dogs- big or small? that is the real question

10 inch bagel

 

how long you been driving?

 

Anything less than 100# isn't a real dog. I used to have a mutt ridding along with me...best #### truck dog I could imagine (other than the shedding)...road ragingest SOB I ever met. Someone driving too slow or cut in too close? He'd have his head out the window telling them what's what. He also knew the roads...and would hunker down when he'd see a rough patch coming up. Get to the fuel stop, and I'd let him out while I fueled...he'd take care of his business in a nearby grassy area while I was taking care of the truck...always keeping an eye on me. When I'd hang up the satellite pump (or if ANYBODY approached me), he'd make his way back. Always a good laugh when a panhandler would try talking to me and this beast would step between us and let the panhandler know he was messing with the wrong driver. Best part was, he absolutely HATED cops...#### near took an Arkansas HP's nose off one day when the officer thought it'd be a good idea to hop up onto the passenger side step to speak with me through the open window. After the cop picked himself up off the ground, he motioned for me to step out and talk in front of the truck. Best part is, he said he needed to have a look inside the truck before I could leave, and I pointed at the dog and said "That's really up to HIM!". I opened the driver's side door and this dog was crouched down by the pedals with every hair on his back standing at attention, giving the officer a VERY good view of his teeth as he snarled & growled & carried on in a rather intimidating manner. I stood there in the door holding his collar with 2 fingers petting his head (quietly saying "good boy" encouraging the behavior) as the cop stood on the other side of the road on tip toes trying to look over my shoulder. That's as close as he wanted to come to that dog. Anyway, never had to worry about my stuff not still being in the truck when I'd go in to sign my fuel receipt and refill my mug. Spent more than a few pleasant nights "on the road" on a blanket under a tree with him on a leash around my wrist. Only time that dog was ever on a leash (even going into motels and such, he'd be off leash and by my side), because I knew he'd stop anyone who tried approaching as I slept.

Sadly, though, he had to retire from trucking...medically disqualified. He's an insulin-dependent diabetic, requiring a regular and controlled feeding schedule (as opposed to always having food in his bowl to eat as he pleased) and shots twice a day...not really condusive to riding in the truck, so he's living the good life at home now. He still goes out with me to pretrip the truck in the morning, and greets me when I get home. The first few weeks he was out of the truck, he'd lay there next to the driver's door he used to climb in and out of waiting for me to let him climb in, and resisted every effort to put him in the house. After a few weeks when he realized the house is nice and cool (wife runs the AC) and the truck is hot (no AC), he got used to the idea of staying home. After we pretrip the truck, he heads back to the house door to go inside again.

Not looking forward to the day when he's no longer around, but I know it'll be here eventually. Diabetes caused cataracts to set in, so he doesn't have much vision left. Still gets around OK, though, and still a #### good dog.

I guess what I'm trying to say is not to let anyone tell you a big dog won't be good in a truck because mine LOVED his time riding around with me. I've got a day cab, too, so there was even LESS room than you'll have in a sleeper truck...although we didn't sleep in the truck. Always made it home, got a motel, or if the weather was nice, found a nice tree to spread a blanket under. He had my back, and in the end that's all that really matters.

 

You brought a tear to my eye, my brother.
All the same for my Champ, the 154 lb. Malamute.
Dread the thought of him going to doggie heaven.

 

We can't all afford a Pharaoh Hound, man!

 

I had a malamute named Rocky.He was my brothers dog and his place didn't allow pets.He was a beautiful dog.But because he nipped mom I had to get rid of him so I gave him to my neighbors boyfriend who lived on a farm.

 

My co-driver Rosie...American Staffordshire Terrier

She's been on the truck with me since she was 7 weeks old. Sheds a little and eats half of my food

 

She's a cutey and I bet she's the boss too lol

 

The biggest consideration I would have is the temperament of the dog. I would particularly avoid hounds (including beagles), because they have the instinct to run and chase after anything. The last thing you need is to stop somewhere and the dog goes on a walkabout. It's not like you'll have time to hang up "Lost Dog", posters, etc. Hounds, and many terriers are prey oriented more than people oriented, and I would avoid those. Working dogs (shepherds and some hunting dogs) are people oriented and typically won't be runners (English Pointers specifically excepted). Trouble with working breeds is that they often have high energy levels, unless they come from show lines.

 

If I could carry a dog it would have be able to wear a full face respirator, Chem suit and hard hat.
Not to mention boots.