Hikers best friend? Which is best?

[Amstaffer]

My friend lost his dog to cancer about 2 months ago and he is now thinking about getting another dog. He is going to go through a shelter or Rescue. The main thing he does with his dog beside the whole family thing is he is a serious hiker. He travels all over the United States and Canada hiking.

His last dog was a Irish Setter but he wants to switch to a dog with shorter hair that doesn't catch a lot of burrs. He also wants a dog with a longer life span if possible but doesn't want a small dog. He hikes in Cold and Hot dry places so the dog has to tolerate both. He is smart dog person and always carries plenty of water but he doesn’t' want a breed that over heats fairly easy. (That is why I steered him away from my favorite the Amstaff)

I'm going to recommend the following; do you have any other ideas?
Aussie Blue Healer (Cattle Dog)
Chesapeake Ret.
Rhod. Ridgeback (?cold hardiness?)

[oriondw]

Does the dog need some protection abilities as well?

I would recommend a CAO.

Short hair, very rugged, very high endurance, and has enough stopping power to take down anything upto a mountain lion. They are from mountains, naturally dont need alot of water, and can often go miles without rest with proper conditioning.

They live about 12-14 years from everything I read.
http://www.cao.pl/images/grot_3a.jpg

[Amstaffer]

Interesting breed, did a search and it looks right up his alley. I wonder if they are hard to find. He doesn't need protection, actually he doesn't want a protective dog. They are sure good looking to dogs...to me anyway.

When I first did the search two breeds come up with that name,

1st result Cao da Serra de Aires. Not anything like he was looking for...It is a midsized borderline foofoo dog. lol

2nd search result and the breed I think you meant....Cão de Fila de São Miguel

Thanks for the tip.

[Saje]

I was just reading about the Anatolian Shephard. I don't know that much about them but they sound like they are very athletic and adaptable.

[BigDog2191]

Dalmation and Weimaraner sound like they good to this man some good.

[Amstaffer]

Dalmation and Weimaraner sound like they good to this man some good.

I know the Weimaraner is a hunting dog but how is the Dalmation in the cold? They seem to have the same about of hair as my Amstaffs and they are not winter sports animals.

[BigDog2191]

Ah, you're right.

I didn't read that part, sorry.

Weimaraner's may be the same, they've very thin, short coats.

Beagle? Or Bloodhound?

I dunno if the Bloodhound would have the energy... it doesn't seem like they would. Same with the Beagle... I'll find one! :)

[Renee750il]

What he needs is a Bimmer-dog, but unfortunately there's only one of those in the world ;) He even pulls the burrs out of his own fur!

I'd say he might find the perfect dog at the shelter just waiting . . . Actually, a nice Pittie would be a good choice.

[BigDog2191]

I think a German Shepherd like Rocky would fit the bill too.

They can adapt to any weather climate, they're full of energy, and I'm sure he'd be a great hiking companion. Maybe not as a puppy but if you found a young adult, it should work out great.

[Renee750il]

My Bear (GSD/Akita mix) loved to hike.

[bubbatd]

To me a lab or lab mix would fit the bill.

[Amstaffer]

Actually, a nice Pittie would be a good choice.

As much as I love bully breeds, most of them don't do the best in cold temps.

[Renee750il]

Yep, I'd forgotten about that. They do so well here, but we don't have more than a couple of months of hard winter, with maybe 20 days or so of sub-freezing weather.

[Doberluv]

I think a Lab or Lab mix too, would fit the bill. I've had them and I hike. No dog should over exert himself in extreme temperatures. Heat stroke is easily brought onto any dog. But a Lab is a good brush buster, atheletic, strong, sturdy and love going on hikes.

I am a hiker and I just lost my Lab recently to old age. I now go hiking with my Chihuahuas and Doberman. They're all great hikers too, believe it or not. The Chi's keep right up with the Dobe, don't get any more tired than he does and can go where he has trouble. If there's a bunch of trees down across the trail with branches and twigs and if it's too high to jump, he has to figure out how to go around, way up a bank and through more brush. The Chihuahuas can fit through any little crack in the twigs, no problemo. LOL. But again....both my breeds don't do terrifically in extreme temps. But when it's cold, they stay warm on account of the exercise. I wouldn't want to hike in sub zero temperatures anyhow.....can't imagine anyone wanting to do that. LOL. It's movies and a fire in the fireplace for me.

[joce]

Our labs always loved going and my dobe loves it now but he'd be cold too easilly! The cattle dog at the barn didn't like being outside if it was cold so that might not be the best choice. The paws are the big thing you have to look at though. A bad cut and a dog will never be able to go again. I know some breeds are supposed to have tougher pads than others(heard huskies are thick). Any shepard/lab/husky mix from a shelter would probally do great. My mom said she sees border collies all the time when they go hiking.

[Athe]

I would suggest Shepherd mix, Lab mix, Rottie mix etc. If adopting an older dog watch for the lazy sit (HD).
If hiking I would watch out for any breed that has high predatory drives.

[gaddylovesdogs]

I think a lab would be a good choice, too. Tippy, my border collie, has medium-length fur, longer fur on her belly, and burs get stuck in there so easily.

[avenlee]

Yup, I was thinking Lab right off the bat before I read all the posts. They are such a companion sturdy dog.

[bubbatd]

Either a lab or shave a golden retriever.!!

