How Did You Choose?
- Thread starter Lizmo
- Start date
Honestly, I didn't get "into" BCs until after Dakota was older. When I got Dakota, I was getting Dakota and not a Border Collie. I didn't pay much attention to the breed (though I had researched it and admired it prior to getting him) until I realized that Dakota was something special, and that the qualities I liked so much in Dakota (loyal, very responsive, attentive, biddable and capable of a very deep level of understanding and communication) were typical of the breed.
Out of the three, I am partial to Border Collies but something to keep in mind with the Newfoundland is where you will be living in 4-5 years. If you are anything like the majority, chances are you will be DIRT POOR when you move out, and finding a place within your budget that will also allow a 100+lb, drooly, hairy dog will not be a small feat. Not trying to be the little black cloud, I just think it's something that you need to think about. I've gone through it already and called places where I might consider living in the future. I think I made over 100 calls in the Idaho/Washington area alone and only two places were willing to consider me (posing as an 18 year old) when I said I had a Doberman. Most said the Dobe was "too big" - imagine what they'd say about a Newf.
I think of the 3, the Border Collie is the most "landlord friendly" provided the dog gets plenty of stimulation - but there's a problem too. In order to be not broke, you're going to have to work and leaving a BC alone in the house or crated all day isn't exactly fun for the dog. A less handler-oriented breed might work better in that situation. That being said, I'm going to be moving out with my BCs and I expect they'll do fine; I'm just prepared to spend a lot of extra time with them when I get home from work, if I can't find a job where well-mannered dogs are allowed.
Also, sorry, but I don't think fostering is the best way to get a feel for the breed. 99% of the dogs in rescue are from irresponsible breeders, and well bred dogs of the same breed may act completely different. My BYB Papillon does not act like the well-bred Paps I know. My friend's BYB Border Collie doesn't act like a Border Collie.
If you're interested in Newfs and Goldens, I'd go to shows and meet the dogs, meet some breeders and get involved. If you're interested in BCs, I'd go to stockdog trials and meet some sheepdogs. Can't speak for the show ring since people are different in every breed (in Border Collies for example, I met one nasty person after another) I've found the people in the trial circuit to be very polite and helpful, and most are more than willing to share information with newbies.
Out of the three, I am partial to Border Collies but something to keep in mind with the Newfoundland is where you will be living in 4-5 years. If you are anything like the majority, chances are you will be DIRT POOR when you move out, and finding a place within your budget that will also allow a 100+lb, drooly, hairy dog will not be a small feat. Not trying to be the little black cloud, I just think it's something that you need to think about. I've gone through it already and called places where I might consider living in the future. I think I made over 100 calls in the Idaho/Washington area alone and only two places were willing to consider me (posing as an 18 year old) when I said I had a Doberman. Most said the Dobe was "too big" - imagine what they'd say about a Newf.
I think of the 3, the Border Collie is the most "landlord friendly" provided the dog gets plenty of stimulation - but there's a problem too. In order to be not broke, you're going to have to work and leaving a BC alone in the house or crated all day isn't exactly fun for the dog. A less handler-oriented breed might work better in that situation. That being said, I'm going to be moving out with my BCs and I expect they'll do fine; I'm just prepared to spend a lot of extra time with them when I get home from work, if I can't find a job where well-mannered dogs are allowed.
Also, sorry, but I don't think fostering is the best way to get a feel for the breed. 99% of the dogs in rescue are from irresponsible breeders, and well bred dogs of the same breed may act completely different. My BYB Papillon does not act like the well-bred Paps I know. My friend's BYB Border Collie doesn't act like a Border Collie.
If you're interested in Newfs and Goldens, I'd go to shows and meet the dogs, meet some breeders and get involved. If you're interested in BCs, I'd go to stockdog trials and meet some sheepdogs. Can't speak for the show ring since people are different in every breed (in Border Collies for example, I met one nasty person after another) I've found the people in the trial circuit to be very polite and helpful, and most are more than willing to share information with newbies.
G
I love everything about the GSD. I like the TRUE GSD temperament (not the fearful, needy, agressive, unstable ect, GSD's we typically see), their looks, abilities and adaptability (is that a word??). The only thing I dont like is their size. They tend to be very stocky (well at least the german lines) and big therefore compromising their agility. That is why my second favorite breed is the Dutch Shepherd. They pocess all the qualities I like and I love their high-energy. And they have a smaller frame making them quicker and more agile.
