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 God fearin' music packin' animal BBQin' funny trip reportin'.... cheese lovin' MH lover who skinny dips in Ling secret lakes
Somewhere between pomp & circumstance, British Columbia
Canada
1402 Posts |
Posted - 03/10/2012 : 8:27 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by cambium
quote:
Originally posted by Moses
My vote is for an Airedale, just make sure their coat is kept short in the hot months of Summer.
The few I ever seen bark irrationally at people that just stop to talk with owners, and try to lurch at the person. Don't think that is wise approach to introduce into the backcountry/trails.
Sometimes it's more about the owner than the breed. If you meet my Airedale you'll discover that she rarely barks at anyone, and never lurches...ever. She doesn't like small white dogs or assholes, so as long you neither of those, you're ok. (you're not an asshole, are you Cambium?) |
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 Trail running, bike hucking, fast packing, beer drinking collector of pine cones on a day pass
AKA
Dances with Trees
Forest Gnome Cabin
Canada
13057 Posts |
Posted - 03/10/2012 : 8:51 PM
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Has anyone seen the episode of "Littlest Hobo" where he somehow, almost impossibly, comes up with a system for translating Cambium's posts and then he even adds subtitles so that everyone can share in the knowledge. Yeah, I love that episode. Hobo's like, the best dog ever |
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972 Posts |
Posted - 03/10/2012 : 9:24 PM
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| i think im leaning towards a hiking kitten now |
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3022 Posts |
Posted - 03/10/2012 : 10:30 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Moses
quote:
Originally posted by cambium
quote:
Originally posted by Moses
My vote is for an Airedale, just make sure their coat is kept short in the hot months of Summer.
The few I ever seen bark irrationally at people that just stop to talk with owners, and try to lurch at the person. Don't think that is wise approach to introduce into the backcountry/trails.
Sometimes it's more about the owner than the breed. If you meet my Airedale you'll discover that she rarely barks at anyone, and never lurches...ever. She doesn't like small white dogs or assholes, so as long you neither of those, you're ok. (you're not an asshole, are you Cambium?)
I was thinking of this all evening while I was out, and was a little blunt with my earlier comment.
Thing is the Airedale I am familiar with for several years now knows me and somtimes is quiet while I am talking to his owner, other times not, gets all wierdish & howly. Despite it's good looks, I have no idea what it feels like to pet that one. Thinking I might lose my hand, and apparently that one is not encouraged to associate with children either.
Apparently that particular breed is part of the Hunter breeds of Dogs.
Perhaps they don't like superior-alpha hunters?
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Edited by - cambium on 03/10/2012 10:31 PM |
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3022 Posts |
Posted - 03/10/2012 : 10:48 PM
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According to the AKC[american kennel club] 2000-2010 the Ten most popular breeds between these years are as follows in order Lab.Retriever,German shephard,Yorkshire terrier,Beagle,Golden retriever,BullDog,Boxer,Dachshund [ prone to back problems and some schizoid issues & had a bad habit of tackling bigger dogs and raccoons and bats from personal experiences  ],Poodle,& Shihtzu.
Not much mention or interest in that article of the 'dangerous' breeds other than historical DNA footnotes.
A friend of mine has some kind of Shihtzu-ChowChow-?-cross and it was the most cat-like companion I ever seen. Climbed and walked logs, quiet day & night unless someone stepped on his tail or some cougar tried to follow us on a couple of occasions. Never bothered us during our meals either.
Knew another guy in my teens that had some kind of Samoyed white hairy thing, and it always developed a hip-issue every time we went on long hiks, and needed to be carried back and was burned out for two days following.
Damn, I miss my cat, some-nasty fed it antifreeze or something 
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calgary, ab
22 Posts |
Posted - 03/28/2012 : 09:46 AM
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I don't visit this forum often but I have always valued the information from dog owners on various subjects.
I will try to keep this brief, but I wanted to simply comment on a few peoples posts, not directly but as simply a general reply and add my own two cents.
Many people suggested getting a dog from the SPCA or other shelter/rescue groups which I think is a wonderful idea. Unfortunately for us, we had to purchase our dog (which was a wonderful purchase) as we were unable to adopt/rescue because of our small back yard. We live in a town home, even with the small grassed area which had a nice tall fence, they felt our back yard was not adequate.
Our dog visits the dog park 6 days a week for no less than 1 hour each day. On the unaccounted for day she is in doggie daycare for 8 hours. She is also exercised through play after dinner as well and spends half of the working day at her grandma's! Yet when we tried to adopt a second time, the small back yard was again used against us even though you can cleary see how socialized and healthy our dog is. So adopting is not always an option for those of us who are limited by our housing even though we raise healthy pets.
Dog owners are for the most part very passionate as well. We are passionate about what they eat, how they are treated, how much exercise they get, whether or not they are humanized or considered part of the family and so on. At the end of the day, a dog is still a dog. They should be properly trained, given jobs and socialized.