[Dakotah_2009]

I would mostly say a Lab to. But I would get a Yellow one, b/c if u go where there r hunters they might mistaken a Black or Chocolate Lab for a boar or wild cat or somthing (its happened). So I would say a Yellow Lab! In plus they r easy to spot, in the woods b/c of their coats.

[oriondw]

Yeah if he doesnt want any protection a silly lab would be good.

[Dakotah_2009]

LOL oriondw

[gaddylovesdogs]

Yeah if he doesnt want any protection a silly lab would be good.
You must really be afraid of being attacked, seeing as you view guarding breeds as the only "good ones" and other breeds as "silly". :rolleyes: :mad:

[oriondw]

You must really be afraid of being attacked, seeing as you view guarding breeds as the only "good ones" and other breeds as "silly". :rolleyes: :mad:

Whats wrong with word silly?


One of the definations is "lacking seriousness"

Most labs I've seen fall right under there. They are good sweet dogs that really dont take anything seriously.

[oriondw]

You must really be afraid of being attacked, seeing as you view guarding breeds as the only "good ones" and other breeds as "silly". :rolleyes: :mad:

Oh and yes, I do think that working dogs ( not just guardians) are "good one's" and the rest are silly :p

[bubbatd]

Tut Tut !!

[gaddylovesdogs]

They weren't bred to be big bad guard dogs, they were bred to be family companions that helped with hunting, not to stand at the gates of a town growling.

[oriondw]

They weren't bred to be big bad guard dogs, they were bred to be family companions that helped with hunting, not to stand at the gates of a town growling.


I respect labs that are used for hunting hunt :D

[Doberluv]

I've had Labs, among several breeds and they are extrordinarily trainable, intelligent, willing, atheletic, serious when at work, playful when at play, affectionate with most people, lovely, charming pets which bring joy into many family homes, whether they work or not, (being a pet is work), loyal, trustworthy around kids and they happen to be at the top by a long shot, for popularity for something like the past 11 years.

I fail to see from where the disrespect for them as being silly, which if taken in context implies that they are not valid, worthwhile, working dogs, which in fact they are. I would guess, it mainly comes from you. They happen to be one of THE most respected hunting dogs for upland, as well as water foul..... as being highly versatile and can do things which no other can, can handle frigid waters, which is a rare find. Did you ever see a Lab swim? Beautiful!

They are used for service dogs, seeing eye dogs, for people with a multitude of physical and mental disabilities, hearing impaired, cancer sniffing dogs, explosives, drugs, cadavers, search and rescue, therapy, tracking, retrieving and many other duties. They have an appropriate temperament and the brains to do more duties such as these than about any other breed.

That's too bad that you aren't just a little familiar with them. You're missing out on a whole world of truth and personal experience by speaking out without being informed. That's a shame that you deny youself.

I myself, among others, I'm guessing hold these dogs in high regard and have a thankful heart for their service to mankind whether as a working dog or a family pet.

I recently had to put my Lab to sleep at almost 14 years of age. I get a little emotional still and defensive of my lovely friend, Bonnie. She was a most loyal and trustworthy companion to my family...my children as they were growing up. She taught us all huge lessons in life by being the individual she was and the breed she was.

[oriondw]

I've had Labs, among several breeds and they are extrordinarily trainable, intelligent, willing, atheletic, serious when at work, playful when at play, affectionate with most people, lovely, charming pets which bring joy into many family homes, whether they work or not, (being a pet is work), loyal, trustworthy around kids and they happen to be at the top by a long shot, for popularity for something like the past 11 years.

I fail to see from where the disrespect for them as being silly, which if taken in context implies that they are not valid, worthwhile, working dogs, which in fact they are. I would guess, it mainly comes from you. They happen to be one of THE most respected hunting dogs for upland, as well as water foul..... as being highly versatile and can do things which no other can, can handle frigid waters, which is a rare find. Did you ever see a Lab swim? Beautiful!

They are used for service dogs, seeing eye dogs, for people with a multitude of physical and mental disabilities, hearing impaired, cancer sniffing dogs, explosives, drugs, cadavers, search and rescue, therapy, tracking, retrieving and many other duties. They have an appropriate temperament and the brains to do more duties such as these than about any other breed.

That's too bad that you aren't just a little familiar with them. You're missing out on a whole world of truth and personal experience by speaking out without being informed. That's a shame that you deny youself.

I myself, among others, I'm guessing hold these dogs in high regard and have a thankful heart for their service to mankind whether as a working dog or a family pet.

I recently had to put my Lab to sleep at almost 14 years of age. I get a little emotional still and defensive of my lovely friend, Bonnie. She was a most loyal and trustworthy companion to my family...my children as they were growing up. She taught us all huge lessons in life by being the individual she was and the breed she was.

I like dogs with jobs. I dont like couch potatoes who do nothing but look pretty and eat food.

I like all dogs who do work, no matter the breed. I also kind of frown at dogs that dont have any real world use. ( i.e. miniature poodles, shitzu's,, etc)

Also silly was not used as a negative statement...

[Bulloxer01]

why dosent he want a guardian? hiking in the mountains can be very dangerous

[gaddylovesdogs]

Well, I read it as rude. "silly lab" sounds rude to me, a lab owner.