I agree with a lot of what RD said. =)
I fell in love with Border Collies when I was about 8 or 9... I have tons of relatives in Texas, and 3 of them have multiple Border Collies (2 of them have large horse/cattle farms). I LOVED those dogs so much, and it was my dream to have one since I was that young. My Mom still has pictures of BC's that I used to draw for art classes and everything. I didn't think I could get a BC, because my Dad said they were too active, and when I was 13 I was actually set up to get a GSD from an awesome European-line breeder... but then I found out about Gonzo through a rescue friend, and I begged my Dad, and he gave in because he knew I had wanted a BC for so long.
My advice is DEFINITELY don't go to shows to check out Border Collies & BC breeders!!!!1 No offense to show breeders, but the majority do not own real working BC's, and for many show BC's you might as well just look at the Golden's personality and apply that ;]. The best place to see REAL Border Collies is at herding trials, farms, agility & flyball tournies, Obedience, etc. A well-bred BC literally wants to work all the time. You will see awesome examples of just how into their jobs these dogs are, how much energy & drive they have, how freakishly smart they are, and how hard their handlers do have to work. Some people do not realize how true this is, and just think "active" means 30 minutes of fetch a day. Nooo. Their mental & physical energy is definitely manageable for some people, but it's impossible for most (hence the tons of neglected/neurotic BC's in rescue).
Gonzo actually just lazes around the house for much of the day, but that's because he gets 2-3 long walks, 1-2 hours of intense exercise, at least 20-30 minutes of training, plenty of stimulating toys/games, and playtime with Fozzie, everysingleday. For me, I love playing with him & training him, but it has absolutely taken a while to get used to and to set a schedule. When the weather is really bad or I don't have time for a few days, and he gets less exercise, I can tell he's getting on edge.
I fell in love with Border Collies when I was about 8 or 9... I have tons of relatives in Texas, and 3 of them have multiple Border Collies (2 of them have large horse/cattle farms). I LOVED those dogs so much, and it was my dream to have one since I was that young. My Mom still has pictures of BC's that I used to draw for art classes and everything. I didn't think I could get a BC, because my Dad said they were too active, and when I was 13 I was actually set up to get a GSD from an awesome European-line breeder... but then I found out about Gonzo through a rescue friend, and I begged my Dad, and he gave in because he knew I had wanted a BC for so long.
My advice is DEFINITELY don't go to shows to check out Border Collies & BC breeders!!!!1 No offense to show breeders, but the majority do not own real working BC's, and for many show BC's you might as well just look at the Golden's personality and apply that ;]. The best place to see REAL Border Collies is at herding trials, farms, agility & flyball tournies, Obedience, etc. A well-bred BC literally wants to work all the time. You will see awesome examples of just how into their jobs these dogs are, how much energy & drive they have, how freakishly smart they are, and how hard their handlers do have to work. Some people do not realize how true this is, and just think "active" means 30 minutes of fetch a day. Nooo. Their mental & physical energy is definitely manageable for some people, but it's impossible for most (hence the tons of neglected/neurotic BC's in rescue).
Gonzo actually just lazes around the house for much of the day, but that's because he gets 2-3 long walks, 1-2 hours of intense exercise, at least 20-30 minutes of training, plenty of stimulating toys/games, and playtime with Fozzie, everysingleday. For me, I love playing with him & training him, but it has absolutely taken a while to get used to and to set a schedule. When the weather is really bad or I don't have time for a few days, and he gets less exercise, I can tell he's getting on edge.
I was lucky enough to have been in Rottweilers in the womb! lol
My mother was in the breed, not so much as breeding/showing but just loving/owning the breed when she was in her younger years and has always loved the breed. She had Rotts on and off, and then my aunt got into the showing/breeding/owning of the Rotties 13 years ago. So I have always grown up around them, and loved the breed. I can't see myself without this awesome breed, & I hope I never will be without a Rottweiler to warm my feet at night. They are truley my *heart* breed and I will do everything within my power to preserve this wonderful breed.
