done too much as a pup

[Dogwood]

I have always been certain that a small framed GSP( German Shorthair Pointer) would be a perfect hiking buddy.

This is a good Article on the Subject Best hiking dogs (http://dogsaholic.com/breeds/info/best-hiking-dogs.html)


As much as I love my GSP and GWP, I don't think they would make good trail dogs for a beginner dog handler. I am absolutely sure that with some minimal exercise, either breed could handle the mileage day in and day out. My fear would be the prey drive on the trail would cause some issues. My GSP will chase anything from deer and turkeys to rabbits and squirrels, it's in her nature. My gwp will point a game bird and not leave until you flush it, no matter how far away she is. I don't even want to know what a bear interaction would look like. Again, I love the breeds, but their prey drive is a force to reckon with. They can't help it and I love them for it.

This was the case for Gunner a GSP I had. It was as much my fault as a new inept dog owner. He was really high strung just like my brothers male GSP. Couldn't be left in the house alone. Despite obedience school his drive to chase prey was too strong to let him off leash on hikes. One upstate NY pheasant hunt off leash he took off disregarding commands and whistles chasing a missed bird. He came back 30 mins later with the pheasant in his mouth.

[Dogwood]

I have always been certain that a small framed GSP( German Shorthair Pointer) would be a perfect hiking buddy.

This is a good Article on the Subject Best hiking dogs (http://dogsaholic.com/breeds/info/best-hiking-dogs.html)


As much as I love my GSP and GWP, I don't think they would make good trail dogs for a beginner dog handler. I am absolutely sure that with some minimal exercise, either breed could handle the mileage day in and day out. My fear would be the prey drive on the trail would cause some issues. My GSP will chase anything from deer and turkeys to rabbits and squirrels, it's in her nature. My gwp will point a game bird and not leave until you flush it, no matter how far away she is. I don't even want to know what a bear interaction would look like. Again, I love the breeds, but their prey drive is a force to reckon with. They can't help it and I love them for it.

This was the case for Gunner a GSP I had. It was as much my fault as a new inept dog owner. He was really high strung just like my brothers male GSP. Couldn't be left in the house alone. Despite obedience school his drive to chase prey was too strong to let him off leash on hikes. One upstate NY pheasant hunt off leash he took off disregarding commands and whistles chasing a missed bird. He came back 30 mins later with the pheasant in his mouth.

[Dogwood]

He'd stay on pt but once an animal took off we missed couldn't get him to avoid a chase unless we had him leashed. Here lies a problem. Some folks don't want to hike with a leashed dog making it tempting to unleash dogs that should be. Then dogs and dog owners generalized lead to a bad rap.

And, just like other situations dog owners start making excuses and offering justification for unleashing dogs that should be leashed imposing on others.

[Dogwood]

He'd stay on pt but once an animal took off we missed couldn't get him to avoid a chase unless we had him leashed. Here lies a problem. Some folks don't want to hike with a leashed dog making it tempting to unleash dogs that should be. Then dogs and dog owners generalized lead to a bad rap.

And, just like other situations dog owners start making excuses and offering justification for unleashing dogs that should be leashed imposing on others.

[sethd513]

Is the reason you waited until the pup was 12 months because of joint and bone development? We are waiting for her to go thru one heat before fixing her for those reasons. But Im afraid she might have done too much as a pup

Yes we were waiting for full bone and joint development. I still worry now about running him. We work him up slowly. I won’t do more then about a mile and a half jog with him without some walking and a bathroom break inbetween the next section. He’s very happy and we have a good pace. He only ever limped one afternoon very young and we cut him back to nothing for a few weeks and started over. Hasn’t limped since and can do big single days for a 1.5 year dog I’d say. Although he can be a brat if he doesn’t get a nice lunch nap in the sun.

There are some things online though if you search that say you shouldn’t do more then 5-10 miles up to year 3. I am concerned. Keeping him intact is the best move we have made. I’ve never seen a dog grow so strong and healthy. Snipping then causes joint issues so a good rule of thumb is 18-24 months to slay or neuter. But I was told they fill out once more from 24-36 months so waiting till 3 years is also beneficial. I’m unsure of what we will do when we get a female. I’m finishing out out basement so my plan is to house her down there. I’d really like to not snip her but I’ve never delt with heats and intact males so we’ll see.


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[TexasBob]

........Snipping then causes joint issues so a good rule of thumb is 18-24 months to slay or neuter............

Did you get this information from your Vet or some online source? Sounds dubious to me that neutering causes joint issues.

[sethd513]

Did you get this information from your Vet or some online source? Sounds dubious to me that neutering causes joint issues.

