Thread: Dog breeds for fishing?

That's pretty wild Monk! I think we are going to start the search in November. My mother-in-law will be in town for a while and can help train a new dog if need be. I think its going to come down to instinct and behavior like has been mentioned. When I rescued our current lab, she stood out from the bunch and showed an immediate bond.

I recommended the Boykin because you mentioned a kayak. Labs are my favorite dog of all, but I would not want one in a Kayak with me.

Within my family we have 6 dogs, numerous breeds.
1 Black Lab- loves the water and boat- hates storms.
1 Border Collie- tolerates the boat and water.
2 Australian Sheppard's- Both love the water and boat.
2 Shih-Tzu- 1 loves the water and boating, the other is skiddish about the boat under power. But is fine when trolling.

All of them will assume the bow and watch everything that is going on. Some of them will watch the bobber. At some point they all seek shade. Everyone of them has jumped into the lake the first time on the boat. All but the lab immediately swam back to the boat. The lab did three laps around the boat, then decided he wanted back in. Lifting a 90 pound dog back into the boat isn't the easiest thing. The Border Collie and Aussies are about 30-35 pounds. Little easier to get in the boat. The Shih-Tzu's weigh about 15 pounds. Easiest to et back in the boat.

Breed won't determine if the dog will like the boat/fishing. Dogs can get motion sickness like people. Breaking them into boating is like bringing a child aboard. They need to be broken in slowly. If the dog lays in the bottom of the boat, work out signs or signals to alert them of rough ride ahead.

Some breeds shed nonstop. Dog hair and carpet can be a challenge. Some breeds have hair and not fur, Shih-Tzu's. They need hair cuts and never shed.

All need fresh water and a bathroom break every few hours. Although I have had more than one dog pee in the boat.