Brittany, Welsh Springer, Mini Aussie, or Toller?

[lcfas]

Hi everyone! Here's a bit about my lifestyle:
- I am a college student living in a dog friendly apartment with a floormate that owns a well behaved Golden Retriever
- I run 40 miles per week, kayak, hike, and backpack
- I live in a VERY urban environment

And here is what I want in a dog:
- low DA (I don't care if they are not dog oriented though)
- moderate off leash reliability
- toy motivated
- medium to medium high energy
- agility/flyball potential
- can go 5 hours alone as an adult without a dog walker and maintain sanity (obviously if energy outlets are provided before and after)
- very biddable, I want a dog that loves to be trained and will thrive learning tons of new tricks

Looking for a medium sized active biddable breed. Which would you recommend for me?

 

[Raegan]

I have two Tollers, I train and compete in obedience, agility, and field.

My best advice is, meet a bunch. They're a dog that looks great on paper (good size, biddable, mid-level drive), especially for dog sports. If you do some searching in this subforum, they come up a lot here. And not a lot of people end up getting one They're a weird dog. Not at all a small Golden Retriever; my dogs act much like my trainer's Cockers than my friend's Goldens. If you meet some, and still like them, then great! But a lot of people meet some and just decide they aren't the dog for them. I think they're a breed where you either click with them or you don't.

 

[Elrohwen]

Welshies! Get all of the Welshies!

Ok, with that out of the way, I think most of the breeds you've listed could work for you, it just depends on which personality you mesh with.

I would say that britts and Welshies are not what I would consider very high biddability. They are bred to hunt semi-independently and think for themselves at times, and it shows. My dogs love to please me, and are happy when I'm happy, but they also have no problem blowing me off once in a while when they want to do what they want to do. They aren't border collies or even golden retrievers in that sense, but they are still fairly biddable and they love to train. If all you want is a dog to train and do tricks with, then they will be great. If you want a dog who hangs on your every word no matter what is going on, then maybe not.

IME, britts are the highest energy of the breeds you listed, and can tend towards not having much focus. I've talked to a lot of people with britts and they can be all over the place with their energy for quite a while, and they have a ton of energy. At an agility trial last weekend someone said they are as high as a border collie with none of the focus. They are also bred to hunt out of sight, so off leash reliability will have to be trained. Really cool dogs, but I think they are overwhelming for a lot of people based on conversations I've had. I originally planned to get a britt, but switched to Welshies.

Welshies can be spazzy too when they're young, but I think they have more focus and an overall calmer nature. They tend to mature into really good dogs. My adult dog was a wild child in training classes for a long time, but he's always been good in the house and not bouncing off the walls. He's almost 3 now and has matured a ton. My little puppy has energy but a lot of focus too. Obviously I love Welshies and think they're the best. It should be noted that some lines tend towards being overly reserved or even shy, so choose your breeder carefully. The breed standard says reserved with strangers, and that's fine, but some people use that as an excuse to keep breeding dogs who are shrinking violets who don't do well in show/trial environments.

I've heard some really good things about MAS but haven't seen any in this area. I think the biggest issue is consistency and finding a breeder who breeds what you want.

 

[milos_mommy]

I think that even if you didn't list breeds in the title, I'd recommend a welshie or Brittany! I'm usually hesitant to recommend a BC in a very urban environment due to their reactive tendencies, and idk if you'd use a dog park at all but they tend to do less well there than sporting breeds, herding the other dogs and such.

I don't have a whole lot of experience with rollers, but I know the spaniels you've mentioned would fit your requirements.

 

[Dogdragoness]

First, they arent "mini aussies", they are called miniature americans (MAS) now, anyone who breeds "mini aussies" I would personally stay away from.

Depending on your area, Wigglebutt MAS (they are in Indiana I believe) is an awesome breeder and kennel, but be prepared to pay for a good dog LOL. Southern star is also another good breeder of MAS (they are in texas, close to houston).

That being said, if you done like reactivity, then a herding type breed like the MAS is not likely going to be for you, also they are shed monsters and cover your house, your clothes, your life with hair twice a year, even with brushing.

Also you mentioned that you live in an apartment, MAS are very vocal and can bark ... A LOT, so your neighbors might not be very happy with you LOL.

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BCs no, just no, even when the proper living environment (ranch/farm, house with a yard etc ...) a BC is a huge commitment.

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Dont know much about the other breeds, maybe someone more knowledgable about them will come along.