all dogs go to... well, somewhere

“My girlfriend and I are in the market for a dog. She wants something cudly, cute, and well-behaved. I want the optimal trail dog, if there is such a thing. So, in the spirit of compromise, we're going to get the optimal trail dog. Anyway, that's my question; does anyone have a suggestion as to what breeds generally are best at off-leash hiking/backpacking-- in other words, will be friendly, play well with others, enjoy carrying a pack, etc. I am lucky enough to live in an area where the all the backpackers who're scared of offleash dogs haven't managed to suck the fun out of a weekend outing with your best friend. Anyway, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. By the way, I wouldn't buy a purebred dog, so in that way your suggestions might be moot, but I would rescue or adopt one. Anyway, thanks again.

-Patrick”

“Oh geez, here we go dogs on the trail...


You're gonna catch a few flames for this, pwd, but chin up, some people will post reasonable answers.

I have no opinion...”

“Where's Miach?

Here’s a suggestion, never call your dog your best friend in front of your girlfriend.”

“Don't get a Jack Russell Terrier. No matter how well they are trained, instinct overrules whenever opportunity arises. They will dart off towards whatever it is they smell, and you don't, and follow that scent until you come to see what it is they have found for you. Sometimes it's a raccoon, sometimes, it's the pure joy of chasing a squirrel, at which point you will need a GPS to find your way back to the trail after following your dog. Funny how they can't find the trail after they have left it. That is your job. Don't get a poodle either. Their hair gts messed up in the elements.”

“TROLL”

“i'm prejudiced against purebreed dogs. maybe i'm just making it up, but it seems like a lot of them have something wrong with them physically or mentally. LOL! did i just make that up? what with all the inbreeding, it sorta makes sense, though.

and, while i'm on it, where did the "pure breeds" come from? i mean, dogs will pretty much, umm, "breed" with anything, so how did the breeds we know today come about? why do we think of those as pure?”

“Go to the pound and get a dog. Don't buy a breed. There are too many dogs in the world already to support a needless industry. All dogs can be good dogs on the trail if trained properly.

My 2 cents...”

“I agree with rosey, go to the pound.
Don't go to any doggie mills.”

“I typically think they just accumulate recessive genes over generations of inbreeding (or even closebreeding). I just wanted some ideas for breeds to look for in mutts, basically. I'd much rather save a dog in need than buy a dog that's destined for comfort anyway. And about dogs on the trail... I just don't get the aversion to it. If I treat my dog's waste like I do mine (i.e. bury it), and he doesn't pull a cujo on smoe unsuspecting hiker, what difference does it make? But, I digress... I respect people's preference for a natural world devoid of the only other animal who would care if humans were gone forever. Anyway, what's the word on Newfoundlands? Somebody told me they're great traildogs.

Patrick”

“My next trail dog will probably be a lab or retriever mix either from the pound or a pet rescue in the area. Of course, that's pending completion of the backyard renovation and there's no telling how much longer that's going to take.”

“Just go to the humane society in your area. They usually evaluate the dogs for temperament and ability.”

“I had some friends in Kentucky that had a couple of Newfies. They were excellent trail dogs until they started having trouble with their hips (both were from the same litter). I think you have to watch out for that in any large breed though.”

“My Puppy

He's a great dog, as smart as they come, he's an english shepherd..

I miss my puppy :( He's stuck at home, while i'm up here enjoying the north woods... err goin to school, poor dog. yeah, he's a good dog, little bit of a temper problem though.”

“I adopted a 1/2 German Shepard, 1/2 Lab mix from the local shelter 4 years ago. If I was backpacking at the time I would have trained her for trips on the trail. She would be the perfect dog for this. She can be a bit high strung at times around new people, but over all, she is a good dog.

Look into younger mixes like her that you can train immediatly.”

“Gee Simer, you have a lot of pretty flowers in your bedroom!”

“Warning: Newfies are droolers.”

