Camping companion...

[JackZilla]

The bottom line is I'm looking for a good dog to take camping with me. I currently have Charlie, my female pit, and although I love her with all of my heart, she's just not that outdoorsy. She tries her hardest and God bless her soul, it's just not in her blood. What I'm thinking of is either the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Now both of these dogs are virtually identical with the only difference really being the length of their fur. Of course the BMD having longer fur and the Swissy having shorter. From what I've read they are both awesome dogs. The problem is finding a breeder. If any of you guys just happen to be a breeder or know of one please let me know. Also, if you have any other suggestions as far as what would make a good camping dog, please share. Much appreciated. And just remember, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't get it wet...

 

[exrsa1]

Bernese

Growing up, we had two Bernese. Great dogs, worked sheep and cattle. Both developed problems at an early age (6 and 7 years respectively). They were from different bloodlines. Vet told us that Bernese have a very short lifespan.

just my .02cents

Ex

 

[fjatheart]

Have you thought of a Aussie Cattle Dog?

 

[Sno bored]

This is my new puppy, we will be heading for Moab tomorrow for our first camping trip. He loves rolling in the snow and sniffing everything he can when we are out exploring. They think he is Aussie/Husky mix. I think he is going to be a great camping companion for me.

 

[JackZilla]

I have done quite a bit of research into both the Swissy and BMD. I'm aware of their health issues and short life span. But it seems like to me that the time they are a part of your family, however short that may be, is remarkable. I was looking into some other breeds but when I came across these I fell in love with them. I also want a bigger breed of dog.

This is my Charlie Monster. She will be 2 in September.

 

[sirenmoses]

I've had 6 dobermans over the past 10yrs, still got 2 stealing covers from me. The girl would rather be outside (unless its thundering), the boy is a puss. I've camped, canoed, rafted, done SAR, high angle rescue... but dobers are the dog for me, not necessarily you.

If you love pits, you'll find one that likes to camp. If you love camping, I'd get a longer-coated smaller dog, b/c someday you might have to carry it out on your back (snakebite/broken leg). Heeler, Aussie, even Corgi: the drawback is that you get a more prey-driven breed than what you are used to.

Berner would be better than a Swissy, in my limited experience of the breeds.

Let me emphasize: can you carry the dog out as far as you'll go in? I once invited a buddy to bring a dog on walkies: 15m of carrying that 85lb dog out on my shoulders, (using the shortcut back to the rigs) taught me the value of what had previously been a verbal teaching. Just sayn'

 

[JackZilla]

Well don't get me wrong, Charlie loves to camp just like she loves to swim, she's just not good at it. She has no body fat so she sinks like a rock and is the first dog I've ever seen that actually gets sunburned. Yeah I know, it's weird. She must get that from me. Yes, I"m a ginger, but I'm forced to work with what the good Lord gave me.

 

[SOCALFJ]

Our Boston Terrier (Dixie) hasn't missed one trip.. they make great trail dogs, in fact we know 2-3 other people that bring Boston's with them on their camping trips.

Uber tired from walking around the Overland Expo last weekend..

 

[PAToyota]

I'm not sure I'd be looking for a particular breed. I've known two labs that hated water...

 

[JackZilla]

I will keep that in mind. I have found a breeder that has litter of the Swissy's scheduled for this summer so hopefully I can get one of those.

 

[CowboyUp]

Howdy
Get a Corgi and you will be rewarded, is a big dog in a small package! I had a Corgi mix with Fox and was the best dog that I had seen in my life .
In despite that she was small, I never feared for something when I was with her in the wilderness or home, and we was in place that really have dangerous animals or humans....!

 

[JackZilla]

you know my girlfriend has a yorkiepoo named Lucy who weighs about 14 LBS but thinks she's a 150 LBS attack dog. She gives poor Charlie Monster all she can handle. It's funny to think that something so small can have so much attitude.

 

[JackZilla]

here is Lucy Pooper...if you can make her out in the snow!!!

 

[Sno bored]

My pup had a great time on his first camping trip over the weekend. Moab was sunny and warm, then I had to come home to snow. Nazca went swimming for the first time. There were 3 other dogs camping with us and he had a great time hanging out with them.

 

[JackZilla]

My pup had a great time on his first camping trip over the weekend. Moab was sunny and warm, then I had to come home to snow. Nazca went swimming for the first time. There were 3 other dogs camping with us and he had a great time hanging out with them.

Thats awesome. What kind of pup did you say he was?

 

[copasspupil]

I believe that the dog is a west highland white terrier or westie for short.

 

[Sno bored]

Thats awesome. What kind of pup did you say he was?

They think Aussie/Husky mix, picture in post #4 above

 

[uberhahn]

Mine is an Australian Shepard mix with a Chessie Bay retriever. Fully grown, she's 50lbs. She is 6 yrs old. Waterproof. Easy cleanup. Sheds. Very good with my kids. Protective, unless she get the "ok" from me regarding visitors in our yard.

Loves to be out and camping. Good running partner and well trained.

Picker her up at a flea-marker for $10. Still the best lifestyle mod I've done.

Be practical in your approach. I wanted a waterproof dog that I could hose the mud off-of and be relatively clean for the inside of my truck.

The rest followed.

Will post pics soon.

 

[CowboyUp]

you know my girlfriend has a yorkiepoo named Lucy who weighs about 14 LBS but thinks she's a 150 LBS attack dog. She gives poor Charlie Monster all she can handle. It's funny to think that something so small can have so much attitude.

She is like how was my dog, always believe that she is a big dog! Always, I keep my eyes in a small dog, they usually like to pick a fight and the big ones to finish !

 

[CowboyUp]

View attachment 414994

here is Lucy Pooper...if you can make her out in the snow!!!

Yes, you right she is blending perfect in the snow !
She is perfect for your outdoor trips !

salute