My mother was in the breed, not so much as breeding/showing but just loving/owning the breed when she was in her younger years and has always loved the breed. She had Rotts on and off, and then my aunt got into the showing/breeding/owning of the Rotties 13 years ago. So I have always grown up around them, and loved the breed. I can't see myself without this awesome breed, & I hope I never will be without a Rottweiler to warm my feet at night. They are truley my *heart* breed and I will do everything within my power to preserve this wonderful breed.
Oh this dog would come AFTER College and all that
Since if that is the breed I choose(or any of the 3 for that matter) I want it to come from a GOOD breeder, either of very good show quality or of working lines. I would like to have a house and acreage before I get any one of these dogs. I want to be able to spend a good amount of time with the dog for training and getting it ready for the show ring or working. And have School BEHIND me I was raised with pits and mastiffs from the womb too. They were pets and working farm dogs and all the pits were hog dogs. I cant imagine my life without one.
and coonhounds because all my friends had them growing up all i could do was sit back and admire. They are jsut the best dogs in my opinion.
and coonhounds because all my friends had them growing up all i could do was sit back and admire. They are jsut the best dogs in my opinion.
I have to disagree with Newfs and Goldens being alot a like, maybe in personality, but the two breeds are VERY different. I think that all three breeds need special consideration because all three are very different from one another. Goldens and Newfs may share the same happy-go-lucky type of personality but one is a sporting breed and the other is a working breed. Sporting breeds and working breeds are quite different from one another. A Newf will want to have a job to do, that is what makes them such wonderful water rescue dogs or SAR. The other major difference between a Newf and a Golden is their size. A Golden is big, but a Newf is much, much bigger. And living with a giant breed is a whole different story than living with a large breed! The number one reason that people rehome their giant breeds is because they get too big. Vet bills are much higher for a Newf, food bills are higher for a Newf. Newfs require more grooming. Health problems are a very serious reality when owning a Newf. Have you considered living with a drooly dog? And I don't mean a drop here and there, I mean the shoe laces hanging out of the mouth and then painted on your walls with a simple head shake!! I am not trying to discourage you from a Newf (this is the breed I would pick out of your 3 choices!), but that they are very different from a Golden. Everyone has already given you great advise, but again I want to stress the importance of being around all three of these different breeds and getting a hands on experience! Contact local breed clubs and find out when they are having get togethers or specialty shows and go check them out. Don't just spend an afternoom together, go back time and time again! You will know when you have found the right bred for you, it will get under your skin and you will have to have one!
Oh this dog would come AFTER College and all that Since if that is the breed I choose(or any of the 3 for that matter) I want it to come from a GOOD breeder, either of very good show quality or of working lines. I would like to have a house and acreage before I get any one of these dogs. I want to be able to spend a good amount of time with the dog for training and getting it ready for the show ring or working. And have School BEHIND me
Since if that is the breed I choose(or any of the 3 for that matter) I want it to come from a GOOD breeder, either of very good show quality or of working lines. I would like to have a house and acreage before I get any one of these dogs. I want to be able to spend a good amount of time with the dog for training and getting it ready for the show ring or working. And have School BEHIND me
Good choice, though.I'll make the decision easy for you, Goldens!! Jk jk lol .
My parents chose a golden because we needed a dog just like a golden, it had to be sweet, friendly ect. And now, yes I have fallen for the breed. I adore Casey and couldn't ask for a more perfect dog. She is so friendly but at the same time will protect me if I need it. I will always have goldens in my life no matter what.
I have also fallen for Leonbergers. They are stunning dogs and when I move out and go to Scotland I will be getting one.
All I can say is follow your heart, go for which breed you feel a connection with.
.My parents chose a golden because we needed a dog just like a golden, it had to be sweet, friendly ect. And now, yes I have fallen for the breed. I adore Casey and couldn't ask for a more perfect dog. She is so friendly but at the same time will protect me if I need it. I will always have goldens in my life no matter what.
I have also fallen for Leonbergers. They are stunning dogs and when I move out and go to Scotland I will be getting one.
All I can say is follow your heart, go for which breed you feel a connection with.
