Being that I’m going to be working on my new / old crib full time for quite a while I would like a canine companion alongside me. Was wondering what your thoughts were. I somehow came across a breed that I really dig. Kinda rare around here. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs. A hearding breed. Anyone ever have any experiance with em’? Then…..as I was lurking through a site dedicated to my man Ram Dass on a search engine I come across this other breed. Weirdly enough for me called Namaste Tibetan Terriors. I open the site up and they look very similar to the Polish Lowlanders. They were long haired mid sized dogs that were bred in the mtns of Tibet. the Dali Lama was one of the first I believe to have one as just a domestic pet. I also thought of getting a mutt but when you have a pet for almost 20 years I think you should be careful in the breed thats right for you. I use to have a JAck Russell and when I had my second kid I had to give her away. she was real touchy and would nip at strangers. Was extremely protective. Too protective. I also had a little black dog ( a mutt) I called Roadie. I found her on a dirt road when I lived in Virginia one year. Roadie was staggering down the road on her last legs “covered in ticks”. I brought her back to my log cabin and pulled all the ticks and then brought her to a vet. She was the best friend I ever had. I swear she could almost answer my question when I spoke to her. She so loved me. She was hit by a car eventually many years later. Spose her name suited her.
Be well
Namaste
Andy
It’s not who’s right, it’s who’s left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Replies
Asking advice about dog breeds can open a can of worms like "Ford, Dodge, or Chevy?"
Personally, I prefer the temperaments of what DW calls "flatheads;" we have a Lab and a St. Bernard....I've had a succession of Black Labs for about 30 yrs. Trustworthy, loyal, usually pretty smart (I had one pretty stupid one), a little bull-headed.
But like anything else, it's really a personal preference thing. I do get annoyed with those who buy dogs for "guarding" purposes and don't know how to manage a potentially aggressive dog, even if it's been trained.
And some breeds, like Australian Shepherds and various other herd dogs can be "one man" dogs and need room to run.
We have friends who raise Pugs...ugly, but pretty nice pets.
as dogs go we have a house full,2 boxers, a 2 boston terrier's ,a seriouly retarded chiuhu.....aaahhh those mexican dogs, his disability works in our favor very quiet,and loving. the boxers are wonderful companion but are somewhat the dufi(plural) and i laugh heartly every day with them example there names are cyrus and kitmer and they sleep on top of each other sometimes literally upside down quite a sight.., the b.t.'s are in there mind 10 foot tall and bullett proof but i have had several assorted terrier's there the smartest, loyalist i've yet to find.. now i'll preface this little reply i love alot of diffrent dogs. but andy the best dog i've ever had was a border collie very kid friendly, if it could, it would go to work for you and pay you for the privilage, there a breed apart from all others, there bred for two things work and companionship . down side real hairy, come spring it's every where. and they need to be worked/played with.... good luck in your choice.... bear
Andy:
Regarding the "best" dog, you cannot have him, my current mutt "Buddy"(lab/shep) is as I state often to him: "The best that is, was, or ever will be...". Would strongly discourage my other dog's breed (border collie), unless you can keep him busy. As my vet once stated: "The last thing you want is a bored border collie...."
But realistically, Andy, I've always attempted to keep your overall project in mind--and, not to be a gadfly, you need to keep finances in mind. Now, having done some basic research, I know that your area remains underserviced regarding municipal kenneling facilities (i.e.: "dog pounds"). So strongly suggest you consider opening "Andy's Country Inn For Pets". Was envisioning a low-slung, one-story kennel placed tangentially to the house-pool area. Think of the profits. Also, with 20 to 30 canines howling at the approach of anyone, let alone strangers, think of how safe your tools would then be...
Regards,
Rework
Rework
Exactly what I was thinking. Exactlyyyyyyyyyyyy!
Be well
Namaste
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
re- how old is your border collie , the one i had was 14 when past . i never had any prolem.... unless i was just lucky who knows... she loved kids, was always with the family,and kept active.... maybe that was the balance was real family orienyed hhhmmm who knows maybe just good ole luck of the draw....
bear
Bear
I think the thing about Border Collies from what I hear is they are EXTREMELY active and need that kind of attention. I will give my pup attention but I kind of want one that doesnt need THAT amount of attention. I have a cpl of prosepects I'm looking into.
Thanks
aIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
I love the look of these dogs, too, but I bet they'd cost about half a years salary. I've hankered after one for a while...
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/polishlowlandsheepdog.htm
If you scroll to the bottom of that page, you'll see the link to the alphabetical list of breeds, and there are some really cool unusual ones.