Vet, trainer and the breeder? I’m sure a google search would behoove you. Have you ever noticed how a neutered dog is tall with skinny legs when they were cut younger then a year in comparison to the same dog uncut. I’m no professional but the family jewels keep everything growing properly. It takes 12 months for joints to fully mature in size. Then it’s time to mold your dog the way you’d like. All my family dogs were neutered young and were put down due to hip issues and weren’t even hiked with.


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[saltysack]

Vet, trainer and the breeder? I’m sure a google search would behoove you. Have you ever noticed how a neutered dog is tall with skinny legs when they were cut younger then a year in comparison to the same dog uncut. I’m no professional but the family jewels keep everything growing properly. It takes 12 months for joints to fully mature in size. Then it’s time to mold your dog the way you’d like. All my family dogs were neutered young and were put down due to hip issues and weren’t even hiked with.


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This sure reminds me of this.....[emoji23]
https://youtu.be/0slTBGBEf0g



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[sethd513]

This sure reminds me of this.....[emoji23]
https://youtu.be/0slTBGBEf0g



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[emoji1303]


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[kestral]

I have also read in many studies that early neutering and spaying causes growth problems due to imbalance of normal hormones testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. It makes good sense if you think about it.

All future dogs I get will be sterilized, not spayed or castrated for this reason. My current pup has hip issues, though not severe, thank goodness. She was spayed very young as she was a rescue dog from local pound and it is legally required . My new vet was displeased she was spayed at 10 weeks, said much greater risk of incontinance with young spays in addition to bone deformity. I didn’t realize the importance and option of sterilization. Most neutering is done for behavioral problems, spaying so there won’t be a monthly mess (although female dogs keep themselves clean), unwanted pups or dog in heat issues. Now many vets suggest allowing a first heat, then hysterectomy allowing ovaries to remain for health.

Also nutrition is of course essential for optimum growth. My pup was abandoned at 2-3 weeks, she should have still been nursing. She got supplements and quality pup and dog foods. Met up with her litter mate years later, this was a male pup who looked sickly and a bit malformed as an adult. They looked the same at 3 weeks (like larva).

my dog is 10 years now, in good health but slowing down.

She is a catahoula leopard cur or close mix per my vet, if you are curious. About 60 lbs.

[rocketsocks]

I have also read in many studies that early neutering and spaying causes growth problems due to imbalance of normal hormones testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. It makes good sense if you think about it.

All future dogs I get will be sterilized, not spayed or castrated for this reason. My current pup has hip issues, though not severe, thank goodness. She was spayed very young as she was a rescue dog from local pound and it is legally required . My new vet was displeased she was spayed at 10 weeks, said much greater risk of incontinance with young spays in addition to bone deformity. I didn’t realize the importance and option of sterilization. Most neutering is done for behavioral problems, spaying so there won’t be a monthly mess (although female dogs keep themselves clean), unwanted pups or dog in heat issues. Now many vets suggest allowing a first heat, then hysterectomy allowing ovaries to remain for health.

Also nutrition is of course essential for optimum growth. My pup was abandoned at 2-3 weeks, she should have still been nursing. She got supplements and quality pup and dog foods. Met up with her litter mate years later, this was a male pup who looked sickly and a bit malformed as an adult. They looked the same at 3 weeks (like larva).

my dog is 10 years now, in good health but slowing down.not to mention the depression.

[BuckeyeBill]

I found this article (https://www.outsideonline.com/2122781/best-dog-outdoors-humble-mutt) rather fitting and interesting.

[Traillium]

I found this article (https://www.outsideonline.com/2122781/best-dog-outdoors-humble-mutt) rather fitting and interesting.

Fits perfectly with my experiences!

[Flsnowman]

Last time I was on the At in Ga. I ran across a guy with a Pit and chihuahua. The pit was so happy to be out there and loving on everyone he came across the chihuahua not so much. I have a pit mix now that does really good on the tail. I take her for about 3 mile hikes across town everyday just about. She does so so with heat but when it cool out you better be ready to go. Would not trade her for anything

[Longfan]

Mutts are generally healthier.

My vet has said this, mutts/cross breeds do not have the issues with congenital defects of pure breeds. Hip dysplasia, eye issues, cancer to name a few. I assume this is from her experience over her practice. While I would still have a lab mix, GSD mix checked for hip issues, especially if the mix includes two breeds with hip issues, I really do not expect for hip issues to be present in 99% of say Lab mixes or GSD mixes.

[Ben795]

Hiked up to Guyot campsite and Bondcliff in the NH Whites a couple years ago with a guy who had a Boxer (Baxter the Boxer) that dog was an incredibly agile and sure footed boy. Always felt bad he named that dog Baxter, when Baxter State Park ( Katahdin) prohibits dogs anywhere in the park...motorcycles too! My Redbone Hound, Rocco, can hike in the woods all day, and my late Springer, Ben was a hell of a trail dog, neither of which I climbed a mountain with, but both could put in some miles on the trails.

