What dog breed if any???

[hezi973]

Hello,

my wife, daughter, and myself (possibly grandma too) are planning to take a brake from the rat race and go full time cruising. Currently I have a down payment on a Fountain Pajot Elba 45. My daughter will be 10 when getting the boat and the plan is to go cruise without a plan. I hope this will be a 4 years ocean crossing traveling lifestyle. I never own a dog but have plenty friends that do. I am considering getting a dog to join us on our trip mainly for reasons of security and of course friendship. I am mostly concerned for my daughters and think a dog, potentially can be a guardian angle for her, a friend, and a security/deterrent system (I hope I am not offending anybody here).

Is that a good idea or too much troubles than it worth? That means we have another family member we need to care for and check him/her into new countries etc.

Is it a good idea for full time sailors?
If yes, which dog?

I'd love to hear your opinion and thank you in advance!

[Paul L]

Dogs are a lot of work and hassle on any long distance cruising boat. Teaching them to do their business while on passage, getting them through Health authorities in each country, etc.. I am a dog person and I'm sure one will be in the cards when we return, but not a cruising boat. Since you do not have experience with owning dogs, it is a bad time to start on a new long term cruise. If you must have a pet, get a cat.

[hezi973]

Thanks for your opinion. It helps!

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by hezi973

Thanks for your opinion. It helps!

And note it is only opinion

[Tupaia]

In addition to what PaulL said If you are planning to visit more than a few countries it can be extremely expensive and time consuming and can destroy an entire season. Really bad idea. Animals can also suffer from seasickness, another useless crew member you will have to clean up after and for security lock the boat.

[Bill Seal]

The one on the left



I'll take the one on the right.

[PLANET EXPRESS]

Just say NO! Pets are a pain they have special check in that has to be done way before you arrive in some places. Then there is storage lost to pet food and meds. They will get under your feet and trip you they will scratch and ruin things and if new pet teething on things.
Do not get me wrong I love pets I have one it’s a pain. When he’s gone I’m done with pets for loooong time. Get bars for hatches they cost less and you don’t have to do pet permits for them lol.

[hezi973]

It seems if I want a pet that doesn't get sea sick and can help with security, I should look into shark with laser beam attached to its head...

Well, I think this kind of putting this to bed. Thanks for the input. It does look like more troubles that it worth.

[Simi 60]

Get a cat
Far easier to look after - no need to take them ashore daily which in many places in Australia is illegal.
And a much better fit on a boat

Add: looks out window now at small deflatable going ashore so the dog can have a s***
Sizeable slop and pouring rain, do you think they are having fun?

[cofc]

We have a 10 year old daughter and cruise full-time with our 6 year old Vizsla. However we only go between the US and Bahamas. If I was going to cross oceans I would absolutely not have a dog, because of the importing restrictions. Bahamas are easy though.

[jeanathon]

You can't go wrong with a Lab for kids.

[Windpilot]

I used to say no way for all the absolutely correct reasons above.
But now, I wouldn't want to go anywhere without our mini bull terrier for all the absolutely wonderful benefits the OP is looking for.
Depends on your sailing agenda and how much hassle you want to put up with.

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by jeanathon

You can't go wrong with a Lab for kids.

Have you ever tried to lift a soaking wet lab into a tender or had a soaking wet lab in the cockpit of a boat?

I have, not a good suggestion at all imho.

[hezi973]

Honestly, I wouldn't think about a dog for all of the reasons noted above but wanted to hear season sailors opinions. My wife wasn't thrilled hearing this. I thought to give this a consideration since I MUST make sure my family is safe. Thank you all!

[JPA Cate]

Hezi, you keep saying you must make sure your family is safe. Is it that someone is afraid? If so, it will help if you start addressing their concerns ASAP, 'cause you're a long way into the process.

One other factor about pets aboard: some places require lengthy quarantine for them, up to 6 months, during which time they are kept apart from their owners. It is at your expense; the dog would not be available to guard the girl; and it can be traumatic for the dog (or cat).

If it is simply a matter of boat security, once you have taken possession of it, start looking at ways to keep out intruders. There are motion sensor alarms that can wake you if an intruder comes aboard. Cats are really easy to board from the water. It can be tricky, because you also need to have emergency exits, or a quick way to convert a hatch from a grille to an exit.

Ann