We have an English Mastiff in our neighborhood. It is the most wonderful dog (I like the really huge dogs.) I had some friends with a Greater Pyrenees mountain dog. Fantasic dog--you really should check that breed out, Andy. Not too hyper, and doesn't have the drive to always work that some of the other shepherd breeds have that gets them into trouble if you don't give them enough to do. The Pyr is also a protective watch dog, but not overly agressive at all. Looks like a really huge white golden retriever.
Tibetan terriers are NOT laid back dogs, by the way. Nothing called terrier is."Mr Robertson, your predecessor, an excellent librarian, savaged three people last week and had to be destroyed."--???
Theo
Ive been looking online and writing letters to breeders and owners of The Lowland Sheepdogs. They are really expensive . Between $1500 and $2000. I did however find a woman that lives in Finland that raises them. She said she'd sell me one for $1000..(and $200 to ship over here)..hmmmm. Her website is amazing as all her dogs are incredable looking and she travels all over the world dealing with this type of dog. I considered getting a male and female to breed them myself. Theyre kind of rare in this country. They seem like an amazing breed. I will however consider your suggestions. Thanks for the info.
Be well
Namaste'
Andy It's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Oh, and Andy, another great dog that I really covet is the Spinone! Italian hunting dog! More laid back than your herding types. And cute as hell (I like that shaggy dog look.)
Now, promise me something. If you get some hugely expensive rare breed, please go down to the nearest shelter, and pick out a good dog, who needs a great home and can be a super-buddy to you new dog. And give the shelter a big ole donation, too."Mr Robertson, your predecessor, an excellent librarian, savaged three people last week and had to be destroyed."--???
OK Theo..I'll look that breed up too.Thanks again
aIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Andy,
For some reason, I always figured you'd be the guy who would do what I'd do...
Head down to the humane society, and walk the hall of shame. Look the animals in the eye. A few will catch your eye, and a few of them will lock on to your eyes. Somewhere, something will click.
Take note of it, let the shelter keepers know that you're interested in that certain dog. Visit again the next day to see how things go. If all goes well, you'll be the friend for life of a dog who's lineage Martha Stewart would cringe at. Papers? Yeah...you'll get papers showing that the dog has been neutered/spayed. You can always give him a fancy name like "Andy's Clifford Manor", then Martha might even pet him...after she gets out on parole.
Andy,
If you are looking for a really loyal, really sweet, big, furry, huggable dog that just wants to hang out in the the same 30-foot circle that you are in at any given time, and can stay out in the cold all day long if it needs to, I would suggest a Bernese Mountain Dog. I just had to put mine down last fall, and cried like a baby with her head in my arms as the doc did the deed.
But do not get this kind of dog if you need to be apart from it alot. It absolutely lives to be with its person.
Steve
steve i spend alot of time in a small rhode island town, and five or so years ago they had areal unfortunate accident with some teenagers heading off duck hunting right behind the house and they had boat trouble a couple of the kids feel overboard well they had waders on filled up with water..........well you got the picture, and the recovered one body pretty quick, luckily because there a serious current there's a bridge coupled with the tapering of geography it pretty bad they couldnt find the kid . and they called in a burnese mountain dog, and with the tide pretty high they do a recovery procedure called jack and stay where you basically search like you would mow the lawn with the burnese dog at the very bow within six hours they recoverd this poor kid in get this FIFTEEN FEET OF WATER. apparently the body expels gases the burnese pick that up with it phenominal sense of smell. it dropped to its chest and barks constantly until they fully recover the body. that is quite a feat in my mind, what a great dog....... bear
Andyandyandy,
Here is the dog breed for you--famous as a guardian in Bhuddist temples!
http://www.lme.mankato.msus.edu/akcj3/bmd.html
"Mr Robertson, your predecessor, an excellent librarian, savaged three people last week and had to be destroyed."--???
A friend lives in rural Iowa. Had a couple German Shepherds-- a male & female. The schoolbus dropped the kids on a gravel road, about three blocks away, out of sight and behind some trees. The sheps knew the sound of the schoolbus and would run up to the place where the kids got off and escort them home. The shepherd is a good breed for their environment. I second what has been said about mixing wolf into their blood. The Germans went to great pains to get the breeding right. Putting wolf back into them just messes up the breed.
One day, a salesmen came by the place and one of the shepherds bit him, so they had to put a fence around their house, or the insurance would be cancelled.