“Pure bred dogs are NOT ALL INBRED DISEASE FILLED DOGS. Yes there are genetic disorders out there and in some cases you will find some inbreeding, but this is onl with irresponsible unreputable breeders. The whole point of of breeding and showing pure breed dogs is to advance the breed. Talk with any reputable breeder and you will find out the lengths they go through to maintain genetic seperation and keep genetic diseases out of their lines. It's a huge deal. Unfortunatly there are the backyard breeders that just don't care and are in it for the profit. That's where yo get the "pure bred" dog with issues.

A dog with papers only means that he came from parents with papers. Just think, if you can go to a pet store and buy a dog with papers, how easy it would be to breed another dog with "papers". You can see where the problem begins. That's when when looking at a pup, papers are important, but the linage is even more so. A reputable breeder will be more then willing to show you the pups dam and sire (if he's still there). THey will also have the parents certified against disease. These differ from breed to breed depending on what they are suseptable for. So do some research and figure out what certifications to look for.

I'm not saying that going to the shelter and getting a dog is bad. I wish I could give all those dogs a home. The problem I have is people bad mouthing pure bred dogs when they are just as healthy and sound, if not healthier and more sound then their mix breed counterparts. I can trace certified hips back at least 5 generations in both directions on my dog. Guess what, he dosen't have hip probs. Same with eyes. In fact he is now 10 years old, just finished his CD obedience title and is still going strong. He acts and looks half his age. Why? Because of good breeding and strong genetics. So don't rule out a pure bred just because of these so called "problems." Just research your breeder.

As for breed type...I've trained jack russels (ahem Parson Russels), as well as many other dog breeds. It's my job. I have found that PRT's are extreamly high energy and love to chase things. They were bred to chase and hunt down rodents in burrows. Can you train it out of them? Yes, but it's harder then training a lab or a sheltie. Infact, you will find this in a lot of terrier breeds/mixes. Terriers also tend to be really stuborn. They show what I like to call "deliberate insubordination." Sometimes they won't listen just to not listen. It's a terrier thing. Also the same reason I've only seen one or two terriers in competative obedience.

Okay, i've typed alot and i'm sure not many people are going to read all of this, so I'll wrap it up. Whatever you choose to do, the most important thing you can do is start training young. Especially if you want to have a good trail dog. Get the pup out and interacting with people and dogs. Needs to be lots of different people and different dogs. The more positive you can keep it, the better he will act around other dogs and people as an adult. Also don't let him develope the bad manners of jumping on people and dogs as a greeting. Stop it from beginning is a million times easier then stopping it once he's learned it. If you're so inclined, I would recomend a basic training class. Gives the pup time to socialize and just be in public and will give you the basic commands to keep him with you on the trail. Godd luck with finding your pup!

oh yea, breeds.....labs are good trail dogs. They need tons of excercise tho and some are pretty hyper until age 3 or so. I would suggest almost any of the sporting dogs. Some of the spanials would be good too. Like a springer or a Brittany. They're pretty loyal and a bit smaller then a Lab. Also pretty rugged (still a bird dog).”

“Get one of those Newfoundland Dogs.

It just won best of show at the Westminster Kennel Club.”

“If you want a really loyal dog that won't wander far from you (if properly trained), german shepherds are ideal trail dogs. If you raise them in a friendly environment, they will be friendly to other people... maybe a little "sketch" at first with some people, but certainly not mean. I love 'em. Mine have hiked thousands of miles with me in some crazy wild places all over the west. And if your girlfriend ever wants to take a hike alone, they offer great protection, both from animals, people, or natural dangers.”

“sorry to dissappoint you, but that's my parents bedroom... I don't even have a picture of my room anywhere”

“the optimal trail dog is one on a leash. personally, i love dogs and dont mind them coming up and even jumping up on me as long as theyre not filthy. however, not everyone likes that, and for that reason you should keep your dog on a leash, especially if its a really gregarious pup”

“OK, I gotta tell a tale on gojo...

sarabelle has gotta be the best trail dog I've ever seen. At the Savage Gulf trip, Father Goose and I were hiking with gojo, sarabelle, and gizmo, and sarabelle ran on ahead a bit. When we caught up to her, she was stopped at a double blaze on a tree...now that's a great trail dog!”

