Farm Dogs - advice?

[Pam M]

Sadly, my 2 dogs are starting to show their age. I figure I better get one in that they can "train" to our ways before it's too late. :( I currently have a Lab and a Chow. They're both great breeds but they have some drawbacks. It's just too hot and humid in Florida to keep Chows. I have to shave mine and put her inside for about 6 months, and keep a fan on her. She hates it. The Lab is a great dog but he's too velcro-y and too stupid for me to want another. Does anyone have Aussies? Or Border Collies? That's what I'm leaning towards. I want a dog that will bark at strangers, chase off stray dogs, go on trailrides with me, not kill the cats and enjoy kids. My current dogs fit this bill perfectly - they'll be hard to "replace". That sounds bad but it's meant well. Any advice?

Oh yeah - no dobermans, boxers, bulldogs, lap dogs, yappy breeds. Hubby and I have to agree and we don't on a lot of breeds!

[CarolU]

I've had both...Aussies can be VERY velcro-y, actually the most intensely affectionate dogs I've owned. But the keep up with horses fine on trail rides. Some 'heel' or herd the horses though, so you need to get a pup and train it. They are very intelligent and learn quickly. They can also be very protective of their 'herd' and will heel kids on bikes (which is pretty entertaining - honestly! ;-) )

Border collies are up there with JRTs on the energy scale. They love to go, go, go and if that is your speed, they are a good dog to have. I believe they rate No. 1 for intelligence. They also will herd horses if they aren't trained properly.

Both breeds will guard and protect their herd. I personally love Aussies and will probably get one when my Lab dies. Which, I might add, she is not a velcro dog and very smart, well trained, and obedient. I wouldn't write Labs off, sounds like you didn't get the best in the liter. They are best with big yards and nearby clean water source for swimming. LOL

Greyhorsewoman is THE resident expert on dog breeds. She worked for AKC for years inspecting kennels and knows every breed pretty well. If you can get her to respond and help you with specifics, you'll be pretty happy.

[Linda Y]

Right now I have 2 Aussie crosses...found in the ditch as pups...and a Sheltie. The Aussie Xs are exactly what you are asking for.
Aussies are terrific dogs...smart and protective of their place but they can tend toward velcro-ness. I have a friend who has 2 purebreds and one is terribly aggressive toward men and both are velcro. To his benefit, the aggressive one was a rescue and probably abused.
I had a Springer Spaniel that also fit all your needs. With them you have to watch for silliness. Mine was not silly at all, protective, not velcro and loved to go with the horses. He would kill the dookey out of rats, tho.
Border collies are very high energy. If you don't mind that and can outthink them, they are great. There is one here left at the vets that needs a new home. But he is giving everyone a great show of teeth so they are leery about adopting him out.
I wish you luck...replacing great dogs is very difficult.

[Pam M]

You're right Linda - it's VERY difficult to replace a great dog. I'm hoping we'll luck up on one that needs a home sometime this year. That's how I got my current Chow - luck. I don't do puppies so I'm not even considering a breeder. We got the Lab by breeding our Female Lab (just another reason I don't do puppies), who's very intelligent. I can't figure how he turned out so stupid! My mother-in-law dog-sat our female Lab for us about 6 years ago when my last Chow was really sick and she refused to return her! I'm still leaning towards Aussies after everything I've heard and read. They just sound "right". Thanks for the input!

[CarolU]

Pam, there is an Aussie rescue site that locates and finds homes for Aussie's of all ages in all areas of the country. I don't remember how I found it before, maybe a search on Autrailian Sheperds.

Skip all that, I found it: http://aussierescue.leepfrog.com/

[CarolU]

http://aussierescue.leepfrog.com/purebreds/purebreds_mal2.html#aussie10

Abbey is in Georgia...looks like a sweetie. I think Sophie sounds super nice too.

[Fuego]

Aussies...where to begin. Great dogs, but not for everyone. Many Aussies end up in shelters and rescues because people aren't prepared to meet their needs.

Smart and easy to train, definately. But pending on the breeding, they can be very high energy. My Aussie was hyper until he outgrew it at 4 yrs old. Still has endless energy, but has finally settled a bit. If their energy and intelligence aren't dealt with, they can quickly become destructive and create serious problems. I've never seen any Border Collies that were nearly as hyper as my Aussie ( but he is also out of working lines, not show lines and that can make a difference).

