[Closed] What dog breeds make the best trail dogs?

Most dogs are fine with cats if they're brought up with them - they soon learn not to mess with them

Working Cocker.

english springer spaniel.
no cat here but two small kids who he steers well clear of for an easy life, will run for hours, drinks from my camelbak, impatient when we stop for a breather, sleeps in the car on the way home then want's to go riding again when we get home.
needs at least an hours walk a day to keep me sane.

Beagles are a pain IMHO they are good looking dogs but too far strong willed and will do things when they want to. Have looked after many over the years.
My weapon of choice is border collie, she was involved in an RTA and never claimed so took her in. really good with kids, the other dogs and cats.

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We have a springer spaniel who loves attention and exercise - he'll run for hours (as Flatfish says). However, we've let his natural exuberance get the better of his upbringing and subsequently he doesn't take well to training efforts. I mention this because he's great when out on open trails because he'll either stick to the "path" or wander just a little here and there, but when it comes to woods, etc, then he's off exploring - can be frustrating when running or biking because you have to stop (sometimes for quite a while) until he comes back. But I reckon with proper training he'd be cool. Great with our other dog and cat, plus he's fine with children and other people once he realises they respect him, and more so if they make a fuss of him.

Labrador - had one in a previous relationship. Great for taking out - obedient, bright and generally very switched on in any company and in any situation. Perfect for trails because he's always aware of where you're going. He was professionally trained mind you, so that might make a difference.

Collie - used to look after one for a friend. Could take him out for hours and similarly to the labrador, he would always be within 10 yards of me. Also great around other animals and family, etc.

Cocker and Springer Spaniels are often v clever and can run all day and not bothered by heavy undergwoth etc. You could do the decent thing (IMO) and get a rescued mongrel. Loads of these in mid size and normally v healthy, intelligent, fit and trainable. They just don't fit the designer mould that people seem to crave. My parents have had four in my lifetime and all have been great, good with kids, cats, farm animals and v good around the house. Only one (out of five) had to go back cos after two weeks it would not stop harrassing the cats. Save some money and save a dog's life - you won't regret it.

I'd highly recommend avoiding Beagles like the plague. Really tricky dogs. Springers are hyper and, although great fun, I wouldn't describe them as docile. Our Welsh Springer was always getting into scrapes. I'd have a look at the Viszla, which tend to have good temperments and I've always wanted a Boxer. I believe the STW-approved trail dog is the Border Terrier. But the suggestion to consider a rescue dog (from Terrier Rescue or a retired Greyhound) is a good one.

I have a beagle so I would obviously say to get one.

Dont just get a dog to be a mtb dog. Consider all aspects.

Yeah, beagles are hard to train & are strong willed but they are really good with children/cats etc ( & chicks dig them )

We took our beagle everywhere with us, camping/walking/climbing etc from being young and he was perfect off the lead, so we thought 'beagles are easy to train'.

THEN 'dog puberty' starts, Finn was rubbish off the lead for a bit & we thought 'beagles are really hard to train'. But then we got him 'done' and he is now 2 yr old so he is now getting good off the lead again. (over the next few months we are going to be introducing him to some MTB trails)

Here he is wild camping at 4mts old (excuse my bed head)
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And here he is more recently at the beach.

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So its easy to say 'avoid like the plague' but you need to think about what you want, my beagle never causes any probs they are seen as a dog with very few health complaints, he is brill with ALL other dogs & is suprisingly good off the lead. (& pretty cute!)

I don't say many nice things about my German shorthaired pointer, but she is a wonderful trail dog!
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She's also great with kids and other dogs.
Not easy to train though, they need Dominating with a capital D. And thick as 2 short planks.
If you can work around the rest of it, you'll get a great family pet and a great companion on the trails. 🙂

Love that beagle on the beach pic there!

I think it's just yours that is thick then - I was under the impression that they were ranked in the top 20 for most intelligent breeds of dog..?

Lots of breeds ie collies and gundogs would make great trail dogs. However some of them can have other issues.

