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  1. #21
    House Broken LuckyLuna's Avatar
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    We had an Aussie (Australian Shepherd) in the past and I can vouch for their ability to run fast and far. My husband wanted a dog to go jogging/running with but after 5 miles when my husband was finished the Aussie still had plenty of energy to burn.

    They are a medium-sized dog with of course a great herding instinct that is a totally different style of play from labs but compatible enough. They need mental stimulation; so it would not be a great scenario if it were to be home by itself all day. As far as the coat in warm weather climates, getting an Aussie from working lines rather than show lines would make it easier.

    Have you considered a Portuguese Water Dog? Also a good runner and plenty happy being around water?

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  3. #22
    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
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    I second and third what everyone else is saying about RRs as a pet and Lab partner. Many are being bred really big, too, so maybe not a good long distance dog.

    Out of your list, I would vote for the Visla as they are light and energetic. Personally would not own the breed, but not because of anything bad, they are just, in my opinion, high-strung and can be kinda nervous, which makes me feel nervous, too. I like the laid back goofiness of Labs, myself.

    I'm hoping you are aware that by the time the dog can assist you on these long runs, especially off-leash (which is A. illegal in every city and town that I am aware of except sanctioned dog parks -- so if your dog does bolt out in traffic to say hi to a kid on a bike or chase a squirrel and cause an accident you will be held responsible and not as an accident but as negligence, and B. unsafe for you, your dog, and those on the road), you're looking at about three years. If you adopt an adult, you have to get it in shape and train it, and often rescues are in rescues because the owners did not train them well, so they have to be UNtrained as well as trained. And often they are given up because of destructive behaviors due to not enough exercise. So, you're still looking at years out before the dog is in good enough shape and trained well enough to run with you, especially if you insist on the dog being off-leash.

    Labs are not long-distance, they are sprinters. I have seen some of the smaller really fieldy Labs as running partners (in the 45 lb range) , but usually the are mixed with a smaller, lighter, more hyperactive breed.

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  5. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by LuckyLuna View Post
    We had an Aussie (Australian Shepherd) in the past and I can vouch for their ability to run fast and far. My husband wanted a dog to go jogging/running with but after 5 miles when my husband was finished the Aussie still had plenty of energy to burn.

    They are a medium-sized dog with of course a great herding instinct that is a totally different style of play from labs but compatible enough. They need mental stimulation; so it would not be a great scenario if it were to be home by itself all day. As far as the coat in warm weather climates, getting an Aussie from working lines rather than show lines would make it easier.

    Have you considered a Portuguese Water Dog? Also a good runner and plenty happy being around water?

    I have not looked at the Portuguese Water Dog. Obama has one so it never crossed my mind haha. But form a practical standpoint they are not on most the long distance running list. I also prefer short hair and straight hair dogs. Just something about look of a PWD or poodle, or anything like it, I am not a fan of.

    I will check out the Aussie. That is one thing I like about labs is they are good to just sleep in kennel during the day and still be playful and such in morning and evening when I am home. If an Aussie would not be happy in the kennel while I am work it would not be fair to the dog.

  6. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by Labradorks View Post
    I second and third what everyone else is saying about RRs as a pet and Lab partner. Many are being bred really big, too, so maybe not a good long distance dog.

    Out of your list, I would vote for the Visla as they are light and energetic. Personally would not own the breed, but not because of anything bad, they are just, in my opinion, high-strung and can be kinda nervous, which makes me feel nervous, too. I like the laid back goofiness of Labs, myself.

    I'm hoping you are aware that by the time the dog can assist you on these long runs, especially off-leash (which is A. illegal in every city and town that I am aware of except sanctioned dog parks -- so if your dog does bolt out in traffic to say hi to a kid on a bike or chase a squirrel and cause an accident you will be held responsible and not as an accident but as negligence, and B. unsafe for you, your dog, and those on the road), you're looking at about three years. If you adopt an adult, you have to get it in shape and train it, and often rescues are in rescues because the owners did not train them well, so they have to be UNtrained as well as trained. And often they are given up because of destructive behaviors due to not enough exercise. So, you're still looking at years out before the dog is in good enough shape and trained well enough to run with you, especially if you insist on the dog being off-leash.

    Labs are not long-distance, they are sprinters. I have seen some of the smaller really fieldy Labs as running partners (in the 45 lb range) , but usually the are mixed with a smaller, lighter, more hyperactive breed.

    Yeah, I think the RR will be eliminated from my list for multiple reasons.

    Vizsla seems to be in the lead but I do plan to visit couple breeders, both of that breed and others, and still do more research.

    I would prefer an older dog just to avoid having to wait until dog is ole enough to run. Plus, ouppies get all the attention so rescuing or finding an older dog would be a nice benefit.

    When I run off leash it is either on the couple hundred acre I have access to or in my gated community where no concerns of safety liability. If I were to take the dog to official race or high traffic area it would certainly be on leash.

