What breed for me?

[MissMutt]

I did this on another forum I'm on, and most people were pretty spot-on with the replies. Since I'm new here, and what breed I will own in the future is still an uncertainty (I own a mix right now), I thought it'd be fun to ask, too.

Things I want/don't want:

- intelligence. A dog who enjoys learning and is entertained by mental exercise.

- drive. (to a point!) I want a dog who can get their game face on when it's time to trial. Not looking for a particularly prey driven or toy driven breed.. FOOD MOTIVATION is very important for me

- moderate physical exercise requirements. I'm not a runner, and instead like to take my dog on several short walks a day. The dog should be able to train lightly in agility in my backyard 4 to 5 times a week and be able to go to classes weekly as well. I want an agility dog, but not a crazy wired agility dog!

- loyalty. I like a dog who makes a clear distinction between those he knows well and the rest of the world. I am NOT fond of dogs who are like "OMG HIIII" to everyone they meet. That said, I do not want a dog who is fearful or very protective around strangers. Not fond of an independent dog either.

- flexibility. busy Petsmart one day, deserted hike in the woods the next. A dog that can go all over.

- i tend to like short or medium coated dogs, but as long as i can do the majority of the grooming on my own (i.e, whipping out the brush or curry comb once a day, maybe some trimming) that's fine.

- should be able to get along with dogs and cats appreciably.

- size should be anywhere from about 30-60 lbs, give or take a little in either direction. I'm not fond of brach breeds.

- ability to be offleash regularly doesn't matter TOO much as long as they can trial outdoors without incident and will be okay if I drop the long line on a deserted beach in the middle of winter or something.

Any suggestions?

 

[babymomma]

A Female GSD? Good drive... Dont need TONNS of excersize. A walk a day does it for most I know. Loyal. VERY VERY intelligent.. Id rather train a GSD then Any other breed personally.

 

[Romy]

smooth collie

 

[Laurelin]

I know I've already given my opinion, lol. Smooth collie or if you want slightly more drive the right oversized sheltie could work really nicely. (Grooming is a little iffy but it's not too bad). Or even the right border collie mix.

 

[showluver]

Basenji almost fits the bill, minus they are independent.
Beagles, sturdy, active, but energetic and loves everyone they meet, not great off leash.
Dobe, Boston Terrier, so many that almost fit the bill, minus an area or 2.

 

[Toller_08]

The right Toller would suit your requirements. You just described Dance almost perfectly. There are varying activity levels in every Toller litter, and something mid-range energy level wise would be a great option. May I ask why you don't want a toy driven dog, though? I find toy motivated dogs are even easier often times to train than strictly food motivated dogs, as long as they're not obsessive over it.

 

[planet molosser]

First Small GSD however you will need to find a seasoned working breeder that can pick a dog with less drive.g. PLus many generations of HD clear dogs.
Note the GSD pure and mixed ived owned and worked Shed more than my coated dogs all year. NOt requiring allot of grooming but good diet to reduce all year shed.

Second Nova Scotia Duck tolling retriever, Ive worked with them before they went AKC and DAM nice breed. Since functioning as a working dog as a whole. Very want to please yet not hyper. Porblem solving intelligent, Loyal to owners not push friendly but very approuchable,endurance.list goes on as a whole still rare breed.

But im not too kin on off leash it is not really a breed trait as much as a dog and you trained trait.
Best of luck.

Last ive recently been studying the UKC hound group. not ready to give advice.
But some of them are outstanding.

Also CHINOOKS have great genetic diversity and if you live in cold weather.
They love to sled and pull and cart..

 

[Dekka]

A non very drivey toller would be perfect. The right whippet could be a good match too.

 

[JessLough]

Sounds to me, like you need a Rosey lol

 

[dobesgalore]

Australian Shepherd? They can be pretty high energy, from my understanding, but smart unreal, easy on the grooming. Would love car rides, petsmart, hiking etc...

 

[sammgirl]

I did this on another forum I'm on, and most people were pretty spot-on with the replies. Since I'm new here, and what breed I will own in the future is still an uncertainty (I own a mix right now), I thought it'd be fun to ask, too.

Things I want/don't want:

- intelligence. A dog who enjoys learning and is entertained by mental exercise.

- drive. (to a point!) I want a dog who can get their game face on when it's time to trial. Not looking for a particularly prey driven or toy driven breed.. FOOD MOTIVATION is very important for me

- moderate physical exercise requirements. I'm not a runner, and instead like to take my dog on several short walks a day. The dog should be able to train lightly in agility in my backyard 4 to 5 times a week and be able to go to classes weekly as well. I want an agility dog, but not a crazy wired agility dog!

- loyalty. I like a dog who makes a clear distinction between those he knows well and the rest of the world. I am NOT fond of dogs who are like "OMG HIIII" to everyone they meet. That said, I do not want a dog who is fearful or very protective around strangers. Not fond of an independent dog either.

