2 y.o. female rescue?

[basalt]

Hello - My family and I are looking for a dog and found a 2 y.o. female Plott at a local shelter. I am wondering what you all can tell me about these dogs as family dogs. All the breed information I can find on "breed" specific websites is inconsistent and a little vague. I know little about her yet and plan to go see her this weekend. Supposedly she is sweet as can be.

How should she be with my 7 yo daughter?
If not already raised with cats (indoor), do you think she could adapt?
Do they crate train well?
I understand they are a high energy breed and need frequent exercise. And she will be our camping/hiking/4wheeling companion.

What else am I forgetting?

Is she a Plott? Thanks!

[kickemall]

She looks like she has Plott in her but not pure. Eyes are a little to yellow, jowls are a little long with a big head and looks a little on the large side. Its a guessing game so who knows. If I were looking for a hiking, camping, four wheeling companion I think I would look elsewhere, like for a cowdog breed. Plotts are a hunting dog which makes them independent with a huge prey drive (chase cats and whatever they run across) and are more interested in hunting than hanging with you. Most are fine with kids. Don't get me wrong, some are great and can be trained for what you want but most are going to be a headache. McNabbs, Kelpies, Australian Shepards are smart, loyal and want to be around you although they can be a little nippy if get the wrong strain. You'll know more about the individual dog once you take a look. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[basalt]

Thanks for the advice! Unfortunately I've not liked most cowdog breeds I've been around, but I'm 99% sure that was the owner's fault. Their kids aren't very well behaved either! The nipping is a big concern for me since we very well may often have a good sized herd of kids running around.

My last dog was a big Rott so I know the importance of training. He was a 120 pound lapdog but after about 5 years old couldn't take bouncing around or even moderate hikes for long. Another Rott is my first choice, but with my daughter and her friends I can't trust a rescue dog plus something with more stamina would be nice. I know there are always labs too, but something about this girl caught my eye.

I wouldn't mind the dog being independent on the trail, but running off and not coming back for a long time or having to track it down would be annoying. I wouldn't want to stifle their natural urges, but can that be trained at least to not venture much beyond sight, or to return when signaled? I've never had a hunting dog so I don't know how strong the urge is. The rescue center also provides free obedience training for life so that is awesome.