“Apparently I live close to you. I've been all over Savage Gulf... I love that area but have never been backpacking with a dog. If you've been there, you should check out all the Bowater pocket wilderness areas-- piney river, laurel snow, stinging fork, virgin falls... good times.”

“Get you a 13" beagle or try to find a beagle cross bred to a australian shepard. That should be a great trail dog.”

“I think I actually view hiking with my dog as an animal rights issue, in some strange way. I mean, as long as he isn't bothering anybody, I see no reason why he has less of a right to use the trail (unencumbered by a leash) than any person. And anyone who owns a dog knows they'd rather be off-leash. I'm not saying this is right for every dog, but why do some backpackers object to people exercising reasonable discretion in letting their pooches run off-leash? Doesn't make sense to me.”

“How would I know from a distance that any dog is going to or not going to attack or pee on my gear that is laying down. And who really knows what any dog is going to do under any giving conditions in the back country. " Oh my dog won't bite" Now how am I suppose to know that, I mean I just met the dog and he is barking? And why would anybody think that it is cute for your dog to sniff me or jump up on me. " Oh he is a good dog, don't be afraid" Now how am I suppose to know that? I have thought about just jumping up on every dog owner I meet out in the backcountry and sniff and lick all over them. Or just start peeing on their gear in front of them. Or act agessively towards them when they walk by my campsite. Just because it doesn't make any sense to you does not mean you should break those rules if there are any concerning dogs on leashes at all times.”

“I guess my point is that your discomfort at the mere **possibility** that you could be jumped on and licked is irrelevant. IMHO, your rights start when my dog breaks a rule, and not before. As long as my dog stays out of your space, how is it any of your business? I realize most people with aggressive dogs who're prone to bite always take them hiking, and most dogs are inherently dangerous (saracasm intended), but I feel like my dog should have as much a right to freely hike a trail as you or I do, until he does something wrong.

"Oh my dog won't bite" Now how am I suppose to know that?"
Well how are you supposed to know that any given hiker won't punch your lights out? You don't, but until a person does (assault you), the law won't validate your paranoia. Why should it be different for dogs?”

“mix breed, webbed feet for swimming, medium length hair (less burr and briar mess) the medium coat will serve various seasons well, larger feet,sturdy frame. A labmix is sure fire bet. Medium size (less food) WELL TRAINED.”

“Nicely stated Deathmarch! Purebreds do get a bum rap. The key, of course, is a REPUTABLE breeder.

People should also bear in mind that MANY purebred dogs turn up at shelters, not just all-American mutts. One report I read reported over 40% of dogs at a shelter were purebred. (That doesn't mean 40% were available for adoption, however, as purebred dogs have a higher frequency of owner recovery or rescue group intervention.)

As noted earlier, consider just about any of the sporting breeds (retrievers, pointers, setters, spaniels) for a person with an active lifestyle - they were bred for the outdoors and are generally very trainable. For my money, Vizslas are great hiking dogs - smart, very athletic, big enough to carry their own pack but not too big (40-65 lbs), very intelligent, playful, and once they get home from a hike they are absolute lap sluts! We've got two - one from a REPUTABLE breeder and one from a rescue group.”

“It is not up to you to determine if your dog is bothering me. That is something I can figure out, I think. I really don't think your dog has any rights period. As long as dog respects me like I should be then no problem. Never met a stupid hiker in the backcountry before, I mean one looking for trouble. But as always anything can happen. I just hope his dog keeps him on a tight leash. And as far as the law goes, well I guess it will be just an accident report to fill out.”

