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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?)

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Mike Dick

Oct 1, 04 14:13

Post #26 of 68 (454 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [lefty] [In reply to]	Can't Post

beagles!!! They are not too big, very clever and loving. They love the outdoors and running in the fields.

Have a look:
http://beagle-dogs.com/

---------------------------------------------------------

Scott in PDX

Oct 1, 04 14:33

Post #27 of 68 (441 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [lefty] [In reply to]	Can't Post

German Shorthaired Pointer

Love to run, very trainable, great with kids, rarely bark. Mine is 11, and can still do a 20 mile trail run and want to "play ball" afterwards.

scott

Special K

Oct 1, 04 14:53

Post #28 of 68 (430 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [support crew] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I thinks it safe to say everyone will be a bit partial or biased when it comes to recommending a four-legged friend. I've had everything from a small dog to a rather large dog. Based on the amount of time you can spend with them will help determine what kind you should get. I can't remember a time in my life without having a dog in the family (St. Bernard, Labs, Dochsunes (sp?), German Shepard, Vizsla, Boxer, Malamut).

Based on an active lifestyle with children I would have to suggest a male Vizsla (males have a tendency to bond better with their masters and children, and they don't call them bitches for nothing. No disrespect but for some reason in this breed the females are tough - from my experience and experience of others we know). Beautiful, athletic and agile dogs, smart and very good at problem solving. Distant relative to the Weimareiner (sp?), which may also be worth considering. They have the same physique as Vizsla but a bit larger in height. I've noticed in other posts that many have suggested a Vizsla, as well as myself. That being said they demand time and attention. They need to be exercised on a regular basis (which I'm sure you won't have a problem doing). My Vizsla is my dog right know, awesome training partner (running, mtn. biking, hiking, etc.). Very loyal. Do your homework and make your decision wisely.

Good luck.
"I'm single, I can take chances. When in doubt I put on a coat when performing a slipindictomy!"

kezza

Oct 1, 04 15:06

Post #29 of 68 (413 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [Special K] [In reply to]	Can't Post

We have a Brittany. They are gorgeous dogs. Only medium sized, but wiry. Really gorgeous looking dogs too and they will run all day!!! They have a great nature. They are great family dogs, very friendly and safe around little children. They are shorter haired so don't shed everywhere and are easy to clean. Also they don't cost a fortune to feed.

Really heavy dogs who do a lot of running may end up with joint problems in later life.

But you also need to consider other aspects of your lifestyle and having a dog - like how big your yard is, what will you do with your dog if you go on holidays etc.

Good luck in your research!

here&anon

Oct 1, 04 15:26

Post #30 of 68 (401 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [lefty] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I got a Golden Retriever for my kids. She's gentle but big - she can knock over a small kid easily without meaning to. I wanted a good pet first and a possible running companion second. Forget about a guard dog - she's the biggest wuss of a dog I ever saw. :-) She's about 6 months old and I began taking her out for a morning run a couple of weeks ago. Just about a mile to start, today was closer to a 1 1/2 miles. She appears to love it and seems to be looking forward to it now. I'm hoping to get her to at least 5 miles, but I'll let her actions decide how far she should go.

axebiker

Oct 1, 04 15:33

Post #31 of 68 (397 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [lefty] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yellow Lab! IMHO, there are few dogs out there that come close. But then again, I AM biased... :)

M J Moquin

Oct 1, 04 15:40

Post #32 of 68 (388 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [lefty] [In reply to]	Can't Post

My vote is for a Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Good family dog.

Protective of house and family.

Will run all day.

Just my $.02

yakfshr1

Oct 1, 04 15:40

Post #33 of 68 (388 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [lefty] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Get a Harrier. do a search and read about them. Not that many to be found here in the states. In cali there is one place to get them but you have to be on a list, sign a lenthly contract and pay dearly. i think only about 365 are registered in the U.S. with the AKC.

swimchick

Oct 1, 04 15:51

Post #34 of 68 (381 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [lefty] [In reply to]	Can't Post

IRISH SETTER

Look this dog up they are lovable, beautiful, good with children, protective, and need a lot of exercise.

I have a two year old she obeys well, has lots of energy. One thing that I do have a problem with is that she doesn't eat well, we can't get her to eat enough and she runs around all day. Don't get me wrong she isn't skin and bones but they are a really lean dog. That is her though any other Irish setter could be different. REALLY check out this breed.

(This post was edited by swimchick on Oct 1, 04 16:02)

Monk

Oct 1, 04 17:11

Post #35 of 68 (301 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [trichatt] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Two dogs is like ten. Same as with kids.

Don't count on them staying off the couch.

cerveloguy

Oct 1, 04 17:19

Post #36 of 68 (298 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [axebiker] [In reply to]	Can't Post

"Yellow Lab! IMHO, there are few dogs out there that come close"

Except a black or chocolate one.