May isn't used to work, we don't go hunting. But just because she doesn't have a "job" doesn't mean she's not a good dog. She takes long daily walks, chases rabbits and squirrels, plays with her "sisters" and she's always there for me when I need a ball of fur to hug. Just because a dog doesn't have a "job" doesn't make them a bad dog. Breeds like bichon frises were bred to companions and lap dogs. Bichons for royalty.

can handle frigid waters
I remember one time, when we were in the field with the girls, during the winter time. There is a creek right there. Well, the girls were tired after zooming around hunting for a while, and they were thirsty. We walke down by the frozen creek a little, and suddenly Mayberry walks down, breaks the ice and starts swimming in this freezing water. It was probably below zero in there.

[bubbatd]

Grammy here ,Orion....I feel you owe Doberluv an apology ....and to the rest of us who own dogs that aren't in a lather to start something most of us deem unacceptable in a companion dog. Cool it !

[oriondw]

Grammy here ,Orion....I feel you owe Doberluv an apology ....and to the rest of us who own dogs that aren't in a lather to start something most of us deem unacceptable in a companion dog. Cool it !


Its just my opinion about lap dogs. I have no problem with them, i just wouldnt own one and dont see a point in them :)

working dogs can be companions too you know :p


Besides people read in too much into the stuff I post, nothing I said here was meant to be negative.

[bubbatd]

No.... you put down her regards of labs.!

[Amstaffer]

why dosent he want a guardian? hiking in the mountains can be very dangerous

Well he and I both feel that a dog who is your guardian is a loved one who can become injured. He has also told me that we doesn't want a dog that is aggressive in anyway shape or form. He is afraid of the legal ramifications.

To me, it is my job to defend the family not my pets. My dogs are silly, and I like them just like that. They do have a serious job though, they entertain me, provide me with companionship and teach my grandchildren compassion and empathy...... Silly oh yeah ...but not unimportant!

If my dog defended my stuff and got hurt I would be heart broken. If someone breaks into my house I wish my dog to go hide and stay safe. Let the burgalar steal the TV and leave my dog alive. Any serious criminal can kill a dog quickly. I can always replace my stuff but you can't replace a friend or family member....which is how I view my dogs. I have weapons at my disposal by which I defend myself and family members.

[bubbatd]

I agree !!! If some one broke in here, he would bark his head off but wouldn't attack....he would warn me and hopefully I could save him from harm .

[Doberluv]

Thanks Grammy.

The fact is, if one has a narrow or limited view of what usefulness is, and fails to look at the whole spectrum of life, one can call a lap dog a couch potato, silly, useless or any other adjective. But let me tell you that there are billions of people who depend on a dog to be just that, a companion. A companion fulfills peoples' psyche, their spirit, people who are depressed and lost find hope. Why else would there be therapy dogs? The same holds true for a companion dog; a poodle, (a respectable hunting dog too, btw) a Bishon, a Chihuahua and the many, many more dogs used for solely a companion dog.

You want to talk silly? I'll talk silly. My Doberman has a wonderful, correct, protective, working dogs' temperament. He's also very silly....goofy, playful, companionable. My Chihuahuas have bionic hearing and can hear something, often before my Dobe does. They are the early warning alarm. They are highly reactive and bark at things that they don't always need to worry about. Lyric, the Dobe watches and figures out what they're barking about. If he feels it's legit, he'll bark too, otherwise, he'll relax and they tend to settle down too when they see him relax. I have a real protective team going on here. LOL.

But the Chihuahuas can sit on my lap without cutting off my circulation like my Dobe does. They also eat less, easier to travel with, are great hiking company and entertain people with their circus - like antics. They're very agile and atheletic and quite sturdy.

Like I said, I had a Lab who was a companion. She didn't hunt for me, although she did for herself. (never got around to cooking up some stew with those rabbits she got) She was my companion on my horse rides and actually helped my green, nervous horse pass by scary things which the horse would refuse to go past, until she saw Bonnie go first.

But that's fine if someone wants a dog only because it can work. But it's illogical to poo poo the multitudes all over the world who choose a breed soley for companionship.


Gaddy,

That's a great story. I know...they're incredible dogs. Bonnie would roll around in the snow when it was 30 below zero here. But then I made her come inside. LOL. The Dobe and Chi's certainly have to make it quick for their potty breaks when it's that cold. I don't have to tell them to hurry up. LOL.

[bubbatd]

I guess all my goldens have been " silly dogs" and I loved them for it ! Silly at Christmas getting their toys from under the tree, silly for bringing home baby raccoons who lost their moms, silly for wanting to go for walks in the woods and investicate the creek, silly to want to go to the grocery, silly to visit Nursing Homes, hospitals, disabled folks, silly for loving my kids and grandkids, silly for wanting to be near me and sleep with me, silly for loving a new stuffed toys, silly for greeting their "cousins" when they come to stay etc etc etc.....yes , you're right...I do own a "silly dog" and thank the dear Lord I do !

[Doberluv]

I do own a "silly dog" and thank the dear Lord I do !

I love your postGrammy. My sentiments exactly! What more important job is there?


To me, it is my job to defend the family not my pets. My dogs are silly, and I like them just like that. They do have a serious job though, they entertain me, provide me with companionship and teach my grandchildren compassion and empathy...... Silly oh yeah ...but not unimportant!

If my dog defended my stuff and got hurt I would be heart broken. If someone breaks into my house I wish my dog to go hide and stay safe. Let the burgalar steal the TV and leave my dog alive.

