Can dogs handle a day hike to Cascade and Porter Mountains in the Adirondacks? Any other High Peaks "average" dogs could handle?

Yes if your dogs are young and in shape. My dogs have been up a few of the high peaks with me. However, please read the following trip report for perspective:

http://www.summitpost.org/a-cautionary-tale-of-hiking-with-your-older-dog-rocky-peak-ridge-traverse/584230

Keep in mind if you head in through the Ausable Lakes they don't allow dogs on the trail under any circumstances.

This is my dog at the top of Cascade

If your dog is active it shouldn't have any trouble...Cascade and Porter are quite easy terrain. From what I've done and what I can remember, Algonquin, Phelps, Giant from Rt. 73, and Dial/Nippletop would all be dog friendly. Make sure you read the trail desriptions, the more detailed the better as you may want to avoid any trails involving scrambling. My first trip to the High Peaks I watched a dog try to climb the last part of Iroquois and cut its feet all to hell.

Thanks for the tips. I appreciate it!