Aussies do like to be in their owner's presence, always. They will follow you room to room and anywhere you go. Aggression /biters are also something to watch out for. My Aussie is protective of 'home', but zero aggression when out and about in public ( with dogs or people)

If your not willing to put in a lot of time with an Aussie or Border Collie, they may not be the breed for you. Jake can be taught nearly anything with in 2 minutes and will remember it forever. Yet for some reason it has been impossiple to teach him not to jump up on people ( he gets so excited when anyone comes to see him, he loses his mind). Aussies are also known to "herd ' kids. They will chase anything that moves or runs. Just a natural instinct.

At the same time, he was completely house broken within 24 hours of bringing him home at 6 weeks old. At 12 weeks old he had mastered a no impact agility course off leash and was also leading horses back and forth to the barn ( by the lead rope) by the time he was 12 weeks old. he and my Paso are best buds. Jake even runs with my Paso when I longe him ( great way to exercise both at the same time). Aussies/ Boerder Collies thrive on learning and doing. They practically beg for you to give them a job to do ( even if it's just catching a frisbee or chasing a ball).

Not trying to scare you with all the bad things about the breed, just want you to know what to look for and what to avoid. I don't regret my decision and wouldn't give up my Aussie for anything. But again, MANY Aussies end up in rescues and shelters because people aren't prepared to meet the energy and social needs many of this breed have.

Also, not ALL Aussies are hyper and not all of them take 4-5 years to outgrow their puppy hyperness, but it's not uncommon in the breed either.

A breeder may be a good place to start looking. Even if you don't want a puppy, some breeders have young adults that haven't lived up to show expectations that they are looking to place. Often these dogs are already well trained.

Many Aussies in the shelters and rescues are there because of behavior/ personality problems. But often those problems were created by people that didn't understand or meet the dog's basic needs. For some of these dogs, their "problems" literally vanish if in a proper enviroment, some won't. Just have to be careful and do your research and chose wisely.

Another heads up..... becareful with Aussies with excessive white in the coat. Often these dogs have genetic problems, deafness, blindness, and a whole list of other health problems ( like white boxers)

[Linda Y]

Check on PetFinder.com, too. That is where my friend got both of her Aussies.

[PattiB]

I have two Aussies, I love them. When I'm around they are like velcro but they act aggressive when anyone comes around. The one wouldn't hurt a flea but she can bark aggressive, the other is a heeler, she will sneak around behind you and grab your pants. She has been taught not to bite but that doesn't stop her from pinching. They are not hyper dogs unless something is in need of working. The one is OC about balls and will play tell she drops, the other could care a lees about balls but ask her to "herd up" and she becomes energized (she is my agility dog). They are very loyal, loving dogs. When I was in Florida I kept their bellies shaved to keep the sand out of their coats. Some in the breed have thicker coats than others, both my are fine coats (more like a BC).

[pasoglide]

I have two aussie , They are seven years old now and I have had them since they where six weeks old . They will jump the fence when they want out , I have tried everything to keep them in , nothing works . One is verry sweet and a lap dog to strangers and the other one is verry nippy . Both love to go with me when I ride . I have eight other kinds of dogs but my aussie's are my favorate. I have a couple of Jack russel terriers that I would love to find a good home for.

[pnalley]

I'm a mutt person myself.

Aussies & Border Collies both need a job & I don't have that kind of time to spend training a dog.

Mutts are in abundence, are generally sturdier, heathier and usually need a home.

In any case it is hard to replace a family member. But if your a dog person, you gotta have a dog. It's not a replacement but a new friend.

Good luck in your search.

I have chow chows in Ocala and had them in Tampa and they do just fine outside if they have plenty of water and trees for shade. I used to have an Old English Sheepdog that I shaved in the summer and the vet told me that the thick hair insulates and actually helps keep them cool so clipping them makes them hotter. The chows do tend to shed a lot of their coats in the summer, but other than that they are fine. I do have one of those flat rectangular concrete mixer tubs that I use for water and they wade in it, so would put a small kiddie pool for whatever dog you decide to get if you keep it outside.

I had Aussies in Tampa and they kept visiting the neighbors (and down the road) until they ran off and I had to keep going to pick them up from the rescuers and pay for their return. The last time the pair ran off a vet's asst. picked up the female, who was about to have a litter of 8, and when my neighbor told me she had gone to the vet's office and it was Kahlua, but if they didn't find the owner they had homes for all of them, I just left a message I had the AKC papers and they could keep the mom and litter for free and pay for the papers if they wanted them. I was afraid one day I would find them smashed on the road, so better off with good homes. I now have hot wire at the bottom of my fencing so the chows don't go wandering on the neighbor's horse farms or down the road. I also don't have stray males coming to visit my girls either.

