Best breed for a trail dog? [Archive]

MissBri

Sep. 29, 2006, 06:56 AM

Good Old Mutt or shelter dog!

My dog Tara is the best - she is half Irish Setter (mom) and half mystery - I think it was some sort of Great Dane/Lab.

Honestly, as long as the dog is obedient, very obedient, and can keep up, there is no best breed.

Personally I prefer a short hair/smooth coated dog. Less maintenance and easier to locate the ticks. I also like my dogs to be tall enough that I don't have to bend over to pat.

here's a shot of my old girl
http://thumbp2.mail.re4.yahoo.com/tn?sid=691582994&mid=AKswvs4AAINZRR0Jpw5%2fXxQNVQE&partid=2&f=524&fid=Inbox (http://us.f524.mail.yahoo.com/ym/ShowLetter?box=Inbox&MsgId=5543_14915030_194140_1809_130537_0_17953_170 632_2376839689&bodyPart=2&tnef=&YY=89049&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&VScan=1&Idx=1)

IrishKharma

Sep. 29, 2006, 09:26 AM

I have labs- they love to go and find any waterhole on the trail.

C.J.

Sep. 29, 2006, 09:54 AM

I don't trail ride for miles and miles, maybe a 3 mile ride or so and my Jack Russell is perfect. Smart around the horses, plenty of energy and endurance to keep up, and if he gets tired or we are riding by or crossing a busy road I can pick him up put him on the saddle or in a saddle bag and he rides with me! A very portable "big" little dog! :)

tradewind

Sep. 30, 2006, 09:37 PM

English pointers are great, they are bred for some stamina, are usually non dog agressive if you encounter one on a trail, smooth coated, not overly barky, are used around horses alot in england and field trialing around here..a nice overall farm and riding dog.

Drive NJ

Oct. 1, 2006, 08:24 AM

Not to be a wet blanket, but please re-read the posts on landowner rights. If you are riding on other people's property, its best not to take the dog along - especially if they have a dog. You would be invading that dog's territory and even if your dog is completely obedient, you can't guarantee the other one. If you are riding on public land, your dog should probably be leashed, which isn't the best when riding.

I remember reading of a large property closed to riders because of this issue. The riders had a dog with them that challenged a dog walker - turned out to be the landowner who wasn't best pleased.

colleent

Oct. 1, 2006, 09:52 AM

i personally hate dogs on the trail. one more thing to worry about, they pop out right in front of you when you least expect it, and are usually in the way when you want to canter. i am not fond of all that.

saratoga

Oct. 1, 2006, 10:10 AM

The best dog is one that is very, very obedient, completely and absolutely non-aggressive with people, dogs, cats, horses, etc., and naturally stays by you. I prefer shelter dogs myself :)
Where I live, we do not have much, if any, private land to ride across, just public land, State Park, State Trust, etc. Of course, there are leash laws but these are areas with very few people around and I do like to take one of my dogs with me- he fits the above description perfectly. I actually think that dogs popping out in front of you, jumping out of the bushes, etc., is a wonderful way to desensitize your horse to all sorts of trail conditions that you can't control, although it is a hairy thing to do in the beginning with a greenie. We have trail riders around here that hate to see dogs on the trail, no matter how well behaved they are. They are afraid of their horses being spooked and then there are the ones who say there horses will go ape and kill the dog if it gets next to them.

Huntertwo

Oct. 1, 2006, 10:19 AM

I actually think that dogs popping out in front of you, jumping out of the bushes, etc., is a wonderful way to desensitize your horse to all sorts of trail conditions that you can't control

On the other hand, being a horse owner I believe it is up to me when and where to desensitize my pony. NO, I don't want to be riding along on a loose rein looking at wildlife and have your dog coming charging out of the bushes. :mad: I want to make it a good experience for her. Not a frightening one.

When I was working on desensitizing my pony, I was very aware of my surroundings, and kept a bit of contact on the reins, just in case she spooked.

Eachside

Oct. 1, 2006, 10:39 AM

Dalmation was bred for this.
You might have to go through a lot of breeders before you find one that is still breeding for this trait.
I've seen only 1 dalmation horse trail combo but the riders & dogs had fun.

3fatponies

Oct. 1, 2006, 10:41 AM

RegentLion

Oct. 1, 2006, 11:06 AM

My "trail dog of choice" is an Australian Cattle Dog (ACD, also known as a Blue or Red heeler, depending on the color).

Hank is a rescue ACD and he's great on the trail. He sticks close and can keep up with no problems, even at a gallop he goes as fast as he can to stick around. He doesn't bark or bite at the horses on the trail (in the arena is a different story :mad: ). He also doesn't jump out or scare them, just trails along behind happy as a clam.

