does anyone know which dog breeds are the best hikers?

Question

I am looking for a medium to large dog that can go on 3-4 hour hiking trips

Answer 1

I would suggest any dog from the sporting group. Any retriever, pointer and even spaniels. Take a look at the AKC site.

Answer 2

Standard Poodles
Vizlas
Pointers
German Shorthaired Pointers
Irish, English and Gordon Setters
Brittany Spaniels
English and Welsh Springer Spaniels

Find a good breeder referral by going to www.akc.org or talking to people at dog shows. Larger breeds can have hip and you need a physically fit, healthy dog for long hikes - you should get the best one you can!
http://www.akc.org/breederinfo/breeder_search.cfm

You can also find info about the breed clubs on the akc site - they probably have a rescue group where you can get an older dog for less money.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm

The best breeders will be members of their breed club, promoting healthy dogs with great temperaments. They should ask you a bunch of questions to make sure their puppy will be getting a good home. If all a "breeder" seems to care about is whether your check will clear, you can be sure he won't care a week later when the pup is dying from distemper or parvo and you want your money back.

Whatever you do, DON'T go to a pet shop, a flea market or buy one sight-unseen off the Internet!!!! You'll pay top dollar for what is usually a poor quality puppy mill dog that is often sick and may have falsified registration papers. And you'll be supporting one of the cruelest industries in the country. http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_puppymills

Answer 3

Most of the hunting breeds would be great for this type of activity.
Many other breeds as well.
My sister has a Akita and they hike in the mountains all the time with him and he loves it.
Most of the hunting breeds are active and can go easily 3-4 hours.
Depends on if you like long haired or short haired dogs.
Look at www.akc.org to check out breeds you like.
Look at the profiles and read some of the info about each breed you like the look of.

Answer 4

My golden retriever mix is a great hiker. The key is this, get a dog with some size and strength as a puppy then start to leash train it young. Conditioning a dog is just like conditioning a person, you need to start small and gradually build up their endurance. Also teach the dog as a puppy to drink from a travel container or a water bottle, they need to stay hydrated too. I think breed is less important than conditioning, as long as the dog is large enough to handle it. Consider a rescue from a shelter, you can get a great dog and possibly save a life!

Answer 5

Like a lot of other people have said on here, hunting dogs are great. We have a weimaraner and she has SOOO much energy. Plus she has a short coat so doesn't get too hot when she's outside all day. She can go all day and still not be tuckered out!

Answer 6

Bernese Mountain Dogs are great--but not if you live in the South. It's just too hot for them, and they are prone to heat stroke. Otherwise, labs are good.

Answer 7

http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/users/43d85e31z65009b16/7278re2/__sr_/5d2dre2.jpg?phoRl1EB0pdOOG4j
I think medium size pups are perfect
Thats Franconie Ridge Trail

Answer 8

any kind of work dog would be great.. they love any and all exercise...
lab, golden retriever, border collie, huskies, shepherds...
i just depends on how you like your dog off the trails...

try to see what kind of dog you are... it's fun!
http://quiz.ivillage.com/uk_astrology/tests/dogs.htm

also, try to see what kind of dog would be best for you at:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

Answer 9

Labradors are great, very athletic and love the outdoors. Great swimmers too.

Answer 10

burmese mountain dogs work best! but they cost alot of money...good luck finding one.