Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, All Herding breeds, Tell Me About Yours

[Folly's place]

English Shepherds seem to be more of that 'old farm collie' type, not bred for show and 'pretty' but rather as working dogs. Not overly busy either, balanced and sensible. Also not so easy to find; I've seen some on dairy farms around here. As far as HD and other issues, I don't know. Possibly not screened at all...
One of the things I like about Chessies is that they are not so 'pretty' that separate lines are show type, mostly they are working dogs. And they won't love everyone, they guard, and expect people to be invited inside, not just wander in.
For little dogs, whippets are the best!
Mary

 

[centrarchid]

English Shepherds I have had experience with do show tri-purpose potential as all around farm dogs. They are good guardians, can definitely be used to herd, and at least some like my male can track and bark on tree raccoons and squirrels.

 

[pennyJo1960]

The one I referred to earlier is a true breed so is the English Shepard they are smart enough both to not join AKC where judges and handlers can ruin the breed but also my own past breed Belgian Shepard here has 4 varieties differ by coat have almost been ruined now it saddens me a great deal

 

[Folly's place]

BTW, it's not judges, it's breeders, who ignore brains, health, and function, all in favor of 'the look'! A bird dog should be 'birdy', a herding dog should herd, etc. It's about function, and up to the folks who breed and own those dogs.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

So, here we are. What's going to be your next doggy project?
Five is a lot already, I'm good with only two at a time, and I've gotten a lot less energetic too, so less effort is good around here.
Mary

 

[pennyJo1960]

See I thought 2 is enough but cannot resist puppies 1 more time these will be all white

 

[centrarchid]

I have 3 adult dogs. Targeting 4. Currently 6 puppies.

 

[Folly's place]

This has been a TERRIBLE thread! You all have me looking at Chessie breed club pages. EVIL influences, all of you!
Must stop right now!
Mary

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

So, here we are. What's going to be your next doggy project?
Five is a lot already, I'm good with only two at a time, and I've gotten a lot less energetic too, so less effort is good around here.
Mary

I've had 5 dogs at one time since I was a teenager. It's a normal number for me. I'm lucky that I got my husband to agree to just one more. For a few months we had 6 until my dear old girl Frankie couldn't go on anyone.

I'm still quite distraught, I'm crying now typing this. She was a great dog.

I'm getting older, I feel like I have only a bit more time to handle a bigger more rambunctious puppy. I want to squeeze one more back in for now. I do dogs well. They live great lives here. They keep me going and smiling.

I think I will probably get another Aussie. I think it was inevitable. I was trying not to replace my lost one with another, but a new one won't be anything like Frankie was, she was one of a kind.

I won't get one until next spring or later. I definitely cannot raise a pup during winter here. My current Boston mix pup is 7 months and mostly raised. By next spring she will be an adult herself.

I appreciate everyone's input. I love all dogs. Any breed is a good breed if it's a good fit for you.

I think you need another dog Mary. There's never enough dogs in my opinion.

This has been a TERRIBLE thread! You all have me looking at Chessie breed club pages. EVIL influences, all of you!
Must stop right now!
Mary

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I have not read the whole thread. I am amazed at the number of responses on this thread that only started Tuesday! ( I am jumping in at page 30.) As herding breeds go, I have a couple of Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties), not related. Gracie is 10 years old and her idea of joy is to guard the perimeter. She can usually be found lying on either the front step or the back step, regardless of the weather, watching for intruders. Or barking at perceived intruders. Such as squirrels, deer, ladybugs, turtles or random unexplained noises. Walnuts falling, perhaps. We feel very safe with Gracie on guard.

Sammy is the new kid, not quite 18 months old. He is Disney cute. Young and very high energy. Curious. Stares at us intently, trying to figure out what we are thinking, saying or planning. Cracks me up. Very intense stare. When he wants attention, he bumps us with his nose. If he wants to go outside, he grabs one of our feet with his paw, or very gently with his mouth (not biting, just holding), and tries to pull it out the door. He knows we need our feet to go out the door, you see. If he can just get our feet out the door, surely the rest of us will follow... right?

He loves to run once he's out there. We are considering Invisible Fence for him so he can run "free" in a safe zone. I think Shelties and Border collies are not just smart, they are spooky smart. You have to be very smart to read, understand and communicate with them. Sammy likes to play with a ball. He plays fetch and he dribbles the ball. Gracie prefers soccer and Kill the ball.
Well i am fading fast so good night.