I'm planning to get a dog soon. I live on the west coast, and I do a lot of backpacking. I'd like a dog who I can take with me on two to five day trips. The dog needs to be able to carry it's food and such in it's own little backpack. Does anyone have experience with this? What would be the best type of dog? Husky? Malimute? German Shepherd? Something else?
Also, let's pretend that money/house space/yard space isn't an issue. I just want to focus on what sort of dog is best for backpacking (I can take other variables - like personality and such - into account on my own).
2007-02-09 18:40:44 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Any working breed dog would be good. A Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler or even a Dalmatian would be a few good choices. You really shouldn't go backpacking with any dog that is known to be very prone to hip/elbow dysplasia before he is 12 months old as that can increase the chance of the dog getting dysplasia, no matter how dysplasia free the parents were.
Edit: A Boxer, Pit Bull or a Staffordshire Bull Terrier would also be a really good choice for you.
2007-02-09 23:00:47 · answer #1 · answered by Elena 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, I would go with a Labrador Retriever. They have boundless energy and love the exorcise. Each one of course comes with it's own personality. Look though for an American Labrador. There are two classifications to the Labrador now the American, which is typically bigger, stronger, and more energetic than it's english counterpart. who is typically a more relaxed dog. As for being able to carry it's own food. Labs are great for this. They make the little doggy back packs now. I have seen them at places such as Petsmart. I currently have a black Lab who can't get enough exorcise...when I am done walking and ready to just collapse he is like is that all? Can we go some more???? I'm ready? Let's Go? We walk for at least a mile every morning and then agian in the evening. And he is still wanting to play catch. Chase the kids from one end of the house to the other. And is just full of energy. So if you are looking for a dog who is going to be able to not only keep up but be an awsome compainion for life. Choose a Labrador they are some of the most energetic, loyal, understanding, easy to train, dogs that I have ever seen. I hope that this helps you out.
2007-02-09 20:08:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any sturdy dog will be able to walk great distances and carry its own food. A medium to larger sized dog would be good. I would suggest a Labrador, Golden Retreiver, German Shepard, Bouvier des Flandres or any dog from a shelter that is a combination of any of these dogs, you know, a mutt. The Husky and Malamute would be good dogs also, but because they are dogs that were bred for colder climates, they might get uncomfortable in the warmer weather. You will have to get the dog used to the doggie pack with the weight in it. You can't just slap the pack on the dog and expect it to like it and understand what its for. You will have to put it on the dog empty and walk with the dog for a few days and then slowly add weight to the pack until you have in it what you want to take for the trip. Make sure that you balance the weight equally on both sides of the pack.
2007-02-09 19:00:37 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most dogs are capable of it once they're fully grown. The breeds I would stay away from are the ones that have genetics against them for back problems like dachshunds and basset hounds. You can buy doggie back packs at most any pet store and use them on daily walks for practice, you wouldn't go hiking if you weren't in shape for it so make sure you dog is as well. If its usually hot when you go avoid dogs with short snouts, they're cooling system does not work as well as a long snout dog so you'll need to stop more often for breaks and water.
2007-02-09 23:14:22 · answer #4 · answered by Kimberly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most dogs that I have known can handle backpacking. The "working dog" breeds (ie. shepherds, rotties, labs) are usually better able to carry better loads and walk farther than "house" dogs. but any dog can be trained to carry a pack.
2007-02-09 18:52:47 · answer #5 · answered by googleplex 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably any "working dog" breed would be the best. I have a labrador at home and we hike a lot, so labradors are a good choice but they are always finding every excuse to lie down :)
2007-02-09 19:01:29 · answer #6 · answered by XD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would think a "working type" of dog look into the different breeds that are in the working dogs and see which one suits you best. German shepards are awesome
2007-02-09 19:22:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't go wrong with a Vizsla. Best all around dog ever. Hunting, birding, hiking, kids, quiet, cleanliness, everything's coming up Vizsla!
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/vizsla.htm
2007-02-10 07:41:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would suggest a big muscular dog like a rottie or lab or shepard...blue heeler....my uncle back packs and does bush work all the time and takes his blue heeler and she does great.. its totally up to you of course but i would suggest that....good luck finding your dog
2007-02-09 19:05:51 · answer #9 · answered by lauriesissons 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