I just wanted opinions on this idea. Four solo strangers who all bring their dog with for 8-10 days in Quetico.

Keep in mind I'm not organizing anything here and highly doubt I'll be doing any type of trip in 2014 but in 2015 possibly. Gonna take my wife on a "proper" vacation instead.

So, pros and cons are what I'm after.

Hmmm.....This could be a tough one.

I love dogs and I think a dog on a solo trip is a great companion. But four strangers put together with four strange dogs......could be a formula for disaster.

A single dog is a great companion, four is a pack, if there isn't good discipline....... and you have no idea with three other strangers if this is going to be a good mix until it's too late.

It's hard enough to trip with a group of strangers, but to add the chaos of four dogs is something I wouldn't relish.

quote awbrown: "Hmmm.....This could be a tough one.

I love dogs and I think a dog on a solo trip is a great companion. But four strangers put together with four strange dogs......could be a formula for disaster.

A single dog is a great companion, four is a pack, if there isn't good discipline....... and you have no idea with three other strangers if this is going to be a good mix until it's too late.

It's hard enough to trip with a group of strangers, but to add the chaos of four dogs is something I wouldn't relish. "

Well said AW! Not much I can add to awbrown's reply, because I think he nailed it.

But speaking from experience, I was on group solo trip to Quetico in 1987; eight solo canoes, eight group members, and two dogs, (our English Setter and our friend's Springer Spaniel). Although the dogs got along well with each other, our friend's Springer created tension between several members of the group.

The couple that brought their Springer were not always attentive to their dog's actions. Tensions arose when their Springer would repeatedly get into the prepared food of some of the group members.

About Day #6 of our eight-day trip, I made my feelings known about our friend's Springer, because it seemed no one else wanted to say what many of us felt.

In retrospect, I sincerely wish I had been more tactful when trying to resolve the issue. But being a hot headed German, I can be somewhat indelicate when expressing my viewpoints and opinions. We never canoe-tripped with couple again.

If it were not for the "dog issue", the remainder of that trip would have been more enjoyable and we would have probably canoe-tripped with that couple again. Lesson learned.

Hans Solo

quote HansSolo: "

quote awbrown: "Hmmm.....This could be a tough one.

I love dogs and I think a dog on a solo trip is a great companion. But four strangers put together with four strange dogs......could be a formula for disaster.

A single dog is a great companion, four is a pack, if there isn't good discipline....... and you have no idea with three other strangers if this is going to be a good mix until it's too late.

It's hard enough to trip with a group of strangers, but to add the chaos of four dogs is something I wouldn't relish. "

Well said AW! Not much I can add to awbrown's reply, because I think he nailed it.

But speaking from experience, I was on group solo trip to Quetico in 1987; eight solo canoes, eight group members, and two dogs, (our English Setter and our friend's Springer Spaniel). Although the dogs got along well with each other, our friend's Springer created tension between several members of the group.

The couple that brought their Springer were not always attentive to their dog's actions. Tensions arose when their Springer would repeatedly get into the prepared food of some of the group members.

Hans Solo

"

Agreed. One dog? Yes, but two, three or four? No way.

judging by your self-portraits in your trip report, I have to say you look a lot happier with your dog than when you are all alone; which I understand very well. I think it may work if every one pulls his own permits. In case there is an issue, you can camp at different sites. My dogs are very predictable; I can trust them around other dogs and other people. Ever dog owner knows the limits of his/her own dog.

quote Rambler_Dog: " Every dog owner knows the limits of his/her own dog."

I wish

Remember the law of canine intelligence is geometric .
Two dogs are four times as stupid, three dogs eight times, four dogs sixteen times......

quote Rambler_Dog: "I think it may work if every one pulls his own permits. In case there is an issue, you can camp at different sites. My dogs are very predictable; I can trust them around other dogs and other people. Ever dog owner knows the limits of his/her own dog."

Yeah, this would have to be the case. I'm still not sure it's a TOTALLY crazy idea. I think every owner would have to really be confident in their dog being ok around other dogs. No alphas for sure.

My dog is curious of other dogs and will do the butt sniff welcome but then she goes about her business. It's other dogs who want to play with her that she will get testy and "air snap" to let them know that she's just not into them.

Maybe 2 dogs would work. I'm just curious because I do want to start doing group solos but I love having my dog around. But with the right four dogs that could be a very fun time.

I have to ask TomT, are you pre-planning a group solo trip with three other solo-trippers that are set on taking their dogs, or is this a hypothetical situation?

