Re: Good Dog Breed for Hikers

Mike,

Dogs, like people, are individuals, so you might find the perfect hiking companion in a mutt (hybrid vigor!) or a breed that is least expected.
However, applying logic never hurts. Most of the hound group, both gaze-hounds (e.g., saluki, greyhound) and scent-hounds (e.g., beagle, coonhound) are going to be distracted and not easy to train to walk ahead without leash (holding a leash on a rough trail is a drag, but legally required sometimes). Looking at the AKC groups, ( http://www.akc.org/breeds/herding_group.cfm ) the herding group seems to have the most potential because they have been bred for the necessary qualities of a good hiking companion -- intelligent, not too noisy, strong, very good stamina, very dependable, loyal, etc. They do not, however, cook.

If you ever get the chance to see Border Collies working sheep, you will perceive a near-perfect relationship/comradery between man and animal.
IMO, the most adaptable, dependable, hardiest, medium-coat, low-maintenance breed is the Australian Cattle Dog (a.k.a., Blue Heeler). A lot of the Dingo still shows, but a well-trained dog of this breed is a blessing (a poorly-trained dog of any breed is a potential curse). Since these dogs are so intelligent, the owner really needs to be well-trained themselves.