Best dog breed for the 'outdoors'? (For new dog owner too)

[Pampho85]

It's not the length of the snout, it's how they use it!

My buddy didn't listen when I said Boxers have alot of energy. He got one and lived in an apartment. That dog would room across the ceiling. Ball of energy for sure!

My OEB is full of energy for about 10 minutes. Stubborn and headstrong is what she is.

Haha that's true! My neighbor had a boxer and boy could he run. Too bad once he ran straight into my house and into my mom scaring the crap out of her haha.

I guess I'm just fond of 'wolf' like dogs, nothing against any other dogs (as you can tell since I like the GSP Weimaranar, etc.).

German Shepherds tend to be protective. But a dog that's protective and stays with you is going to tend to also want your company.
But more importantly is going to be the dog's personality. Breed characteristics are only a *very* general outline. Training will also affect how your dog behaves.

I'll definitely spend time with them whenever I am home, since I don't think I'll get married, I'll have more than enough time to go out for walks and such.

For what you are looking for, I would look for something along the lines of the GSPs, hard thing is that NONE of the dogs should be going on such long walks/hikes until they are at least 18-24 months old when the growth plates close, so keep that in mind.

Larger breeds like the labs, shepherds and mountain dogs are prone to having back hip/joint/back issues, and such vigorous exercise might exacerbate thoughs.

You also need to consider the type of climate that you live in, and remember that a lot of the dogs that might be considered usually have very high prey drive, so having on a long lead vs off leash might be prefered.

I definitely won't take a puppy on a hike. Maybe a short trail that builds up as they age, but nothing too long. Ideally when they're older and well trained, I'd like to take them on an overnight camping trip, but that's just a long term goal.

And I'll try to keep them on a leash at all time, as I'm an advocate for keeping dogs on their leashes when in an area that is a preserve or has a large population of native animals, just whenever there's a large field I'd like them to be off the leash but not go ballistic haha.