It needs to be a choice based on your whole lifestyle not just 1 fun part of it or the dog will not be happy and then neither will you.

Choice also depands on how experienced you are with dogs, ie I would not suggest a new dog owner started with something like a Wiemeraner or Pointer type dog.

Head to your local rescue 1st and see what you can find. Often mongrels are healthier and can make great all round pets.

oxnop, really good to hear from someone who owns a Beagle and just what I was hoping to hear to be honest.

Having a good to ride is not the only reason to get one, but as I do so much riding it would be great to take a dog. If it didn't work out it wouldn't be the end of the world though.

We have a nice sized back garden which should be suitable, but how easy has your dog been to house train?
Your beagle is very cute, any other tips you have I'd be greatful.

What ever you get dont take them riding to soon, about a year old to start doing long rides.

[i]I think it's just yours that is thick then - I was under the impression that they were ranked in the top 20 for most intelligent breeds of dog..?[/i]

Did they have some kind of dog exams then?

..and if so, why can't they open tins?

..or take themselves for a walk?

austrilian sheepdog/heeler (iirc)

Matt, both myself and my GF ride (alot), we also have careers and are young so we had lots to consider before taking the leap.

Finn was easy to house train, we were advised to use a crate so he would feel as though he had his own 'safe place' this also helped with toilet training. He was 9 wks old when we got him & was fully house trained within 10 days & never did a number 2 indoors! (we may of been lucky).

You could get a dog which would be much 'easier' to train off the lead etc but with patience all dogs can be trained. When we go away he stays with our parents and they even let him be off the lead with not too much trouble.

If you have any more questions/concerns then feel free to email me (in profile), im not a beagle sales rep or expert but do have first hand experience.

Good luck (you'll need it) with whatever breed you decide on though!

[i] GaryLake - Member
I think it's just yours that is thick then - I was under the impression that they were ranked in the top 20 for most intelligent breeds of dog..? [/i]

Really? Well mine's in the remedial class then! I think it's what I was told by a fellow pointer owner - they are puppies until they're about 4. Mine's on(whining behind me now cos she's not allowed to see my son sleeping)ly 1 and a half.

[i]..or take themselves for a walk? [/i]
She can do that ok? Nips out the front door, comes back panting. 😯

I grew up with a lab called sam we got from the pound... he was the best bike dog ever... he could run hard for near on 20 miles and was really good at stopping at roads and staying near the bikes... you do have to walk labs a lot thoough and watch their diet or they will be fat and useless...

Another vote for GSPs, great trail dog, they are bombproof with children and other dogs, ours is pretty intelligent, can take himself for a walk, but does exactly as told, might not open cans but manages doors (cant close them though!). We also have a Viszla, strong character, pretty demanding, very handsome (and he knows it!), pretty dumb, good trail dog, not so bombproof with other dogs and I am more wary around children.

Any spaniel really. I'm wasn't a massive fan, but they go forever and rarely stop...

My Dalmation runs like the wind.

My springer goes all day and keeps a good pace.
Very freindly dogs and other trail users seem to find Springers highly acceptable which was an added bonus and one I hadn't considered.

My Huntaway is pretty good, runs all day but does sometimes loose concentration on the uphills and goes off for a good rabbit chase!
But I guess thats why they are called huntaways...
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We have a Lab Collie cross and he is ace. He has the best from both sides. Very easy to train, soft as sh*te, can run for ages and loves playing. But he will happily sit on his bed and not bother visitors and is great with children. We have a 6.5 week old son and a 19 week of nephew so along with friends children this has been well tested recently!!

He is a bit smaller than a lab as his mum was a small collie and is fine with my brothers cat - he'll have a look a a sniff but has never chased her. Similarly he has shown no intrest in chasing other animals even rabbits!

He comes running with me 4 times a week and will run just next to my heel and is the same while biking.

Elmo the dog:
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Did they have some kind of dog exams then?