[baileyholc]

Pam I have an Australian Sheppard. When you discribed what you wanted you discribed my Buddy. He has a long coat but finds ways to cool himself off. He loves the creek we have across the park in frunt of our house. He is smart he knows when it is time for my husband to come home and will start barken when he hears him three block from the house. He loves to play with the kids and does not bother the cat when they find their way in the back yard. I have even watched him feed the squarls. Their is only one problem I have with him that I have not seen in any other Aussie and that is Buddy will not come in the house and he refuses to walk into a bulding, (vets office, groomers). I don't know why he does this but since I have had him I have not wanted anyother dog. Their is not a lot of information that I have found on Australian Sheppards. But, what information I have found as made me love my dog even more. Believe me when I tell you these dogs are smart. I will give you an example:

My husband was out back throwing a frezbee for Buddy to chase. I walked out and Buddy bring the disc to me. I throw it and he brings it to me. Jim got upset and walked away. LOL. He said it took him a good five minutes to get him to chase that disc. LOL. Buddy when he is done playing He will place his disc and his rope on top of his disc in his dog house. That is were you will find it when you look out the window at him. As for a guard dog. Buddy does not bark at anyone inless they come into the yard. If they are in the culdisack he just looks at them and if it is Kids playing basketball are something you will here him winning. I know he is wanting to play becouse he sees them kids out there everyday. Other dogs Buddy makes buddy out of them. Puppys he washes them and just lets them do what every they want to him. I can sit here and talk about Buddy all day long if you like. :D

BTW, I got my Aussie from the pound. And I can tell you that other than buddy, I have not had a better dog than a Mutt. He was Sheep dog and Collie mix. He was the best dog I had ever had in a mutt. I did have a German Sheppard once. He was a good dog. But he didn't like cats. He was a good guard dog though.

[echo]

I have an Australian Shepherd/ Great Pyranees. He is the perfect farm dog. I found him on www.petfinder.com.

[Minouri]

I'm not into hyper dogs. I guess I don't care too much about intelligence either, really. All I want from a dog is....come when called, don't mess in the house, be good with the kids.....the rest is gravy.

[Dianne]

Well I have decided that I just cannot handle 3 JRTs anymore and no matter how much I love them I need to find good homes for 2 ...Maybelinne is 2 years old and fights with her mom over stuff..she is great with Dundee (her dad) and as you can see she has a great personalty and is funny and smart :lol: she LOVES cats (to eat) and is doing great at learning frisbee..she comes when called and will jump low fences without touching them to get to you :lol: here she is playing her fav game "horsey back ride" she is also crate trained
http://pic19.picturetrail.com/VOL1043/4111266/8568047/128736034.jpg
Dundee....well what can we say about Dunderhead? he is sweet and a cuddler..loves to lick feet..chase water....play tug...he THINKS he can jump..but thats all in his mind :lol: most of all he loves kids and i would trust him around younger ones. He used to like cats...we havnt had one in a while so who knows what the girls have tought him in the meantime.....
thats him closest to my hand
http://pic19.picturetrail.com/VOL1043/4111266/8568047/132424836.jpg
Both of them are free to good home...shipping only

[Fuego]

http://www.2hottotrot.com/data/549/medium/scan0006.jpg


Just some generl info on Aussies:

The name is misleading. They didn't originate in Austrailia. They are an American made breed. Their exact origins remain a mystery. Likely a combination of several different herding breeds brought to America. Early herders were less concerned about bloodlines then they were about a dog's actual working abilities. The breed gained notice and popularity after being a part of a popular rodeo entertainment act in the western states.

The breed is best recognized for the blue merle coloring in the breed ( comes in red merle also). They also come in solid red or black with or without tan and white accents. Blue eyes are also common ( a solid dark liver red w/ 2 blue eyes is stunning, but not common)
Breeding merle to merle greatly enhances the possibilities of genetic mutations and a multitude of health problems.

Natural 'bobtails' occur in the breed and puppies born with tails generally have their tails docked. Breeding natural bobtails to each other also increase your chances of health problems with the litter ( primarily spinal problems)

Coat length varies from short to medium long. Thicker longer coats became more common after AKC gave the breed recognition ( "pretty" became the focus for the AKC show ring over working function). Shorter coats are generally preferred for working Aussies for obvious practical reasons.