Of course I'm riding on my own property, so no worries about leash laws/whatever.

dalpal

Oct. 1, 2006, 12:09 PM

I have dalmatians...you won't find a better dog with the instinct to "coach" along side a horse. We have a foster that came in last night..OMG, this young lady would be a top road trial dog...she comes by the coaching instinct automatically.

Check this out!!!

I'm amazed more endurance folks don't do this stuff. It's perfect for both arabs and dogs.

http://www.thedca.org/distancelog.html

and

http://www.thedca.org/roadtrial.html

Beverley

Oct. 1, 2006, 02:08 PM

Well, you asked a simple question, best breed of dog and why.

My goldens were always great on the trail. I wouldn't take my current terrier because he thinks he needs to chew on the horses' back legs, which is not a prudent idea for him. Nor the Great Dane- the terrain currently at my disposal would probably cook him before too long. Border collies are great in my experience, too.

Any of the 'hound' breeds would, I'm sure, love to accompany you, but never any guarantee that they won't just start hunting something, beagles especially!

Since you didn't ask 'whether' you should take your dog on the trails, those who presumed to weigh in on that should maybe start their own thread...:) .

vineyridge

Oct. 1, 2006, 03:53 PM

I'm a Dal lover too. Smooth haired, so they don't collect trash in their coats, bred for horses and for endurance. A trotting Dal can go for hours. :yes:

Good Dals are wonderful dogs.

Shadowsrider

Oct. 1, 2006, 05:27 PM

I have a wolf/husky cross that has turned out to be the very best trail dog I, or anyone who's met him, has ever known. Extremely sensitive to what's going on around him, and can run FOREVER, lol. He loves to be out in front, but is always tuned in to what the horses are doing, so as soon as he hears the hoofbeats speed up when we start trotting or cantering, he jumps off the trail and lets everyone go by and falls in behind. When we slow down, he waits till there is sufficient clearance around the horses, then he trots up to the front again. The nice thing with him up front is that he scares off all the pheasants, deer, grouse, turkeys, ect that would otherwise startle the horses. He even moved a bear off the trail one time!

He does not ever leave the horses for more than a minute or two, he's had wildlife jump out right in front of him......he'll chase it for a minute, then....he can't stand it, lol, he's got to get back to the horses. It's the RIDE he loves, the wildlife he encounters is just extra. If he's up ahead and we stop, he comes back within a few seconds to see where we are. I NEVER worry that he will get distracted and run off. He can't stand it

That dog LIVES to trail ride. Luckily, we live smack in the National Forest and there are no leash laws, ect.

The only problem with his breeding is that he has a mind-boggling coat of hair with an undercoat that literally doesn't get wet (we can't give him a bath!). So we shave him every spring. :p

Here's a picture of him and my daughter (so you can see his size). He's still not got his full coat back, only about two-thirds of it. When he has his full coat, he looks even bigger, lol.

http://www.thewomensplace.ca/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=18060&d=1159741003 (http://www.thewomensplace.ca/forums/showthread.php?p=131476#post131476)

We've speculated that it is both the Husky and the wolf background that makes him such a good travelling companion. When trail riding, he travels as wolfpacks are seen to on wildlife documentaries; very aware of each other and what each one is doing and where. Both wolves and Huskies are bred to work as a team and travel as a coherent group, I suppose that is why he ended up working out so well as a trail dog.

saratoga

Oct. 1, 2006, 07:47 PM

Eeeek! Mixed feelings here: I love dogs (have 3), but I certainly agree with the posters who say you need permission or your own property. I don't think you should be doing that on public property. Your dog may be fine, but what if it runs into another dog who isn't? Sure, your dog loves to go, but how would you feel if another dog tore it up because it came charging up, all friendly, off-leash to a dog-aggressive dog?

Just something to consider. :)

There are 2 nasty rottweiler type dogs that live down the street from me- the lady keeps the gate open (?) and they often do charge out and go after my dog. They have never actually "attacked" him but are very aggresive. The dog I take with me is very non-aggressive and minds his own business- he really doesn't even go up to other dogs at all, just does his own thing. He also ignores coyotes and other wildlife. Getting attacked by another dog is something that *could* happen, but there are so many risks in life that I don't want to be afraid to live.

Also, for the person who doesn't want my dog charging out of the bushes near her, the chance of him doing it pretty slim. he stays very, very close to me and if I see another person coming, will call him even closer. I have encountered some disobedient dogs on the trail, but I think deer are by far the scariest things and you can't control them, of course.