I will be the first to admit, my dog is not perfect. She is only as good as I taught her to be. All of our friends are dog owners and you can learn from their mistakes, take courses and so on, but unless you use some form enforcement to control your dogs actions all the time they will act accordingly. I am not saying posters on here are bad dog owners either, but you do see the bad ones often.
So onto the original question.
For dog breeds, research is important. Common health conditions, concerns, life span, appetite, exercise even grooming requirements should be considered. If the dog is larger, consider the ability to carry the dog out of the backcountry should they become injured. (Having animal first aid is nice as well.)
Just because a breed does well when you are on the mountain, how will it do when it is inside at home during the day, open in your house or in its crate. How many hours a day can you afford to give to your new dog? You will want a breed that compliments your every day living, not just when you go on a hike. A durable outdoor dog, but one that can remain content during periods of low activity is a tough dog to find.
Our life has changed for the positive since getting our pup 4 years ago. It wasn't a spur of the moment purchase. After finding many breeds and mixes through pet rescues, that we researched when the breed was known, we researched even further and found a cross breed that sounded like the ideal canidate for us. (plus they are beautiful) There are still a few other breeds I would consider as well.
A Catahoula/Lab cross was our final choice. Female. At adult weight Medium size (50 lbs), durable, great characteristics from the Lab, and from the Catahoula.
Labs in general, retrievers and shepards are all great choices. Purebreads do sometimes carry degenerative traits to be careful of. German pointers, Chesapeake Bays, Vizlas and other retrieving dogs make great ourdoor dogs, but require lots of exercise. Belgian Sheepdog and Aussie Cattledogs are also durable outdoor dogs that are affectionate but can be destructive if they become bored.
I guess this wasn't as brief as I intended. No matter your choice, be sure that the breed fits you and your life.
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Victoria, BC
Canada
425 Posts |
Posted - 03/28/2012 : 12:20 PM
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Originally posted by Hiking Solo
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Originally posted by DCIPHER
THANK YOU.
I don't even have....polite words...for that attitude. I don't believe somebody with this attitude should be allowed to have a pet at ALL. EVER. These aren't products, they aren't boots from the MEC.
Once you take that pet home, it's YOURS. For better or worse. Again...I know that just returning it is the attitude of many....but my GOD. I don't know how people can be so cruel and callous, but I suppose, it is largely part of one's upbringing and culture. Most of us use animals in some way, even if indirectly, but, if you're going to have a personal pet....should it be a simple object/tool for your needs? What happens when it is old may not be able to fulfill your roles for it? Kill it? Take it right back?
Pets are like people, they have wildly varying attitudes and behaviors, and you must commit to working with, and adjusting to, your pet. This is an extreme version of what my OP was about....you don't get a pet so it can "do _____ for/with you." You decide you want a pet in your life, and you go get one, and learn about him/her. You expect it will NOT be perfect.
Wow, it's the unDCIPHERable troll, spouting words of wisdom again. Well, here's some polite words for you: you're an idiot. Go volunteer at a shelter for even a DAY and you will get a different perspective on things. Provided that you're actually smart enough to learn something, that is.
And BTW: I am the LAST person to see animals as "products" - which I'm sure is a claim that you cannot make (just take a look in your grocery cart next time you're at the store, genius).
Before you go getting all high and mighty on people, I suggest you take off your rose-coloured glasses and do some research in the real world; until then, shut it.
P.S. to John and Katie: I think that it is a heck of a lot more traumatic for a dog to sit in a shelter, unadopted, because people figure it's a "done deal" once the dog is out the door of the shelter. I do see what you're saying (and I agree with it, in theory), but I would rather have people take a dog home for a "test drive" and bring it back if it doesn't work out, as opposed to having the dog: a) sit in the shelter indefinitely (or even worse, be euthanized), or b) end up with a person/family that is not compatible with the dog (which could result in anything from the dog not being exercised/stimulated enough to the dog being outright abused). The reality is that there are too many unwanted animals and not enough people who are willing to adopt them; as such, being flexible and allowing people to take animals home to see how they mesh with their family/lifestyle has become a necessary (if unsavoury) part of the adoptions process. It's not ideal, mind you...but it sure beats the heck out of killing more animals than are already killed every year.
I fixed your post for you. No charge.
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Terrace, BC
957 Posts |
Posted - 03/28/2012 : 7:48 PM
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If you want an awesome mountain dog....get a mixed breed. A mix of work dog...big dog ... and people dog...like Chelsea  but I'm biased |
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Powell River, BC
374 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2012 : 10:10 AM
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Saw this cat on the Chief last May ... it's owner said it goes on many hikes, goes in the backpack on a crowded trail.
