small dogs for the wild

**wildWoman** · 06-03-2008, 02:06 PM

We have a set of by now rather geriatric large dogs, and once they've passed on I wouldn't mind switching to small dogs. I like large ones much better but keep thinking that a little dog would have such advantages - less dogfood to haul in, easily taken along maybe even in a kayak.
Any recommendations of small breeds/cross-breeds that tend to be healthy, laid back, friendly, eager to please, no chasers and not yappy?

**Rick** · 06-03-2008, 02:37 PM

Years ago, I had a Springer Spaniel that was one of the best dogs I've ever owned. Good water dog and smart. I don't recall that one ever being sick. One of the advantages of a smaller dog is they will live longer, on average.

http://www.springerspaniel.com/

http://www.springerrescue.org/

**klkak** · 06-03-2008, 04:32 PM

When my dog dies I am thinking I will get one or two "Shiba Inu's". They are a small Japanese dog that only get up to about 25 lbs. I have seen quite a few here in Alaska and they seem to handle the cold pretty well.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/shiba.htm

**Alpine_Sapper** · 06-03-2008, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by klkak

When my dog dies I am thinking I will get one or two "Shiba Inu's". They are a small Japanese dog that only get up to about 25 lbs. I have seen quite a few here in Alaska and they seem to handle the cold pretty well.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/shiba.htm

That's the most popular dog in Japan. You should look into Akita Inu's as well. they're GREAT dogs, and basically a larger version of the shiba.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/akita.htm

You should definitely check out the story of hachiko -
(excerpt from http://www.fabuloustravel.com/globe/...o/hachiko.html)

Chu-ken Hachiko (lit. the faithful dog Hachiko) was born in Akita in 1923 and was first brought to Tokyo in 1924. He and his owner, Mr. Eisaburo Uyeno, were inseparable friends right from the start. Each day "Hachi" would accompany Eisaburo, a professor at the Imperial University, to the train station when he left for work. Upon returning, the professor would find the dog patiently waiting, tail wagging. This happy routine continued until one fateful day in 1925, when the professor was taken ill on the job and unfortunately died before he could return home.

Despite the fact that Hachiko was less than two years old at the time, the bond between dog and owner was strong. Hachiko continued to wait each day at Shibuya station for a friend who was never coming back. At times, he wouldn't return home for days at a stretch.

The Akita became a familiar sight to commuters as he kept his vigil for over ten years. On March 8, 1935, Hachiko finally went to meet his master. He died on the very same spot he last saw his friend alive.

**nell67** · 06-03-2008, 05:24 PM

I am kind of partial to the rat terriers,very friendly,very energetic,loves to just go,doesn't matter where,they just love to go,easy to take care of,and dont eat much.

**Rick** · 06-03-2008, 05:27 PM

I see you made it through the storms this afternoon.

**RBB** · 06-04-2008, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by wildWoman

We have a set of by now rather geriatric large dogs, and once they've passed on I wouldn't mind switching to small dogs. I like large ones much better but keep thinking that a little dog would have such advantages - less dogfood to haul in, easily taken along maybe even in a kayak.
Any recommendations of small breeds/cross-breeds that tend to be healthy, laid back, friendly, eager to please, no chasers and not yappy?

When I lived in Alaska, I had a Tlingit friend who always brought a small dog on our trips. He said it was "emergency rations." I always thought he was kidding until we ate at his grandmother's place. Great food, and I commented on it. He said, "Yes, I just love baked puppy."