Well sort of, yes...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Intelligence_of_Dogs

It's all about their ability to learn commands, how quickly and how many...

Anybody got a Field Spaniel?
Met a chap with one whilst out walking mine. The dogs got on great and the Field Spaniel was nearly as quick as my pointer.
It was like a much chunkier springer, nice brown colour. Gorgeous dog.
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Aaah!
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Any dog that becomes a trail dog, will probably develop problems later in life, I believe its hips/joints that are the problem areas.

As said above do not cycle with your dog when it is under 1 years old. It's bones n muscles haven't properly formed, so it could develop serious problems later, or it may just crab everywhere, rather than running in a straight line.

Beagle wouldn't be my choice of dog, all the ones I've met are badly behaved & stubborn. My choice would be a working Cocker or Springer, but again just realise later in life the dog will probably suffer with stiff joints and things, because you've used it as a trail dog. These dogs need at least an hour's walk a day, plus a load of training if you want a well behaved dog.

Time for the obligitory picture!
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Lucas - loving your Lab Collie cross. I wants one.

I have posted this a couple of times, Monty is a top trail hound, he has been a little off over the last month or so due to his spleen removal operation.

We are off to Cape Wrath next week and having a go at Golspie on the way home.

Some top dogs here by the way

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Cheers Jimmy - get one thery are great, he's my best mate!!

Of course they look a little different as pups..

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We have a Vizsla puppy who I hope will be able to ride with me when he's older (bumped into someone in Afan who was riding with his and he said the dog goes all day long) Like a smaller Weimaraner - he's brilliant! Very cuddly and family orientated too!

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Lovely dog infidel.
They are very close relatives of the pointer. Bet you won't be able to beat him up the hills 🙂

Most dogs will happily run all day. Thats not the problem, the problem is the damage it does to the dogs over a long period of times.

Our dog will work until she's dead, which isn't a good thing. We had a close call, once.

That Visla has great ears!!! They might fit him one day. Lovely looking dog.

Spanish Water Dog all the way - used by European Police forces for a and I can see why - very intelligent and keen learners. Will run all day but as the name suggests be prepared for them going for a couple of swims on the way!

I used to have Boxer's and they would run until they dropped dead, it was difficult to know how far to ride with them so I stopped. For a while I helped to run a Dog Agility Club and the dogs that came nearer the bottom of the class included Setters, Dalmations and Pointers, if I wanted a dog to take with me on a ride (which I don't) I'd choose a Border Collie every time.

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I suspect that the only time Bracken ever considers she's getting a decent walk is when I take her out on my bike! Like an earlier poster, we were very careful not to overdo any form of exercise until she was 12months old, and I waited until she was about 18 months before we moved on from strenuous walks to cycling.

Beagles get such bad press! I grew up with a beagle and he was the most chilled out dog I've ever known. Okay so recall wasn't great, but neither is the recall of my dirty lurcher / deerhound.

We were told that is often better to get a beagle as a second dog, as then the established pack leader (the older dog) will help them tow the line when they are out. I'm biding my time until the lurcher calms down!

Oxnop - what a great couple of photo's! Any chance I could beg a file of the black and white off you??! - my sister and i are obsessed with beagles and i know she'd love it...

Hey mat, I have 2 border collies and great for mtbing though need training.

Have a look around this thread, you might recognise the trails...

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=297716

Rex, YGM.

I've got one of these:

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And she likes coming on these:

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I'd second what Milkie said - when raising the lab from a pup, we were advised to prevent against him doing any "serious" exercise or even walking up the stairs, so as to help his body develop and strengthen more naturally.

I also believe there's a lot of sense in not throwing balls and sticks for any (or at least most) kinds of dog, because the body can be twisted into all kinds of shapes at speed ... clicking joints and early arthritis could be on the menu ... not good for furry people:(

We have a vizsla bitch who has just turned 2. Awesome dogs...never give up but you need to be careful they don't run themselves into the ground! Also if feeding them dry food then something with higher fat content goes without saying... She comes riding with us and our clients here in the mountains in Czech and she loves it!

http://www.rideczech.com/cycling_holidays_czech_republic_about.html

A fantastic companion....and nice and calm if given lots of exercise!

