Breed suggestions for hiking and running

[brownbear201]

Hi all,

I'm starting to think about a possible breed for my next dog. I'm curious as to what suggestions everyone has. I currently have a small terrier. Please bear in mind that all the exercise I'm about to describe I will only undertake with an adult dog, not a puppy.

We're an adult only household and work from home, so someone is around most of the day. I do, however, want a dog that can cope on its own for a few hours whilst we go for a meal or to the cinema or something. I am very active- I enjoy long hikes of up to 15/20 miles across the Yorkshire Dales or Lake District fells. I am also very interested in Canicross. I run with my current dog. I'm a fairly average runner- 26 minutes or so on the flat and 29 ish on hillier trails for a 5K. But with a young dog (once it is fully grown of course) I would be interested in doing some speed sessions and longer runs to get (hopefully) faster. I'm only running once a week at the minute but I would like to increase this with a new dog to around four times a week. On a daily, non-running and non-hiking day I can commit to 2.5-3 hours of exercise, mostly off lead.

I want a dog that is not going to be too tricky to train to be off lead and one that has a prey drive that can be controlled. I live in Cumbria so avoiding livestock is impossible- they're everywhere! Obviously, I'm not expecting to walk the dog off lead in a field of sheep or something but it needs to be able to stay calm in their presence when on lead.

Ideally, the perfect dog would also enjoy playing fetch and swimming. It's not 100% necessary but I would love it if the dog did enjoy fetch and swimming.

I trained my current dog in agility, but I've lost interest in agility tbh. I might take it up with a new dog for fun but I certainly won't be competing. I'd be interested in training scent detection/tracking for fun. My main interest is Canicross and long distance walking and I would like to be able to race with the dog. I'm not serious and have no interest in coming first but would like the dog to enjoy that sort of sport and enjoy pulling.

The main 'issue' I have is that I would prefer a smaller dog. I don't drive and thus, I rely on public transport to get about. I'm very good at navigating it and I've done hikes and runs across the country using trains and buses. I need my dog to be able to cope with that sort of environment- often busy and noisy and stopping in urban areas sometimes. There's not much room most of the time and a larger dog wouldn't be able to comfortably fit in trains and buses. I also prefer smaller dogs. My neighbour has a working Labrador that is lovely, but I don't think I could cope with the drool. I could probably go up to about Border Collie size. Grooming doesn't bother me.

My main contenders so far have been a Working Cocker Spaniel or Border Terrier. On paper, the cocker sounds ideal. Perfect size, usually likes running and hiking (and pulling!) and likes swimming/fetch games. But I'm a bit concerned about the potential for separation anxiety in the breed. Resource guarding is another concern, albeit more minor as we are an adult only household with no kids in the future planned. The Border Terrier also sounds ideal but I'm a bit concerned about the potential for high levels of prey drive. My current terrier has little prey drive, he doesn't even chase squirrels! But I know that's fairly abnormal for a terrier. I'm also a bit concerned about the potential for reactivity and general feisty-ness towards other dogs.

The only breeds that are a hard no are bull breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Bad experiences with them, I'm afraid.

Any other suggestions that I've forgotten about?

Thanks!

I have a Toller (Retriever, Collie, red setter, spaniel cross) which are the smallest retriever breed.

Females are smaller than males and mine is on the lighter side (15kg). We do some canicross and agility and she loves swimming as a water dog. She would love your lifestyle and can be left alone for c5 hours happily.

The only thing is that as PP mentioned lots of dogs don't actually reflect their breed characteristics so perhaps a rescue that does show theirs might be a better answer? I expect very active dogs would be harder to re home so you may have more choice?

My dalmatian would love everything you want to do!

I agree
My mum has a beardie and they walk and hike for miles
I would say her dog is very much for one person though, and not very friendly to other dogs

But I'm pretty sure that is because my mum is absolutely obsessed with the dog and has persuaded her to be a bit neurotic, and is NEVER left alone

There was an ex marine on TV, talking about his marathons. He’d just got back from one with his dog, who runs with him. The camera panned down and down to show a Chihuahua, which wasn’t even panting.

I've always had Labradors and none have drooled.

A spaniel would fit the bill, either a working cocker or springer (or mix.)

Maybe one of the bigger terriers, Lakeland's or Airedale terrier.

Collies are too neurotic ime.

Came here to say this. Far better suited to the proposed lifestyle than many of the smaller breeds previously suggested.

A friend does canicross with her Huntaway, he also likes going for a swim

We have a springer/pointer cross and I think one like him would be perfect for what you want

We have a Labrador/cocker spaniel cross. She’s quite small, people usually think she’s a young Lab! She’s full of energy, but a bit steadier than a pure spaniel! Lovely nature, very affectionate. Enjoys a swim. No issues with livestock (she’s been trained of course). She can be a bit clingy though; she’s fine if we go out for a while, but we do have another dog to keep her company. We used to have a border terrier, who was tough as old boots, happy with plenty of exercise. Again no issues with livestock, but she did like to chase rabbits and could be very aggressive towards some other dogs, so she had to be kept on the lead in busier areas. The crossbreed option may be worth considering?

I would not get a working dog.
I spend 90 mins every day in a very huge urban park and see deer, squirrels, rabbits constantly. I know four runners who run with Border Collies. Three out the four dogs are too clever and get up to mischief…
I have a tiny 10 kg working cocker who loves the park but is very needy in the house and has an enormous prey drive.
would never get a working cocker again.
The springers I know (x5 and all liver spot) are better with ignoring prey than the working cockers.
I’d go for the border terrier. I know x4. Two are a bit snappy but I blame the owners!
Failing that a show cocker!

I have a friend who does all the activities you describe, OP, and more, with his Yorkshire terrier! Which has the advantage of being super portable if something goes wrong. I do a lot of hillwalking and it’s important to me that I would be physically able to carry my dog back to safety if it had an accident/snapped something while out somewhere remote, so my dog is medium-small (11kg, but a mongrel so no breed help there). Nobody’s mentioned poodles, which are actually bred to be working dogs, have high stamina and are apparently highly trainable.

Yes! Don't be this guy! www.thesun.co.uk/news/22368447/dog-attention-rescue-england-highest-peak/amp/

Having the cousin to this mountain based dog breed (American vs Japanese) I have no doubt that this dog was not injured and in fact, could no longer be arsed.

My collie does a 10k run with dh almost every morning. She loves it.

I thought I would update this thread- my Springer Spaniel puppy comes home in 1.5 weeks 😁

Visla. A female would be small enough for your requirements.

@brownbear201 how exciting! My Springer is nearly 3 and I am just starting to put the feelers out for another one, they’re bloody awesome dogs,

Get yourself a big bottle of gin and a good gun dog trainer and it will all be fine