samoset,

Aussies are great hiking companions, as are all herding breeds. They want to be with you, and learn to go down the trail, and then come back to check on you, athletic, smart, with lots of stamina.

Hunting dogs have great qualities including strong noses that get them into trouble because of all that instinct to chase stuff. Huskies are a breed I have always wanted as a U of WA graduate but they like to run off on their own for a few days.

Females are less trouble and more pack oriented. They are not as pushy and better with kids than males in general.

My greatest outdoor dogs have been border collies, bc crosses, and Aussie crosses. They all had hybrid vigor, never got sick or had any problems like bad hips or eyes.