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Best trail dog breed?

Old 02-11-19, 07:51 PM
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MikeOK
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Best trail dog breed?

I’ve ridden with a few and it’s a real hoot. Thinking it’s time to pull the trigger. Aussie? Golden? What do you think? It takes a pretty tough dog because they go at least double what we do.
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Old 02-12-19, 07:59 AM
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If you are FAST, whippet.
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Old 02-12-19, 08:13 AM
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Originally Posted by MikeOK
I’ve ridden with a few and it’s a real hoot. Thinking it’s time to pull the trigger. Aussie? Golden? What do you think? It takes a pretty tough dog because they go at least double what we do.
Border Collie or Australian Shepard or a mix of the two. Born to "go" and very smart. I do 8-10 mile hikes with friends that have one of each. Both are nearly as fresh at the end of the hike as at the beginning..and they run..non-stop the entire time. While I have a Golden..a smaller, more compact dog will have more stamina. Both dogs mentioned are fast on their feet..sort of like a cattle-cutting horse..hopefully they could stay out of your way on a bike.

High energy dogs can drive you nuts if you don't give them regular & sufficient exercise day after day after day.... It's a real life-style commitment..you can likely find one as a rescue as people give up on them. Both of the hiking dogs above were rescued. The shepherd mix(black-white) was found abandoned in the north woods..as best as anyone can figure(from sightings), he was left to fend for himself in the winter for nearly a month..he's about 11 months old. He's doing fine now..has a few rough edges than need tuning up, but he hangs close off leash. Good dog.

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Old 02-12-19, 08:18 AM
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Originally Posted by hig4s
If you are FAST, whippet.
Whippets are definitely fast, but I think they are more of a sprinting dog, like a greyhound, and not so much long term stamina..though I could be wrong.
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Old 02-12-19, 08:24 AM
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Thanks guys. This video is a must see if you’re a mountain biker and a dog lover:

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Old 02-12-19, 08:32 AM
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Serious dog in the video..nice pup!

If you do it..be careful. Running over a dog could do some real damage.
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Old 02-12-19, 09:58 AM
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One more thought..as I come in from blowing snow..a mtn bike pace could easily over-heat a dog too. That could be deadly. The video is beautifully done, but lots of clips were edited together to create the 4 minutes of action. Lots of clips = lots of time for the dog to rest and cool off. Biking around water or babbling brooks would be a plus. When we hike, the dogs can choose to trot or stop to rest when they need to...or jump in a river. If you're biking, the dog will be inclined to stick with you rather than slow down and cool off. Biking is easy compared to what the dog is doing.
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Old 02-12-19, 11:08 AM
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Yeah one time I rode with two trail dogs on a particularly technical 25 mile loop. We rode 25, I bet the dogs ran 60! Twice the owner had to go back and find them after they started chasing after some critter... it was still a hoot and I’ve wanted one since. That was probably 20 years ago and I’ve ridden shorter rides with dogs since. I ride solo 99% of the time it would be nice to have a companion.
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Old 02-12-19, 11:11 AM
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Originally Posted by fishboat
Whippets are definitely fast, but I think they are more of a sprinting dog, like a greyhound, and not so much long term stamina..though I could be wrong.
This is Tui the whippet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z2us5_CSM0\

Maggie is the local famous trail dog in the Alifia, Balm Boyette area of florida. Not sure what breed, but she is fantastic.

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Old 02-12-19, 11:13 AM
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Hungarian Viszla such as this one:

Last edited by avole; 02-12-19 at 11:37 AM.
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Old 02-12-19, 11:20 AM
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hig4s, sweet, thanks!
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Old 02-12-19, 05:05 PM
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Aussie's love to run and should be great on the trail if trained and the particular dog has the right temperament. Fortunately they are quick learners.

My daughter bought the one on the left and talked my wife in to getting one from the same breeder. I never knew anything about them but will probably get another in a couple years.