Theo
As you and Mongo said.....go to the pound. I have. I spose I'm not gonna get caught up in feeling guilty if I buy a dog. Maybe a little guilty. This would be the only dog I ever paid for. It just sort of intrigues me to "Sort" of know the qualities about a specific breed. Like I said in a previous post...the best friend I ever had was a mutt I found in the road. Roadie. None the less.....I spose I'm just wanting to see how it goes with a full bred. The B.Moutain Dog does really sound inviting.I'm going to look into it for definatly sure.
Thanks once again
BE well
NAmaste'
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Knowledge of genetics has taken profound leaps in the last 50 years. Unfortunately the kennel clubs like the AKC are stuck in the dark ages of genetic thinking. The concepts of "Closed Books" and the "Breed Standard" have generated in only a hundred years, dogs that are almost completely homozygous in their genetic makeup. Some breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog were founded from only a handful of dogs. The result is that genetic diseases are starting to explode in the kennel clubs faces. The problem is compounding so in another hundred years the dogs as we know them will be so sick that the life span will be profoundly shortened. The concept of Purity as in purebred is a vestige of the discredited eugenics movement. Hitler believed in that crap but the rest of us should know better.
I suggest you go outside the purebred breeds and get a dog that is bred for work and not how cute they look in the show ring. Unfortunately many mutts are purebred crosses that are almost as suceptable to genetic diseases. I am a musher and I use Alaskan Huskies. They are bred for work ethic and not how their ears perk, or other meaningless traits. The Alaskan Husky is essentially a mutt with a known pedigree. Other dogs like field trial gun dogs are generally healthy because appearance mean less to the breeders than how the dog does it's job.
Buy a poop scoop and never let your dog run free in the neighborhood or it could be hit by a car or trash your neighbors can. People like me might shoot it for stealing chickens and other livestock depredation.
We may be slow, But we're expensive.
I for one , would like to hear more about ypou "sled dogs" ? I havent heard anyone talk about them before.
I could talk about several hunting breeds , but that is not what he needs .
Tim Mooney
Tim
If you want to know about sled dogs, go to http://www.sleddogcentral.com. There is a lively forum there too.
We may be slow, But we're expensive.
another source of dogs, "purebreed", are the rescue groups. The folks who rescue dogs. some are very tough to get a dog from. application is similar to adopting a kid.bobl Volo Non Voleo Joe's cheat sheet
I'll put in a plug for a Bernese Mt. Dog as well. I've got a 4 month old puppy and already I can tell he is the best dog I've ever had. (Always had Golden Retreivers in the past). His temperment is great and he is basically a big ball of fur that loves to be around me. Berners are famous for not sitting AT the feet of their owner, but sitting ON their feet. These are big dogs (males can get to 120 lbs.) but they are very gentle and good natured. They can be "one person" dogs who are devoted to their owner but aloof around anyone else. They are not cheap ($1,000 minimum--I know someone who just paid $2,500 for a breeding quality male) and they are a bit hard to find. You may have to put your name on a waiting list. They are also relatively intelligent (especially when compared to a Golden Ret.) and easy to train. My puppy really wants to please me and he gets a hurt look when I scold him or push him away. Another nice thing--even though they are a big, hairy dog, they don't drool. They are also fairly mellow and are happy just sleeping near you all day. Another indication of how great a breed they are--most of the people I've met who have Bernese Mt. Dogs seem to end up owning more than one. (One serious drawback is they are short lived--9 years is a good age but I've been reading that anything over 7 years is considered old. I think that's why people end up owning two or more dogs.)
Had a schnauzer for about five years. We finally had to put her to sleep. Then two months later got a golden retriver. He is HUGE! I love him to death and he is smart. I have to say the mountain dog sounds good, but I just couldn't spend that kind of money. Go the schnazuer from mom when I divorced my first husband. By the way they are litte yappers, but they DO protect. No one better mess with the family they belong to. Tamara
I can second virtually everything Andy said about the Bernese.
I didn't want to get into a big long explanation of all their wonderful traits in my earlier post, as I was short on time. Now andy has done it for me. I can't tell you just how much I loved this dog.
I've now got a Boston Terrier (he and the berner were best buddies), and he's really great, but in a different, me-me-me terrier sort of way, and not very cold tolerant.
I had an old-style German Shepherd--boxy and square, and he was a fantastic dog too, But I can say I've never loved an animal like I loved my Berner. She was a big part of my heart.
I will have another someday. They are short-lived. Ours went at 7.
Steve
What a great topic. I will chip in a couple of cents.The BMD is a great choice. If you like the look and temperment but want shorter hair check out the Swiss Mountain Dog.