Love this post too! I agree. If someone breaks into my house, even though there are gnashing teeth and vicious snarling and barking on the other side of the door, I'm ready with my .38. LOL. I won't let anyone hurt my babies.

I didn't get a Doberman for the purpose of protection. I, for one live in a virtually no crime area....a resort area in the north Idaho wilderness. I don't even lock my door when I leave. I got my Doberman for many of their wonderful traits, one main one, being SILLY! Can you believe it? Yes sireeeee....Dobermans are notoriously goofy, dorky, playful, energetic, watchful and alert, so trainable, chalk full of character and personality, brains, atheletisism, which I love to watch. My Lyric is my pride and joy.

All my dogs have been silly, my GSDs, Labs, mixes, Chihuahuas (oh boy, are they silly).
Hey....I just got an idea. I think all dogs, working or not are silly. They're always ready for a game, child like, innocent, loving, loyal. I think that's why we love them so much....most of us. They give soooooo much, just by being who they are, and I, for one, love and appreciate what my pet dogs have to give. They don't have to do more. They can just go on being silly.

[oriondw]

=Doberluv
Love this post too! I agree. If someone breaks into my house, even though there are gnashing teeth and vicious snarling and barking on the other side of the door, I'm ready with my .38. LOL. I won't let anyone hurt my babies.

I didn't get a Doberman for the purpose of protection. I, for one live in a virtually no crime area....a resort area in the north Idaho wilderness. I don't even lock my door when I leave. I got my Doberman for many of their wonderful traits, one main one, being SILLY! Can you believe it? Yes sireeeee....Dobermans are notoriously goofy, dorky, playful, energetic, watchful and alert, so trainable, chalk full of character and personality, brains, atheletisism, which I love to watch. My Lyric is my pride and joy.



That makes me wonder, if your area is so crime free why do you need a revolver ? :)

People think guns make them safe, in most cases though an average person doesnt even know how to correctly hold the thing.

Also, where in this thread have I said that being silly with family is a bad thing? :rolleyes: People here are so thick, you say something about a breed even if its a good thing and they try to get to your throat... Learn to take a compliment people...

[Renee750il]

Also silly was not used as a negative statement...

I think we've just run into one of those language speed bumps. Orion is using the word "silly" as in unsophisticated and playful.

People choose different dogs because they fill a personal desire or need. For some people, a clownish - and yes, silly - dog is a perfect fit, whether it's a silly Lab, Cocker, Doberman or mutt. Some want a dog with a serious, down to earth side, a more sober Lab, German Shepherd, Akita, etc. . . . You guys get the drift. There are as many different dog personalities as there are people personalities - and there's a place for all, well, errr, MOST of them. Nasty, ill tempered dogs aren't any more welcome than nasty, ill tempered people. Thankfully, there aren't as many of the dogs as there are people like that - and most of the dogs are much more willing to change their ways!

[gaddylovesdogs]

Yeah if he doesnt want any protection a silly lab would be good.
I read that as rude.

I don't want a serious dog, I want a mix of goofy and a mix of serious. Even my shepherd mix isn't serious. She rolls around in the grass and runs around like a nutball, it doesn't matter whether we're at home or at the park. And believe it or not, my lab isn't as hyper as most people think labs are. At times she acts like a goofy little puppy, but others she sits there and acts are serious and bold.

Gaddy,

That's a great story. I know...they're incredible dogs. Bonnie would roll around in the snow when it was 30 below zero here. But then I made her come inside. LOL. The Dobe and Chi's certainly have to make it quick for their potty breaks when it's that cold. I don't have to tell them to hurry up. LOL.

They sure are :). I told her to get out 'cause even though she's got a thick coat, that water must've been pretty cold.

[gaddylovesdogs]

Also, where in this thread have I said that being silly with family is a bad thing? :rolleyes: People here are so thick, you say something about a breed even if its a good thing and they try to get to your throat... Learn to take a compliment people...
I read it as rude due to a few of your previous posts in other threads, that's all.

[Doberluv]

Me too Gaddy. It's not just this thread. I was married to a Czech who had just immigrated from Czechoslovakia for 21 years and I know about and can read language difference and where that can be used and not used as an excuse and I see too good of a command of the English language here.

That makes me wonder, if your area is so crime free why do you need a revolver ?

People think guns make them safe, in most cases though an average person doesnt even know how to correctly hold the thing.

Well, I always have kept a few guns. There are black bears, Grizzly bears, cougars out in the wilderness where I hike and I wouldn't go in some of these areas without a gun. I grew up from a young teenager being trained by my avid, hunter Dad how to handle all kinds of guns. I'm a crack shot too, by the way, so don't lump me in with people who can't hold a gun.

[Renee750il]

What we lose here is the idiom and inflection of words, guys. I've known people who were second and even third generation removed from their family's immigration to the U.S. and there are still subtle but vast differences that stem from their home cultures.

I've always found that a person's choice of dogs was a good clue to their psyche. Orion is very serious, but every now and then he loosens up and jokes, but sometimes it's hard to tell because he is a very serious person - like his dog. You'd have to know an Ovcharka to be sure it was playing rather than keeping everything under control ;)

[bubbatd]

I think you are being kind, Renee. But, I think if this was the case, he would have admitted to his poor choice of wording.

[oriondw]

I think you are being kind, Renee. But, I think if this was the case, he would have admitted to his poor choice of wording.