Miss-O

Oct. 1, 2006, 08:14 PM

My vote is for a Great Dane. They naturally want to follow you everywhere(mine has great stamina even though she's black). I never once had to yell at the Dane for running off. She's also big enough that should I come into an area that is a little more populated and I want her to wear a leash I don't have to hop off the horse to clip the leash on. I just ask her to "hop up" and she puts her paws up on my legs and I can clip the leash on right from there.

And she is great with people but she is also very protective of me so I know that if need be she wouldn't let any boogie man get me. I'm young (24) and I ride by myself so I want a dog that I know who will "have my back" should I need it. And she is so obedient that she wouldn't do anything w/o my say. Alot of people see her size and are intimidated anyways and leave us alone which is nice I then don't have to worry as much about unreputable people.

She doesn't bother the horses and she even eats the grain they spill. She's my little pony :D

3fatponies

Oct. 2, 2006, 09:28 AM

There are 2 nasty rottweiler type dogs that live down the street from me- the lady keeps the gate open (?)

Nice...very responsible.... :no:

Sabovee

Oct. 2, 2006, 09:48 AM

Border Collie!

Attentive, obedient and BOUNDLESS energy! :)

pAin't_Misbehavin'

Oct. 2, 2006, 10:14 AM

They're bred to work hoofstock and many are very "high drive." Which means they will want to herd the horses, cars you may encounter, and other animals such as loose dogs or livestock.

They are incredibly intelligent and can be taught to have an "off switch." Of course, any working stockdog has to know when to stop working stock. But when a border collie, even one with a great "lie down" and 100% recall, is around stock, it pays to have your attention on the stock and the border collie. Which of course you can't do if you're also having to pay attention to your horse, trail companions, etc.

I'm glad the poster above had a good experience with this breed. They're the best, IMO - that's why I live with one and volunteer a lot of my time to border collie rescue.:) But I see so many bc's come through the rescue who were given up by their original homes because they didn't work out as expected, that I just wanted to post a warning.

Just My Style

Oct. 2, 2006, 10:19 AM

redponyrider

Oct. 2, 2006, 10:39 AM

where do you people manage to ride that is safe for your dog to run loose like that? we have to cross roads, pass near people's backyards (and their loose aggressive dogs), and share the trails with hikers and dog walkers when we go out trail riding. I'm fine letting a well-trained dog off leash while I'm walking on foot, because it's so easy to snap the leash back on again if you approach a road or other safety hazard, but if you're up there on the horse? not so easy. Even a super-well-trained dog isn't a machine, who knows what could happen.

pAin't_Misbehavin'

Oct. 2, 2006, 10:44 AM

On your own property, any dog is a suitable trail companion. On public or privately owned property, leave the dog at home. The leash law applies under these circumstances and I think it would be virtually impossible to ride and have a dog on a leash at the same time.

Oh, how I wish leash laws applied where I live. But they don't, and it seems like every other landowner thinks its his/her God-given right to allow their dogs to harass passers-by on the public road. Now that I'm bringing my horses home from the boarding stable, I'm wondering how best to handle this. I love dogs, and on foot I've been able to either make friends or at least strike a truce with the loose beasties. But I'm not sure what my two geldings are going to think. I'm considering teaching both to accept my popping a hunt whip from the saddle, just in case some dog gets above himself.

I agree about leaving dogs at home on trail rides. My RI has a dog who stays home now by popular demand, since we've all spent time on trail rides searching for the flighty little thing, or blocking traffic with our horses so she could catch the silly beast before he ran into the road.

Just My Style

Oct. 2, 2006, 11:09 AM

I know. Unfortunately, too many think the leash law is an optional law. Well, it isn't. I spent an extra $1k on my fencing to reinforce it with wire to keep my neighbors "friendly" goldendoodle out of my paddocks. The dog is friendly. The horse isn't. ;)

JackSprats Mom

Oct. 2, 2006, 04:56 PM

Since you didn't ask 'whether' you should take your dog on the trails, those who presumed to weigh in on that should maybe start their own thread...:) .

Thanks

where do you people manage to ride that is safe for your dog to run loose like that? we have to cross roads, pass near people's backyards (and their loose aggressive dogs), and share the trails with hikers and dog walkers when we go out trail riding We have hundreds (literally) of miles of trails that require NO road work, no residential areas and I have yet to meet a hiker...meet lots of other horses. Yes, I'm spoilt in the PNW and I LOVE IT.

Reason I was asking on breeds, and quite surprised at the answers, is I want a dog that can physically take it. Great Danes are wonderful but I would imagine (and may be wrong) break down at a youngish age.