- flexibility. busy Petsmart one day, deserted hike in the woods the next. A dog that can go all over.

- i tend to like short or medium coated dogs, but as long as i can do the majority of the grooming on my own (i.e, whipping out the brush or curry comb once a day, maybe some trimming) that's fine.

- should be able to get along with dogs and cats appreciably.

- size should be anywhere from about 30-60 lbs, give or take a little in either direction. I'm not fond of brach breeds.

- ability to be offleash regularly doesn't matter TOO much as long as they can trial outdoors without incident and will be okay if I drop the long line on a deserted beach in the middle of winter or something.

Any suggestions?

Sounds like you'd be a good candidate to have a Cardigan Welsh Corgi to me. We are very similar in what we want, and that's why a cardigan appeals to me.

They have a shepherd like temperment. They are really good at agility. The Pems are a little more, "Oh Hai hallo! We just met and I love you!" But the cardis are more reserved.

They're very bright. Not hyper. Few health problems. Not brachycephalic. Easy exercise requirements. Wash and wear coat. Lots of colors to choose from. Ears stand up, so not as much to worry about with ear infections or other ear issues.

With socialization, they get along with almost everyone. They do require more socialization then the Pems, though.

Big dog on short legs, ;-)

 

[MissMutt]

Thank you everyone!

The GSD is definitely up there for me, they are a little on the big side but I have seen some smaller bitches that I think would fit the bill. Great dogs

Smooth Collie - to be honest I've always overlooked them as not having the "look" that I like, but I think they'd be a fair choice.

Sheltie is probably too much bark for me, but I do acknowledge that they are extremely fun little dogs.

Basenji is an interesting one. Unfortunately the ones I've met are not good examples of the breed, and I think this has really spoiled them for me. Though they are too independent for my liking.

People always said the Toller would be too high energy for me.. but I do like them alot. It's a breed I'd like to look into more.

May I ask why you don't want a toy driven dog, though? I find toy motivated dogs are even easier often times to train than strictly food motivated dogs, as long as they're not obsessive over it.

I wouldn't mind a toy driven dog, per-se, but I NEED a dog with a high level of food motivation as well. I do alot of clicker work and I've just found that small food rewards go farther than toys only. I guess alot of it is just what I'm used to.

I've had Aussies/Corgi told to me as well, I think they're both fine choices. I think I'd like an Aussie better, I've found it's easier to train a larger dog in agility than a smaller one. Again, just preference.

I find it very strange that almost no one mentioned Dobermans, and it looks like two Dobe people responded! They're a breed I've given a TON of consideration to, and even though my next dog is probably 10-12 years or so down the line (Marge is best as an only) I've begun doing some research on them. I've found they fit the bill in mostly all places. Are they out of my size range or something? I thought females could sit right around 60-65 lbs. Or maybe it's the drive.. anyone have any thoughts?

 

[currywoodcollies]

I'm with Romy, a smooth collie is what popped in my mind as well.

 

[Fran101]

I would say a GSD

kenya, is only about 55 pounds. she loves a good walk every day and thats all she really NEEDS but of course she thrives on extra fun like fetch at the park and stuff like that

the only down side ive ever noticed with GSDs are the shedding lol

other than that, find a good breeder. be honest about what you want. make sure they test for hips and have fun

kenya is toy motivated more so than food. lol she LOVES food but works better with toys

 

[Kmh1]

A larger standard Manchester Terrier is a little smaller than your weight range but some make excellent agility dogs. They require little grooming, my Manchester is the most food motivated dog I've ever seen LOL and most are standoffish to strangers. Many are quick and drivey.

 

[Dekka]

Just a note.. I am a huge clicker fan. BUT there are times when training agility where having toy drive is far superior a reward (training wise) I prefer dogs with strong toy and food drive. The best of both worlds. But if I had to give up one in a puppy I would give up food drive. ITs not that hard to build food drive.

 

[Kristy_Spca3]

I would say either a toller as well. They don't get too big, they are completely loyal to their owner, although they LOVE meeting other dogs & people, they always know who their true loyalty remains to. They love walks, but some days, she could just lounge around and do almost nothing. They do amazing at agility, they are very intelligent, love food, just don't over-do it. Although some of them can shed quite a bit, like mine, you'll realize it will be plenty worth it if you decide to get one. My dog doesn't like cats at all though, she loves dogs on the other hand, especially the ones smaller than her, she is real gentle with them, and they are excellent with kids as well.

 

[showluver]

Didnt go with Dobe as the weight range beginning at 30 made me think on the smaller side. My Dobe girl is not a small one, but not at the top of the standard for a female either and is 60 lbs. So most Dobes, especially males will easily tip far past the 60 lbs mentioned.

All but size would be a good fit.