[sketcher709]

I have two year old litter mate Portuguese water dogs which make great hiking companions, a male and a female. The female will make a great hiking companion, the male might be ok too but he is a bit of a prima donna so we shall see. The problem with two is they work for themselves when together so I probably will only take the female with me on longer hikes. she is as tough as nails and has endless energy, a 10 mile hike, she naps for an hour and is rearing to go again. But when we are going, she is obedient, has great recall and loves people. She is especially happy if there is water anywhere which presents an issue in and of itself, she will swim or roll in every puddle and she will also drink from it. I have no desire to muzzle her so the drinking is always a concern. She is just now old enough to start some real hiking. Yeah!

[Night Train]

I trail run with our Rhodesian Ridgeback, great energy and agility. Considered hiking with him, but haven't.

[Old Grouse]

How about a Chinook (state dog of New Hampshire)? Similar attributes to those of a husky.

[trailmercury]

I have two dogs, a Lab and a Pug.

I would rather not see dogs on the AT at all. I applaud GSMNP and BSP for their respective rules on this.

I seriously doubt whole trail will ever ban them. I won't avoid trails with dogs allowed, just prefer otherwise.

[Sparky B]

A medium sized mutt. this^^^^^^^^

My daughter has a 40-pound coon hound mix from a shelter. Emphasis on "mix". Great hiking dog.

[sketcher709]

And don’t get me wrong, there are a few purebred breeds that I love: GSD, Jack Russel, Border Collie, but the stats do show purebreds tend to have greater issues.

Also, this is one of the reason crosses like LabraDoodles have become so popular.


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I disagree. They got so popular because the are cute and fluffy and "hypoallergenic".. overpriced designer mixes comprised of two purebreds, often indiscriminately bred without the health testing done by the breeders of purebreds) hardly constitutes the heinz 57 type of mutt that might truly benefit from hybrid vigor.

[tiptoe]

Just saw this, fwiw:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/25/us/labradoodle-creator-regret.html

[saltysack]

Just returned from a 130 mile section on CT with my 11 month Belgian malinois and can say he is a kick azz hiking dog...this was his first overnighter and did amazing. He made the avalanche debris fields look like child’s play....my jrt is also a great hiking companion but would have had to be carried over the high obstacles....https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191010/309fd652d921e7bac2d635dfe524ae09.jpg


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[dmax]

We have an Australian Shepherd, 9 months old. We're waiting on her hips to quir growing before long walks and getting fixed. It will be spring before she can hit the trail. We can't wait. Come on spring!!

[Mountain Mafia]

I have an Original Mountain Cur that weighs around 35-40 pounds. They were actually bred as mountain dogs and for hunting. I would not hesitate at all taking her on hikes.

[Chip]

I have had 2 Treeing Walker Hounds that were great in the backcountry. With the proper training they make good companions. No off trail, no hunting etc.. They carry a pack well when properly fitted and are not over weight for their size. I now have a Bluetick. She is super ! At 47 pounds and is full of energy. We always tent. No shelters!!
Hounds are gentle. They are very smart, good hearing and a super nose! They can alert you to any person, creature or anything else on the trail. Sometimes standing completely still, barely breathing, nose in the air, looking in the direction of the smell or flash of movement.

[J_Ver]

Will 5 y.o. beagle will make it? I know these dogs are good for hunting and he's medium size, so I don't see any reasons not to take him with me. But maybe I'm wrong?

[4eyedbuzzard]

Will 5 y.o. beagle will make it? I know these dogs are good for hunting and he's medium size, so I don't see any reasons not to take him with me. But maybe I'm wrong?Well, unless he's a service dog, you can't take him through GSMNP nor into Baxter State park in ME. You'll have to board him and shuttle him around. Beagles and other hunting dogs tend to follow their nose and chase game. Unless he has been "trail trained" you're probably going to have some issues. And on over half the trail he has to be on a leash and there are places on the trail you'll have to carry him. Then there's the getting rides and hostels and motel rooms issues with a dog. And so on. There are lots of reasons not to take a dog on a long hike - the dog's health being the primary one (heat, overexertion, dehydration, paw pads, illness, etc). Remember, it's you who wants to thru-hike. Your dog just wants your attention and love. I'm not a dog hater - I have two - a Chocolate Lab and a Sheltie. And I used to have a Beagle. But I wouldn't take either of the current ones on a long hike. And the Beagle was a definite no due to the hunting instinct.

EDIT: Wanted to add: If your dog isn't capable of ABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE to voice commands in outdoor settings, I would say no. That means if he/she is off leash and won't sit and stay regardless of the degree of distraction - other dogs, squirrels and other small animals, SNAKES, people, cars, etc, then no, don't take him/her.