    I had knee surgery about 7 weeks ago, I will be cleared to start running end of July or August, hopefully. I will be starting at square one only running few minutes at a time then walking. So if I get a dog, and I am not rushing just for this, it would be able to build base with me. And if I get to point I am running 5+ miles by time I get the dog I would just do short loop with dog, drop off at house, and finish run myself.

    Training would be concern with a rescue and addressed day 1 before any running off lead would happen. Would work on walking with leash, then walking without, then running with leash, then running without. Def would not just jump in deep end.

    My ideal situation, though it may not exist, is get an adult dog from a breeder. That would solve pretty much any obstacle I have.

  7. #25
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    the breeds your listed are high energy. more so than a lab. you better be ready for hours of daily exercise. same deal as with labs, you need to wait til they are done growing to run.

    gun dogs tend to have drive (more like a field bred lab).

    weims and gsps can have anxiety issues.

    it will take some time to train the dog to be offleash. could ne months of training.

    again the dog will need TONS of daily exercise even on your days off, during training and on your shorter run days.

    if you want a rescue that is mostly pure bred you will have to be patient and likely be looking at a dog with anxiety issues. you can luck out but it will take time. i fostered a 5mt old pure weim with no behavioral issues - we had sooooooo many apps on her it was nuts.

    if you go the rescue route you will be asked about your dog being intact and depending on the rescue and your reasons it may be a reason for them denying your application.

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  9. #26
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    I found a few Weimaraner and Vizsla rescue groups on SC and NC. I sent them all an email describing my situation, my needs and wants, and to see what they think. I imagine, but i am just guessing, a place that specializes in rescuing that specific breed would be a batter place to deal with in terms of knowledge and personality/needs match than a general animal shelter that does every kind of dog and cat, right?

  10. #27
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Snowshoe View Post
    Dalmatian? The Coach Dog? Some urinary problems to look out for. I wonder if some medium sized breeds like a Brittany might be candidates. Bred to hunt all day, cover lots of ground and not a lot of coat. Saluki? Bred to run too, but in dry heat. Though if bred in N. America that might not be the case. Doberman?

    10 miles in heat, probably pushing it with most breeds.
    We've had Dalmatians and you do need to be careful about their diet. They do not metabolize protein like other dogs and can develop crystals in the urine which is especially bad in males, and UTI's. Their fur is easy to take care of but the cuticle on the hair shaft does not lay smooth like other breeds. When it comes out it sticks to whatever. Think tiny barbs like a fish hook. I've spend hours picking out individual pieces. And of course, the white only sticks to black fabric and the black only to white, LOL.

    These issues are not hard to manage. You do need to socialize them early and start training early. They are a lovely breed who need confident but gentle hand in training. They were way overbred due to the movie 101 Dalmatians, so researching a reputable breeder is essential.

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  12. #28
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    My 9 year old lab has been my running companion since a pup. She's ~60 pounds, on the small/lean side. I don't take her more than 4-5 miles these days, but in her prime (2-7 years or so) she'd easily go 7-8 miles or more, running on leash, several times a week. (She'll hike off leash further than that.) She's done good portions of the marathon training with my wife (3 marathons) and me (1 marathon).

    No dog can run in heat. My lab will run when it's warm (70s to 80) if I can keep her wet during the run. So, hose down before leaving, and a place for a dip along the way. I can't run if it's over 80. We usually go early in the morning.

    We'll get another lab here at some point, and look for a lean/fieldy type who can hopefully be another great running companion. Our current lab is fairly high strung, but she has the quintessential lab temperament when it comes to people and especially kids. She and our son (age 5) have been best buds since he was born. That's of primary importance for us in our next dog as well.


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  14. #29
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    We have a GSD and a lab. The GSD is a completely different personality. It takes different training techniques and being very consistent with positive training techniques. Our Archie is a lovely dog but lacked early socialization, which we are doing now. They're smart and very willing to please. They are not a beginners dog.

    Don't have personal experience with other breeds. That said, a breed in the sporting breeds sounds like a good match. If I'm not mistaken, a Portuguese Water Dog needs grooming/clipping. Research each breed you consider carefully, look at genetic problems in the breed, like we do in labs. You may be able to get an older dog from a breeder. Gosh, that's where all our furkids came from, but more in the senior division. Be aware of what problems that may arise when getting a rescue.

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  16. #30
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    We have had Labs and German Shepherds for years. Think we will always have at least one of each, although Perry is a Lab mix. And I have done German Shepherd rescue (Southwest German Shepherd Rescue) for years.

    As Poptop states, GSD's are not for everyone, they are both sensitive and hard. They shed 365 days a year, are smarter than 90% of the people that own them, most open gates, locks, doors with ease and when orthopedics are correct, make amazing running partners. My husband jogged with all of his working Police K-9s, usually about 5 miles. We live in Arizona so during the warmer periods, he would run early in the morning.

    All of your choices are great dogs. Just need to decide which is the best fit for the family.

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