Hikers best friend? Which is best?

[bubbatd]

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

[Amstaffer]

Originally Posted by Renee750il

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.