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Old 02-16-19, 10:16 AM
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My favorite trail dog vid to date (she even clears gaps):
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Old 02-16-19, 11:59 AM
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Thanks that was great! 👍

Originally Posted by Kapusta
My favorite trail dog vid to date (she even clears gaps)
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Old 02-16-19, 01:49 PM
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Just get the right breed of dog that can keep up. Running/cycling with the wrong kind of dog is cruel, and illegal is some locations.
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Old 02-19-19, 08:49 AM
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They don't make a dog slow enough for me.
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Old 02-19-19, 09:04 AM
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Maybe get a dog because you're willing to care for a living thing for 15-18 years and not because it's an accessory.
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Old 02-19-19, 09:09 AM
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We got an Australian Shepard a few years ago. Great dog. Needs exercise as others have mentioned. I've had golden retrievers in the past. Also great dogs, but probably not as good if you are looking for a dog to go mt biking with.
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Old 02-19-19, 11:19 PM
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I am a big fan of Australian cattle dogs (blue or queensland heelers are the non-AKC version of the same dog). They are extremely smart and love to have a job. If you are into running, hiking or mountain biking, etc., that becomes their job. We regularly ride with ours on 12 - 16 milers and he never slows down or knows the word quit. While he mostly leads he will always run back to the last rider in our group every few minutes to make sure everyone is together. While chasing rabbits and squirrels is his second favorite activity when hiking or walking, when he is leading a ride he has no interest in other riders, runners or prey-he completely focused on the job of leading a ride. I get a ton of complements from other riders who have watched him on our rides.


These dogs are one of the smartest breeds and are high energy. This means you need to keep them active and mentally stimulated or they will have behavior problems. That being said there are many rescue dogs of this breed as many owners who are initially impressed with their agility, frisbee/tennis ball catching ability, etc. but can't provide them the daily activity they require. Those that can are rewarded with one of the best dog owning experiences there is.

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Old 02-20-19, 02:18 AM
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Originally Posted by ksryder
Maybe get a dog because you're willing to care for a living thing for 15-18 years and not because it's an accessory.
This can't be said enough. Ninety percent of dog owners don't have a clue.
Originally Posted by hig4s
They don't make a dog slow enough for me.
See Bull Dogs. There's a dog for every personality and every occasion.
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Old 02-20-19, 07:45 AM
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Originally Posted by fishboat
Border Collie or Australian Shepard or a mix of the two. Born to "go" and very smart. I do 8-10 mile hikes with friends that have one of each. Both are nearly as fresh at the end of the hike as at the beginning..and they run..non-stop the entire time. While I have a Golden..a smaller, more compact dog will have more stamina. Both dogs mentioned are fast on their feet..sort of like a cattle-cutting horse..hopefully they could stay out of your way on a bike.

High energy dogs can drive you nuts if you don't give them regular & sufficient exercise day after day after day.... It's a real life-style commitment..you can likely find one as a rescue as people give up on them. Both of the hiking dogs above were rescued. The shepherd mix(black-white) was found abandoned in the north woods..as best as anyone can figure(from sightings), he was left to fend for himself in the winter for nearly a month..he's about 11 months old. He's doing fine now..has a few rough edges than need tuning up, but he hangs close off leash. Good dog.

I have shared my home with many different breeds of dogs, including Chow-chows, Akitas, German Shepherds and plain, old loveable mutts.

To date, the smartest dog I’ve ever shared a home with was an Australian Shepherd.

She was smart, quick to learn and to figure out things, great with the kids and a fantastic companion. Man, I miss her.
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Old 03-08-19, 05:25 PM
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My Border Collie crushes the trail.
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Old 03-08-19, 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by MikeOK
Golden?
I've got two currently, and two previously. They are a wonderful breed, especially around children and others that require a dog you can trust, but I don't think they would make good trail dogs. Mine at least would not.
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Old 03-08-19, 06:35 PM
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Thanks wg that’s what I’ve gathered too. I’ve decided on an aussie, in fact I’ve already picked out a pup, should be ready in a month or so. I’ve always had labs which would be terrible trail dogs. But I really do want a golden I’m thinking maybe one would be a good birthday gift for my wife next summer lol

Originally Posted by wgscott
I've got two currently, and two previously. They are a wonderful breed, especially around children and others that require a dog you can trust, but I don't think they would make good trail dogs. Mine at least would not.
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Old 03-08-19, 07:24 PM
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.............

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