What is the best breed for a sailing dog? My rear better half wants a dog. I am content without the complication of a pet on board. I would want to push a small yappy dog off the plank. A large 100 plus pounder would always be in the wrong place. Please tell me somebody has found the happy medium because some day soon I will be sharing my cockpit with a four legged wet nosed fur ball.
Sailing Dog?
- Thread starter Ed Childres
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I know just the dog!
It is called a Schipperke (pronounced "Skipper-key" and means "little captain"). Bred as a watchdog and ratter on Belgian and Dutch barges. Very intelligent, very loyal. Quite happy in close quarters. Not real large. I just met one this summer (Rascal) and it's friendly, and not too large. Usually black in color.
It is called a Schipperke (pronounced "Skipper-key" and means "little captain"). Bred as a watchdog and ratter on Belgian and Dutch barges. Very intelligent, very loyal. Quite happy in close quarters. Not real large. I just met one this summer (Rascal) and it's friendly, and not too large. Usually black in color.
Beagle
Short hair, small, easy temperment, loves people. Not much of a watch dog, but good around people, especially children.
Short hair, small, easy temperment, loves people. Not much of a watch dog, but good around people, especially children.
The absolute best dog
you can get for a boat is the same dog you might take anywhere, and thats one you pick out yourself -- from the pound. Trust me, you'll be doing yourself, and the dog, a big favor. Hugh & Jennifer S/V Spotted Dog
you can get for a boat is the same dog you might take anywhere, and thats one you pick out yourself -- from the pound. Trust me, you'll be doing yourself, and the dog, a big favor. Hugh & Jennifer S/V Spotted Dog
Boat Dog
You need an all around dog that loves water & people, does not yap, or shed. Check into the Havanese. These dogs range from 10-14lbs and were bred as ships dogs. Check the internet for information on the Havanese breed. Check this link http://www.havanese.org/havaneseHistory.htm Phil: The picture worked at posting but does not now?
You need an all around dog that loves water & people, does not yap, or shed. Check into the Havanese. These dogs range from 10-14lbs and were bred as ships dogs. Check the internet for information on the Havanese breed. Check this link http://www.havanese.org/havaneseHistory.htm Phil: The picture worked at posting but does not now?
Careful Ed.
If you get a big dog you will need a new boat with a walkthrough transom. Try getting a 100 lb. dog down a stern ladder into a dinghy. Terriers make good boat dogs because they are generally smaller. Most importantly they do not shed. It is hard enough to keep the boat clean. Here's a picture of two sleepy heads.
If you get a big dog you will need a new boat with a walkthrough transom. Try getting a 100 lb. dog down a stern ladder into a dinghy. Terriers make good boat dogs because they are generally smaller. Most importantly they do not shed. It is hard enough to keep the boat clean. Here's a picture of two sleepy heads.
Sailing Dog
You need an all around dog that loves water & people, does not yap, or shed. Check into the Havanese. These dogs range from 10-14lbs and were bred as ships dogs. Check the internet for information on the Havanese breed. Check this link http://www.havanese.org/havaneseHistory.htm
You need an all around dog that loves water & people, does not yap, or shed. Check into the Havanese. These dogs range from 10-14lbs and were bred as ships dogs. Check the internet for information on the Havanese breed. Check this link http://www.havanese.org/havaneseHistory.htm
Mutt
We have two dogs, both adoptees from the Humane Association. One took to the water like a duck, the other a little more iffy yet. But she's getting used to it. Both happen to be around 50 pounds. But I feel the same way as Hugh about this. The relationship comes first. A dog is an incredible opportunity for mutual love, and sharing your adventures with. And each dog is different--trying to order one up based on a checklist of traits by breed seems counterintuitve to me. Especially when so many need homes. Not trying to tell you what to do. Just MHO, based on my own experience.
We have two dogs, both adoptees from the Humane Association. One took to the water like a duck, the other a little more iffy yet. But she's getting used to it. Both happen to be around 50 pounds. But I feel the same way as Hugh about this. The relationship comes first. A dog is an incredible opportunity for mutual love, and sharing your adventures with. And each dog is different--trying to order one up based on a checklist of traits by breed seems counterintuitve to me. Especially when so many need homes. Not trying to tell you what to do. Just MHO, based on my own experience.