Dalmations- not a fan of, sorry. Have yet to meet a nice one (don't flame me, I work around dogs daily and I have honestly yet to meet a nice one).

I was just curious to see what you all had and how they held up. My Rottie mix for example would LOVE to be a trail dog but is physically too big (100 lbs- not overweight) and I feel it would reck his joints. My lab/border collie mix can go all day and is sensible around horses.

My next thought for a dog was a feild cocker.....

citydog

Oct. 2, 2006, 05:14 PM

I can't in good conscience recommend any specific breed. There are any number of breeds (or mixes) of which a healthy one could physically do the job. You need a biddable individual with a great temperament and channelable drives. Yeah, a Border Collie could be the best dog or the worst. It depends on the *individual* dog, and your skills as a trainer/handler.

As an aside, yeah, it's awfully difficult to find a good Dalmatian (because of the ****wits who bredbreedbreed every time Disney releases another Dal movie), but they *are* out there, and running alongside horses is what they were bred for, physically and mentally.

Good luck. :)

dalpal

Oct. 2, 2006, 05:32 PM

No flame..I understand the stigma with dals as there are with other breeds.

Yep, the breeders need to take blame for reducing the gene pool breeding to the same damn stud dog in the early 90s.

Anyway, dallies were bred to guard the stable house at night, and run with the carriages during the day. They are bred to be guard dogs.....what happens is you get these idiots who want to buy them because they have spots.....they do not realize that dals a. are endurance dogs and need to run off energy b. they need to be indoor dogs with families c. they need obedience training d. they need a job.

I've had 2 purebreds, 1 pointer/dal mix, and I foster. They are socialized daily, exercised daily, loved on daily....they are the best dogs, couldn't imagine my life without spots....they have personalities similar to arabian horses...very smart, but often are labeled as dumb, as they can outsmart the person working with them.

They aren't for everyone.....but I hate it when people give them a stigma of being "bad dogs" because they knew one that was bad....more often than not, it's due to poor ownership. There's good and bad in EVERY breed... including some of the more popular pet dogs such as goldens and labs, once again, usually due to poor ownership.

Too bad you don't live closer to me, I could introduce to 3 good ones!!!!;)

rcloisonne

Oct. 2, 2006, 07:02 PM

There's good and bad in EVERY breed... including some of the more popular pet dogs such as goldens and labs, once again, usually due to poor ownership.
Poor breeding too.

And I don't know about anyone else but I can only deal with one animal brain at a time! :eek:

2Horse

Oct. 2, 2006, 07:50 PM

My Jack Russell makes an excellent trail dog. She stays right with us and if there are strange dogs in the area, she will stay right next to me.
I also had an Aussie that was a great trail dog too. Unfortunately she also LOVED to go. She would jump in any car/truck door if it was open. She ended up getting stolen that way.

vineyridge

Oct. 2, 2006, 08:35 PM

I've had a Dalmatian in my life (serially) for over fifty years. My current one, a dumpee post 101 Dalmatians, is the only one who isn't attracted to horses. He's a wonderful guard dog, but not a good barn/trail dog. I live in the middle of a huge row crop farming area with no people for miles, and I can ride the turnrows with my pack of dogs to my heart's content.

One of the best dogs for trail riding in my current group is a "sporting" bred American cocker. I just really, really hate the coat maintenance that goes with him. He seems to attract cockleburrs like a magnet.

sunridge1

Oct. 2, 2006, 10:07 PM

I can't say enough about German Shepherd's. Living in Northern WI, Anna has been a godsend. We have a population of wolves and bears. On more than one occasion she has cleared the trail of unwanted predators which believe me are much scarier than the dog themselves. My horses have become very dependent on her. Albeit she is well behaved and doesn't stray. And my horses, well, they are not very tolerant of other dogs so if another dog interferred I'd say Echo (the horse), "sic em". LOL
Mary

citydog

Oct. 2, 2006, 10:48 PM

Best to look at the wiry working/herding dogs built/designed to go and go and go, yet stick with you come he!! or high water -- border collies, Malamutes, Aussies, Belgians -- or in the Sporting Group -- Weimaraners, Dobies.

Good Lord, not Malamutes. :eek: Perhaps you mean (Belgian) Malinois? Belgians (my breed) can be extremely high drive, and temperament problems are, sadly, fairly common. Kind of a "full time" breed.

But a good one is fabulous, and yes, they can go and go and go.

And Dobies are great. An underrated breed for sure. I was very active in a Dobie rescue group for a few years, and was *stunned* at all the good, resilient temperaments I saw despite some horrendous conditions. But they've got more than there share of health issues.

