Advice on a backcountry dog

[Roy68]

Like another said, this is a Ford / Chevy / Dodge etc answer. A stock dog is hard to beat imo.

I'm a Border Collie guy. No crosses, just pure breds. Most of them have an internal drive that will not quit regardless of the weather conditions or the dogs physical condition. Whether on cows or playing with the kids in 100+ summer days, you will have to almost force them to stop and rest or drink. I've seen teeth knocked out of them from being kicked and they just keep working. Not as head strong as healers. They are slick coated with an under coat. The outer coat is almost waterproof, and they dry off incredibly quick. It also sheds dirt and brambles. Mine only bark when something isn't right. Not aggressive towards people, unless they sense the need to be. Very protective of my kids & wife. I watched from afar recently, when one of our 9wt steers tried to take my oldest son, my youngest collie cut it off instinctively.

In the end you get out what you put in to any dog.

 

[Dos Perros]

I have two setters and I wouldn't take them elk hunting. Even hiking they wouldn't want to stay within view. Good luck getting mine to carry much more than their own food.

I think a lab is a good choice, but I would be particular on the breeding. I wouldn't get a super huge log-with-legs lab. Go for a more longer-legged, athletic lab, like the kind that are bred more for upland than waterfowl. Pay attention to the hips, look for OFA certified good breedings. A lab like that will be stout enough to haul more than their own food and not peter out at the end of the day. Could also run a small calorie deficit with an animal like that (carry less food).

 

[Violent Hippie]

. My Queensland heeler is similar to a cockroach . Just very tough and does real well in all climates . Medium sized at around 48 lbs . Good sprint speed and long range endurance. Smart dog and overall good all around . Now he is not a full on protection dog such as a Rottweiler but he will certainly alarm you and is NOT afraid . He has treed 4 bear on his own. I grew up with a kennel at my house comprised mostly of Rottweilers as my father trained protection and schutzhund dogs pretty seriously. Rottweilers dont seem to have much long range endurance or the ability to handle hot or cold temps . There are some variables I'm sure but with my experience aiding in training probably 20 different Rottweilers including European imports they mostly cant hang in the cardio or variable weather / climate department. Nice dogs though.

 

[tater]

Great feedback here! Keep it coming...

 

[Tod osier]

Lot of breeds seem like they would suit your needs, but our labs have handled everything we have thrown at them.

Able to carry their food for 10 days....


Up for anything...


Will protect camp from vermin...


Can even retrieve if called upon to do so...


And flush and retrieve game...

 

[mtmiller]

Per the OP, my lab is a great companion for backpacking and fishing.
http://s107.photobucket.com/user/mtmiller2006/library/2012 Backpacking?sort=3&page=1

He doesn't get to go with me on many big game hunts, but has joined in on a few (elk, deer and pronghorn). Spotted this doe about a mile in and made him stay while I belly crawled in for a good shot. He held for a good 5 minutes while I decided on the right doe. I heard him break right after the shot, but he stayed put until I turned around and called him over. Having a well disciplined partner is paramount.

Good luck on finding a good four-legged hunting partner.

 

[jmez]

Do you have kids?

 

[Eagle]

Border Collie?

 

[GotDraw?]

my bro has an Aussie cattle dog mix. Awesome dog, wants to follow you everywhere to herd you.

 

[tater]

Do you have kids?

Empty nest, with just my wife and i for human occupants.

 

[geebee]

Rhodesian Ridgeback! Great endurance, loyal, protective and shorter coat..

http://www.theclymb.com/stories/out-there/top-7-dog-breeds-hiking/

 

[PNWGATOR]

I'd second a heeler if you're not going to bird hunt. Crazy intelligent, loyal, protective and endurance to hang day after day when we're on horseback in the backcountry.

 

[Cripler]

Took my blue heeler spring scouting she loved it. Made her pack her own grub. All I ever have to do is snap my finger and she will trail behind me instead of leading out front. Great dog, great breed if you can find them mild tempered

 

[Larry Bartlett]

I agree with Slick. Dogs are like kids...they come in all shapes and sizes but there's something cool about each one. They all just need a good coach and a lot of exercise.

I've always been a Lab and Mut fan. My favorites have all been mix breeds with strong spirits. Stature hasn't held mine back, even my blue heeler lab mix loves sheep country.

Only advice would be to harden them all summer and winter. miles translates to muscle memory and teamwork. Lead them anywhere, they will follow.

 

[Larry Bartlett]

The dogs go with me when we hunt. They often know when game is near before I do. Dogs are incredibly smart in all senses.





Skeeter's my boy, but he's a heeler...so we dont hold that against him when he nips and bites. But he loves to eat everything except griz meat!

 

[luke moffat]

Larry your dogs are some awesome companions. It's obvious they know the drill. Look forward to seeing them at the pack raft Rondy next summer!

 

[bogeyboy555]

Sorry to hear you lost your hound - as a first time owner I cant imagine letting go of my buddy......I have a border collie / springer mix..... about 40lbs, easy to travel with, etc......

In my opinion, go and meet a few dogs regardless of breed. I think the right dog, like most important decisions, is obvious.

 

[flyinsquirel]

They won't work for you for numerous reasons, mainly because they dont take cold well but I take my Boston with me all summer long. She's good for about 12 miles a day, but doesn't carry any of her own food. Stinkin freeloader.

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[jmez]

Empty nest, with just my wife and i for human occupants.

Then pretty much open door to any type of dog.

 

[Dos Perros]

Heelers are tough SOB's. Hunting the Missouri Breaks a few years ago we met this cowboy who was staying in the cabin next to us. He told us how he had been laid off and was unemployed and homeless over the previous winter, living with everything he owned in his flatbed truck. He had his heeler, too, of course. He said it would get very cold at night and when he'd wake up he'd shake the cab to see if the dog had made it (he left the damn thing on the bed!) and sure it enough it would stand up. Made it though a whole Montana winter like that.