Chopper, weighing 10 kilograms, is called "Vietnam's most accomplished mountain-climbing dog" by his owner, Nguyen Thi Ha Mai, 36. Mai began taking Chopper on hikes in 2022 when she felt he was robust enough for the challenge.
Mai, an avid hiker, had to leave Chopper in kennels during her trips, causing him stress and illness. Once Chopper was physically ready, Mai decided to bring him along to ensure he lives a happy and adventurous life.
In April 2023, Chopper joined his owner to climb Nam Kang Ho Tao Mountain, which is 2,900 meters high, in Lao Cai Province.
According to Mai, Chopper enjoys hiking even more than she does. Whenever he sees her packing, he excitedly jumps around. After conquering each peak, Chopper often sits down with a happy expression, Mai said.
Chopper loves exploring and marking his path, making him a reliable guide on the way back. Mai mentioned that following Chopper prevents getting lost, recounting two occasions when ignoring his directions led to getting lost and having to retrace their steps. Chopper also enjoys posing for photos with hikers, endearing him to everyone he meets.
In April 2024, Chopper tackled the Sinh Tcha Pao route.
In March this year, Chopper and Mai climbed the 2,600-meter-high Do Quyen Peak in Lai Chau Province.
Lai Chau is also home to one of Mai and Chopper's most memorable hikes up the 3,000-meter-high Putaleng Peak in March. They hiked under the moonlight, aiming to reach the summit by sunrise.
Starting at 4 a.m., they trekked through bamboo forests, accompanied only by the sounds of leaves and the wind. "Without Chopper, I wouldn't have dared to go," Mai admitted.
Chopper poses besides rhododendrons on the mountain summit.
Chopper is well-exercised, running outdoors twice a day, which gives him the stamina for these hikes. He has been trained to be independent from a young age, making him an obedient and reliable hiking companion.
At the 2,900-meter-high Nam Kang Ho Tao in Lai Chau, Mai and Chopper increased the difficulty by completing the trek in two days and one night instead of the usual three days and two nights. This required both to exert more effort to ensure a safe journey.
Mai noted that this trek featured the most diverse and beautiful ecosystem among the peaks she has climbed.
Reflecting on their first meeting, Mai recalled finding Chopper at a Shiba Inu kennel in Hanoi. At nearly three months old, Chopper was the runt of the skinny and with a sad expression, which initially led Mai to favor a more cheerful puppy.
However, when the kennel doors opened, Chopper was the only one to run to her. At that moment, she decided to bring him home.
Chopper by a waterfall in the Putaleng primeval forest in March.
Mai advised that if a dog isn't naturally active, it needs regular exercise before attempting hikes. Muscles must be conditioned to handle the physical demands of trekking without becoming overly fatigued or injured.
