Help! My daughter wants a dog she can run with...
- Thread starter dmd
- Start date
allwildgirl
Cathlete
roses_92123
Cathlete
My vote is for a boxer. I have 2 and while I don't run (they run with my sisters), they LOVES running with them. They are medium to large...but have great physical conditioning for running. My only disclaimer...they probably shouldn't run for TOO long of distances and in extreme heat because of their short nasal passages.
Boxers to me are a perfect breed because they are good watch dogs (but not overly intimidating like some of the other larger breeds) and they are just incredibly loving!!! My boxers (65 and 90lbs respectively!) are just completely loyal, kind-hearted, and always in tune with my moods. They are great companions!!!
Tyson and Gizmo (my babies) vote boxers too!!!
Boxers to me are a perfect breed because they are good watch dogs (but not overly intimidating like some of the other larger breeds) and they are just incredibly loving!!! My boxers (65 and 90lbs respectively!) are just completely loyal, kind-hearted, and always in tune with my moods. They are great companions!!!
Tyson and Gizmo (my babies) vote boxers too!!!
andtckrtoo
Cathlete
You can't go wrong with a lab/retriever - they are wonderful dogs. I, however, would urge you to look into an Australian Shepherd. They are as smart as a Border Collie, but are much more people oriented. They are very easy to train, and love to run, and have no tail to wipe everything off a coffee table. They will run and play, and then curl up beside you at night, content to just be with you. Make sure, though, if you consider an Aussie, to get one from a show line, not a field line - the field lines are smaller and much more energetic and just as smart, which translates into - must have a "duty" and run 20 miles a day or they will assign themselves a duty, and it may be to dig their way to China (or eat the baseboard around your house). They can be very creative!
teddy16410
Cathlete
I have 2 goldens and 1 mixed shelter save.... All are over 100#s and the BEST DOGS I have ever had! Goldens are large enough to keep up on a good run, can be trained to do ANYTHING and are great snuggle babies at the end of the day.
fit44
Cathlete
I have to agree with you about boxers! I have two myself. They're like potato chips, you can't just have one
Most loving animal on the face of the planet.
The downside to a boxer and running would be extreme temperatures. They are not built for heat, they over heat VERY EASY and can die. They can tolerate colder temps a bit better, but not much more than heat. Their short muzzles make it difficult to breathe and their large, deep chest makes it difficult to tolerate extreme cold.
I didn't know this with my first boxer and took her for a long walk on a summer afternoon....She over heated and scared the crap out of me. I honestly thought I killed her. Boxers are great at agility because they are so muscular and athletic, but the show breeders usually have a cool coat standing by when they are finished with their run.
Most loving animal on the face of the planet.
The downside to a boxer and running would be extreme temperatures. They are not built for heat, they over heat VERY EASY and can die. They can tolerate colder temps a bit better, but not much more than heat. Their short muzzles make it difficult to breathe and their large, deep chest makes it difficult to tolerate extreme cold.
I didn't know this with my first boxer and took her for a long walk on a summer afternoon....She over heated and scared the crap out of me. I honestly thought I killed her. Boxers are great at agility because they are so muscular and athletic, but the show breeders usually have a cool coat standing by when they are finished with their run.
dmd
Cathlete
Thank you Shelley for the article. I don't take this lightly....dogs are part of the family and let's face it, allllllllot of work. My daughter will be going back east for college in a couple of years and may have to leave the dog behind, although she really wants to be able to take it with her so I'm hoping for a medium sized dog for her.
fit44
Cathlete
>What a wonderful gift!....a chance to save a life for
>Xmas...please consider a shelter dog I have a medium sized
>shepherd mix and she can run like the dickens!! She is also
>the most loving pet I have ever had.
YES! Shelter dogs are GREAT!!! If not, look into pure breed rescues. Bypass the puppy stage.
No dog iappreciates his new life more than a shelter/rescue dog. It's like they know they've been given a second chance.
>Xmas...please consider a shelter dog
I have a medium sized>shepherd mix and she can run like the dickens!! She is also
>the most loving pet I have ever had.
YES! Shelter dogs are GREAT!!! If not, look into pure breed rescues. Bypass the puppy stage.
No dog iappreciates his new life more than a shelter/rescue dog. It's like they know they've been given a second chance.
kathryn
Cathlete
Here's a site that can help you find shelter dogs or specific breed rescue group dogs up for adoption in your area:
www.petfinder.com
Labs are very sweet, but have a tendency towards hip displasia (as several pure-bred larger breeds do).
www.petfinder.com
Labs are very sweet, but have a tendency towards hip displasia (as several pure-bred larger breeds do).
kristan
Cathlete
Please consider a rescue dog. If you really wanted a puppy, you could probably find one. I think adopting an adult dog is perfect for your situation. Perhaps an adult rescue purebred?