Should other people admit to their inability to understand the literally meaning of what I wrote? ;)

[bubbatd]

No, I think I understand you only too well.

[Amstaffer]

I've always found that a person's choice of dogs was a good clue to their psyche. Orion is very serious, but every now and then he loosens up and jokes, but sometimes it's hard to tell because he is a very serious person - like his dog. You'd have to know an Ovcharka to be sure it was playing rather than keeping everything under control ;)


Interesting thought, What type of person picks pitbulls? Just looking to see what my choice tells you about my psyche... :D

Seriously, some people who pick some breeds do wish to live their life through their there dog. I am sorry to say that many who pick pitbulls are cowards who feel that they will be some how tougher if they have a "Pit". Now please no one on this board think I mean them, everyone I have read on this board that has Pitbulls are not the stereotype of the bad pitbull owner.

Since i started this thread I figure I can completely hijack it...lol

[bubbatd]

No, I understand. I was brought up with goldens and loved them. When Tom and were first married and I "needed" a dog, he wanted to go more " macho".....great dane, mastiff, dobe etc. We settled on a boxer, who was sweet but tore the house a part....We moved into a new home and didn't have a real yard....we did the best we could, but when he ripped down the new curtains and tore up the new couch , my mother in law suggested a farm she knew who would keep Chien until we were fenced in. I hated the idea but agreed. A week later I got a call that he'd been killed by a car. I never forgave her, or me for not standing up for myself. I grieved for 3 years until I got a golden ( a birthday present from Tom ) Nothing negitive about the fore mention breeds.................just that some aren't for others. BTW....I was very young !

[oriondw]

Interesting thought, What type of person picks pitbulls? Just looking to see what my choice tells you about my psyche... :D

Seriously, some people who pick some breeds do wish to live their life through their there dog. I am sorry to say that many who pick pitbulls are cowards who feel that they will be some how tougher if they have a "Pit". Now please no one on this board think I mean them, everyone I have read on this board that has Pitbulls are not the stereotype of the bad pitbull owner.

Since i started this thread I figure I can completely hijack it...lol


Its interesting. I would never think that a pit bull owner is a coward.

It all depends on the dog and how you act around it.

[Amstaffer]

Its interesting. I would never think that a pit bull owner is a coward.

It all depends on the dog and how you act around it.

The thugs that get pitbulls to make themselves look tougher are often cowards in my opinion because they what their dog to fight their fights.

[oriondw]

The thugs that get pitbulls to make themselves look tougher are often cowards in my opinion because they what their dog to fight their fights.


Thats kind of counter productive though because a pit in 99% of cases make terrible attack dogs :)

[Doberluv]

Since i started this thread I figure I can completely hijack it...lol

ROFLOL!!! That was good!
__________________________________________________ ______
Yeah if he doesnt want any protection a silly lab would be good.


Whats wrong with word silly?

One of the definations is "lacking seriousness"

Most labs I've seen fall right under there. They are good sweet dogs that really dont take anything seriously.

They take their work very seriously and are darn good at it, as was mentioned in the highly specialized, huge array of jobs the Labs do for society. Have you even seen a Lab work? Of course they're fun loving, as are all dogs in general, just by their very nature of being canines.

Originally Posted by gaddylovesdogs
You must really be afraid of being attacked, seeing as you view guarding breeds as the only "good ones" and other breeds as "silly".

Oh and yes, I do think that working dogs ( not just guardians) are "good one's" and the rest are silly

Main Entry: sil·ly
Pronunciation: 'si-lE
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): sil·li·er; -est
Etymology: Middle English sely, silly happy, innocent, pitiable, feeble, from Old English s[AE]lig, from s[AE]l happiness; akin to Old High German sAlig happy
Date: 14th century
1 : archaic : HELPLESS, WEAK
2 a : RUSTIC, PLAIN b : obsolete : lowly in station : HUMBLE
3 a : weak in intellect : FOOLISH b : exhibiting or indicative of a lack of common sense or sound judgment <a very silly mistake> c : TRIFLING, FRIVOLOUS
4 : being stunned or dazed <scared silly> <knocked me silly>
synonym see SIMPLE
- sil·li·ly /'si-l&-lE/ adverb
- sil·li·ness /'si-lE-n&s/ noun
- silly noun or adverb

I, personally don't see a Lab as helpless, feeble, weak, lacking in sound judgement, lowly in station, foolish or lacking in common sense.

Taken in the context that these quotes were written, notably, the last, I believe the understanding of the word was right on. Notice too, the good grammar, good spelling, not leaving out the verb to be, ever....using adverbs correctly, the order in which ther verbs are placed....perfect... good command of the English language. Plus, if this guys from Russia, do you know how many years of English they take in school (as a general rule)? They probably speak better English than a lot of Americans. I can't speak in particulars in this case, not knowing. But, either way, not knowing the definition of the word, "silly" is b.s. I don't even have to look at other posts to form my opinion as to what the intention was here.

Hey, if anyone critizes my human children or insults their character, I'd get after it with them too. It's not only my dogs. If you didn't mean anything, what so ever, not even in the slightest.... to be insulting or putting down, then I apologize for my sensativity.

[Doberluv]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My friend lost his dog to cancer about 2 months ago and he is now thinking about getting another dog. He is going to go through a shelter or Rescue. The main thing he does with his dog beside the whole family thing is he is a serious hiker. He travels all over the United States and Canada hiking.

