How much exercise is to much?

[reece]

Hi from New Zealand!!!
My partner and I live in New Zealand and have a 10month old female GSD. She is fantastic,,,,smart quiet loves everyone etc. We are considering getting a friend for her (and us :) ) and I would love a rottie, what a great pair they would make!:D
Now the question I have is this.....We run and hike a lot and have taken our GSD on many missions already (but no long runs as her bones are still young) when both dogs are mature will the Rottie be capable of running longer distances with us (1hr Jogs and big hikes etc) We have spoken to vets etc here about our GSD and they all seem to feel that the GSD can run long distances without damage, I am not to sure this is true of the Rotti (although they are a working bread with a hearding history they carry a lot more bulk)?

Any thoughts would really help? I really would love a Rottie but if our lifestyle is unsuitable I dont want to go there, it just wouldnt be fair on the dog.

[lblax]

once mature if your rott is in shape you should be fine its a matter of conditioning many achieve there ad titlee do watch the heat though it is much more intolerant from heat than the shepard

[reece]

yea I have heard that they are not great in the heat. We run along a beach most of the time and usually stop along the way for a quick dip to cool off and the GSD loves it. But if the Rotti can run with us that would be an awsome way to keep the Rotti lean and active.
Thanks for the posting!!

[Rottlva]

If you condition, and if the temperature are right, then yes, I believe a rott would have the stamina to do that..... Also keep into mind that form follows function and if the dog is conformationally unsound, his joints may not be able to handle the stresses.

I have a 4 y/o with very mild HD that when put on a proper diet and conditioned properly ( weighs in at 97lbs and 27 inches) can work his heart out. But we've been conditioning for quite some time now and I am very aware of tiring signs, temperatures ect.

People may differ, but I still think a shepard can go farther and faster then a rott. It is not will, rather genetics and conformation.

Finally.... YES! I think you'd be just fine with the above said!

[Carina43]

I think a GSD may have a bit more stamina - but that being said, I've had Rottweilers that were able to do 5-10 mile mountain hikes with no problem at all. (That's the humans walking 5-10 miles - if off leash, the dogs were clocking more than that!)

A friend with her two females, & my male Rottie & GSDx & I used to go just about every weekend. Of course it had to be cool enough...my GSDx had more energy, so she usually carried all the dog water in the doggie backpack. :) And regular walks & short runs during the week helped condition them too.