I personally have the most amazing best friend in the world.
Smart, beautiful, athletic and built like a brick s**thouse. She is a Rotti we raised from 6 weeks. Great temperment, good with kids, likes to swim and well trained.
Which gets me to my point whatever pup you get, and especially with the mastiff breeds make time to be around a lot or always have the pup with you. They love/ need to be around you. And secondly don't ever let the dog forget that you are the alpha, and your wife is the alpha, and your kids are the alpha, and that he/she/it is a beta or below. It pays off in the long run.
I think many folks have posted what an amazing companion a dog can be, there just ain't no feeling after a hard day to come home to a good friend who will love you unconditionally. Unless you get that border collie who will torment you with their mind games.
"Unless you get that border collie who will torment you with their mind games."
Yall are going to keep talking and Im going to have to challenge one !!! LOL !!
I have read unbelieveable stories. But , one book I have was a guy that put border collie in other breeds to make them more intelligent. Then thin them back out looking for brains and destroying the rest. Hence ; selective breeding . After three generations , they can be called pure again . Which brings me to another topic ;
Papers are only as good as the breeder and the ones before him. Look at a seven generation pedigree sometime , and get your mind to rolling. You think that there might be some of them that put papers on dead fathres or mothers ? This a a big problem. Now the studs and dams are dna tested so that you the buyer can be trusting of the price you give for a pup. Also , thay all started as mutts with single registration. Also you can take a mutt that has the charateristics of a pure breed and single register them. Dont play on papers unless it has a pacific use to you. After a coon hound is single registered with UKC, the third generation becomes pure bred. .
Goldens are not known for being the smartest dogs, but they are easy to train because they aim to please. The smartest are poodles, but try to train one. Takes almost as long as training a good helper.Never a problem, just an opportunity to create a solution... :~}
I've had my Border Collie (Bailey), for going on 9 years, and she's been going with me on jobs ever since. She's smart enough to know the boundaries of the jobsite, and willing to play with anyone on site. Plumbers, framers, electricians or ####, she knows no prejudice.
She doesn't get bored but on slow days she'll keep herself occupied playing with balls, etc. She's never done any damage to trucks, sites, etc. from lack of attention.She did chew up a left boot once when she was a pup. Bought another identical pair, then she chewed the right boot. Now THAT'S smart.
Some people don't think it's professional to have a dog on site. I say, if dogs were on all jobsites the world would be a better place. It should be required that the GC supply canine companions for the duration of the job.
sheetrockers, why did they censor sheitrockers?
How about a cat? Lars got in his van for work yesterday and realized the new kitten was in it. He couldn't find it so took it to work. The kitten got out at the jobsite and stayed there all day. Lars was ready to go home and got a biscuit out for the kitten. The thing came to Lars and Lars put it back on the van. I still laugh thinking about it. I guess we could charge homeowners a fee for mouse patrol right? :-)Tamara
Hey Mongo, maybe Andy will do the right thing and run across a friend, instead of buy a dog. He makes out like he is that smart...
Would it help if we said how we found our best friends, even if they are mutts? They all aren't at the pound. Do you think it would help to talk about the issues the pure breeds have?
Nah...
<g>
I've never paid for a dog. Got them all gratis:
A purebred german shepard, from an elderly neighbor, got him when he was two, has him for about 15 years. Had to be put down, hip displacia. What a sad, sad, sad day that was.
A purebred collie from the pound. Good dog...got run over in our driveway by a social worker (we always had about 4 foster kids in our house when I was growing up).
A mix of german shepard, collie, and something else. Got him from the pound. Got him as a pup. I adopted him, and he me. My best bud. He lasted forever. When I was away at college, he went outside and never came back. Afterwards, my Mom thought something was up when she let him out for the last time. She said he stood on the porch for quite some time, then ran off. She thinks that he knew it was time to go.
A boxer...my sister was on vacation in Florida. She was crossing a bridge and passed a parked car on the bridge. A man was tossing burlap bags over the bridge...and the bags were moving. She stopped and he gave her the last bag, containing a boxer pup. She drove him home after vacation, from Florida to Massachusetts. Fed the pup fast food the whole way. Unfortunately, the pup hadn't been house (nor car) trained, and the backseat of her car was a mess.
A great dane...ex racing dog...painful and swollen joints from being shot up with cortisone too many times. I bailed hay as a kid and was working a few fields for a racing facility that ran horses and dogs. To many questions, and I ended up bringing one home. Fun, fun dog. Loved the attention. Only had her about a year, found her dead in the woods, shot during hunting season.