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
277 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2012 : 10:58 AM
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| Chelsea looks a lot like my Oliver from that angle, any idea what mix she is? She's lovely! 8) |
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Terrace, BC
957 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2012 : 6:45 PM
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| She's a Husky / Collie cross we think. Rescued from the side of a highway in the dead of winter between Terrace and Hazelton. She was about 11 weeks old and now she is about 6 |
Edited by - MJB on 03/29/2012 6:46 PM |
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Maple Ridge, BC
Canada
9 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2012 : 11:56 AM
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I adopted a Shep/Husky 2 years ago and she comes EVERYWHERE with me! She's extremely athletic and has never gotten tired on a full day or multi day hike, she's great on rocks, trails, water, everything. Shepherds are known to be very intelligent and loyal dogs...despite some things that are said about them. She is pretty laid back on a day to day basis, and is perfectly content going for a run or bike ride with me, and cuddling up indoors on rainy days. However, when she's out on the trail, she "performs" amazingly and runs and smiles all day! I couldn't ask for a better partner than her :)
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Langley, B.C
Canada
285 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2012 : 12:11 PM
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I have a belgian malinois I just adopted and she is awesome. I just took her up needle peak on saturday, needless to say there were alot of people asking how I got her up there.
She was a little tried on the summit 
Here is another pic of her on the east canyon trail  |
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Surrey, BC
Canada
1005 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2012 : 5:26 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by runtrailshikemountains
I adopted a Shep/Husky 2 years ago and she comes EVERYWHERE with me! She's extremely athletic and has never gotten tired on a full day or multi day hike, she's great on rocks, trails, water, everything. Shepherds are known to be very intelligent and loyal dogs...despite some things that are said about them. She is pretty laid back on a day to day basis, and is perfectly content going for a run or bike ride with me, and cuddling up indoors on rainy days. However, when she's out on the trail, she "performs" amazingly and runs and smiles all day! I couldn't ask for a better partner than her :)
Your girl is beautiful. Definitely more bounce and vibrancy in their steps when up in the mountains. : )
MikeW...congrats on the new adoption...she's gorgeous. I volunteered at a shelter for 9 years and only came across 2 purebred malinois in that time (both very athletic). Did you have to go to the states to get her? |
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Langley, B.C
Canada
285 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2012 : 8:35 PM
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| Thanks John. I adopted her from a local kennal that trains dogs for movies and such, a friend of mine works there so i had an in when she came up for adoption. She has a few years on her but still has lots of energy and is loyal and very well behaved. |
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Popkum, BC
Canada
5887 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2012 : 8:55 PM
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| ...I can deal with this. |
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Surrey, BC
Canada
1005 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2012 : 5:23 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by MikeW
Thanks John. I adopted her from a local kennal that trains dogs for movies and such, a friend of mine works there so i had an in when she came up for adoption. She has a few years on her but still has lots of energy and is loyal and very well behaved.
It takes a special person to adopt an older dog...my respect. : ) |
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Victoria, BC
Canada
425 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2012 : 8:09 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by John and Katie
quote:
Originally posted by MikeW
Thanks John. I adopted her from a local kennal that trains dogs for movies and such, a friend of mine works there so i had an in when she came up for adoption. She has a few years on her but still has lots of energy and is loyal and very well behaved.
It takes a special person to adopt an older dog...my respect. : )
+1
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Langley, B.C
Canada
285 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2012 : 11:23 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by John and Katie
quote:
Originally posted by MikeW
Thanks John. I adopted her from a local kennal that trains dogs for movies and such, a friend of mine works there so i had an in when she came up for adoption. She has a few years on her but still has lots of energy and is loyal and very well behaved.
It takes a special person to adopt an older dog...my respect. : )
Well she picked me, when I arrived to pick one they brought out three dogs to pick from and she ran right up to me and sat on my foot. I wasnt able to take her home right away because I wasnt allowed to have pets where i was living, so I would take her out on weekends hiking, camping and just for walks and after about 3-4 weeks she was super attached to me and I had no choice in the matter she was already mine. I was told she was 6years old or so but the vet seems to think she may be older, but that doesnt change a thing. She was a working dog before I adopted her so she was already trained, which is a big plus.
As I am writing this I am out of town for work and it is really making me miss her :( |
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17 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2013 : 10:38 PM
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We have a Karleian Bear dog, and she is a great wilderness dog.
They will chase anything that moves if given the chance, but also can be trained for SAR or any other number of things. It is all in the training. They don't like to be indoors for long periods at a time. Ours is INCREDIBLE with kids and a very loveable protective dog.
She would not run from a bear,moose,cougar,etc.. and are known for their hunting ability.
Nothing can intrude into her territory.
We once had a rodent try and hide in our trucks drive train(making it's way to the camper) while camping, she stayed on it for 3hrs till it was caught/removed.
The breed likes outdoors, usually is dominate, and non submissive around other dogs.
I adopted ours thru a popular adoption site, and would do it again.
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looking for a mountain dog
