I didn't want to hijack the other question thread.
Every time I narrow down my future dogs, the Koolie seems to come along and snag my attention. On paper they look pretty perfect for what I want, but I have actually met a Lagotto Romagnolo, and really like them. And they seem pretty quiet.
I am 100% set on having a Lundehund some day and getting deep into the research/recovery efforts with them, but may hold off on that for nextdog. It's hard to say, as it will be a while before I get my next dog anyhow (hopefully a long while, since it won't be while I have Zoe.)
So like I said, I think I have future breeds figured out, then Koolies keep showing up and stealing the spotlight. But I've never met one and am trying to get a better idea of them.
1) How are they with non dog-critters? I've read they tend to be good with other dogs, but I have a cat that thinks dogs are her personal hot water bottles, and paws are nice to bat at sometimes... and I have a cockatoo that likes to hang out with me as much as possible. Ideally I won't have to separate out species anymore than I already do (no Poe out with cat, no little birds out with anyone else.)
2) Is there a difference in temperament between the sexes? When I get a Lundehund, it will likely be a male and left intact if he is healthy. I have to figure this into any other dog plans.
3) How big are everyone's Koolies? Sex/height/weight/girth? My dog apparently has a big chest for her size, and I weirdly judge dog size by girth for some reason. I like the smaller build of the females, but there seems to be a wide range of sizes/builds for the more natural breeds like this. I am looking into smaller sizes because iIt seems better for getting around on technical hikes? Or at least easier to pack them out if injured. And I'd like a dog just under a cut-off for agility rather than just over to go easier on the joints.
4) Just how bad is the barking? Like how often/in what circumstances?
5) Do they have any obsessive quirks like some BCs? Can they handle getting through an agility course without SPINNING AROUND LIKE MAD LIKE THEY ARE ATTACHED TO THEIR HANDLER WITH STRING? lol, so many herders going crazy at the last local trials... but then again, lots of labs there did this too.
6) Could a Koolie do Schutzhund? I've recently become interested in this sport, but I can't see a Lagotto or a Lundy making the cut. I know that would generally be the bigger dogs into that, but hypothetically do Koolies seem like they'd fit the sport?
Thanks so much, everyone. I am looking for future dog to be a hiking, running and biking partner, and want to get into agility, rally, and who knows what else.
Every time I narrow down my future dogs, the Koolie seems to come along and snag my attention. On paper they look pretty perfect for what I want, but I have actually met a Lagotto Romagnolo, and really like them. And they seem pretty quiet.
I am 100% set on having a Lundehund some day and getting deep into the research/recovery efforts with them, but may hold off on that for nextdog. It's hard to say, as it will be a while before I get my next dog anyhow (hopefully a long while, since it won't be while I have Zoe.)
So like I said, I think I have future breeds figured out, then Koolies keep showing up and stealing the spotlight. But I've never met one and am trying to get a better idea of them.
1) How are they with non dog-critters? I've read they tend to be good with other dogs, but I have a cat that thinks dogs are her personal hot water bottles, and paws are nice to bat at sometimes... and I have a cockatoo that likes to hang out with me as much as possible. Ideally I won't have to separate out species anymore than I already do (no Poe out with cat, no little birds out with anyone else.)
2) Is there a difference in temperament between the sexes? When I get a Lundehund, it will likely be a male and left intact if he is healthy. I have to figure this into any other dog plans.
3) How big are everyone's Koolies? Sex/height/weight/girth? My dog apparently has a big chest for her size, and I weirdly judge dog size by girth for some reason. I like the smaller build of the females, but there seems to be a wide range of sizes/builds for the more natural breeds like this. I am looking into smaller sizes because iIt seems better for getting around on technical hikes? Or at least easier to pack them out if injured. And I'd like a dog just under a cut-off for agility rather than just over to go easier on the joints.
4) Just how bad is the barking? Like how often/in what circumstances?
5) Do they have any obsessive quirks like some BCs? Can they handle getting through an agility course without SPINNING AROUND LIKE MAD LIKE THEY ARE ATTACHED TO THEIR HANDLER WITH STRING? lol, so many herders going crazy at the last local trials... but then again, lots of labs there did this too.
6) Could a Koolie do Schutzhund? I've recently become interested in this sport, but I can't see a Lagotto or a Lundy making the cut. I know that would generally be the bigger dogs into that, but hypothetically do Koolies seem like they'd fit the sport?
Thanks so much, everyone. I am looking for future dog to be a hiking, running and biking partner, and want to get into agility, rally, and who knows what else.