02/17/2023
TRAIL DOGS
I have several friends who are asking themselves what breed of dog should I buy for my trail dog, and today it was on a horse group. I had time, so I answered. Thought I would share and expand on it. What else do you do when you are setting in a car waiting? lol
I have ridden with many different breeds of dogs. I did my research and lucked out with my choice. I'm not saying every American Bulldog would be like mine. So here is what I look for:
As a general rule, you need a nonhunting type. Which inhibits you a little because they are usually the most agile and have the most endurance. Yes, some hunting dogs can be great trail dogs, but most aren't. Simply because they are doing exactly what their breed is meant to do.
Second. Low prey drive which narrows the selection even more. Recall training comes into play here, but you better have it before going out on the trail. Prey drive will be harder to contain in the woods. The more it is in their breeding the more training that will be required of you. Yes, you can train them, but the ones that have less are easier to convince.
Third: Brains trainable, not stubborn, a breed that is not aggressive but will stand its ground.
Fourth: Size. How many miles do you want your dog to do a week/year. This is where the balance of size and longevity come into play.
5th Many people go with herding dogs simply because they stay with their people. Bred to be that way, but this is a huge for me......As a general rule they follow or what I call ghosting (following in the woods alongside you). I prefer my dog to be out in front and to stay on the trail. Very seldom is my dog, not out front. Squirrels and potty breaks. He is allowed to chase anything off our trail, but not any further and has always pottied way off trail but one word of nevermind and its over.
I am not saying that any variation or breed can not be a good trail dog. My idea of a good trail dog is probably of a higher standard than most
