What breed?

[Dekka]

I have been wondering if there is a breed where I am more likely to get the qualities I love in Dekka.. (not looking now, two dogs like Dekka would be too much!) just curious if I should be looking at a totally new breed to try (there will always be JRTs in my life though!)

I like smallish dogs. Though as long as its not giant its ok.
Serious. Not goofy, takes training seriously.
Focused with drive. Will work pretty much as long as I can.
Very into their owner, good with other humans but not an 'I love everyone'.
Not overly biddable. This is a weird one I know, but I love the back and forth of a dog with its own opinions.

So any ideas?

 

[AmandaNola]

You just described Nola to a T. The Border Terriers I've met have bend similar to that, although the males can be a little goofy. I think that's true with any breed, though.

 

[Dekka]

Most border terriers I have met don't have that intense focus. I am looking for very intense focus and serious. I like border terriers, very cute, nice drive, but not quite what I am looking for I know you can find an individual in pretty much any breed that could meet this criteria, but I am wondering if there is a breed where I could stack my chances..

 

[AmandaNola]

If you want that intense of focus in most of the breeds, you're probably going to have to look at BCs and the like.

 

[Dekka]

We have had a BC, too biddable. Great dog but creeped me out .

I think one of the reasons Dekka works so well in film (as well as being the best dog I could ever imagine) is she is so serious and focused.

 

[xpaeanx]

Just perfect the art of cloning and have a Dekka forever. ;-)

How is Quest doing?

 

[Dekka]

Lol that would solve the problem, if cloning wasn't so... creepy :rofl1:

Quest is great. She is a bit of a spazz, albeit a loveable one! She will run around randomly barking at things, but she is fairly quiet in the apt. Neighbouring sounds don't set her off. She has turned out to be pretty, nicely balanced and small! One wonky ear though, its good if I tape it for a while, but slowly likes to stand again. She is dog friendly and people friendly though loud and inappropriate. Smart as a whip, good drive but low focus. She isn't a heart dog (like Kat was) but she is a pretty nifty little dog.

 

[xpaeanx]

I'm glad Quest is doing well & turned into a fun dog(with a hint of crazy)! I miss my McScruffin Still. It was hard sometimes because of the I hate everything, but alone he was such an awesome little dude.

I honestly think Jacks suit you best, the thing is just finding the right one at this point. Or if you don't like the cloning idea then the next idea would be finding the fountain of youth and keeping her alive forever... Like VampireDog.

 

[Dekka]

They can be little heartbreakers. Dekka can be a pain, with her DR, and high prey drive, but obviously I wouldn't trade her for the world. I miss him too! He was such an awesome little scruffy monster.

Surprisingly I have been seriously missing whippets! But they don't fit this criteria. But you know, I will need a pack again at some point

and vampire dekka is a terrifying idea!

 

[StillandSilent]

What about a welsh terrier? Granted, I've only known a few, but the ones I've known have fit what you're looking for.

 

[AgilityPup]

German Shepherd, comeon, you explained them to a T and they aren't THAT big.

 

[Catsi]

What about a schipperke?

They sound has if they may fit the bill... Very devoted to owners, a bit standoffish with strangers.

I get the impression they can be quite serious and can be willful. Not sure entirely about drive levels though.

 

[JacksonsMom]

Rat Terrier possibly? But honestly, I think the JRTs seem to fit your description best. Schnauzer possibly? This is kind of out there but maybe even Berger Picard.

 

[Dekka]

You know a GSD might not be a bad thing to think about.

See I had wondered about ACD, most I have met are serious high drive dogs.

Thanks for the suggestions so far, to help lol...

As an example of drive and focus:

Dekka can play all day at a JRT trial, race, agility, LC etc. At the end of the day tearing down, if we are near the LC you can find her standing there staring at the lure willing it to move. She will stay there for very long periods of time hovering over it not moving. She doesn't bark at it, bite it, just stands over it staring at it very intently. If you try to move her its like she has some special bond to the earth below and snaps back as soon as you let go.

I love that steady thoughtful intense drive. Dekka is 9 years old and still runs agility at top speed and has issues with impulse control. I am looking for these things.

 

[CharlieDog]

You're basically describing a Malinois or a Dutch

 

[xpaeanx]

You're basically describing a Malinois or a Dutch

This. Every Mal I have met is like this... Never owning one I don't know how they are in terms of being glued to their human. You could prob find a pretty petite female... But when you compare them to your jacks they'll still feel huge. LOL.

 

[BostonBanker]

What about one of the terrier breeds bred more for hunting? I wonder if that would give you the higher intensity you are looking for; since you already know how to live with dog/dog issues and prey drive, maybe that would work? I knew one Patterdale who was intense.

 

[Locke]

Toy or mini poodle??

I find a lot of the toys have been bred to love everyone and everything, but minis are more true to the standard in that they are safe with others, but rather aloof.

They take training very seriously, although might be a bit goofier and biddable than you like.

Otherwise I think they would be a good match.

 

[AgilityPup]

You know a GSD might not be a bad thing to think about.

Simi is only a bit under 23 inches tall, and about 60lbs. So they do come smaller. And having a BC also, I know that they are different. Much more independent workers than the BCs.

 

[meepitsmeagan]

You know a GSD might not be a bad thing to think about.

See I had wondered about ACD, most I have met are serious high drive dogs.

Thanks for the suggestions so far, to help lol...

As an example of drive and focus:

Dekka can play all day at a JRT trial, race, agility, LC etc. At the end of the day tearing down, if we are near the LC you can find her standing there staring at the lure willing it to move. She will stay there for very long periods of time hovering over it not moving. She doesn't bark at it, bite it, just stands over it staring at it very intently. If you try to move her its like she has some special bond to the earth below and snaps back as soon as you let go.

I love that steady thoughtful intense drive. Dekka is 9 years old and still runs agility at top speed and has issues with impulse control. I am looking for these things.

I was just thinking ACD may fit the bill. They do tend to be pretty "stare into your soul" though if you can handle it. Lol. Definitely not as omg I will do all the things for love like other herders.