[baileyholc]

I have an Australian Shepherd/ Great Pyranees. He is the perfect farm dog. I found him on www.petfinder.com.

Thats how I found My Buddy! I am glad to find someone else that uses
Petfinders.


Fuego, Thanks for the info. I was wandering why my Buddy was mostly white. He has red marble patches in place like behind his ears and spot around his mouth and a saddle like spot going down one side of his butt. Both eyes are a sky blue and he has no tail. I will try to get a side shot of him an post it.

[Cam]

The best all around dog I ever had was a golden retriever (except for the long hair) I tried to replace her with a labXgolden hoping for a short haired version with the same sweet temperment/attitude/trainability but couldn't find one. Currently have a 2 y/o lab (too hyper) and a labXchow (too stubborn). I've also had a gsdXborder collie that always nipped at the horses feet, a golden retrieverX collie that was too unreliable and hyper but the smartest dog I ever had, and a big old heinz 57 that looked like a smaller version of an Irish wolfhound..he was very timid, but thankful and obedient (rescue). I imagine you'll find good and bad dogs in any breed. If I ever get another dog it will probably be a mutt. I hope you find what you're looking for.

[Pam M]

Yep, Chows (and crosses) can be stubborn! But whatever dog I end up with will be from a rescue org or the pound. I refuse to buy a dog - or cat - as long as there's still a need for pounds and rescues. I don't care about purebreds but I have some definite traits I'm looking for and I think the Aussie standard covers them pretty well.

Marelyn, I've had Chows in Florida for 20 years now (4 of them) and I've only had one that didn't have skin problems. You're so lucky to have "good" ones! I think they're the perfect dog but I'm just done with having them in this climate.

I contacted one of the breed rescue groups and got the application. I'm going to wait until fall to get one because I lose all motivation in the summer heat and my Chow needs a ton of attention in the summer. Thanks for the input everyone! And thanks Mitch for all of your great info. You really helped me make up my mind.

[Serendipity]

I have freind that raises Bloodhounds they are a good all around dog

[CarolU]

I have freind that raises Bloodhounds they are a good all around dog

Don't they SLOBBER a LOT??? :shock:

I always wanted a Bloodhound named Buford, but after watching a special on them I decided I couldn't deal with the drool. :-?

[Dianne]

Oh YEAH...Mucho slobber :lol: :lol: what I wanna know is that better or worse than 1/2 inch white hairs all over your stuff? :razz: Hmmm vacuum or mop..vacuum or mop.....

[Mellifluous]

Starr and Ken just had a litter of Catahoulas - another on the way. One of their males got loose and had himself a couple of flings.

They are trying to find homes for the puppies from what I have gathered...asked me if I wanted one earlier today.

[Mellifluous]

Oh, and I would like to make a plug for what has long been considered the best "farm dog" by generations of Jordans (Kevin's family) - They swear by a german shepard/collie cross. Best kind of dog ever for a farm.

[Pam M]

I know this sounds crazy coming from someone who's had Chows and has been around both large and aggressive breeds for decades...but there's 2 breeds that I'm actually afraid of...Dachshunds and German Shepherds! I've been bitten by Dachshunds twice and my best friend has several of them. They give me the heebie jeebies! And I can't explain the German Shepherds. I know a lot of people that swear by them. I even boarded at a place that had 2 and they were so friendly but I never got over being nervous around them. I think I passed that fear on to my gelding. He's good around most dogs but when we ride by the neighbor that has 3 GS's we both get a little jiggy!!

[DebbieS]

Your afraid of daschund's? LOL - my little one is 15 now - she used to be quite the biter in her younger years!!

My favorite is my golden retriever. He always goes on rides with me. He NEVER chases livestock (an occasional rabbit, though). House-trained in 3 days at 8 weeks old (seriously). Loves everyone, but has quite a bark on him, that keeps people in their cars unless they know him.

You tell them 'no' one time, that's it. The first time I turned the chickens out of their pen, I told him 'no'. Next thing, I look out and the chickens are climbing on top of my sleeping retriever!! They are so smart. Mine is 8 now, and I know when he's gone, I'll get another just like him in a heartbeat. He is always happy, always smiling, and always makes you feel like you're the best person on earth.

http://animalstaples.com/images/Dak.jpg

[CarolU]

Mel, what is a Catahoula?? Sounds like a Hawaiian cat.

