What would you suggest?

[thndrkttn]

But hiking with them?

As soon as I saw Havenese, I thought the same thing. There's no way they would be able to keep up. Adorable dogs just not hikers. Small dog = short legs. Short legs = not great hikers. Although, a Jack Russell might be the exception to that.

[arentspowell]

Forgot about the hiking, no they wouldn't do very well on a long hike.

[Snowshoe]

I'm wondering when the long hikes will be? Just on the weekend? How long is long? What kind of exercise is the dog going to get mid week?

Some large breeds are good in apartments but it's because they like to be couch potatoes so that probably lets them off the hiking list. But then again, it depends on how long is long? A mature Lab does sound good if midweek exercise needs can be met in order to keep the dog sane and fit for the weekend.

[ZoeysMommy]

Labs do just fine in apartment as long as they given the exercise they need. Zoey was raised in an apartment until she was 3.

My corgi also did well in an apartment for 2 years and although the breed is prone to barking, its all about training. She is also a great outdoorsy dog, she handles hikes, swimming, camping just as good as my lab. Maybe even better, she has incredible stamina and is as strong as an ox

Not many small breeds are going to be able to handle hiking or an active outdoor type lifestyle. The only breeds I can think of at the moment is a corgi or a jrt, maybe a beagle

[Sue-Ram]

Keeping it Canadian, N.S. Duck Tolling Retriever

[Archie]

Keeping it Canadian, N.S. Duck Tolling Retriever

Love them, and they are the perfect size, but aren't they REALLY energetic?

[arentspowell]

I would not recommend a toller to a first time dog owner. They are beautiful dogs but everything I've read about them suggests they are very energetic, very high drive, and they are very vocal (as in, they scream). I think they may also have the tendency to chase cats.

[Snowshoe]

Ditto the energy level of the Toller. They are popular in agility and rally where we train. Our rally trainer has bred a couple of litters and her dogs are very accomplished but I see how much work she puts into them. She's retired and has dogs and training dogs as a business. A reputable breeder would be able to say which of a litter is a lower key dog but when the general breed description indicates a high energy dog it might be a good idea to look elsewhere. FWIW I think I'd put English Springer Spaniels and Brittany Spaniels in with the Tollers, energy wise. Maybe not the show bred ESS, our girl was field bred but was that high energy highly biddable combination that is hard to find.

[Tanya]

I would NOT recommend a toller to a first time owner nto wanting a crazy dog. They are WONDERFUL dogs but - wow.

How much exercise do they want to do day to day, week to week? I mean do they hike OFTEN or just once a week in the summer?

I woudl avoid anything in the herding breeds unless it's a re-home/in rescue and KNOWN to be mellower. Herding breeds need tons of daily exericse but most importantly MENTAL stimulation.

Honestly, why not just find a good fit at the SPCA or a local rescue? A dog that is done growning but young (say 1.5 to 3 years of age) and of known temperment and energy level.

[Archie]

I would NOT recommend a toller to a first time owner nto wanting a crazy dog. They are WONDERFUL dogs but - wow.

How much exercise do they want to do day to day, week to week? I mean do they hike OFTEN or just once a week in the summer?

I woudl avoid anything in the herding breeds unless it's a re-home/in rescue and KNOWN to be mellower. Herding breeds need tons of daily exericse but most importantly MENTAL stimulation.

Honestly, why not just find a good fit at the SPCA or a local rescue? A dog that is done growning but young (say 1.5 to 3 years of age) and of known temperment and energy level.

She is definitely keeping an eye out for a suitable dog at the shelter. but in the meantime wants to explore other breeds/options.

Thanks for all the input so far!