Lots of good advice here
We are definite dog people having 4 Labrador Retrievers. The breed comes in various sizes and the best way to find a really good one was mentioned. Go the the pound or Humane Society and look for a dog that others have cast off. That's how we got all of ours. Our presnt Boat Dog is Maddie. She was a loose and wild dog roaming a vacant lot. She just had a litter of puppies and was trapped by a local rescue groop. We took her to a professional trainer for seven weeks and the finished product is incredible. She is a fantastic companion. Her only drawback is that twice a year she sheds. But this is controllable with frequent grooming. Get a dog that fits into your home and lifestyle. All they want is to be included with their people. Our web site has a couple of pictures of Maddie. John Richard s/v Jack's Place
We are definite dog people having 4 Labrador Retrievers. The breed comes in various sizes and the best way to find a really good one was mentioned. Go the the pound or Humane Society and look for a dog that others have cast off. That's how we got all of ours. Our presnt Boat Dog is Maddie. She was a loose and wild dog roaming a vacant lot. She just had a litter of puppies and was trapped by a local rescue groop. We took her to a professional trainer for seven weeks and the finished product is incredible. She is a fantastic companion. Her only drawback is that twice a year she sheds. But this is controllable with frequent grooming. Get a dog that fits into your home and lifestyle. All they want is to be included with their people. Our web site has a couple of pictures of Maddie. John Richard s/v Jack's Place
Sailing dog
You need an all around dog that loves water & people, does not yap, or shed. Check into the Havanese. These dogs range from 10-14lbs and were bred as ships dogs. Check the internet for information on the Havanese breed. Check this link http://www.havanese.org/havaneseHistory.htm
You need an all around dog that loves water & people, does not yap, or shed. Check into the Havanese. These dogs range from 10-14lbs and were bred as ships dogs. Check the internet for information on the Havanese breed. Check this link http://www.havanese.org/havaneseHistory.htm
Sailing Dog Safely
We had an incident several years ago in early spring when our Black Lab slipped overboard from the fore deck right through our 1/8" cord lacings between the deck, lower and upper life lines. After that we've either kept our dogs on a leash fastened to a body harness, or added a doggie life vest over the harness and tether. Lifting over 60 lbs of Lab up the swim ladder is enough of a workout anchored in calm conditions; you don't want to try it from a pitching boat in wind and waves even if you can drop the sails fast enough, retain control of the drift of the boat and get back to the dog.
We had an incident several years ago in early spring when our Black Lab slipped overboard from the fore deck right through our 1/8" cord lacings between the deck, lower and upper life lines. After that we've either kept our dogs on a leash fastened to a body harness, or added a doggie life vest over the harness and tether. Lifting over 60 lbs of Lab up the swim ladder is enough of a workout anchored in calm conditions; you don't want to try it from a pitching boat in wind and waves even if you can drop the sails fast enough, retain control of the drift of the boat and get back to the dog.
dog's temperament important
We have a new puppy: a Shepherd/Husky mix that loves the boat. We got her on board our '87 H 40'at 3 months and she did well from the getgo, even in windy (25 knots plus) conditions. We chose her based on her calm disposition because we know how hectic things can get on the boat. We plan on getting her a harness and lifevest but for now she is either on a leash in the cockpit or down below hanging out on the bed in the aft cabin usually with one of our kids. She is now 5 months and 50 lbs so she will be a big girl, but she gets on the boat well and negotiates the companionway ladder just fine. BTW, we have spent time making sure she swims well, is comfortable in the water and will do MOB (or DOB) drills with her as soon as we can!
We have a new puppy: a Shepherd/Husky mix that loves the boat. We got her on board our '87 H 40'at 3 months and she did well from the getgo, even in windy (25 knots plus) conditions. We chose her based on her calm disposition because we know how hectic things can get on the boat. We plan on getting her a harness and lifevest but for now she is either on a leash in the cockpit or down below hanging out on the bed in the aft cabin usually with one of our kids. She is now 5 months and 50 lbs so she will be a big girl, but she gets on the boat well and negotiates the companionway ladder just fine. BTW, we have spent time making sure she swims well, is comfortable in the water and will do MOB (or DOB) drills with her as soon as we can!
Shedding
We have a Lab/Border Collie mix (black).55 lbs and a super sailor. He sleeps or sits in the inflatable on davits in light winds. Over 15 deg. of heel he lays on the leeward side of the cockpit. At "ready about" he stands up, and at "hard alee" he switches sides with the crew. He's Great to have around but: 1)He sheds and the fur tends to plug up the cockpit drain - I know there are dogs with hair instead of fur, but, well...never mind. He's not longhaird, but it grows in like crazy - having him trimmed is a waste of time. 2) If you get to an anchorage late, you still have to get him to shore. 3) Dog food in the traveller slot - 'nuff said. 4) I brush him on the bow. one day I was throwing the tufts overboard, when I noticed the harbormaster giving me a dirty look. Downwind were a hundred clumps of floating hair - it looked like a gorilla exploded. I wouldn't dream of going out without him, but he needs to be taken care of.
We have a Lab/Border Collie mix (black).55 lbs and a super sailor. He sleeps or sits in the inflatable on davits in light winds. Over 15 deg. of heel he lays on the leeward side of the cockpit. At "ready about" he stands up, and at "hard alee" he switches sides with the crew. He's Great to have around but: 1)He sheds and the fur tends to plug up the cockpit drain - I know there are dogs with hair instead of fur, but, well...never mind. He's not longhaird, but it grows in like crazy - having him trimmed is a waste of time. 2) If you get to an anchorage late, you still have to get him to shore. 3) Dog food in the traveller slot - 'nuff said. 4) I brush him on the bow. one day I was throwing the tufts overboard, when I noticed the harbormaster giving me a dirty look. Downwind were a hundred clumps of floating hair - it looked like a gorilla exploded. I wouldn't dream of going out without him, but he needs to be taken care of.
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