Hans Solo

it's bad enough having two at home

quote HansSolo: "
I have to ask TomT, are you pre-planning a group solo trip with three other solo-trippers that are set on taking their dogs, or is this a hypothetical situation?

Hans Solo"

No I won't be going anywhere till 2015. Really I know the only way something like this would work is if all 4 dogs got together previously to see how they interact.

All the dogs must be experienced canoe trippers, they cannot be alpha types and they all must listen to their owners extremely well.

I take mine to dogs park in my area on a regular basis so I know how she behaves around strange dogs. She is great unless other dogs get physical with her, usually younger ones who just want to play. My dog doesn't enjoy that and will let them know.

Look, it's a fairly out of the box idea but one that was rattling around in my brain so figuring how slow it is before paddling season I thought i'd throw it out there. I was prepared for negativity and am not bothered in the least by it.

That said, if anyone would be interested in this scenario for 2015, hey - lets put it on the burner. It just could be very fun, you never know. And everyone would have their own permit with the option to bail.

Sorry Tom, but maybe I didn't ask the question properly. My question is; for your intended 2015 group solo trip, is it a prerequisite for each solo tripper to take a dog along?

Hans Solo

No not at all. To find four compatible dogs from the pool of solo trippers who would want to do something like this has worse odds than the lottery. Four solos and 2 dogs - great! Four solos and my dog - also great.

It really sucks not to have a trip to plan this year... Sucks indeed. I think I'm gonna have to resort to weekend warriorin' down nearby rivers.

How many dogs do you have these days Hans?

quote TomT: "How many dogs do you have these days Hans?"

Just one, a 90-pound Golden Retriever named "Buddy". I've always figured that one dog at a time is enough. :-)

Hans Solo

Con for me. Think dogs all dogs should stay at home. --Goose

quote HansSolo: "

quote TomT: "How many dogs do you have these days Hans?"

Just one, a 90-pound Golden Retriever named "Buddy". I've always figured that one dog at a time is enough. :-)

Hans Solo

"

He looks like a fine boy. My Mom and Dad have always had Goldens. Never met one I didn't like.

quote OldGreyGoose: "Con for me. Think dogs all dogs should stay at home. --Goose"

I am good with this thinking. I'm curious though if you ever owned a dog? And I would never try to talk you into changing your view I'm just wondering if you are a "dog person" or not with that thinking.

I totally respect your opinion and frankly i can see why. A dog is a dog and any number of bad things can happen whether it's meeting strangers on portages or meeting up with a moose or bear. Not to mention dogs like to dig up smelly things around camp and also leave their "mark" around camp. So yeah, your way of thinking is very valid.

so do you guys that bring your dogs make sure it does it's duty at least 100 feet away from the lakeshore and bury it or better yet in the latrine?

good for you, now work on your wife/GF to do the same :)

I understand that everyone doesn't have the same affection for dogs as Tom and I do, and as noted, there are downsides to taking the pooch. But anyone who owns and loves dogs generally considers their dog a family member and is prone to include them in as many activities as possible.

To be honest though, I haven't taken my dog to the BWCAW or Quetico since 2005. Primarily because our current dog, the aforementioned 90-pound Golden Retriever "Buddy", is just too big. So far "Buddy" has been relegated to just two and three day river trips as well as visits to several State Parks throughout Wisconsin. (3rd picture to the right)

Buddy's size and weight have been somewhat of a deterrent for inclusion on any BWCAW or Quetico trips so far. His predecessors, "Bailey", a 65-pound female Golden Retriever, and "Lady", a 55-pound English Setter, were a much more manageable size for BWCAW and Quetico trips.

Our Setter went everywhere with us and probably logged more canoe trips than many people I know. At 55-pounds, she was still a reasonable size even in my Sawyer DY Special. (1st picture on left.)

Part of my motivation for upgrading to a Wenonah Voyager from my Sawyer DY Special and Jensen C1W solos was to better accommodate my 65-pound Golden Retriever "Bailey". I purchased the Voyager in 2004 when Bailey was our family dog and it worked well with her. (middle picture)

Although my Voyager can and does handle "Buddy" and gear for canoe trips, he's a lot of additional cargo for an extended BWCAW, Quetico, or Woodland-Caribou trip. Also, despite extensive formal training as a puppy, he can be somewhat stubborn and sometimes has a mind of his own. My wife blames this on his gender.