From the list, the german shepard and the mixed (shepard, collie, ???) were the best all-around dogs. The others were good, but for pure fun and friendship, those two were head-and-shoulders above the rest. Figuratively, of course...the dane was a monster! I wish the dane had lived longer. What a beautiful animal.
There are some mighty fine animals to be had for $300-$600, my neighborhood is full of them. There are also some mighty fine animals that can be rescued for free.
Show me a great dane that is 12 years old, show me a german shepard that doesn't have a weak arse. Etc.
I am a mutt guy now. I had been thru all of the paper dogs and was a non-pet guy when I made the mistake of going over to a buds to watch the Patriots get beat in the Superbowl. Actually, my "mistake" was letting my daughter play with the new litter he had there. Right off I got the inevitable "Daddy, I want one!", but I am all over that. Then later in the game she snuggled up to the runt of the litter and she fed her off to the side so the pup could get a bite. Maybe I am a softie after all, or maybe I know a good thing when I see it, but that is how I got this shadow that keeps jumping up on my lap while I type this.
Cats? Please, the next cat that pees in my nail boxes is going to get duct taped to a chair and have mice run all over it. Oh, nevermind, there won't be another cat.
QT..As I said in my previous post..I NEVER paid for a dog or my cats but that doesnt make it wrong when someone does. Why not go adopt a "kid"...Whats more sad then a child in an orphanage. Like we need to keep breeding an overpopulated world? LOL....kidding. But really, dont try and make me feel quilty cause you Won't. And as I said to Theo and Mongo.my best friend I found in the road but that doesnt mean I will in the next cpl a months, nor does it mean I'll find one I can buy. Actually I've been looking in RESCUE websites every day. When I considered a Saint Bernard it seemed there were dozens to be rescued but what I learned from that was major hip issues which was a big reason people gave them up....sick people that won't deal with their animals issues. I'm open to everything. I have my name registered in rescues around here as well as looking in the paper for adoptions. Yet I leave the option open to BUY a pup. to me its a big commitment that I take seriously and I don't think theres just one way to find a friend. I'll say it one more time..MY BEST FRIEND I EVER HAD....I found on dirt road in Virginia. Spose I do feel a bit guilty
Be well
Namaste
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
No reason to feel guilty, no matter what you end up doing. I was just surprised there was only one mention of mutts for 40 messages.
If it makes you feel any better, my three previous dogs were paid for paper toters. They are all nice, but all different.
QT...well I do feel quilty.I keep going back to the little pound around here...Wahhhhh
Be well
NAmaste'
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
How about one of those 75 lb. lap dogs called Golden Retrievers? I have a 2 year old female that is the sweetest thing since my daughter was a toddler. She loves the cats, and carries the hamster around like a baby. Even plays nicely with the parakeet. As a bonus, you never have to worry about anyone stealing any-thing from you, they are usually too busy playing with the goofy dog.
Only thing I know for sure is that whatever dog you get, you'll end up loving it because it'll be the "perfect dog".
Good luck
SteveNever a problem, just an opportunity to create a solution... :~}
I love Bonnie, my border collie. Wouldn't part with her. Wouldn't have any other type of dog.
Wouldn't take her on the job with me. Border collies (even "pound puppies" like Bonnie) are usually smart and strong-willed to one degree or another. You *could* find one that wouldn't get squirrely and rip all the upholstery out of your truck just for something to do, or dig holes in the client's lawn, or...
But who needs to take the chance? Bonnie and I go hike and hang when I'm not working. She's happy, I'm happy. Personally I'd strongly recommend a trip to the shelter. Look the dogs over, pick one out that seems alert but not hyper, friendly but not timid, good looking but not so much that you gotta brush the damn thing all the time. A goofy grin (on the dog, not you) is a big plus. Shelter dogs are inexpensive to adopt, come in all varieties, AND you're probably rescuing it from being euthanized. I don't see a downside, myself. After all, you want this dog to hang in the truck with you, not to go to Westminster...
"Border collies (even "pound puppies" like Bonnie) are usually smart and strong-willed to one degree or another."
From the reading and the stories Ive heard , you are putting it lightly. Those two ingredients mixed together make them stand alone from the other breeds. If you get one that is a 'good kid ' , you have got a little goldmine of a dog. They are noted to use their brain to get what they want in strong will you speak of .