His last dog was a Irish Setter but he wants to switch to a dog with shorter hair that doesn't catch a lot of burrs. He also wants a dog with a longer life span if possible but doesn't want a small dog. He hikes in Cold and Hot dry places so the dog has to tolerate both. He is smart dog person and always carries plenty of water but he doesn’t' want a breed that over heats fairly easy. (That is why I steered him away from my favorite the Amstaff)

I'm going to recommend the following; do you have any other ideas?
Aussie Blue Healer (Cattle Dog)
Chesapeake Ret.
Rhod. Ridgeback (?cold hardiness?)

I don't know much about Aussies. My unprofessional guess would be that they'd make a fine hiking companion....lots of energy, want a "job," which hiking is, are faithful and I've known people with lovely Aussies.

As far as a Chessie, I think they are not easy dogs to raise, can be rather hard and often tending toward pushy. I'd much rather see an average person (or even a non average person) with a Lab....much more versatile and easy to work with. IMO. I saw a special about Chessies and although lovely, appeared difficult to get started. I think (not sure) that they may tend toward more protectiveness than a Lab. That is only a guess.

Rhodesian Ridgeback: From the few that I have known....extreme high energy, difficult as puppies to raise, a lot of dog, can tend toward aggressiveness, as they have very, very, high protective instincts.

From the description of what your friend is looking for, "LAB" just keeps popping into my head. LOL. Not tending toward protectiveness (not much in most) happy go lucky, go with the flow, easy to train, very willing.... some are high energy, but shouldn't be hyper....should tend toward laid back and calm. These crazy, out of control, hyper Labs just aren't correct.

They love working along side their master, intelligent (7th on the list of a study I read about) trainable, are physically sturdy, generally healthy and can take the cold. (Again...hiking in hot summer should be saved for early morning or evening. Heat stroke in dogs is quite likely when it's very hot) Their temperament is generally excellent, (if bred right) sweet, loving, unsuspicious, anything goes, very loyal.

So, that's a short haired breed, not generally overly protective who is physically and mentally able to handle just about any job, including hiking.... who would make a great hiking buddy, IMO.

[oriondw]

Main Entry: sil·ly
Pronunciation: 'si-lE
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): sil·li·er; -est
Etymology: Middle English sely, silly happy, innocent, pitiable, feeble, from Old English s[AE]lig, from s[AE]l happiness; akin to Old High German sAlig happy
Date: 14th century
1 : archaic : HELPLESS, WEAK
2 a : RUSTIC, PLAIN b : obsolete : lowly in station : HUMBLE
3 a : weak in intellect : FOOLISH b : exhibiting or indicative of a lack of common sense or sound judgment <a very silly mistake> c : TRIFLING, FRIVOLOUS
4 : being stunned or dazed <scared silly> <knocked me silly>
synonym see SIMPLE
- sil·li·ly /'si-l&-lE/ adverb
- sil·li·ness /'si-lE-n&s/ noun
- silly noun or adverb

I, personally don't see a Lab as helpless, feeble, weak, lacking in sound judgement, lowly in station, foolish or lacking in common sense.


You choose to use a 14th century defination, I choose to use the current one.

In anycase, if you take a look at the context of what I posted you will notice that it was about "protection". If you took that in consideration, then why would you be offended? Labs are, by comparison to CAO's, helpless, weak and lack sound judgement when it comes to protection. Please do not take this as offesive because that is the truth.

At the same time CAO would be a terrible gun dog.

The second statement was meant at the dogs such as Miniature Poodels, Shi Tzu's and such. I dont see any practical use for those breeds thus I dont like them, thats just my personal preference.

Stop trying to read my posts as though they have some kind of hidden insult.

edit:

Also just to elaborate. The only reasons Im writing this post is because you seem to be really hung up on the defination of word "silly". Thus I am trying to show you that even if you used the 14th century defination, which i didnt mean when i was writing the original post, it would still be perfectly correct in that context.

[Doberluv]

We English speaking people go by Webster's Dictionary definitions. That is our "bible." No matter how old our language is, doesn't change the definitions. If it's in Webster's, it IS the definintion. OK...so I'll believe you that you didn't mean any insult by saying that Labs were silly......for now, anyway.

Oh....by the way, there was this one time where my young teens were at home alone. It was quite late at night and my husband and I were out at friend's. My Lab was up in my son's room and my son heard the door handle jiggle and at the same moment, my Lab did too. She ran down the stairs to the entry and was barking, growling, gnashing teeth....absolutely vicious. My kids were so scared, they climbed out of my daughter's window and sat on the roof. It looks like that dog would have defended them with her life.

You'd be suprised. As it happens, although some breeds are not able to protect or don't have as strong an instinct to protect, all dogs have some protective instincts. They had to, to survive and protect their pack and their resources. It can come out in the strangest ways.

I had a GSD once who had the temperament of my Lab....loved everyone, strangers, workmen.....everyone, not suspicious at all, not like my Doberman. He didn't appear to have any protective instincts. LOL. Then one night it happened. Something very similar to the story above, with my Lab. And that dog came unglued....vicious, snarling, mass of teeth and power at the front door....scared away who ever was out there. These houses were in another state....not where I live now.