Hans Solo

Hans, you are right. One must always match dog to size of canoe!

i would have a couple doggy meets ups before you go to see how they are with each other.if it works out i'm sure the dogs will be happy to be together on a trip.
you might want to skip the party hats......

quote wetcanoedog: "i would have a couple doggy meets ups before you go to see how they are with each other.if it works out i'm sure the dogs will be happy to be together on a trip.
you might want to skip the party hats......"

Good idea and great picture wetcanoedog! That's just too cute.

Hans Solo

quote awbrown: "Hans, you are right. One must always match dog to size of canoe!


"

Right you are AW. Beautiful dog by the way!

After the passing of our beloved Golden Retriever "Bailey", my son really wanted a "boy dog". We had always had females for several reasons, but partially because they're smaller and lighter. At 90-pounds plus food, I figure "Buddy" adds about 100-pounds to my "Quetico-Superior" solo trip cargo. I guess I should have purchased a Wenonah Encounter instead! :-)

Actually, my Wenonah Voyager handles "Buddy" and a load quite well. But if I had a heavier dog at the time I purchased my Voyager, I probably would have given more serious consideration to the Wenonah Encounter. That said, I love my Wenonah Voyager for a number of reasons.

Hans Solo

quote TomT: "

quote OldGreyGoose: "Con for me. Think dogs all dogs should stay at home. --Goose"

I am good with this thinking. I'm curious though if you ever owned a dog? And I would never try to talk you into changing your view I'm just wondering if you are a "dog person" or not with that thinking.

I totally respect your opinion and frankly i can see why. A dog is a dog and any number of bad things can happen whether it's meeting strangers on portages or meeting up with a moose or bear. Not to mention dogs like to dig up smelly things around camp and also leave their "mark" around camp. So yeah, your way of thinking is very valid."

TomT: Yes, I've had 2 dogs, one when I was growing up and one as an adult that I raised from a pup and had to put down at age 11. (Fargo, a crazy, high-strung Weimeraner) I'm definitely pro-dogs, in general, but you hit most of my cons on taking them tripping in your reply. =) --Goose

I'm sitting here chuckling at myself.

Substitute four 5 year old boys in place of four dogs and I begin to understand why I would be reluctant to take that many dogs on a trip.

I sure wouldn't take that many 5 year olds on a trip together!! At least, not anymore. I wouldn't want to visit that chaos on any strangers I may meet.

I'm getting cranky in my old age......OMG, I'm turning into my Grandpa!!

I really think it depends on the dog. I've had two previous dogs and neither went on a trip with me for different reasons. Luna is not the perfect BW dog because she's really not into going in the water. But she listens great. And she she doesn't bother other dogs.

I had an aussie who was so dominant he wanted to make any other dog he met submit to him. what a great loyal dog to me but such a pain in the ass otherwise.

I think a dog owner is a good judge if his/her dog would do well on a trip like this. It takes two things. Must listen perfectly to its owner and also get along and not bother other dogs. If I can rustle up 3 other people who have dogs with those traits who knows, it just might happen in 2015.

quote TomT: "I really think it depends on the dog. But she listens great. And she she doesn't bother other dogs.

I think a dog owner is a good judge if his/her dog would do well on a trip like this. It takes two things. Must listen perfectly to its owner and also get along and not bother other dogs. "

That counts for a lot Tom. Aside from Buddy's size and weight, he can have this independent streak in him. He's a good trail dog and tends to listen to me better than my wife. (My wife attributes this behavior to the Alpha male thing.) Whatever!

I suggested we take him last year on our family Quetico trip, with my wife and 17-year old son Anthony. But she wanted a break from Buddy and didn't relish dealing with a muddy dog in the canoe and tent after trekking Quetico portages. She said she had enough years of that and wanted to just enjoy paddling, camping and fishing. Fair enough.

Even if Buddy was smaller and lighter like your Luna, or like our old English Setter, dogs can tend to deter some quality wildlife viewing. That said, I've been less apt to bring a dog on my solo trips in recent years. I figure I can see Buddy anytime, a moose, wolf or bear, not so much. :-)

Hans Solo

All this talk of dogs reminded me that i found the neighbor's dog yesterday while clearing the driveway...can't believe he went through like that!

quote Doughboy12: "All this talk of dogs reminded me that i found the neighbor's dog yesterday while clearing the driveway...can't believe he went through like that!

"

LMAO!

Good one Dough Boy!

Hans Solo

quote HansSolo: "

quote Doughboy12: "All this talk of dogs reminded me that i found the neighbor's dog yesterday while clearing the driveway...can't believe he went through like that!