Id like to share this , because it brought out a study that one man did that I enjoyed for years reading his writing. [sorry I cant remember who, but someone here may remember him] He was a writer for years in Full Cry magizine. He spent a great deal of the money he made breeding dogs for the treeing sport. He needed a dog that could be trained easily , with a lot of energy, stamina , never giving up his quest . The terrier was chosen for its active nature and treeing or baying instinct. Squirrels were his subject because those animals are best treed on site with a little nose. The hound breeds were always tracking them , and were not as good at it as a good cross mix. People for years bred hounds and terriers to gether to get the result. Different strains also like german shepards. He tried border collies mixed with terriors and I think a new breed was formed after tsting it over the years. I know border collies are running in strains of the registared cur today. Their are many different kinds regonized now and they were all single registrared with NKC. [ National Kennel Club ] They were the first of the dog registaries to recognise a need for a reg squirrel dog. Thay have hunts and trials to day because of some of the contributions from people like him. I think you can look at http://www.fullcry.com , and learn more. The Border Collie is said to be very biddable, which in laymans terms means very good at what they want to do. They are a little soft in nature for cattle here and something like a catahoula is more popular in herding here. They have made exellent sheep dogs along with goats though. Getting one to do something that pleases its master is a tool to be used for our enjoyment.
Sorry for the rant . A Border Collie is not what Andy needs . [I dont think] Ive been doing too much reading ! They have always been an interrest with me.
Tim Mooney
OMG..I'm so confused now.....maybe a mutt might be the pooch for me.
aIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
THE ONE for you is the one that when you meet the bond is obvious.bobl Volo Non Voleo Joe's cheat sheet
"Mutt"? Around here we like to call them "purebred Americans"...
Just as too much inbreeding can enhance undesirable traits, "random breeding" (Roger Karas' phrase) CAN result in an individual who has a great combination of all the best traits of his forebears.
And BTW, one of the reasons the border collie is one of the most amazing breeds is because, historically, Scottish farmers bred dogs for ability, not looks.
Just to make your head spin a little more...
A Sammy is the only way to go - a bear-nosed Samoyed. This is the dog that always looks happy and is. A working breed dog. Looks good in the truck or the Rolls (Royce, that is). Loves to be with people inside or outside, but has to have people around. Likes very cold weather. But whichever dog you get, don't forget that some breeds have more problems than others with hip dysplasia or other problems relevant to their breed and size. I firmly believe that the owner is the person who makes (or breaks) the dog's temperament. So whichever breed you go with, train it well and give it the attention and care it needs and you can't go wrong. Good luck in your search - now that you have so much input from so many. No-one actually offered you a dog in this forum yet, did they?
See if your animal shelter has a foster parent program. I took part in one here in Ventura. Got the dog during the week and on the weekends it was displayed for adoption. Had a great German Shepard for awhile. Smartest dog ever. Loved to play catch and would actually drop the ball at my feet.
Peace,
Martin
re- how old is your border collie , the one i had was 14 when past . i never had any prolem.... unless i was just lucky who knows... she loved kids, was always with the family,and kept active.... maybe that was the balance was real family orienyed hhhmmm who knows maybe just good ole luck of the draw....
Bear--
Truly love my border collie "Bam-Bam Sam", just took a while to adjust as I was formerly more of a lab and german shepherd type of guy. Having kids really helped, as he now has something to herd. Only current difficulty is that he alerts and barks at anything new in his territory, including snake skins, or walkers and trucks passing by. Not his problem; mine for not having the forty acre spread he needs. As far as protecting children, could not ask for better. He won my eternal respect after my oldest stepped in a ground hornets nest when she was around two. She yelled, I picked her up, and ran; the dog charged the nest, suffering multiple stings as he dug it up and tore it to shreds; had to go back and drag him away. Then, last winter he took on a pack of coyotes....
Regards,
Rework
i here this my pride swells , hair on my neck tingles, and eyes well up there just the best...... this subject has struck a real chord i'm a dog freak........ staywell ...... bear...... a weekly hour and half of exercise he'll learn the regimine he will be real grateful.
Edited 11/3/2002 1:35:32 PM ET by the bear
have a buddy who had a Great Pyrennes (sp).
it became very protective as in he had to watch it carefuuly when visiters came.bobl Volo Non Voleo Joe's cheat sheet
have labs and border collie /aus shep mix....both dogs are loyal and smart.
Andy,
Although I am not familiar with that particular breed, it should share many of the same characteristics of hearding dogs like boarder collies. They are in general very intelligent, do listen and take commands well (from a guy who has had Siberian Huskies for the last 28years this would be a dream!) and are very good family animals. I know a few people who have boarder collies and they are immensely pleased with the disposition/nature of these hearding animals. The only comment I ever heard someone make about them is that they might be too intelligent at times.
