Is a Labrador a Good Running Partner?

davies,

Well said.

We have a 15 mo lab and she's full of energy, so we take her on frequent swim fetches, short hikes and off leash play with other dogs in a secluded park daily. She gets a LOT of exercise but it's broken up throughout the day and always stop and go. It's at her pace and she is ripped with muscle. When it gots hot, it's much less, as the heat really drops her and we always have water 'cause she drinks a ton.

I do my running on my own while she's napping. I've actually found that since I'm doing more walking during her outings, my runs are better 'cause it doesn't take me as long to warm up.

I worry about her hips, though, as I did try running with her for up to mile when she was younger because I didn't know.

Bill Eamick is right that Greyhounds don't make good running companions, but he doesn't have ALL the reasons right.

1) Greyhouds want to go at a sprint, and if they see a rabbit or squirrel, you're dead meat. Greyhounds are the second fastest land animal behind the cheetah, and you just can't run with them. They are so fast that you can't tie them to anything, because they'll see a rabbit, take off and break their necks.

2) Greyhounds are NOT capable of running 40 miles. First of all, you get them when they are 2-3 years old, AFTER their racing career is over. They will sprint around the yard for a few minutes, and then sleep for 4 hours. Because of this, greyhounds are GREAT for older people (as long as they've got a fenced yard).

3) Greyhounds are NOT skittish in the slightest. They do the few minutes of running around and then they sleep. They are great with children too, so the grandkids can visit. They just aren't that fun to play with (they don't play fetch for example, and they don't play long).

Flagpole Willy wrote:

Greyhounds are NOT capable of running 40 miles.

Hard to say what with the backdrop of barely comprehensible filth, but I think he meant a speed of 40 miles per hour, not a total distance of 40 miles.

damn bill, where have you been?

Portable Vagina wrote:

Flagpole Willy wrote:

Greyhounds are NOT capable of running 40 miles.

Hard to say what with the backdrop of barely comprehensible filth, but I think he meant a speed of 40 miles per hour, not a total distance of 40 miles.

Ah. You are right.

Hi Hudzik,

We have 3 labs, yellow, black and chocolate. All three do run, though not with us while we are running. They'll fetch until they drop, which can be a very long time. I have taken them to x/c races and they do fine on a leash going around the course to watch our team run.

If you or anybody would enjoy adopting a resuced lab, my family and I are volunteers for this wonderful organization...www.labs4rescue.com

Oh and all three are very active.

Patti wrote:

We have 3 labs, yellow, black and chocolate.

I plan to keep similar company someday when I have a little more room. I'm going to name the black one Tawny, the chocolate one Ebony, and the yellow one Cocoa, and take all three of them with me wherever I go. No one but the dogs will be able to keep their names straight, including me. Kind of like George Foreman naming all five of his sons George only not quite that dumb.

Get a black and tan or redbone coonhound if you want a running partner. They are without parallel in running distances. They have a huge lung cavity, long legs, are bred to chase any kind of game (including bear) for miles over mountainous terrain, and are friendly and good with children to boot. They can howl like all hound dogs do - but what's a little strife with the neighbors when you can get a dog that can really run.

Have I been asleep or is this the first we've heard from the great Bill Eamick in quite some time. Must be out on work-release or something.

Welcome back to the shithouse Bill.

I picked Jack up today and he is awesome. Thanks to everybody for all the advice.

Oh how wonderful, gee that's great. I'm so happy for you and Jack!! Congratulations! Let us know how it goes ...Enjoy!

Anyone have any other thoughts or accounts about Vizslas? I have a friend whose vizsla runs alot.

Bump

I have labs. Only good in cold or cooler weather and must be able to dip in water for drink and cooling off every 10-12 minutes. I suggest only trails, and water must be fresh water , not salt water.

Labradors are not good dogs to run with, because their fur is thick and they get too hot in sunshine and warm weather.

I think border collies are pretty good little runners.

Long Live Wisconsin! wrote:

I think border collies are pretty good little runners.

Is that some kind of a joke?

Bill Eamick had the right answer, even though he can't be quoted.

Labradors are exceptionally greedy dogs and hence prone to overweight, the one I have close knowledge of is OK for 100 metres then tires very rapidly. As someone mentioned Border Collies are running machines and smart.