"

LMAO!

Good one Dough Boy!

Hans Solo"

What is a dog's favorite part of the day? NOW.....NOW.....NOW!!!!!

quote HansSolo: "

Even if Buddy was smaller and lighter like your Luna, or our old English Setter, dogs can tend to deter some quality wildlife viewing. That said, I've been less apt to bring a dog on my solo trips in recent years. I figure I can see Buddy anytime, a moose, wolf or bear, not so much. :-)

Hans Solo"

You bring up a quality point here. A pure solo trip (just by yourself) has a lot of good qualities going for it. I probably missed a chance to see a moose because she barked at the noise of it crashing through the forest. On the other hand we had two eagles (seperate camps) fly into a tree right above us at camp. My feeling at the time was they wanted to check HER out. Moral - dogs attract eagles but repel moose. :)

Bernice got to see several moose. She never got excited, but just sat and watched. Dogs are all so different. Personally I'm not a multiple dog person. Two dogs can be ok, but I think three or four is pushing it. Most "canoe dogs" I've known are pretty compatible. I'm amazed at how well dogs adapt to canoe country. The important thing would be keeping your dog close, picking up after them around camp or on portages, and respecting other peoples concerns. I'll probably not have another dog... But if I did it would go with.


















Ziegler and Bernice were good buddies. Ziegler is my son's dog. This is in WCPP.

Cool pictures Ben. Sorry to hear you're not having another dog. I can't ever imagine me not having one.

quote TomT: "Cool pictures Ben. Sorry to hear you're not having another dog. I can't ever imagine me not having one."

+1

I especially love the picture of the two dogs on the small island. Thanks for sharing Ben!

Hans Solo

quote TomT: "Cool pictures Ben. Sorry to hear you're not having another dog. I can't ever imagine me not having one.

"

Not gonna have another dog....That's what I said, too. I lasted about two weeks and got Bella from a shelter. Can't believe I've gotten two great dogs in a row. God's been good to me. Bella's now seven and over 100 lbs.

quote HansSolo: "

quote TomT: "Cool pictures Ben. Sorry to hear you're not having another dog. I can't ever imagine me not having one."

+1

I especially love the picture of the two dogs on the small island. Thanks for sharing Ben!

Hans Solo"

Thanks... They swam out to the island and just hung out there where you see them. They thought they were pretty cool. Our campsite was where we took the picture from on Jake Lake. They both always stayed where we could see them.

Ben you know the old saying that we don't find dogs. Dogs find us.

I have believed as you twice. And the current dog that could not read is her own blessing at the age of twelve. She found us at 15 months.

quote yellowcanoe: "Ben you know the old saying that we don't find dogs. Dogs find us.


I have believed as you twice. And the current dog that could not read is her own blessing at the age of twelve. She found us at 15 months.


"

Well said, yc.

I kind of agree with those who are saying four dogs may be too many on a trip. I also think there is a question of whether the dogs get along with each other. I feel like Piwi could get along with any dog, as long as that dog was friendly too. But she definitely takes to some dogs better than others. So I might want to make sure there was dog compatibility, just like I would want to make sure there was people compatibility, in a group.

I love dogs and love bringing my dog just about everywhere, but I have to say I think this sounds like a recipe for trouble. Even if the dogs have met several times and gotten along, they will be more of chaotic mob than a pack. And even if there are four dogs that are well trained and listen to their owners, it could be much harder to control them as a group - as Bankiasna said. My dog can be remarkable on his own, but in a fenced dog run with several others it's like he forgets his name.

And even if you and three other owners could manage 4 dogs to your own satisfaction, what would it be like for others you would come across? What if yet another dog paddles by, or what would they be like around others on the portage? On my first trip with my pup, less than a mile from the entry I passed someone coming out with two dogs who barked endlessly at my [quiet] dog. I waved politely but was clearly thinking "shut you dogs up or leave them at home". We as dog owners shouldn't expect others to suffer any dog impoliteness.

Four dogs on a trip might be possible, but it would have to be 4 remarkable dogs with 4 remarkable owners.

quote Jaywalker: "
Four dogs on a trip might be possible, but it would have to be 4 remarkable dogs with 4 remarkable owners. "

Yeah, as I said earlier the odds of this happening are as great as the lottery. I think 4 solos with 2 dogs is very doable though. I think it would be very enjoyable.

