What breed of dog would make a great fishing buddy?

[fishermantony]

I'm seriously considering getting a dog in the near future and of the many reasons I would love to have a dog, having a fishing buddy is one of them.  Any suggestions on breeds and tips on making them comfortable on the water would be appreciated.

[CFFF 1.5]

Get a lab

[Paul Roberts]

I grew up with dogs, and had two in particular that were good "fishin' dogs": a Welsh Corgi, and a yellow Lab.

Short answer: The one that has "sit", "stay", and "come" down pat, and has developed a good relationship with you. "Heel" is helpful too. Highly recommended reading: Anything by Dick Wolters, esp: "Family Dog" or "Game Dog".

As to breeds, with training and a good developed relationship, you can probably make almost any dog into a fishing companion. But soe breeds are not well suited. You'll want a good companion animal, which tends to dis-include the aloof Chows, malamutes, huskies, and wolf hybrids. You also want one that can be comfortable outside in various conditions, which dis-includes boxers, chihuahua's, bulldogs, and other super-short haired breeds. You don't want a scent hound either -beagle, etc... -their brains are wired to their noses. You don't want a gaze/coursehound, they are wired to their eyes and legs -too wide ranging.

A patient breed is helpful -too high strung an animal can be a pain, and not right for the dog to be cooped up in a boat, or spending long periods at a particular fishing spot. All dogs are exuberant when young and settle down as they age, but some breeds need to RUN! I guess I'd recommend a herding breed, or hunting breed such as a retriever or flusher. Both herders and hunters are social and take commands well -bred to be connected to your actions.

I'm not up on all the breeds now, you can research that, but what you certainly want in the end is an obedience trained companion breed.

No worries about fear of water. Let them play in and around water and they'll be fine.

Again:

Short answer: The one that has "sit", "stay", and "come" down pat, and has developed a good relationship with you. "Heel" is helpful too. Highly recommended reading: Anything by Dick Wolters, esp: "Family Dog" or "Game Dog".

[fishermantony]

Thanks! I'll focus on developing the relationship and getting comfortable with commands before i rush him out on the boat with me.  I'm going to check out Dick Wolters too.

[.ghoti.]

the right "dog" for a fishin trip is Vienna.

[fourbizz]

Which ever dog doesnt bark at me while I'm at the ramp or fishing.

I loathe misbehaving dogs in the outdoors.

[zero limit]

Out of all the dogs Iv'e had thru out the years, I found a female dog is quicker to learn , smarter and they dont wander off  as much as male dogs. Maybe its just luck?

But my German short haired pointer has been the best dog I have owned so far, great with the kids and very protective also

Good luck in your search

[riverfisher]

My Visla is GREAT on the boat he does not bark unless there is a duck swimming by. Very easy to train great with kids and loves to hunt to.

[shootermcbob]

I have a two year old brittany spaniel that has turned out to be an outstanding dog. She is terrific with my four year old boy who is autistic. She is very patient with him, and seems to understand him. She is very smart, housebroken in about two days...learned on her own basically. We just took her outside all the time at first. She now just looks at me or my wife...intently until we realize she needs to go out. She rarely barks. and she just hangs with the family. They are supposed to be runners and very high strung. She is neither. Never had her on a boat, but she is extremely calm and I think would just curl up and nap while I was fishing.

If I was going to pick a "buddy" and had room for her to run, I would choose a lab. But my little dog has turned out to be an outstanding pet. Good luck in your search.

[shootermcbob]

riverfisher, that is one good looking dog.

[simplejoe]

I have a lab/collie mix, he's a great dog. He doesn't bother anyone while out on the boat, he sits on the back platform watching everything that's going on. ;D

I also have pitbull/lab mix, he doesn't like water so he's out and he likes barking at everything.

[Luke at Gouldsboro]

Any dog that could swim. You should also consider the adult size of the dog.

[Jay_G]

My wife is a dog trainer. For Christmas, I bought her a Newfoundland which she is eager to train in water rescue. I am sure that dog will spend a lot of time in the boat with us. Rather large dog and not for most people. He has put on 4 lbs a weeks since he has been part of the family. SHould top out at 150-175lbs. He is sitting here next to me as we speak, quite a beautiful dog!

[FordNFishinLover]

150-175 pound dog!!?!?!?!?

:o :o

[Jay_G]

Yes, they are called Gentle Giants. I think the largest on record for the breed was at 260.

[bweave09]

My wife is a dog trainer. For Christmas, I bought her a Newfoundland which she is eager to train in water rescue. I am sure that dog will spend a lot of time in the boat with us. Rather large dog and not for most people. He has put on 4 lbs a weeks since he has been part of the family. SHould top out at 150-175lbs. He is sitting here next to me as we speak, quite a beautiful dog!

Your dog will be bigger than my roommate

[VABassin'14]

I have a two year old brittany spaniel that has turned out to be an outstanding dog. She is terrific with my four year old boy who is autistic. She is very patient with him, and seems to understand him. She is very smart, housebroken in about two days...learned on her own basically. We just took her outside all the time at first. She now just looks at me or my wife...intently until we realize she needs to go out. She rarely barks. and she just hangs with the family. They are supposed to be runners and very high strung. She is neither. Never had her on a boat, but she is extremely calm and I think would just curl up and nap while I was fishing.

If I was going to pick a "buddy" and had room for her to run, I would choose a lab. But my little dog has turned out to be an outstanding pet. Good luck in your search.

I also have a female Brittney Spaniel. She is smarter than me by far. She listens to every command we give her, and was extremely easy to train. She is great with people, and the best friend anyone could ever ask for. I don't think I will ever consider buying another breed of dog. Amazing bird hunter as well.

[simplejoe]

EL_Grande that's what my Pit/Lab weighs 149 lbs. We just got his shots and the vet weighed his big ole butt. ;D

[Deb]

Might want to check out Australian Shepherds. We have a yr old male that is the BEST and SMARTEST dog I've ever been around. VERY easy to train, loyal, obedient, good natured. He loves the boat and being close. He's only a year old but he amazes me every day. He is a large Aussie at 80 lbs and still filling out.

We are actually considering adding a 3rd Aussie to our family right now. This one a female. The other is a toy (17 mo old and 13lbs)

Here's a pic of my pride and joy, Barkley

[FL Knifemaker]

My American Bulldog loves the boat.  I also take out my friends rescue pitbulls for a ride sometimes.

[llPa1nll]

Nice thread OP, very informative, thanks for sharing everyone.

:)

[Bigs]

Might want to check out Australian Shepherds. We have a yr old male that is the BEST and SMARTEST dog I've ever been around. VERY easy to train, loyal, obedient, good natured. He loves the boat and being close. He's only a year old but he amazes me every day. He is a large Aussie at 80 lbs and still filling out.

We are actually considering adding a 3rd Aussie to our family right now. This one a female. The other is a toy (17 mo old and 13lbs)

Here's a pic of my pride and joy, Barkley

I have to agree with this. Aussies are amazing dogs, one of if not the best. Me and my gf already have a few small dogs but an Aussie is our next dog once we finish moving into a new house. That dog in the pic looks outstanding btw, Im very jealous.

[Pitchinkid]

Ive fished with a Jimzees Lab for the past 3-4 years. It is one of the coolest dogs on the planet. You mention the word "boat" to him and hes ready to go. As soon as you set the hook, hes back there with you. Let him lick a dink or two and hes in heaven. Hard on the toes sometimes, but i wouldnt have it any other way.