Monk

Oct 1, 04 17:34

Post #37 of 68 (293 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [Pluto] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Pluto--Too shorty legged for long runs. I had one. Caesar. He was my "Boy and His Dog" dog when I was little, but he never saved my life. Too busy chasing rabbits, and cars, and other beagles in heat. Thirty years later my mom made a full sized ceramic beagle and painted it to match Caesar from an old picture. He's gone. Mom's gone. But Caesar is still at the entrance to my bedroom. How goofy. Well, maybe now that I look at him, he is not full size.

lead swede

Oct 1, 04 17:39

Post #38 of 68 (292 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [lefty] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Okay, so I have read all of the posts and it seems that the group is really helpful.

I have had many dogs throughout my life from Beagles, Standard Poodles, Huskies, Shepherds, Dobermans, Shepherd/Huskie Crosses and finally a Black Lab. So, the group is quite varied in sizes. I have found all of these dogs have been able to keep up. The only thing I found with some of the larger pure bred breeds was hip diplasia. We had to put down two of our dogs (Shepherd and Shepherd/Huskie). It was horribly sad. The Beagles are great, but be careful, because they will run and run far and this may not be good in certain areas. They love to get a scent and go. Dobies are great, but some people are still 'afraid' of this breed. I can safely say that with the two I had as a young girl with the family were absolutely awesome. They were the biggest sucks out of all them. And, they loved to run with me! I now have a Black Lab and he is awesome. He is quite high strung and this can be tough on rest days. But, he can run for well over 90 minutes with me and then go out with my husband after that. I fear, however, that this will change as he ages. (But, don't we all slow down?) On off days, we play alot of fetch in the back yard. I can rest and he still gets an awesome workout.

Almost all of my dogs have been rescued from the pound or other situation. I strongly feel that every responsible pet owner should spade or neuter their animals and get all new additions to the family from the Humane Society. I have three cats and one dog and all are resuced animals. My dog, initially, had some issues with strangers, but through good perserverance and socializing, he is awesome. There are no issues now and he is great. Good pet owners make good pets (most times). GIVE ALL ABANDONED PETS A CHANCE. Go to the Humane Society.

I guess with all of this is that you need to pick a dog that suits you. The pound is a hard place to go, since they all are so desperate to get out of there. I would take them all if I could.

If you can't go to the pound for the reasons that I can't (wanting to take them all), then do what I did. I called and specified some breeds and types and then they called me when they came in.

I love my dog. He is great with kids, cats, and is a great runner.

Good luck. Your daughter will love the dog. I know that I am thankful everyday that my dad always had dogs around me. They are great additions to any family.

desert dude

Oct 1, 04 21:15

Post #39 of 68 (275 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [lead swede] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'll put my vote in for the pound. I have a pit bull mix that could snap your arm off if she wanted too. Instead she would rather snuggle, follows me everywhere and is co-dependent on me according to my wife. She is currently propped up on my feet as I type.
Our other dog is a heading to the pound but we got her before she got there afghan/lab mix. She can run sub 5 min miles, has a 5k pr of 15 something which is faster than mine and is stoopid. Sweetest dog I have ever know, only wants to be petted all the time.
Pound dogs know they are at the end of the line, I've never met one that was anything less than an awesome pet be it mine, my sisters, or my friends.
There have been a few other threads on dogs, search through the archives are read away.

Brian Stover Accelerate3 Coaching, Blog
Save at TriSports.com - use code BSTOV-S when placing your order

karma

Oct 1, 04 21:28

Post #40 of 68 (271 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [lefty] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yellow Labs Are THE BEST, they will go anywhere (as long as you have water to play in). Karma and Aiko travel everywhere with us and are the greatest hiking and snowshoeing partners around. I echo the posts about going to a know reputable breeder if you go the purebred route. Otherwise go pound puppy all the way. Love you pup, never hit it always hug it and will give you years of devoted love in return.

Cheers,

_______________________________________________
"For those people who just refuse to be likeable, I'll accommodate them by not liking them" - Slowman

(This post was edited by karma on Oct 1, 04 21:50)

Mr. Tibbs

Oct 1, 04 21:29

Post #41 of 68 (268 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [lefty] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Rat terriers! These are the best dogs for the family. They are pocket sized at around 15 pounds and cute as buttons but that is not the best part.

Rat terriers are hunters who have been bread to hunt in packs the good part about this is they are terrific family dogs. They want to be part of your family and work hard to earn their place. They bond with all members of the family and learn their place very quick.

I can't say enough about them. Before I got my Cloe I hated dogs. I just didn't want to have anything to do with them but she opened my eyes. She is at my feet right and I feel better just knowing she is there.

Take a look at them. Find a rat terrier rescue in your area and you'll be surprised what you find.

"To the dumb question, 'Why me?' the cosmos barely bothers to return the reply, 'Why not?' " Christopher Hitchens.

