Kelpie vs Koolie vs BC vs English Shepherd??

[AdrianneIsabel]

I love hunting line goldens, they are seriously stellar dogs. I feel sorry for people who haven't interacted with them.

[AdrianneIsabel]

how does a McNab fit into this thread?

[~Tucker&Me~]

Originally Posted by AdrianneIsabel

how does a McNab fit into this thread?

Oooh I love McNabs

[Shai]

Originally Posted by AdrianneIsabel

I love hunting line goldens, they are seriously stellar dogs. I feel sorry for people who haven't interacted with them.

Me too which is why I had to ask...seems some people tend to use the phrase to mean a superhappy doofus who just bounces around and makes love to the whole world all day long

And I mean they may have those moments but they are also always looking for work and when work is available they are a sight to behold. Focused, very attached to their handler especially when that person is one who has earned their respect, working in what can vary from hours of tedium to controlled chaos with multiple dogs running at once...constantly thinking though in a different way than herders...

Okay I could go on but I've derailed this enough already I'm sure (sorry)

[Linds]

Originally Posted by vandog

This! Exactly what I saw.

I think it has a lot to do with age and maturity. Like I said, they turn on later in life and so when they are younger their "Life is a big GAME" tends to make stimulating environments explode their brains until they come into themselves and learn to deal with it.

[Sit Stay]

Totally took that in the wrong way then, I apologize. I agree - most of the time I see "Golden Retriever personality" thrown around it's meant in reference to a happy, bouncy, goofy, super people and dog friendly type. Definitely not my ES, LOL.

[PWCorgi]

I would absolutely own a working bred Golden. <3

[Equinox]

Originally Posted by Linds

Seemed like a more serious jack of all trade, shadow dogs from what I can tell. Very involved with their people and a good all around dog.

Though I know they have quite a variety.

This was my impression of English Shepherds as well. Me and Sit Stay have exchanged quite a few PMs and thoughts and it sounds like we both prefer the same type of dog, me as a German Shepherd person and her as an English Shepherd person. My GSD Trent and her ES Quinn have very similar qualities, and are both around the same age. I think Koolies are more like Border Collies whereas English Shepherds are more like German Shepherd Dogs.

More, as Linds said, a jack of all trades breed rather than a specialist. I believe they are protective when need be, although generally I see them as less actively defensive or aggressive in comparison to German Shepherds. In some senses I see them as having a few traits similar to Guardian type breeds in terms of their demeanor around their family.

Sit Stay definitely should correct me anywhere I'm wrong, though, everything I know about the breed comes from her and websites she's directed me to. They are a breed I really see myself with in the future.

Well, as an outsider, I can offer a mostly unbiased review of the Koolie breed. From what I've seen, they are slow to mature, the boys moreso than the girls. But once they do, they are really solid working dogs. They approach their work with the same enthusiasm that you see in every other aspect of their lives, and pure joy to be working will go a long ways when they have to continue on through discomfort and distractions. They can be incredibly focused, and they're very handler oriented. They have enough energy to keep on going all day long...and then some. From what I've seen, they seem to bond very tightly to their handlers, but they're also quite friendly and social. They're quite agile and confident, which could cause problems if you don't put the proper time and training into them. Oh, and they're incredibly noisy. But most herding breeds are noisier than I'd like.

[FG167]

Originally Posted by Equinox

we both prefer the same type of dog, me as a German Shepherd person and her as an English Shepherd person.

So, would I like this breed better do you think? You know Kastle, more or less, and are aware of what I like/don't like in him...I think