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

[pennyJo1960]

Gald you gave her a home then and Thank you for your service

 

[lcwmt]

Probably a bit of a long shot but has anyone ever heard of Kelpies? I don’t think they’re very common outside of Australia but they are another breed I love and have considered getting. They are even more crazy/hyper than Border Collies though if that is possible LOL but they seem like great dogs. Australian Kelpie they are called.

A good friend has a Kelpie. They have mountain property in N Wyoming with horses, llamas and other critters. "Gus" has been a great dog for them BUT he has a lot of jobs as well as all the people time he needs/wants. He is not crazy or hyper at all.
Kelpies are stock dogs and are known to run across the backs of a herd of sheep in order to get where they need to go. They are athletic, smart and strong working dogs. As with the other herding breeds, they need work to do, regularly.
Their other dog is a Border Collie, also from working lines. She too is reliable and mellow. Again: she has work to do, gets as much exercise and people time as she needs.
IMO, handling makes a huge difference with many high energy dogs. It's easy to ruin a dog.
There are reasons dogs end up in shelters, rescue or getting re-homed repeatedly. Mostly there's not a good match between people expectations and real life. It takes a lot to bring a dog back from negative early experiences.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

A good friend has a Kelpie. They have mountain property in N Wyoming with horses, llamas and other critters. "Gus" has been a great dog for them BUT he has a lot of jobs as well as all the people time he needs/wants. He is not crazy or hyper at all.
Kelpies are stock dogs and are known to run across the backs of a herd of sheep in order to get where they need to go. They are athletic, smart and strong working dogs. As with the other herding breeds, they need work to do, regularly.
Their other dog is a Border Collie, also from working lines. She too is reliable and mellow. Again: she has work to do, gets as much exercise and people time as she needs.
IMO, handling makes a huge difference with many high energy dogs. It's easy to ruin a dog.
There are reasons dogs end up in shelters, rescue or getting re-homed repeatedly. Mostly there's not a good match between people expectations and real life. It takes a lot to bring a dog back from negative early experiences.

You are very right about those early months. They are so important to the dogs long term stability, and happiness.

Kelpies do seem intense. I personally wouldn't want one unless I had cattle to work.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Working dogs and herding actually do better if they are in pairs and withstand predators
much easier

 

[Arbutus Peregrine]

My Australian Cattle Dogs were my life! They came to work with me for most of the years. They lived to be 17 and 19 years old and enjoyed amazing health throughout their lives. I fostered many during their lifetime and just love the breed. I really love all ranch-type dogs. Due to my current schedule, I have to wait a few years before getting another dog. So I got chickens
But I highly recommend any ranch-type dog and so many wonderful dogs are available in shelters. Raising a puppy is also a fantastic way to go! Good luck finding your next buddy!!!

 

[ShrekDawg]

Just saw a gorgeous Australian Cattle Dog and a Border Collie. I think they were separate not together but on the same path and not too far behind each other walking with their owners. They were beautiful.

 

[Rushdoggie]

I know a few Kelpies mostly owned by people who do stockwork but I don't know much about their temperament or suitability as a pet. I know they work stock with speed and "eye" much like a Border Collie but were bred for a completely different environment. They are not as common as pets.

 

[Nksg75]

We have 2 Aussies and wouldn’t have any other breed!
Yes they are high energy, and many people get them and think it’s ok to throw them In the backyard and forget about them.
Of course that is just a recipe for disaster!
As you well know they need a job!!
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise with these breeds!
Our girls are 13 and have stopped herding, however they are now our Aussie LGD. They watch over the flock, and are out with me all the time.
I love everything’s about this breed. I even anticipate the daily tripping over them in the kitchen, dining room, and any other location that I may pause for more than a few moments!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

View attachment 1987494
We have 2 Aussies and wouldn’t have any other breed!
Yes they are high energy, and many people get them and think it’s ok to throw them In the backyard and forget about them.
Of course that is just a recipe for disaster!
As you well know they need a job!!
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise with these breeds!
Our girls are 13 and have stopped herding, however they are now our Aussie LGD. They watch over the flock, and are out with me all the time.
I love everything’s about this breed. I even anticipate the daily tripping over them in the kitchen, dining room, and any other location that I may pause for more than a few moments!
View attachment 1987489

What beautiful old girls. I am in denial that they are one of my favorite breeds. Mine always drive me nutty, but they are always with me. They are also long lived and gorgeous dogs. I've pretty much come to the conclusion another Aussie is in my near future. I hope the next is easier to house break and isn't such a big goof. Either way I will love it just the same. They are a breed that's hard to give up after being owned by them.

 

[Rushdoggie]

in the spirit of this thread, Merry Christmas from Argos and his little buddy Jasper.