I'd be curious what people come up with for me. I'm just musing over what other large breed out there could satisfy me if I couldn't have my Collies. The traits I'm listing are what my Collies currently give me, so it would be another breed that can compare ...
General:
Size: ~ 50-70 lbs
Height: min 22 in
Coat: Short, minimal grooming (will accept a 'groomed' breed, just don't want to brush daily or maintain a long coat).
Color: Don't want a solid colored dog - prefer some type of patterning.
Temperament:
Strangers: Aloof but warms up (with my permission).
Other animals: No unwarranted dog aggression
General appearance: Prefer a muzzle - no brachycephalics - and not too lippy. Want prick or tipped ears. No long ears, although a moderate drop ear is okay.
Guard/Watchdog: Want a warning barker, and if called upon, a dog that can defend me. I'm not looking for a PP dog ... but I don't want one that will run or cower either.
Athleticism: Able to do multiple sports ... versatile and athletic a must!
Other:
BSL: Can't do a breed common in BSL, so the bullys are out (as much as I love them ...).
Service work: As my Collies relatives and offspring have done service and guide work, I'd like a breed with potential to help others, though not a requirement ...
Breeds I've considered:
Bouvier
German Wirehaired Pointer
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Beaceron
Australian Cattle Dog
Breeds I'm not interested in:
Standard Poodle
(don't want hairy ear canals)
Belgians (Shep, Terv)
Australian Shepherd
(Fall into the 'too much hair' category)
German Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
(Too 'sharp' for me)
Soooo, let's see what you guys come up with!
General:
Size: ~ 50-70 lbs
Height: min 22 in
Coat: Short, minimal grooming (will accept a 'groomed' breed, just don't want to brush daily or maintain a long coat).
Color: Don't want a solid colored dog - prefer some type of patterning.
Temperament:
Strangers: Aloof but warms up (with my permission).
Other animals: No unwarranted dog aggression
General appearance: Prefer a muzzle - no brachycephalics - and not too lippy. Want prick or tipped ears. No long ears, although a moderate drop ear is okay.
Guard/Watchdog: Want a warning barker, and if called upon, a dog that can defend me. I'm not looking for a PP dog ... but I don't want one that will run or cower either.
Athleticism: Able to do multiple sports ... versatile and athletic a must!
Other:
BSL: Can't do a breed common in BSL, so the bullys are out (as much as I love them ...).
Service work: As my Collies relatives and offspring have done service and guide work, I'd like a breed with potential to help others, though not a requirement ...
Breeds I've considered:
Bouvier
German Wirehaired Pointer
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Beaceron
Australian Cattle Dog
Breeds I'm not interested in:
Standard Poodle
(don't want hairy ear canals)
Belgians (Shep, Terv)
Australian Shepherd
(Fall into the 'too much hair' category)
German Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
(Too 'sharp' for me)
Soooo, let's see what you guys come up with!