Nctry, if you're reading this - when you went with 2 dogs were they in solo canoes or did you have a tandem? And how'd they do on portages? And when meeting others in the park? Any trouble at all with them?

jeeze, it's difficult enough to find four guys to get along on a trip, add 4 dogs to that ...

I have 2 dogs that could do it. Dogs have a way of settling things quickly. I gone with 3 dogs, one crawled off into the woods and napped, the other 2 played.

quote ZaraSp00k: "jeeze, it's difficult enough to find four guys to get along on a trip, add 4 dogs to that ..."

:-)

Hans Solo

I met two ladies on a portage one time that were tripping with a cat!! Now a trip of four guys and four cats would be something to see!!

Remember the Super Bowl commercial from a few years ago that showed the cowboys trying to herd cats? That was funny.

That's called "eagle bait". It's simply amazing to me that someone would do this.

If anyone has experience bringing multiple dogs on a trip I would like to know how it went at sites and portages.

quote TomT: "That's called "eagle bait". It's simply amazing to me that someone would do this.
"

My wife's dog (a Yorkie) would be more of eagle bait than any cat would ever be...lol

quote awbrown: "I met two ladies on a portage one time that were tripping with a cat!! "

I can think of a couple campsites where a cat wound come in handy.

mice

quote ZaraSp00k: "

quote awbrown: "I met two ladies on a portage one time that were tripping with a cat!! "

I can think of a couple campsites where a cat wound come in handy.


mice"

I just thought of something. A four dog group of Jack Russell's would take care of most mouse problems in the Quetico in a matter of a few days. they are amazing!!!LOL

quote ZaraSp00k: "

quote awbrown: "I met two ladies on a portage one time that were tripping with a cat!! "

I can think of a couple campsites where a cat wound come in handy.


mice"

I just thought of something. A four dog group of Jack Russell's would take care of most mouse problems in the Quetico in a matter of a few days. They are amazing!!!LOL

I think this would be a recipe for disaster if it was 4 dogs??
I brought 1 dog Karma with three of us on a three man group solo.
We all had solo boats, and I had a dog. The group better like dogs and be tolerant of dogs. Dogs like to see what your doing, (i.e. Cooking, pumping water etc they are curious and want attention) They also like checking out what it is your eating when dining...so it takes tolerant camp/canoe mates.
So I can see it with one or maybe two dogs but 4 I think would be a mess
SunCatcher

quote SunCatcher: "I think this would be a recipe for disaster if it was 4 dogs??
I brought 1 dog Karma with three of us on a three man group solo.
We all had solo boats, and I had a dog. The group better like dogs and be tolerant of dogs. Dogs like to see what your doing, (i.e. Cooking, pumping water etc they are curious and want attention) They also like checking out what it is your eating when dining...so it takes tolerant camp/canoe mates.
So I can see it with one or maybe two dogs but 4 I think would be a mess
SunCatcher"

I agree for the most part but there's still a part of me that thinks there's a very small percentage of a chance that everything would be fine. My dog was conditioned very early to never be interested in what we are eating. She just ignores me and my wife whenever we are eating and for dinner a lot of time that means our plates are on a low coffee table in front of the TV.

What I'm getting at is that it depends on both the dogs and their owners. Ever watch that Cesar Milan show on cable? He would bring socially maladjusted dogs over to his dog school where he would introduce that dog into a large pen full of rehabilited dogs. His dogs behaved incredibly.

What I am really hoping beyond hope is that there are three other people who love to solo in the BW and also have dogs who would be ok in a situation like this. It's impossible to know how this would pan out because I'm confident it's never been done before. The cool thing about it is that there is an escape clause for everyone. If it's not working for them and their dog they simply can go off on their own solo.

It's just an interesting concept to me is all. I sure would love to read trip reports about it if it ever did come to fruition.

Is any solo with dogs really a solo?

Just a philosophical question for a cold Saturday.

quote OBX2Kayak: "Is any solo with dogs really a solo?


Just a philosophical question for a cold Saturday."

A big hearty NO to that question. Much different than a true solo. I'd say it's a solo and a half. Ultimately I make all decisions and do all the work (plus some) but much of the time thoughts are on this four legged partner. So, physically it's a solo but mentally, no where near one.

quote talusman: "I have 2 dogs that could do it. Dogs have a way of settling things quickly. I gone with 3 dogs, one crawled off into the woods and napped, the other 2 played."