Prieta

Oct. 3, 2006, 08:27 AM

We've had several different breeds; cross Standard Poodle was the best one for me. She'd stick by me and my mare at all times - for miles and miles. Even when there was a wildlife lurking out there, she'd just ignore it and stick by us. :D Cleo was really friendly that people felt comfortable around her even when I was high up on my mare. Everytime we'd go out, Cleo would bounce with joy and GO! I miss her.

Those two breeds are loud no for us....Border Collie and White West Highland. Westie would take a look at us, turn around, walk back to the house, and lay down on the porch looking very despodent. I'd cajole her to follow us only to see her "shaking her head". She'd much rather stay at home! :eek:

Border collie must "work" at all times which was vexing at times. Plus, she was not suitable to be a hearing dog. :(

3fatponies

Oct. 3, 2006, 09:05 AM

Having had hunting dogs, ranging from Coonhounds to Beagles to Pointers, I would vote against a hunting dog for sure. Finding one who will not pursue his own instinctive agenda will be tough, I think.

I will vote FOR any service breed--sheps, dobes, etc., or a mix thereof. If I were you, I would go down to the local shelter and look for a youngster with good leg and high energy, combined with an interest in taking direction. Bring a ball with you, and take any dog you are interested in out to play. Throw the ball, and then make a big "come see me, doggy!" deal out of him coming back to you. Don't worry so much about the release, but see who is interested in playing the game within the parameters you set (coming back, etc.). That dog may be a good candidate for you. :)

citydog

Oct. 3, 2006, 09:15 AM

*Great* advice!

3fatponies

Oct. 3, 2006, 09:17 AM

Thanks! :D
Years of fostering rescue dogs makes it important to size them up quickly, esp. when you are checking for important things like a lack of interest in killing the resident dogs and cats. :lol:

centaur532

Oct. 5, 2006, 08:13 AM

No flame..I understand the stigma with dals as there are with other breeds.

I've had 2 purebreds, 1 pointer/dal mix, and I foster. They are socialized daily, exercised daily, loved on daily....they are the best dogs, couldn't imagine my life without spots....they have personalities similar to arabian horses...very smart, but often are labeled as dumb, as they can outsmart the person working with them.

Too bad you don't live closer to me, I could introduce to 3 good ones!!!!;)

I am living for the day that I can finally get a dal. True story-I've wanted one since I was a very little kid, like six years old or so. I hadn't seen the movie 101 dalmations, we were actually looking at houses because we were moving and this one house had a dalmation named Tigger that howled the whole time. I don't know why, but since then I've wanted one (I was a strange kid anyway!). I finally saw 101 Dalmations when I was much older and it pissed me off because I knew people would want one solely because of the film.

I also want a chocolate lab. I found a chocolate lab/dal mix for adoption on petfinder. My SO said that dog would probably be the naughtiest dog alive. I said it would be perfect for me :D
The morgan farm next to my house breeds dalmations. I am really looking forward to getting my own place so I can finally get one. I also really want an appy. I guess I just have a thing for spots :D

msc

Oct. 5, 2006, 09:17 AM

When I was a young adult riding in Ridgefield, CT., on weekends, I would take my city-dwelling Saluki up with me and for two days, we would cover miles of trails after our lessons, down the dirt roads, through the fields, galloping, trotting, walking. It was enough to keep her happy for the remainder of her apartment-bound week.

Alas, I would fear to do this now due to the increase in automobile traffic and the sheer number of new houses.

But it was pure delight!

smilton

Oct. 5, 2006, 09:34 AM

I have the following breeds that go on trail rides with me -

Rat Terrier- Easy to clean (short hair) drys off quickly very loyal, listens well, small enough to cross rivers in my lap on horse back (15lbs) and can jump up there herself by command, can keep up, Never wears out. Easily fits in pickup

Doberman- Very easy to clean,(very short hair) drys off quickly, very loyal, (even though he is harmless he frightens people with his size) listens well, great with horses, friendly to everyone (afraid of frogs and centipedes) Takes up an entire seat plus some in a pickup.

Lab- takes a little longer to dry than the doberman and rat terrier, will stop to play in ANY water you cross, loyal, listens well, not as easy to keep clean. Happiest riding in the back.

Giant Schnauzer- Giant velcro will pick up leaves, sticks trigs, briars, burs, etc in coat and you have to pick out unless you keep it cut short. (plus side they do not shed) Takes about as long as the lab to dry. Incredibly loyal and sticks to us like glue. Does not leave me for any reason. Very protective not a dog for everyone.