Anyhow, the point is: That for you, a "non working" dog would not be your choice, that you find them silly and useless and can't understand how anyone would find anything good about a miniature poodle or any "frivolous" dog. But... this isn't about you. This is about someone else and what they would want a dog for...which is for a hiking companion, which would tend not to be highly protective and be a liability on the trail when meeting other people or dogs....... which would tend to have certain physical and mental requirements. Hence, the suggestion of a Labrador Retriever, a dog which is a far cry from frivolous or silly.

[oriondw]

This is about someone else and what they would want a dog for...which is for a hiking companion, which would tend not to be highly protective and be a liability on the trail when meeting other people or dogs....... which would tend to have certain physical and mental requirements. Hence, the suggestion of a Labrador Retriever, a dog which is a far cry from frivolous or silly.

Which is a exactly why I wrote that a lab, silly or not, would be good.

[Doberluv]

Bangs head against wall. Dogs are so much easier to train. 1/2 lol.

[oriondw]

Oh....by the way, there was this one time where my young teens were at home alone. It was quite late at night and my husband and I were out at friend's. My Lab was up in my son's room and my son heard the door handle jiggle and at the same moment, my Lab did too. She ran down the stairs to the entry and was barking, growling, gnashing teeth....absolutely vicious. My kids were so scared, they climbed out of my daughter's window and sat on the roof. It looks like that dog would have defended them with her life.


All I can say is looks can be deceiving, chances of the dog going into avoidance if the attacker went into attack are very high for such breeds.

Thats not even considering that Labs are generally not physically capable to stop an attacker, nevermind their mental state at the time of attack.

Point is that most dogs will bark, but when push comes to shove only a select few, either trained or bred for protection, will actually bite the attacker.

Are you seriously going to argue with me about protection and guard dogs? :rolleyes:

I dont understand your persistance in this thread at this point.

[oriondw]

. Dogs are so much easier to train. 1/2 lol.

Ill agree with that :D

[Doberluv]

Are you seriously going to argue with me about protection and guard dogs?

I dont understand your persistance in this thread at this point.



http://www.chazhound.com/pictures/data//500/baby_doberbutt.JPG

[BigDog2191]

Ha ha! :D

[oriondw]

http://www.chazhound.com/pictures/data//500/baby_doberbutt.JPG

:o

lol

:D

[bubbatd]

Cute butt !! LOL!

[Saje]

We English speaking people go by Webster's Dictionary definitions. That is our "bible." No matter how old our language is, doesn't change the definitions. If it's in Webster's, it IS the definintion. OK...so I'll believe you that you didn't mean any insult by saying that Labs were silly......for now, anyway.

Actually, I use Oxford dictionary. :p

;)

[gaddylovesdogs]

http://www.chazhound.com/pictures/data//500/baby_doberbutt.JPG
That's a very cute butt! ;) :D

[mrose_s]

The ACD sounds pretty good, i know that they are very hardy and have GREAT stamina. And they are eager to learn and please

[mrose_s]

All I can say is looks can be deceiving, chances of the dog going into avoidance if the attacker went into attack are very high for such breeds.

Thats not even considering that Labs are generally not physically capable to stop an attacker, nevermind their mental state at the time of attack.

Point is that most dogs will bark, but when push comes to shove only a select few, either trained or bred for protection, will actually bite the attacker.

.

it doesnt really matter wheather or not a dog is physically capable of taking down an attacker. Any dog no matter what its size can put on a pretty scary display, i have had people scared to come into our yard because of buster and he is only up past my knees. Yet people will still not mess with him.

One lady had a little pom which actually "convinced" an attacker to leave its house.

[mrose_s]

ROFLOL!!! That was good!
__________________________________________________ ______





They take their work very seriously and are darn good at it, as was mentioned in the highly specialized, huge array of jobs the Labs do for society. Have you even seen a Lab work? Of course they're fun loving, as are all dogs in general, just by their very nature of being canines.





Main Entry: sil·ly
Pronunciation: 'si-lE
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): sil·li·er; -est
Etymology: Middle English sely, silly happy, innocent, pitiable, feeble, from Old English s[AE]lig, from s[AE]l happiness; akin to Old High German sAlig happy
Date: 14th century
1 : archaic : HELPLESS, WEAK
2 a : RUSTIC, PLAIN b : obsolete : lowly in station : HUMBLE
3 a : weak in intellect : FOOLISH b : exhibiting or indicative of a lack of common sense or sound judgment <a very silly mistake> c : TRIFLING, FRIVOLOUS
4 : being stunned or dazed <scared silly> <knocked me silly>
synonym see SIMPLE
- sil·li·ly /'si-l&-lE/ adverb
- sil·li·ness /'si-lE-n&s/ noun
- silly noun or adverb

I, personally don't see a Lab as helpless, feeble, weak, lacking in sound judgement, lowly in station, foolish or lacking in common sense.

Taken in the context that these quotes were written, notably, the last, I believe the understanding of the word was right on. Notice too, the good grammar, good spelling, not leaving out the verb to be, ever....using adverbs correctly, the order in which ther verbs are placed....perfect... good command of the English language. Plus, if this guys from Russia, do you know how many years of English they take in school (as a general rule)? They probably speak better English than a lot of Americans. I can't speak in particulars in this case, not knowing. But, either way, not knowing the definition of the word, "silly" is b.s. I don't even have to look at other posts to form my opinion as to what the intention was here.