I didn't choose the border collie. Spanky was a birthday present. I had told my mom I was not getting a new dog till my elderly dog passed, but she thought it would ease the passing of the elderly dog if I had another dog there to lick away my tears when she left. When she handed him to me I looked into his little eyes, fell in love, my sheltie started barking at me, and then I handed him back and told her to take him back to where she got him from. My mom said no and god am I ever glad she did. When my sheltie died I was greatful I had him there with me. It didn't make it an easier but it was nice to have another k-9 friend.
Bandit is Spanky's brother. My moms' boyfriend gave him to his daughter. They already had a golden retriever puppy at the time and another dog. Bandit was being destructive but hey. He was just a puppy! His owners went on vacation and asked if I could wathc him. I said sure. They came back and didn't come pick him up. I got him a home with my friend, but then his owners said they wanted him back so I said they could come pick him up whenever. They never did. I couldn't give up that puppy after that. He had latched himself onto my heart and there was no way I could let him go.
I totally have adapted myself to my border collie life. They are around then months old now and are the most energetic dogs I've ever met. We run, we play, we train, and we laugh every day. If you can handle a border collie then get one. I have fallen head over heels for this breed. I wouldn't change a thing about any of them. Every moment with them is rewarding.
Bandit is Spanky's brother. My moms' boyfriend gave him to his daughter. They already had a golden retriever puppy at the time and another dog. Bandit was being destructive but hey. He was just a puppy! His owners went on vacation and asked if I could wathc him. I said sure. They came back and didn't come pick him up. I got him a home with my friend, but then his owners said they wanted him back so I said they could come pick him up whenever. They never did. I couldn't give up that puppy after that. He had latched himself onto my heart and there was no way I could let him go.
I totally have adapted myself to my border collie life. They are around then months old now and are the most energetic dogs I've ever met. We run, we play, we train, and we laugh every day. If you can handle a border collie then get one. I have fallen head over heels for this breed. I wouldn't change a thing about any of them. Every moment with them is rewarding.
Hahah, self control! It's called PARENTS! If I could I would already have another dog
Just wondering, but, I know that most Show BC breeders are breeding for Beauty, but are there any breeders that breed for Show and Working? Because I reallly want to show dogs, but I really love the BC, to be honest, they really fit my life style the best conpared to the Newfie and Golden.
I know you really love Border Collies, but if you want an active dog that hasn't gone through a working/conformation split, would you take a Toller into consideration? Almost every Toller I've ever met has been very drivey, are excellent working dogs, and do very well in conformation too. They're just as active as a Border Collie (some are more active, some are about the same, and some are a bit less). The females seem to be more energetic than the males a lot of the time, but not always. Very loving, devoted, eager to please, relatively easy to train dogs, etc. Of course, they and Border Collies have their obvious differences, with one being a herding breed and one a sporting breed and all but they do have tons of similarities too. Anyway, just thought I'd throw the idea out there as I think they may be a good match for you.
Hahah, self control! It's called PARENTS! If I could I would already have another dog
Just wondering, but, I know that most Show BC breeders are breeding for Beauty, but are there any breeders that breed for Show and Working? Because I reallly want to show dogs, but I really love the BC, to be honest, they really fit my life style the best conpared to the Newfie and Golden.
Just wondering, but, I know that most Show BC breeders are breeding for Beauty, but are there any breeders that breed for Show and Working? Because I reallly want to show dogs, but I really love the BC, to be honest, they really fit my life style the best conpared to the Newfie and Golden.
I agree that a Toller might be a good bet for you too, they're really neat dogs. Quite different from BCs, but an awesome breed in their own respect.
Dakota failed to get his official TDI certification. He's pretty intense, not to the point of being badly mannered but he's a little too much dog for very ill people in the hospital. However, he's welcomed with open arms at the nursing home here, as well as at after-school programs at the local elementary school. He's very sociable and polite, and knows when to be gentle.
I think Eve naturally has the right temperament for it. She's friendly to people, but she waits for them to initiate contact and then allows them to pet her without demanding all of their attention.
Some BCs are more wary of strangers, and while I think they could be trained to do therapy work, I'm not sure they'd enjoy it.
I think Eve naturally has the right temperament for it. She's friendly to people, but she waits for them to initiate contact and then allows them to pet her without demanding all of their attention.
Some BCs are more wary of strangers, and while I think they could be trained to do therapy work, I'm not sure they'd enjoy it.