I'm confused. Not throwing sticks for dogs? At any age?! Sounds a bit 'cotton wool' to me...
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I better stop riding my bike so as not to develop any problems later in life...

Frankie is my Jack Russel and I would love to take her for little rides on the bike(she only has little legs you see) but i am sure it will end in tears, How do you start to get the dog used to a bike ?

I think she will be fine with people she knows on bikes its just the ones that bother me..

Andy

Andy W, I have a papillion, smaller than a russell, that I take trail riding, he loves it. Private trail park in NZ so I just make sure that he follows me and lots of snacks n water. They pick up running with you quickly as its just running with the pack. To train them for the street, I simply put him on a lead, grab the SS and watch for lamp posts etc as I ride Eventually he picked up staying close to me. There is nothing funnier than seeing him rail a berm higher than me! Stamina wise I have taken him on 3 hr rides with plenty of stops for us. Build up to that tho. In the end She will be able to outlast you, just be sensible on the downhills.

lol,, she is sat watchin me read this and i think she know what i am reading

Will try and find a area with not many people about for our first outing i think thats a start 🙂

cheers

Border Collies, despite being high maintenance are probably the ultimate trail dog. Unlimited stamina and can keep up with a dh bike at full chat. They will run till they puke and then just keep on running. Very very intelligent too. Obviously they have some issues as a pet though.

Springers are grand, plenty of stamina but not the quickest or most agile dogs. would the springer owners who've already posted agree that they are just a bit um, dull and lacking in character?

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I've always wanted to take these two little mutts (brother and sister believe it or not!) on some rides with me but always ummed and aahed. Size was always an issue for me. Could they cope.
This week has made my mind up though. Went away to Snowdonia. Just walking, one of them got stuck halfway down a waterfall, prompting some amateur rock climbing from me, and the other jumped over a canal path wall and straight into the 20ft drop the other side. Luckily, she was on a lead so we caught her!
My two are definitely not made for the extreme sporting world.
Good luck with yours though. Any dog will change your life.

update...

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Meet Oscar, our 9 wk old Beagle.

Settling in quite well so far, although I think he is finding it hard coming from a farm with so much happening to our fairly quiet house 🙂

He has a potentially expensive taste for chicken breasts!!

I doubt she'd make a good trail dog, more of a sprinter than a stayer, but she's ace anyway and I dont want to miss out on posting any pics.

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This is her walking out of Knoydart and showing her displeasure at the rain!!

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freeridenick, you in NZ? Dont see many Huntaways over in UK, may father had one when he was farming in NZ many years ago, great looking dogs.

I own a boxer called Ralph. I just got my new bike the other day and he wasnt happy wouldnt go near it. Although I was cycling up and down the street and he was following close behind.

He's useless in the heat tho. He goes threw more water than a steam train.

Very friendly, Great with kids, I'll have to report back on wether he's a good trail dog tho.

I would post a picture but god only knows how to do that.

Matt, as said before he is really cute! Sarah wants another one now though.

not throwing a stick or ball for a dog? are you phucking mental?

seriously. do you think dogs naturally move around in a linear plane all the time? its madness gone politically correct.

We have a Vizsla puppy who I hope will be able to ride with me when he's older (bumped into someone in Afan who was riding with his and he said the dog goes all day long) Like a smaller Weimaraner - he's brilliant! Very cuddly and family orientated too!

I have taken ours out a couple of times but not at mountainbike pace. I'd be very careful when considering taking them on real rides.

Get a Foxhound, they'll run the legs of you.

Border collie anytime. Mine used to come out every ride easily keep up over 20 miles then over take me as I blasted back down into my town at 30mph! My uncle has border collies on his farm - I was amazed a few weeks ago when one was happily running alongside the quad bike at 60km/h

I've had three collies each has lived on until 15/16 years with no medical problems

Easy to train, generally obedient and loyal

My laboradoodle makes a great cycling companion.

