Which breed for me?

Joined
May 20, 2012
Messages
21
Likes
0
Points
0
#1
I'm looking into a new puppy. I currently have a mixed breed rescue dog that I've had for 6 months. I was told she's a ACD dalmation mix. I'm not quite sure about that but I know that she embodies what im looking for in the new pup with one exception (shes extremely timid, I assume this is due to the shelter and neglect earlier in life.) Zelda (my current dog) has high toy and food drive. From what I've seen she excels when given a job, for her this is fetching the newspaper and putting her toys away. We do a 2 mile jog in the morning, a trip to the park for fetch before I leave for work, and a walk when I get home. On my days off we generally go for a longer hike or swim. Zelda also gets daily obedience training sessions.

I'm looking for a dog this would be enough for. This seems to keep Zelda calm and collected. From my reading and personal experience, I think im looking for a herding dog. A little further research has narrowed it down to a few breeds. I'm currently looking into Aussies, English shepards, ACD's, Koolies (although it seems there are no decent breeders in the US), catahoulas, and old english shepards. If anyone would be kind enough to point me in the right direction as far as further research and such that would be great!

Please know that I realize a puppy will have to mature before running two miles or being otherwise over exerted. Thanks in advance.

-Cody

Also here are some pictures of zelda.

 

Dizzy

Sit! Good dog.
Joined
Sep 14, 2005
Messages
17,761
Likes
1
Points
38
Location
Wales
#4
Expand a bit more.

Long hair, short hair? Shedding, non shedding? Vocal dogs, quiet dogs? Stubborn or biddable? Would you manage a physically strong dog? Etc etc etc etc
 

chaospony

New Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2011
Messages
637
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Ontario, Canada
#5
I'm a sighthound kind of gal so no help from me regarding any of the breeds you mentioned, however there are quite a few members with the breeds you mentioned. I suggest making a post in the Breeds section and hopefully some of the owners of these breeds can help you narrow it down.
 

milos_mommy

Active Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2006
Messages
15,349
Likes
0
Points
36
#6
I missed this thread the first time! It sounds like Zelda's exercise would be enough for most dogs! I assume you're looking for a breeder puppy?

Catahoula's can be known to have some DA, so if you go that route, I'd be prepared to make sure the lines don't have any DA and you'd be able to handle that. I've only known two english shepherds, but both were EXTREMELY shy and timid. I don't know if that's common in the breed. I'm sure with most breeds good socialization can help.

A dalmatian might not be a bad choice, either.

Are you looking for a protective dog? Or one who is very friendly with most strangers? Does it matter how much prey drive the dogs has, does it need to get on with cats or small animals? Do you want a dog to do any kind of sports or job, or just be a pet?
 
Joined
May 20, 2012
Messages
21
Likes
0
Points
0
#7
Expand a bit more.

Long hair, short hair? Shedding, non shedding? Vocal dogs, quiet dogs? Stubborn or biddable? Would you manage a physically strong dog? Etc etc etc etc
Hair Length isn't important to me. As for shedding I'm looking for less than a dalmatian but I wouldn't mind some hair (Zelda already sheds quite a bit) I'm not sure how I would do with a stubborn dog as Zelda is pretty biddable. A strong dog would be no issue.

I missed this thread the first time! It sounds like Zelda's exercise would be enough for most dogs! I assume you're looking for a breeder puppy?

Catahoula's can be known to have some DA, so if you go that route, I'd be prepared to make sure the lines don't have any DA and you'd be able to handle that. I've only known two english shepherds, but both were EXTREMELY shy and timid. I don't know if that's common in the breed. I'm sure with most breeds good socialization can help.

A dalmatian might not be a bad choice, either.

Are you looking for a protective dog? Or one who is very friendly with most strangers? Does it matter how much prey drive the dogs has, does it need to get on with cats or small animals? Do you want a dog to do any kind of sports or job, or just be a pet?
I don't really care if the dog is friendly with strangers, but it must be ok enough with them to make trips to the dog park and around town. Prey drive isn't a big deal to me as there are no kids or small animals around. I may pursue agility in the future but have no serious plans of doing so now. I do go on very long distance hikes frequently (about 1500 miles a year) That I plan to take the dogs along on
 

Sit Stay

Not a Border Collie
Joined
Oct 1, 2010
Messages
2,814
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Ontario
#8
I wouldn't pick an ES if you're planning on having a dog park dog. Not that they're dog aggressive, but the majority have a very "fun police" type attitude and simply wouldn't enjoy all the rude and overstimulated dogs at DPs. I made that mistake with mine, and her control freak attitude turned to dog reactivity.
 
Joined
Apr 13, 2011
Messages
3,557
Likes
1
Points
36
Location
Hudson Valley
#9
I wouldn't pick an ES if you're planning on having a dog park dog. Not that they're dog aggressive, but the majority have a very "fun police" type attitude and simply wouldn't enjoy all the rude and overstimulated dogs at DPs. I made that mistake with mine, and her control freak attitude turned to dog reactivity.
aww man, don't tell me that! I was going to start doing dog parks with Hudson. Man.....
 

Sit Stay

Not a Border Collie
Joined
Oct 1, 2010
Messages
2,814
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Ontario
#10
You might still be fine - boys tend to be a little easier going than girls :) All dog parks are different too. Just keep an eye on his interactions and attitude!
 

SaraB

New Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2011
Messages
5,798
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
St. Louis, MO
#11
That fun police attitude is quite common in a lot of herding breeds, kind of goes along with the whole herding instinct thing. I tend to see it more in girls than boys, so that's something to consider as well.

Koolies are a great option, they tend to be more on the higher side of the energy spectrum but from what you do currently, should be just fine. They do tend to be more vocal than the other breeds you mentioned so that is something to consider.

Aussie would be a good choice, they tend to be more even-keel in temperament and could be a nice rock for Zelda to rely on. Some do tend to be snarky to other dogs so make sure to research lines and you should be good to go!
 

Members online

No members online now.
Top