“its a matter of courtesy. however, if your dog is well-trained, does not charge ppl in either an aggressive or friendly manner, and is not freaked out by 2 legged animals with large humps on their back, let him have free rein. if youre going on a group trip, let ppl know in advance youre bringing a dog, and go to great pains to insure he does not pee on their tent or bother ppl with food. above all, dont be defensive and defiant when non-doglovers express misgivings about your trekkin pooch. be as open-minded towards them as you expect them to be to your dog”

“I have a Golden Retriever and she is a very good trail dog. She has the webbed feet, nearly waterproof coat, she loves the cold and she doesn’t run off stupid and she listens. She is very (overly at times) friendly and pretty calm for a 9 month old. Goldens love people so they don’t stray far from them. Goldens are thought by many to be a spoiled house dog for the family but Honey is tough as nails. On her first hike she ran off a 8’ drop off in the dark and barely noticed. Of course I’m totally biased here.

If you are one tough hiking basturd that lays down the miles the Rhodesian Ridge Back is he ultimate trail dog. They look somewhat houndish but were bread to hunt lion in Africa and they had to be able to keep up with hunters on horseback.


PS.

Teach 'em to stay off other people, don't let them shlt on the trail and keep them leashed when they should be.”

“I agree with Birch & deathmarch & wow..stormbringer too. Training is the key to a good dog, whatever mix you decide on.
I've had a great trail dog that was a terrier mix, and one that was a collieX and lab mixes too. Best dog I had was a pitbull/bluetick cross. He was great because he wanted to please us and therefore listened and behaved well, and basically did whatever we asked of him (including carrying a pack). Pits are great with kids too--don't listen to all the bad press they get. Only the very bad, scary dogs make the news, but I've seen worse damage done by terriers.
BTW we foster rescue dogs in our home, and I think most dogs that are eager to please could be trained to be good trail dogs. Some might be funny regarding pup-packs, and most hound breeds are too interested in scents to pay attention to you (and the trail) when hiking. Temperment is definatly the thing to watch for.”

“Glad to see someone agrees with me. One other thing I would consider a must, especially with a trail dog, is microchiping. It's a tiny microchip inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades. Many vets do it for free and the most expensive I've seen it is $20. If your dog is ever lost, a microchip greatly improves the chances of getting him back.”

“good idea dm. and don't forget the bug inhibitor stuff (i forget the name). makes ticks & fleas bite the dust. wish I could have something like that for blackflys and mozzies.”

“Dogs with three legs cause less dust to fly.”

“Don't get an older puppy no matter what breed you get. They already have a lot of "their ways" instilled in them. You could get lucky but, without droning on with examples, my advice is, the younger, the better.”

“Thanks alot birch and Nigal, now I still can't decide whether to get a lab-mix or a retriever-mix!


Foamfinger, actually, if I was going to go with a purebred I would get a Visla. A friend of mine who's a veterinarian recommended that breed as the perfect hiking dog. Only problem is that they are still fairly rare and a bit hard to come by. Maybe down the road, when I've found a breeder that I trust, I'll have one of these.”

“Skullcap, if you seriously consider a Vizsla I could probably put you in touch with a rescue group in your area :)

Here's a link to our rescue dog, "Bob":
http://www.studiodelicious.com/vizsla/success/nvbob.html
Click Photo Gallery to see him with his new best friend!”

“"Thanks alot birch and Nigal, now I still can't decide whether to get a lab-mix or a retriever-mix!"

I have found that labs are more prone to chewing stuff up more and suffer from seperation anxiety more than retrievers. My parents have a lab and the damn thing chews anything it can get it's mouth on even after 2 years. Honey hasn't chewed anything for months and she's only 10 months old.”

“Thank you Nigal, that is good information to have!

Foamfinger, thanks for the info and the offer. I have already been in contact with the Vizsla rescue group in our area. We just haven't decided yet whether that's right for us. And BTW, nice pics!”

“I think this might be a troll of the southern variety. :-)”