Bernie's first trip we went with a guy who brought two dogs. The other two dogs were terrible canoe dogs. The dogs all got along great. It's just the other two were a hand full. I was embarrassed that they'd poop on the portage and the guy did nothing to clean it up. They were city dogs that didn't get out much at all. I was pretty proud of how Bernice acted around them and in the canoe and on the trail. I was cleaning up after his dogs and that upset me a bit. But when at camp there were times the dogs all just hung out. I could see it working with just the right dogs. I'd have brought Bernice last fall with Karma, but I wasn't feeling well and I didn't want Paul and Rick to have to deal with her if I had to seek medical attention.

quote TomT:


Nctry, if you're reading this - when you went with 2 dogs were they in solo canoes or did you have a tandem? And how'd they do on portages? And when meeting others in the park? Any trouble at all with them?



"

We each had solo boats.

I spotted a cow and calf moose on Mexican Hat Lake in WCPP. I motioned to my son who was closer and he saw them too. He told his dog to stay on shore and he stayed right there while my son paddled and got a picture. I think Bernice would have followed me along the shore.

One concern I have with male dogs is them peeing on tents or packs. I've never had it happen, but I'm always watching for it.

Well I just wanted to tell all of you solo friends that I am taking a sabattical from this board and others for a while. I'm starting a new business and to get some free time in my life I've decided to quit message boards till at least August when my main business slows down.

These things can be quite addicting as I'm sure you all are aware, and for me not taking a BW trip this year it makes sense to give it a break for awhile. So, have fun and I'll touch base when it's around 95 and sunny instead of 5 above zero.

Ciao,

TomT

Best of luck with your new business venture Tom! You're input on these Forums will be sorely missed.

Until we hear from you again, best of luck and may God Bless.

Hans Solo

quote HansSolo: "
Best of luck with your new business venture Tom! You're input on these Forums will be sorely missed.

Until we hear from you again, best of luck and may God Bless.

Hans Solo"

+1 - I'm sorry we won't be seeing posts from you, but I know how time-consuming a new business venture can be. Best of luck with it and will look forward to your return later in the year.

Wish you all the best, TomT. --Goose

Enjoy your sabbatical, Tom, but I will miss your contributions and look forward to your return. Good luck with the new business! Bill

Hey you guys, thanks a lot for your replies, it means a lot to me. :)

Enjoy the spring and summer and have great canoe trips!

Good luck with your new business venture, Tom.

I didn't think it was possible to take a sabbatical from this board. Good luck and if you need to come on back. Good Luck!

Since Tom dropped his hypothetical thread I would like to hijack it with my own related question. I have not owned a dog since I was a teenager because my wife claims she is allergic. But we are moving to a farm in WI with 65 acres of woods and lakeshore on 2 lakes. I gotta have at least one dog and she is sort of on board. So my question is what breed would be ideal for BWCA/Q tripping? I am doing my 2nd solo trip in May and plan to do many more hopefully with a canine companion at some point. Comments other than breed on suitability for tripping welcome.
Jon

My canine canoe-tripping partners throughout much of my adult life have been Golden Retrievers and English Setters, (the "Trail" Setters not the "Show" Setters). Although I'm not a Hunter, I prefer the "Sporting" breeds. Golden's and Setters typically love water and love being outdoors as much as I do.

Golden's have to be one of the most pleasant and most loving dog breeds there is. English Setters seem to be more aloof, but they're very smart and incredibly loyal as well. English Setters are also less hyper than Irish Setters.

Although I've never owned one, Labs make great paddling companions also. Much like Golden Retrievers, they love water and are also loyal and loving dogs. I have several friends that have, or have had Labs and they seem well suited to canoe-camping.

A friend of mine has a small female Yellow Lab that weighs in at around 50 pounds. Although small for a Lab, she seems to be a nice, manageable size for canoeing. Labs shorter hair also provides less maintenance than a Setter or a Golden. But I personally prefer my dogs with long hair though.

Just my two cents.

Hans Solo

There's good reasons why Retrievers and Labs are so popular. They generally make great companions.

Just about any well behaved dog makes a good companion. I've been tripping with a border collie for over 10 years and although they are not know as water dogs he is wonderful.
The important trait is that they listen.

quote talusman: "Just about any well behaved dog makes a good companion. I've been tripping with a border collie for over 10 years and although they are not know as water dogs he is wonderful.
The important trait is that they listen."

Beautiful dog, beautiful canoe.

Some of the smartest dogs I ever knew were border collies, but they need a fair amount of attention and a purpose in life. Not the best choice if you have to leave them locked up in the house all day while you're away at work. A perfect choice for me now that I'm retired.