Best of Luck in finding a new little buddy!
Stan
Andy , Im a dog person . Master of hounds, and a bench show judge . I used to train some hunting breeds for the public. Ive never owned a border collie , but I HAVE DONE A LOT OF READING . They are noted by several experts to be the smartest dog in the world . I would like to try one some day. Bostons are very people dogs but arent very rugged for cold weather. Ive had two of those and they are very very sweet . Good luck buddy ,
Tim Mooney
Tim
I also considered a Border Collie but I think they need a serious amount of energetic attention. I dont want a big dumb slow dog thats also loveable like a Mastiff which I did consider many moons ago. I also considered a St. Bernard but I think I'd rather have a type of herding dog thats real smart and dedicated which is why I'm considering a Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Theyre not huge and dont shed and are extremely smart and dedicated. Then I came across the Tibetan Terrior.......hmmmmm.....maybe just go for a mutt.
Be well
Namaste
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
You should only own a Bull Mastiff.
My Mastiffs look real good sitting in the back of the truck. Not like a sissy looking sheepdog. And they really are good dogs too. Plus they wont let anybody take anything, nothing at all ever gets took out of my truck. Nobody messes with a 120 pound Mastiff. Nope.
Sissy sheep dog????? Arent we elite! And how many tats you got? And you riding a HOG with yer 12 ga. slung over yer shoulder?
aIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
neighbor has got one and comes over and visits coupla times a week,brutus when mixes with the boxer each 90 pounds real big boxers it quite the mensa convention........ big...strong and dumb as a bag of hammers ..i love him he's always welcome he comes through the hedges and it looks like a bobcat coming through he is such a good guy...... bear.....yeah i love my dogs
How do you get anything done if you can't get anything out of the back of your truck?Steelkilt Lives!
Andy,
I have a Vizsla (hungarian pointer) that is the most amazing dog. He's a pointer through and through, which mostly means he has a lot of energy. But surprisingly, he's also a really mellow dog around the house, in the shop he hangs out on his special rug and pretty much sleeps through every noise I make. Much like a german shorthair, but slighter in build and rust red in color with a brown nose and straw colored eyes... he get most of the compliments in the family.
This is not a dog for really cold weather or to be left outside, they have short hair and no undercoat so they don't handle cold well (but they also don't shed). They also need a lot of people companionship, Beau pretty much just wants to be in the same vicinity with people.
You got the room for a herding breed?
Any dog that herd's is gonna need lots room to work off all that extra energy it's been bred with.
I love the displays at the Highland Games.....
Me...I'm a cat guy......but love all animals....and fell in love with the wolf/dog idea after staying with friends that lived with a coupla.....talk about needing lotsa room for a dog! Wife's not yet convinced......
That wolf/dog idea should open up this thread a bit!
Jeff
..............Al-ways look on......the bright......side of life...........
.......whistle.....whistle.......whistle........
Jeff
Yep, I do have plenty of room for a dog to run around here. Whats a wolf dog? Any links?
Thanks and be well
Namaste
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Andy
You don't want a wolf dog. Thats a dog/wolf mix. Problem is a wolf is a big wild animal, so it's actually shy and strung out, plus incredibly strong in body and soul. The right mix is good, the wrong mix is bad to the bone. If a Rottie and a wolf get mixed up, theres no end of problems. Same for some others. Mal or husky and wolf look like a full blooded wolf, but no good either, probably not likely to bite though like the guard breed mix. Another thing is percentage of wolf is meaningless. 90% wolf, 10% wolf, dont meen sheet. Someone tells you its a wolfdog, maybe it's not wolf, how do you know? Looks wolfie? Naw forget it.
Don't carry a 12 ga. I Like a 9 mm.
Goob....Thanks for the advice. I kinda want a cute dog thats dedicated and can take cold weather. PS.I only mentioned a 12 ga. cause I found mine in the saddle bag of my Virago 1100 thats sitting in my living room now.My new old house has no garage so I know my wife will be extremely happy when I get the plans back for the new garage/ shop. She absolutly hates my bike in the living room.....lol. I'm not kidding here either.
PS...I actually did think of getting a Mastiff but I think the slober would kill my wife more then my bike in the living room.
Be well my brother
Namaste'
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Mastiffs do slobber. Maybe you should move the scoot into the bedroom. You and the wifey could have some fun with that.
