best dog breed for the woods

[Hoodcanal5]

I don't know if anyone has ever done this but I have always wanted to start a little varmit hunting dog pack consisting of a staffie bull, a jack russell, a fox terrier and a mini schnauzer. How successful do you think these guys would be at coon, badger, rat, and rabbit hunting?

 

[TWBryan]

How about you go to the shelter and ask them to pick out a dog that will fight off any lion,wolf, or bear you may encounter? I'm sure they will have a suggestion or two for you.

 

[Hoodcanal5]

How about you go to the shelter and ask them to pick out a dog that will fight off any lion,wolf, or bear you may encounter? I'm sure they will have a suggestion or two for you.

Everyone else to this thread seriously and the fact that you don't shows you have never actually come in contact with a bear or other wilderness creature and if you did you would actually understand my reasoning.

 

[Smash05]

My standard male standard poodle had the heart of a bear killer. I used to worry that we would run into a bear, and that he would try to fight it. He was very loyal and protective, and faced down a charging buck once, saved my butt. He sadly passed last year, and although we have a new dog, I miss him everyday.

 

[TWBryan]

Everyone else to this thread seriously and the fact that you don't shows you have never actually come in contact with a bear or other wilderness creature and if you did you would actually understand my reasoning.

I think I understand your reasoning quite well. You want a dog to do something you are not willing to do. Which is basically protect yourself. Pretty bad deal for the dog and it doesn't seem to bother you a bit.

 

[dalefuller]

I am also suprised no one has mentioned boxers. I though they were good dogs too.

Boxers are great dogs. I've lived with several and our senior guy now is a 100% Boxer. They do well short term in a lot of different conditions but they lack the stamina of a true outdoor dog. They also have thin coats which don't serve them well in real brush country or in cold weather. Being brachycephalic, they also have some cooling issues with heavy exercise in hot weather.

They're great for day hikes in state parks, they travel well, and they are fine protectors, but I think they're at a disadvantage if you're looking for a hardy, long distance, outdoor dog.

 

[Hoodcanal5]

I think I understand your reasoning quite well. You want a dog to do something you are not willing to do. Which is basically protect yourself. Pretty bad deal for the dog and it doesn't seem to bother you a bit.

well excuse me for using the domesticated dog for one of the reasons dogs were first domesticated in the first place.

 

[Kismet]

Just a note from a wilderness creature:

"If you can't say something nice, don't...."

 

[Hoodcanal5]

I like the akita but is it a dog that i will be confidant with off leash. Does anyone own these and which would be stronger, healther, and be better in hot weather the akita or malemute.

 

[Hoodcanal5]

people are saying that big heavy dogs aren't good for the trail but Meriweather lewis's dog was a newfie and it had no trouble going across the US so im confused?

 

[Watchful]

This is my security against bears and wolves, hopefully she would get stuck in their throat while I made my get-a-way !

If a bear swallowed a Russell...I'd feel sorry for the bear. A Russell won't put up with that for long.

 

[PB Wilson]

people are saying that big heavy dogs aren't good for the trail but Meriweather lewis's dog was a newfie and it had no trouble going across the US so im confused?

I wonder how different the various breeds are today compared with those hundreds of years ago.

Could it be that breeding for a certain standard based somewhat on looks could have made some of the giant breeds unsuitable for long distance travel?

Think about how so many dogs have hip problems (German Shepherds come to mind with the sloping back that is found in so many American bred dogs) or breathing problems (Bulldogs and their kin) that could have been avoided if the breeders weren't looking to have pups that look a particular way.

 

[RedbeAR15]

Just go to your local shelter man - they will have the dog for you.

He will be the best dog ever cause he gets it - maybe not a lion or bear or even a possum killer - but definitely the best dog you will ever have!

 

[Alvaro Candanedo]

Boxers are great dogs. I've lived with several and our senior guy now is a 100% Boxer. They do well short term in a lot of different conditions but they lack the stamina of a true outdoor dog. They also have thin coats which don't serve them well in real brush country or in cold weather. Being brachycephalic, they also have some cooling issues with heavy exercise in hot weather.

They're great for day hikes in state parks, they travel well, and they are fine protectors, but I think they're at a disadvantage if you're looking for a hardy, long distance, outdoor dog.

There is also this: boxers are a bit inmature in their ¿personality?, up to the age of two years; they tend to run away and they need a bit of training in basic obidience befor being ready to take a stroll in the park, much less in the woods. It's very possible that a young boxer would get lost chasing a squirrel.

 

[dalefuller]

people are saying that big heavy dogs aren't good for the trail but Meriweather lewis's dog was a newfie and it had no trouble going across the US so im confused?

As PB Wilson has already mentioned, many modern breeds have changed noticeably over the course of 200 years. Two of the breeds that I've lived with personally, German Shepherds and rough Collies, are quite different in body size & condition as well as in temperament now than they or their ancestors, were in the 18th century. Also, consider that 18th century dogs were much more working and hunting dogs that were capable of fending for themselves, if necessary.

 

[s7brad]

I'm of the opinion that the breed doesn't matter as much as the bond that you share and the time you put in training. I've had the most sucess with my APBT he's been with me for 10 yrs now. Does great off his lead and has been able to find his/our way back to my truck on command should I become lost. Granted they have been on well worn trails but still makes me proud

 

[dalefuller]

There is also this: boxers are a bit inmature in their ¿personality?, up to the age of two years; they tend to run away and they need a bit of training in basic obidience befor being ready to take a stroll in the park, much less in the woods. It's very possible that a young boxer would get lost chasing a squirrel.

Too true... Riley (our Boxer) had an off lead romp a couple of years ago in PA when we were at a cabin in the mountains there. Our Dobie and mixed (Molly & Murphy) just ran along chasing each other in a big open 5 acre field. They came back when we called them and never got too far away from us. Riley (at 6 YO) took off like a rocket, flew into an empty creek bed, and proceeded to grind into his coat all of the dead fish and muck at the bottom of the creek bed. I had to jump down into that mess to pry him out of the muck and carry him back to the cabin where my wife used a bottle of shampoo trying to get the stench out of his coat & skin.

That's my boy! I wouldn't take a million dollars for him... but I don't think I'd give a nickel for another one like him.

Yes I would! I love Boxers for their immaturity... I just don't hike long distances with them.

 

[dalefuller]

I'm of the opinion that the breed doesn't matter as much as the bond that you share and the time you put in training. I've had the most sucess with my APBT he's been with me for 10 yrs now. Does great off his lead and has been able to find his/our way back to my truck on command should I become lost. Granted they have been on well worn trails but still makes me proud

There's a lot of truth in this. No matter what dog you favor, they will all be better at everything you do together if you spend the time to bond, train, and learn together. And it's as much about you learning the dog as it is about the dog learning you. That's how you become a team rather than just a leader and a follower.

 

[JParanee]

I would not want any dog of mine fighting my battles but all kidding aside most lion and bear are gonna run from dogs in most situations

I have dogo's and they do very well for me in the woods

Hogs

Varmints

Birds

tracking deer

father and son

 

[WILLIAM.M]

Those are some mighty fine Dogo's!!!!!