shepherds/herding breeds

SpringerLover · Feb 20, 2014

I've looked long and hard at herding dogs in the past. Specifically at different types of shepherds. I thought I'd settled on English Shepherds and met with a few local breeders. Then I looked pretty seriously at Belgians, but all the pieces didn't fit.

For some reason, I'm still kinda stuck on a herding breed... it just doesn't seem like any of them fit what I'm really looking for.

Ideas?
Grooming is irrelevant, but a wash and wear coat would be ideal.
Less than 60 pounds is ideal.
Not prone to being loud.
No dwarfism.
I really, really, really love tails.
Health testing is common in the breed.

Oko · Feb 20, 2014

What kind of energy level are you looking for?

Shai · Feb 20, 2014

Are you still considering ES or what turned you off that breed?

PWCorgi · Feb 20, 2014

I think you should get an ACD, because *I* want one, but know they are not the breed, and therefore I can still see one all the freaking time.

Also, for the record, I couldn't see you with an ACD...

And therefore you should get a Laek from that lady. Because I like her dogs.

SpringerLover · Feb 20, 2014

Shai said:

Yes, still considering ES. I've kept in touch with a few people in the breed and have continued to follow the dogs. They didn't seem to be predictable enough (temperament and health being the most important) when I looked at them originally.

As for energy level, I guess moderate? I don't always plan on living in an apartment, but doing so has made me appreciate a dog who knows how to settle SO MUCH.

SpringerLover · Feb 20, 2014

PWCorgi said:

I would probably want to kill it. Also a lot of ACD are short on leg, which isn't dwarfism, but also isn't something I want.

GAH! We talked about Laek puppies for SO LONG. She even asked again when she actually did the breeding. Robin and I were going to get Laek puppies together! And then... neither of us got a Laek puppy!

PWCorgi · Feb 20, 2014

I feel like you would want to kill most herding breeds...

SpringerLover · Feb 20, 2014

PWCorgi said:

That is mostly accurate. I came to adore Ruca in all of her noisy glory, but I would have wanted to kill her if she was bad/loud in a crate. I needed a break from her at times!

gilles · Feb 20, 2014

i love the karelian bear dog ,beautiful tail and color, extremely brave and loyal, but needs to be outdoor.

Red.Apricot · Feb 20, 2014

I didn't think Elsie was barky until I talked to a friend with a whippet. I said, "Elsie doesn't bark much," and she told me her dog had barked three times in the last month. Elsie had barked three times in the last hour. :rofl1:

/unhelpful

SizzleDog · Feb 20, 2014

Icelandic?

Laurelin · Feb 20, 2014

Icelandics bark a ton.

If you feel like you'd want to kill most herders why do you think you'd want one? I'm confused. lol

BostonBanker · Feb 20, 2014

Holy barking Icelandics. I know I'm kind of sensitive to barking, but I think a brick wall would be bothered by the barking I've heard from Icelandics.

LostAndConfused · Feb 20, 2014

SpringerLover said:

Most breeders I follow do hips & MRD1 testing.
I would agree on the temperament bit. You have everything from Hudson, the attention slut, who believes very strongly that everyone was put on the earth to love him; to the much more aloof farm dogs. Though, I think you'll see that in most herding breeds. I think if you narrow down the lines that you want/like you'll see the temperaments level out

BostonBanker said:

hahahaha.

SpringerLover · Feb 20, 2014

Laurelin said:

I've met a few herding dogs and herding mixes I REALLY, REALLY like. So, I know there are dogs out there that I like, but I think it's been specific dogs vs breeds.

For example: there is one Laekenois I love (the aforementioned one), I haven't met her puppies yet to see if they're like her or not. I have adored a few Aussies I've interacted with. There's a local person with black Belgian boys and I LOVE one of her imports.

PWCorgi · Feb 20, 2014

Icelandics never shut up lol

SpringerLover · Feb 20, 2014

PWCorgi said:

Although, I think Viva (Icelandic) and Ddare (Pemmie) could have a barking contest, I agree.

PWCorgi · Feb 20, 2014

Well maybe if Chris gave a rip Ddare wouldn't be so loud. I love that she doesn't care though, and that the first thing everyone knows about Dare is his mouth, LOL!

golden&hovawart · Feb 21, 2014

I love Berger Picard!.
They are goofy and fun,to be around.

SaraB · Feb 21, 2014

Koooooolie.

Mine are actually relatively quiet now. Only bark here and there, a lot less than normal dogs actually. Being in the crate when fun things are happening is the exception for Zinga. She's just a nutter butter.

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