Is this a bit much for 12 year old Border Terrier? Snowdon.

[JasmineBuckles]

My little Border is 12, not on any medication, no joint issues, extremely sound. She’s in good, lean condition, doesn’t look or act her age.

She did Snowdon in March 2016 with no problems, also did Scafell in June 2016.
Since then we’ve had a break from mountains, but this past year has done about 10 ‘big’ walks of between 10-18 miles, I’ve been more sore afterwards than her.

I should add that she has an hour walk a day off-lead over some pretty tough terrain and a big 2-4 hour walk every couple of weeks. She doesn’t potter, she’s much faster than me and still regularly pisses off after deer/rabbits/squirrels/imaginary things she thinks she’s seen.

I’m planning a trip up Snowdon in March, and just feel a bit funny about taking her, as though turning 84 in human years is a bit old for taking up mountains. Has anyone else got older dogs that do big walks still? Am I being daft expecting her to do them?

If she couldn't manage it, would you be able to carry her down?

I'd judge the dog not her age. Our JRT lived to 18 and I'm sure she could have coped with that at 12. Maybe just include some extra stops if you're worried?

We took our 12 year old westie to the Lake District. She doesn't sound as fit as your dog but she still loves a good walk in the hills. We got a dog backpack which saved the day on one long walk. She was exhausted and just needed a lift for the last 2 miles. The backpack looked like a normal rucksack so we just popped our stuff in a bag inside it and removed it when we needed it for the dog. Best thing we ever got!

She’s little, I’d easily carry her. And we’d go the easy tourist way up. I’m feeling a bit better.

What a lovely life she has. Sounds like she will love snowden.

Given that she's fit and well, and you have a back up plan, I'd go for it. I'm sure you'll both have a great time

We had two 11 year old springer collies in the Lake District a few months ago. They did 6-8 hours walking a day, loved it and had no ill effects.
One thing though, I did carry food for them on walks and they did seem to really need it, I guess a bit like ourselves on a long walk!

My 9 year old border could manage it. In fact he'd like to come with you 😁

She might be 84 but (human) Joss Naylor is 81 and still running up and down the fells quicker than people half his age .
I think if she's still very active and has done similar walks before then yes.

If you were that worried, could you buy a ticket for the train? I've no idea how much it is but I know you have to have a ticket up to go down IYSWIM? That way if it is too much you can hop on the train back down.
The other thing to bear in mind (unless it's changed since we were last there) is that bizarrely dogs are not allowed in the stone floored, muddy footprint covered cafe at the top. We had to take it in turns to stand in the foyer with DDog1 while the rest of our party used the cafe, gift shop etc

I have a chart that says 12 in dog years is equivalent to 64 in dog years, so she's not that old yet.
It's not as straightforward as one human year is the same as seven dog years.

I’m going to take her I think. As soon as the nights get a tiny bit lighter we will manage two or three 2 hour walks a week which will build up her (and my) fitness before mid-March and we’ll have a crack.
I don’t think the train will be running that early in the year, but worst case scenario she weighs about 7kg so can have a carry down.
She would hate it though, she finds being picked up terribly undignified as she believes she is an actual person

You'd be surprised what they'll put up with when it's easier. I used to have a rescue dog of similar size that HATED being picked up. When she had a stroke she realised it was easier to be carried up and down stairs than to walk, so she used to yap until you carried her up / downstairs 😂