I'm a big mutt proponent. We have a lab/weimeraner (sp?) mix that has infinite endurance; she's a great running pal. We lost our big Shepherd/Great Dane mix earlier this year. He was good for about 3-4 miles.
Good luck.
I'm a big mutt proponent. We have a lab/weimeraner (sp?) mix that has infinite endurance; she's a great running pal. We lost our big Shepherd/Great Dane mix earlier this year. He was good for about 3-4 miles.
Good luck.
Hello Deb,
I live in rural area and have been an avid runner for 33 yrs. Years ago we added a Doberman Pinscher to our family. I take them running on days when the heat and humidity are not factors. I agree that 4 miles is the max they like to run on lead or they start to lag behind. Also, keep in mind that they like to stop and smell the roses, if you know what I mean. They like to sniff and mark their territory a lot, so that can become somewhat distracting.
When I'm not on timed run, that's ok. I can just stop and do some kickboxing or jumping jacks, etc. to keep my heartrate from dropping.
When we first got Gretchen and Ditka, our female and male; I thought of how much fun it would be to take them to town and run in a popular running area of town. Well in a matter of five minutes I was carrying my sack of dog do do. Needless to say we don't go to town to run very much. LOL. Living in rural area they could find a place in the weeds, off to side of the road for that business. We lost our beloved Gretchen two years ago at twelve years of age.
Also, please keep them on lead as they can become distracted by
squirrels, other dogs, etc and run in the path of oncoming cars.
Good Luck in your decision. Even though it is sometimes inconvenient, I still always have a great time running with my pets.
Dianne
I live in rural area and have been an avid runner for 33 yrs. Years ago we added a Doberman Pinscher to our family. I take them running on days when the heat and humidity are not factors. I agree that 4 miles is the max they like to run on lead or they start to lag behind. Also, keep in mind that they like to stop and smell the roses
, if you know what I mean. They like to sniff and mark their territory a lot, so that can become somewhat distracting.When I'm not on timed run, that's ok. I can just stop and do some kickboxing or jumping jacks, etc. to keep my heartrate from dropping.
When we first got Gretchen and Ditka, our female and male; I thought of how much fun it would be to take them to town and run in a popular running area of town. Well in a matter of five minutes I was carrying my sack of dog do do. Needless to say we don't go to town to run very much. LOL. Living in rural area they could find a place in the weeds, off to side of the road for that business. We lost our beloved Gretchen two years ago at twelve years of age.
Also, please keep them on lead as they can become distracted by
squirrels, other dogs, etc and run in the path of oncoming cars.
Good Luck in your decision. Even though it is sometimes inconvenient, I still always have a great time running with my pets.
Dianne
dmd
Cathlete
Diane,
Thank you so much for your input. Your story about taking your dogs to "town" made me laugh. I used to wear our lab/retriever mix on a belt around my waist and she would stay on my right unless led otherwise...she was great that way, but, she could not run for more than 4mi. Honestly, I don't know if dogs should be run for more than that. However, it's good to know that a dog could run for more if conditioned to do so and it is good for them. This is the kind of dog we are looking for. We also want a kind dog too. A tall order right? deb
Thank you so much for your input. Your story about taking your dogs to "town" made me laugh. I used to wear our lab/retriever mix on a belt around my waist and she would stay on my right unless led otherwise...she was great that way, but, she could not run for more than 4mi. Honestly, I don't know if dogs should be run for more than that. However, it's good to know that a dog could run for more if conditioned to do so and it is good for them. This is the kind of dog we are looking for. We also want a kind dog too. A tall order right? deb
dmd
Cathlete
Yep, I hear allot about border Collie and Austalian Shephear mixes as good running dogs. Funny, my daughters boyfriend is getting a bulldog for Christmas. Some people are simply enamoured with them...they are kinda cute in that "face that only a mother could love" kind of way. Thanks for your input. This is gonna be tough. deb
roses_92123
Cathlete
>I have to agree with you about boxers! I have two myself.
>They're like potato chips, you can't just have one
>Most loving animal on the face of the planet.
Cynthia...I couldn't agree more and your comment about boxers being like potato chips sent me over the edge this morning!!! I think that they are extremely loving...of course, most dogs are...but there is something about the boxer and their unique ability to adapt to you in every way. I have had other breeds, and I have never experienced the devotion that my boxers give me.
They are just hilarious and VERY smart!!
>They're like potato chips, you can't just have one
>Most loving animal on the face of the planet.
Cynthia...I couldn't agree more and your comment about boxers being like potato chips sent me over the edge this morning!!! I think that they are extremely loving...of course, most dogs are...but there is something about the boxer and their unique ability to adapt to you in every way. I have had other breeds, and I have never experienced the devotion that my boxers give me.
They are just hilarious and VERY smart!!