When i'm near roads I have an elastic bungee type lead that means I can control her, but she can't pull me off the bike if she decides to do something unexpected. I'd recommend the lead if you are getting your dog used to cycling.

We've just (3 days ago) got an 8 week old chocolate lab. I know they're greedy buggers (someone on a different thread put it brilliantly when they said 'they'll drag you under a bus for a chip'), but does anyone take theirs out on the trail?. I've got a sinking feeling I'm going to end up carting him round in the kid's trailer.

Rex, YGM.

Is this how people get their pets' attention these days? Sheesh.

Some great mutts on here, I'm getting broody!

If there's no agreement on the perfect trail dog then perhaps the STW dog-loving massive could take it on themselves to create a new breed?

I'm up for it! How about a Lanesradoodle?

Lanesradoolitle if the other thread is anything to go by!

Do you mean the gypsy one?

Ah, just spotted it - What an unpleasant little shit.

scruff is right, the dog most likely to run for the longest is the Dalmatian. Short haired so not likely to need a bath after your ride. But they do have deafness issues (like any breed with a mostly white coat) and can be very strong willed (read disobedient). The were bred to run alongside mail coaches to fend off highwaymen. Might be a little too large too.

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On The don't throw stick for dogs debate...

2 years ago my partner took our Border Collie out, Fizzy loved chasing sticks.
One particular stick was thrown, and Fizzy chased it, as it landed fizzy grabbed it in her mouth, but the stick twisted awkwardly and with the dogs forward speed went through her mouth, into her throat and pierced out the back of her neck.
Luckily, they were near the car so my partner picked her up and rushed her to the emergency vet who manage to save her.
(I will find the photo's of her at the time)
We have two great Border Collies who make great trail dogs.

I would say go for one of the pointing breads, German pointer, Hungarian pointer (Viszla) English Pointer or Weimaraner. I have just had to have my German Pointer put down at less than 8 month old! due to the dog having a growth problem HDO. Feeling pretty devasted at the moment. Great dogs though and very very clever and alert, great with kids, superb temperament, fitness levels to match any animal on the planet! Can be bad even for someone like me with plenty of time to walk and play with the dog as they never seem to have enough. I could train mine to do anything within a few days. IMO if you get a pointer go for a bitch as they are easier to handle. I'm thinking of going for a pointer cross when I decide the time is right to get another dog.

Labs are easier to handle than pointers though and not as strong willed, they are fit dogs also and make good trail dogs. I dont think they are as interesting to have though. But as my mates says you get what it says on the tin with a lab, nice dogs without a doubt.

I would go for a short coated border collie, run all day and some. Be careful about over exercising young dogs or you'll be in the vets having their hips done, not cheap. I had a choc lab and had a spend and save card for the vets. Mongrels for us from now on!

I need a doggy! They are awesome, but only the medium sized models (lil ones are to quick and would get unde my wheels)

get a springer
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He is 8 months old now so will be taking him out on the trails within the next couple of months.

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why do my pictures keep disapearing ???

I'm having picture issues as well.

Our Staffie cross loves running with the bike. Unfortunately, he's got knee and back issues that now stop him from doing so (it wasn't the mountain biking that did it).

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kept him in good shape as well.
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ref Vizslas not going far / fast!!

Our GSP and Vizsla, now both nine, have run most mornings of their lives, 3-10 miles each day, accompanied a horse 3-5 days a week, 3-10 miles each time and accompanied the bikes 3-5 times a week upto 20 miles, some days they have done a few miles some days a hell of a lot, always in the lead unless called in and I reckon they often do quite a few more miles than us. Eat tons, sleep stacks, both great companions, both in fantastic condition and going very strong. GSP has a great sense of humor and pretty clever, Viz, sometimes a bit too friendly/much and more brain cells in his balls than in his head.