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There is already a ton of info out there about this topic elsewhere on the internet, but not necessarily on this site itself. I'd like to get some local prospective from dog owners and runners, about what the best breed/mixed breed of dog would be suited for trail running in the Denver/Boulder/Foothills area.
I'm looking for a dog with stamina, good temperemant, listens well and good off the leash especially in wooded areas. Some info I've come up with so far are lab mixes, pointers/weimeraners, boxers, etc. But I'd like to hear from current or past dog owners about their own experiences and what I should look for when buying a dog to train to be my companion on the trails.
Location: Visitation between Wal-Mart & Home Depot
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ajmac10
There is already a ton of info out there about this topic elsewhere on the internet, but not necessarily on this site itself. I'd like to get some local prospective from dog owners and runners, about what the best breed/mixed breed of dog would be suited for trail running in the Denver/Boulder/Foothills area.
I'm looking for a dog with stamina, good temperemant, listens well and good off the leash especially in wooded areas. Some info I've come up with so far are lab mixes, pointers/weimeraners, boxers, etc. But I'd like to hear from current or past dog owners about their own experiences and what I should look for when buying a dog to train to be my companion on the trails.
Thanks
Any of the athletic breeds will make a decent jogging partner but a dog that listens well and is good off the leash in a distraction-rich environment is trained rather than born. What kind of training background do you have?
As far as the natural runners, you may be looking for a blue-heeler (A.K.A. Australian Cattle Dog, Queensland Heeler). They are working dogs and can be independent, but if the dog will get to run 10 miles per week or more you could be a great match.
Any of the athletic breeds will make a decent jogging partner but a dog that listens well and is good off the leash in a distraction-rich environment is trained rather than born. What kind of training background do you have?
As far as the natural runners, you may be looking for a blue-heeler (A.K.A. Australian Cattle Dog, Queensland Heeler). They are working dogs and can be independent, but if the dog will get to run 10 miles per week or more you could be a great match.
It will be my first dog owning by myself. I love running, and running a lot, so a smart dog would be good for me. I've done a ton of reading on training and handling of dogs for first time owners so I won't be going in completely blind. Just wondering which direction I should head next.
Any of the athletic breeds will make a decent jogging partner but a dog that listens well and is good off the leash in a distraction-rich environment is trained rather than born. What kind of training background do you have?
As far as the natural runners, you may be looking for a blue-heeler (A.K.A. Australian Cattle Dog, Queensland Heeler). They are working dogs and can be independent, but if the dog will get to run 10 miles per week or more you could be a great match.
i second this .... i have a cattle dog mix (red heeler version) and at 5-1/2, she still has more stamina than my not quite 2 y/o lab mix.....
and smart, smart, smart ..... quick to pick up what is being taught, but they do have a bit of a stubborn streak at times.... as herding dogs, they have to be able to think independently..... also protective of them and theirs and can be a little standoffish to strangers (human and canine) until they see that you are alright with them....
Herding breeds have more of a tendency to know where you are at all times - and not range out too far offlead. Some of the sporting breeds need to be trained more aggressively so they won't wind up in the next county if they see a deer.
I like my GSDs because their natural awareness means I can tell if there is a predator or game animal nearby just by reading his body language. He won't take off after either one but will show interest if a game animal (head up sniffing) and discomfort (ears back, closer to me) if a predator.
Of course all generalizations are exactly that. probably more variation between individual dogs than between breeds of dogs. Could be a great prospect for a rescue with the right temperament
I used to know a german shorthair pointer who could run forever. He always stayed with his owner (my friend), but I know that was the result of training. He definitely had the stamina to be a running partner though. Before I moved I used to see a lab running with its owner every morning with leash in mouth! She could go anywhere and he followed and always carried his leash, I'm sure that too was the result of training. That dog looked like he was having the time of his life.
If you're thinking of getting a puppy you won't be able to run with him right away. You might consider adopting an adult dog from a rescue if you want a running campanion that can run with you right away.
Herding breeds have more of a tendency to know where you are at all times - and not range out too far offlead. Some of the sporting breeds need to be trained more aggressively so they won't wind up in the next county if they see a deer.
I like my GSDs because their natural awareness means I can tell if there is a predator or game animal nearby just by reading his body language. He won't take off after either one but will show interest if a game animal (head up sniffing) and discomfort (ears back, closer to me) if a predator.
Of course all generalizations are exactly that. probably more variation between individual dogs than between breeds of dogs. Could be a great prospect for a rescue with the right temperament
very good description of my heeler girl.... and as always, wise advice from grannynancy.......
Quote:
Originally Posted by J-CityRelo
I used to know a german shorthair pointer who could run forever. He always stayed with his owner (my friend), but I know that was the result of training. He definitely had the stamina to be a running partner though. Before I moved I used to see a lab running with its owner every morning with leash in mouth! She could go anywhere and he followed and always carried his leash, I'm sure that too was the result of training. That dog looked like he was having the time of his life.
If you're thinking of getting a puppy you won't be able to run with him right away. You might consider adopting an adult dog from a rescue if you want a running campanion that can run with you right away.
going with a young adult dog that is in rescue and has been fostered in a private home is a GREAT idea.... quite often, these dogs have had at least minimal obedience training, are house trained and past the difficult puppy stages......
I used to know a german shorthair pointer who could run forever. He always stayed with his owner (my friend), but I know that was the result of training. He definitely had the stamina to be a running partner though. Before I moved I used to see a lab running with its owner every morning with leash in mouth! She could go anywhere and he followed and always carried his leash, I'm sure that too was the result of training. That dog looked like he was having the time of his life.
If you're thinking of getting a puppy you won't be able to run with him right away. You might consider adopting an adult dog from a rescue if you want a running campanion that can run with you right away.
When I was about 10 years old I had a dog walking job for a pair of elderly ladies that owned a GSP. He was such a great dog, I never used the leash once in the 3 or so years I walked him. He tended to wonder off slightly, but always knew where I was. I think I'm leaning towards this breed based on the great experience I had with them as a youngster.
Another vote for the Rhodesian Ridgeback, they are tailor made for trail running. Might not be the right breed for a first time owner, but neither is a GSD or many of the other herding/sporting breeds.
I am a long time GSD owner and I am not sure if trail running is really their thing. They are great for hiking/camping and have amazing endurance, but were designed to move at a walking or trotting pace. They will do anything you ask of them, but frequent long distance running would be really hard on them over the long term.
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