Martin C

Oct 1, 04 22:52

Post #42 of 68 (252 views)

Post deleted by Administrator [In reply to]

Monk

Oct 2, 04 2:54

Post #43 of 68 (244 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [LarryCalifornia] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Larry--Repost that pic of your Kheba (?) in the forest. Also, note I shot my dogs "hot" up above on the couch, and they do have faces!

Monk

Oct 2, 04 2:59

Post #44 of 68 (243 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [Mr. Tibbs] [In reply to]	Can't Post

First of all, screw you and burn in hell hangin's too good for you for ever not loving dogs.

Second, you have redeemed yourself by getting one. BUT, how can a shorty legged dog run ten miles?

volleycs

Oct 2, 04 5:31

Post #45 of 68 (238 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [lefty] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I agree with going to the dog pound and letting her pick one out. I have a stray I picked up on the side of the road where I work. It is the best dog I have ever had. There is something about dogs that have been mistreated... when they find a good home you have their loyalty for life. Super sweet dog, she would be great for any kid. I am sure there are alot of stays at the pound the same way.
http://timeoutdoors.blogspot.com/
Photo Blog - App Trail Thru Hike March - Sept 2009

josieb

Oct 2, 04 8:45

Post #46 of 68 (201 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [Monk] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Monk, any opportunity to show off your dogs again, huh? I don't blame you, they really are beautiful. I used to babysit a poodle just like yours. Great dogs.

Mr. Tibbs

Oct 2, 04 8:51

Post #47 of 68 (199 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [Monk] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Good point about the legs but here is my feeling on it. It is his little girl, who I bet is not only beautiful but too damn smart for us, who wants the dog. If it is truly for the girly girl then the rat terrier will be small enough not to scare her in any way and the low maintance these dogs need will encourage her to care for the dog and not be too much for her so she won't loose interest.

Dad can get his own dog.

The real point is I feel the ratters are a neglected breed and I want the world to know about this wonderful breed.

"To the dumb question, 'Why me?' the cosmos barely bothers to return the reply, 'Why not?' " Christopher Hitchens.

olddude

Oct 2, 04 9:41

Post #48 of 68 (187 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [lefty] [In reply to]	Can't Post

We have 4 dogs blk lab(bought) pitbull chow mix from animal rescue, pitbull mix from rodeside starved with mange(sp) shepard dob mix starved from rodeside. all very healthy and devoted now. Affectionate and loyality they will give forever. largest 120lbs(lab) smallest 80 pitbull mix. Lab runs best but affraid to run distance because he blew a knee playing and surg was expensive. We love these dogs somuch and our love is returned many fold. I get teary eyed just thinking of loosing one of them and the oldest is just 6yrs. My wife just brought home another roadside pup approx 8-9 mo old lab mix possibly dob which is starting to fillout and gain confidence. It will be hard to let her go.

So my vote would be pound or animal rescue unless you have a passion for a particular pure breed ( or just find a starving dog that has been deserted on the street)

MJReisen

Oct 2, 04 9:52

Post #49 of 68 (185 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [M J Moquin] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Emphatic second to the Rhodesian Ridgeback. One of the best athletic choices possible. Their national rescue organization is a tremendous resource and all the dogs are brought into a home situation to evaluate and socialize.

I can provide plenty of references. It's tought to beat a sighthound's temperment.

JeffJ

Oct 2, 04 11:13

Post #50 of 68 (174 views)

Re: Best dog for a triathlete? (OT?) [lefty] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I spent good money on my two german shepherds, and in some instances, you get what you pay for. They are smarter than many people I know, mind better than most kids I see, about as devoted pack (family) members as you will find, and excellent family dogs in general (as long as they know their place in the pack). Did I mention how smart they are? I will agree that many/most dogs have great potential but the underlying determining factor is usually the owner/trainer.

The other day I took the older dog (6) on a run. I did a 8 mile run with a 5 mile steady state run mixed in. I ran the 5 mile in 26:30 and Bear (yeah, real original but that what happens when small kids name a black shepherd) managed to piss about 20 time, take one or two dumps and never break into a run to keep up (the trot thing mentioned). I bet he could run a 5k in 8-10 minutes or faster if he really need to, but many dogs could if they had some conditioning and a motivating reason to run fast. I live out in the boonies so I run him with no leash, not that is matters since he is trained to verbal cues. He has no trouble keeping up on the single track or snowmobile trails either when I get out the MTB. They are excellent runners in general and I suggest one that is in the breed standard for size, which is what you get when you see the the parents with a good breeder. Our second is only 6 months old so running for him yet.

I guess the kicker is about 3 months ago when my two boys (10 and 12)were running along a logging road with Bear and all of a sudden all hell broke lose in the brush next to the road. Next thing, a mountain lion is bolting up onto the road and down it with Bear in hot pursuit. He did not catch it which is good for him because it probably wouldn't have been pretty. A 90 lb shepherd is imposing, but a 150-175 lb cat is something else.

I like all dogs for the most part, but will never own anything other than a shepherd. Yes, I am biased, but why shouldn't I be?

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