Hey, if anyone critizes my human children or insults their character, I'd get after it with them too. It's not only my dogs. If you didn't mean anything, what so ever, not even in the slightest.... to be insulting or putting down, then I apologize for my sensativity.

i think when they said silly they ment

skittish and playful, labs are just big puppies, but lovely things. But, i may stand corrected, i didnt see the original post and i have never personally met a lab. I saw a quide dog once though lovely thing, just lay there. So i will agree that they do take their job seriously.

[mrose_s]

anyway what happened to this thread, i read the first page and made my suggestion, went to the last page and it was all about protection dogs???
i say ACD

[oriondw]

it doesnt really matter wheather or not a dog is physically capable of taking down an attacker. Any dog no matter what its size can put on a pretty scary display, i have had people scared to come into our yard because of buster and he is only up past my knees. Yet people will still not mess with him.

One lady had a little pom which actually "convinced" an attacker to leave its house.


Some people are afraid of dogs... If an attacker knows anything about dogs he will not even flinch.

[mrose_s]

not necasarily, you can no all to know about dogs and think a lab won't attack, some dogs get abused, some get agressive, there is no way to know whether or not a dog will attack you untill it does or doesnt

[oriondw]

not necasarily, you can no all to know about dogs and think a lab won't attack, some dogs get abused, some get agressive, there is no way to know whether or not a dog will attack you untill it does or doesnt

Ok, keep thinking that, im not gonna try and change your opinion :p

[Amstaffer]

Thats kind of counter productive though because a pit in 99% of cases make terrible attack dogs :)

I agree, But they do look tough! and with the people I am talking about, it is all about looks.

[gaddylovesdogs]

I do think that many people who get pitbulls get them because they want to look "tough". Usually teenage guys, if you ask me...

[Amstaffer]

I do think that many people who get pitbulls get them because they want to look "tough". Usually teenage guys, if you ask me...

I wish that weren't true.... from what I see in the Cities of Chicago and Milwaukee (Outside of the show ring) most (not all but most) of the people in the city who get these dogs use them as status symbols of Toughness and Virility.

There is also a group of people who have taken them in, out of Pity because they are so often abused. A lot of the people I volunteer with at the Hum. Soc. have adopted Pits and Pit mixes for that very reason.

[BigDog2191]

I like a pit, cause I like a pit.

They're cute to me... they're big (I love big dogs, small ones too, but I prefer big) and they're just cool to me. I like 'em not for the bad rap they have and the "if you mess with me, my pit bull will tear you up" confident-like attitude.

They're just cool dogs to me, like GSD's. The one I own now.

The next dog I plan on getting is probably going to be either an Amstaff or a Bullmastiff.

They're also great guard dogs too... I always like that trait in a dog... even if he's not, so be it. I'm not scared easily and I can hold my own...

The only thing bad I've heard about Bullmastiffs and bully breeds from websites as I researched them is that they are hard to train and not very smart.

True or not? <---- for those of you who have owned a Bullmastiff or any other Bully breed.

[gaddylovesdogs]

I'm not saying all teenage guys, it's just that to many people, pitbulls are "tough" and most teenage guys want to look "tough". Believe me, there are lots of idiotic teenage guys out there...I've met a few (unfortunately) :rolleyes:

[gaddylovesdogs]

I in the future would love to own a pit. Most people think that if a female owns a "tougher" breed, though, that she only wants protection (which isn't me at all - my fists can do that work).

[showpug]

I say German Wirehair Pointer. They have a ton of edurance but a coat that would protect them from burrs etc. They have a coat that can quickly become longer if allowed to or stripped short if the trip will be a warm one. The neat thing is, is that the coat does not loose it's protective abilities at either length and these dogs have the endurance he would be looking for. :)

[Amstaffer]

True or not? <---- for those of you who have owned a Bullmastiff or any other Bully breed.

Bullmastiffs won't challenge Aus. Sheps anytime soon be they are average in the smarts department, but they are very much like Pitbulls in one way....EXTREMELY sweet. They are big time human lovers. Beware the licks, long and sloppy.

[mrose_s]

lol, only too true

[BigDog2191]

Bullmastiffs won't challenge Aus. Sheps anytime soon be they are average in the smarts department, but they are very much like Pitbulls in one way....EXTREMELY sweet. They are big time human lovers. Beware the licks, long and sloppy.

The way I like 'em! ;) :D

[mrose_s]

hey BigDog, is that second picture rocky all grown up?

[stirder]

I've been asked this question a lot. I hike a lot too, with my dog and do a lot of overnight (several nights in a row) camping in wilderness with my dogs. I have found that the best (for me) is the german shepherd. very eager to please and train. perfect energy level for back country hiking. very alert, good in bear/mountain lion country, and I have seen over a dozen bears (both grizzly and black bears) while camping/hiking, several of these were startled and 2 grizzlies charged. also 3 mountain lions who ran when they saw us. most of the bears were a long way off and no threat. all of the startled bears and both the charging grizzlies turned and left when he started barking (I was yelling and throwing rocks, sticks and whatever I could reach).
also gsd is capable of packing some of his/her own gear. I pack his water though, packs have to have weight evenly distributed.

[BigDog2191]

hey BigDog, is that second picture rocky all grown up?

Yeah, it is.

[bubbatd]

Not grown up yet ???? How old is he now ??? Love those ears !!!

[BigDog2191]

He's close to 6 months...

[bubbatd]

I thought so !! Love both of you !!