I like my husky a lot. Sometimes people think she's a wolf because most wolves on TV are really huskies or a husky and wolf mix. The blue eyes really attract the ladies! Wolves do not have blue eyes, so I guess a mix wouldnt either, but I don't know for sure.
Goob...We already have..(nice vibrations)....sorry, no pictures cept the ones tatooed inside my eyelids.....lol..
Be well
Namaste
AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
American eskimo dog is good for you. Very much the guard dog, but won't run far from home if it gets loose. Also able to tolerate cold, plus it's a nice looking smallish dog.
The American eskimo is also known as the circus dog because they are so easy to train. They are very intellegent.
WHOA! "wolf dogs" are still canine and are only as much trouble as they are bred or raised to be. wolves raised from puppies as domestic pets act like dogs (has something to do with dogs being derived from wolves). Dogs or wolves that are born of inbred or corrupt blood lines will have the health and emotional/mental problems of the family tree, wolf or dog. In the wild, packs will not tolerate or support these problems and natural selection will remedy them. By the way, I've never had a pure wolf; However, I had a gsd-wolf mix. My wolf dog came from a rescue (like all my dogs so far) and was one of the easiest to train, and most gentle. Casey looked like a pure wolf in regards to body structure. The part of him that was gsd was the short fur and coloring. He even had the tufts of hair on his feet and legs like a wolf. Whoops, I started to run on about dogs again after my root opion was made. hope u don't mind.
Well, you got a good one. Believe me, I like a good wolfdog. A full bred wolf is illegal to own as I understand. Wolves are really dogs, but dogs are NOT wolves. Wolves are wild, and are predictable. There are a few alphas, but the rest of a pack are subservient. Any other alphas are run off or killed. You know that a St Bernard and a bull terrier act different. Then I suppose there are some laid back bull terriers, but most are wound up tight. So its like this, a wolfdog is what you make it into (partly), but mostly it's whats bred into it. A normally agressive dog mixed with a shy, but powerfull wild animal is dangerous. Unfortunately mostly dangerous to children whick they may see aws prey. The wild instint to kill is still there. Most breeds bred to a wolf are german shepherds, irish wolfhounds etc to keep a wild look. German shepherds mixed with wolves are bad medicine.
{EDIT} Sometimes GSD/wolf is bad medicine. A rescue will not place a bad wolfdog, the bad ones must be destroyed. Also a rescue does not want to give wolfdogs a bad name. Why do you think so many wolfdogs are in rescues? Because they are not truely dogs and require more attention then most owners provide. My dogs go everywhere with me and are not DUMB as someone said before.
Edited 11/3/2002 9:43:58 AM ET by Goob
jeff- on the wolf/ dog subject be very, very careful on your /or someones choice..... i've seen them shape shift in between both worlds at a drop of a hat....half and half is just to close for assimilation into a family/social atmosphere quarter/ three quarter you might have a more peace of mind. i 'm talking from experiance here i went to the back of an outdoor life bought it from a breeder in mountains of georgia and moved it to new hampshire which was a perfect place for her. but when i took her, back home all the rules we had between us were off. and the reversition back to that overpowering canus lupus side was just overpowering, she had to bewalked and fed at night the howling, pacing, the gaze, the lowered projected head.....quite the experiance to behold.... once we were back up in the mountains things settled down but ...... becareful... i had her for six years there was a great bond, she eventually was poisoned but the blame for that was entirely was mine for letting her roam in the early spring we lived in a very rural area. and someone had chickens well you can figure the rest out.......just beware of those beautiful animals, they have a diffrent set of rules..... bear
Edited 11/3/2002 1:29:41 PM ET by the bear
I wonder if there's a connection between the type of building done by the dog owner and the type of dog??
I mean, do excavators and framers have big badass dogs, while the guy doing high end interior finshed has a more "refined" canine? Just thinkin' in print here .....
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs. A hearding breed
Never herd of them.
(Sorry........I couldn't resist.
Doc
Eating crow is always easier when its still warm.
Mutts rule!!!!!!!!
TDo not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!
Andy,
I have had a few from the pound, currently our family is "owned" by a pair of black lab mix, super dogs, my youngest is six and I would pitty anyone who would mess with her with Sadie and Chunk around, Sadie has an injured front leg, but her personality struck us immediately, personally I think mutts make the best dogs. Go to the pound, one will jump out as your dog.
I had a britaney/border collie/idiot mix for 16 yrs, cried like a baby when he died, what a dog.
Good Luck,
Alan