I am afraid of Pit Bulls, Rottwielers, and anything that looks like either one or crosses. They just shot two Pit Bulls here that got lose on Monday when the wind blew the gate open...they attacked seven people - four different children and 3 adults who tried to rescue the children - until the Sherrif got there and shot them. Of course they were "nice family dogs" that never harmed anyone BEFORE. It's just lucky adults ran out to rescue the children.

I imagine I will stick with Labs...I really can't think of a breed I like better.

[Fuego]

Carol U .... catahoulas website

http://www.catahoulaleopard.com/homepg.htm


very interesting dogs.... wild coat patterns

[CarolU]

Interesting. They look like cat hounds, the kind they have here to hunt cougars with.

It seems that most of the paso people around here have Corgis. I have absolutely no experience owning one of them, but they sure are cute.

I did have a chow years ago that had skin problems and needed mitaban (spelling) dips and had an alergy to fleas. The ones I have now are all healthy and spend their days hanging out in the shade and spend their evenings barking at the opossums or other night creatures that wander past the fencing. I will never be robbed by a raccoon coming through the back yard :lol:

[DebbieS]

I have a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. She is adorable and full of ATTITUDE!! Their cuteness factor is pretty intense, so they tend to think they can get away with everything (and they usually do). They do try to herd horses, and they don't listen very well. The horses either ignore Heidi, or they chase her. She does turn tail and run if anything comes after her (especially wild turkeys ;-) )

She can keep up on a trailride pretty well for a couple hours, but those short little legs would probably give out if I took her out all day. Mine is about 17 pounds - a little smaller than average, which is about 25 pounds.

Here's Heidi:
http://animalstaples.com/personal/sm_Im000324.jpg

[Mellifluous]

Another Catahoula site

http://www.catahoulas.org/

They are really fun dogs. I always enjoy playing with them when I visit Starr.

The use theirs for hog hunting in the mountains. Starr bought them some kevlar vests.

[lisa l aka marci]

I've learned quite a bit lately about the Karelian Bear Dog - since my Mom got Chai....

These dogs are short-haired, good with kids and around animals, are protective, smart, brave (they are used to hunt BEAR!).....and good looking.....

Not a whole lot of breeders around, but there is a rescue in PA which is where Chai came from.....

I want to get her used to Marci (she is afraid of Lucy right now - Marci chased her around the pasture already!) and take her out on trail rides with me.

[mea772]

I think it is a corgi that Clinton Anderson has! I am thinking they must be good horse dogs!

I know the best dog for you! He is 5 months old, beautiful markings...Lab/German Pointer/and I think heller (oh, I mean heeler) mixed!

LOL, yeah, I am talking about our puppy! What a handful! LOL Back in December I decided to conform to what the rest of the family kept asking for and I started to look for another dog (we have a St. Bernard...fantastic dog but not super farm/horse friendly...she is quite scared..I guess getting bit by the fence helped that LOL)

Anyways, I did SO much researched...looked at over 200 rescues online and found a couple that we would be interested in. Well, the one place that I called ended up giving me the runaround so we decided to just get in our car and go to a few APL's (animal protective league). We called the one by me and she said they had 2 litters just brought in...we went and fell in love. Had I had a lap top and done some research before we picked Chase up...we might have not picked him up LOL

Chase is 150% puppy! My other dog was never this rambunxious LOL.

I do know that he needs to be outside more and I know that with proper training he will turn out to be a great dog. He is very smart! He listens to my husband real good and he is starting to listen to me better...although I still take him out on a leash (my husband does not need to).

I just hope we can get thru the next year and keep our sanity! LOL

[CarolU]

I've read this whole thread again. I want to get a puppy this spring and want one that will work out here.

I have read a lot of pros and cons about different breeds, but I still haven't been 'sold' on any one. I won't do a 'mutt' again, have one of those and she's way too fuzzy and dirty for a farm/house dog.

C'mon guys, convince me of the perfect breed!

[Cam]

I don't think you can beat the Golden Retriever for temperment (mine got along with everybody and every critter and was totally obedient..after the usual puppyhood stuff), just need to make sure of clean blood lines (the common health issues...skin problems, thyroid disease, and hip dysplasia). Mine was on thyroid med since age 3 and developed skin problems at the end but her hips were fine. As for the long coat, I ended up having her shaved every spring. My parents had a labXgolden with the same "golden" temperment but the shorter lab coat. I couldn't find one when I was looking so I took a full lab. She's a sweet dog, but still quite hyper and naughty at times and almost 2 yrs old. I really miss my old dogs!

[ASB.Immortality]

I know this is totally shameless but we have Catahoula pups right now.

I can't say we have had any better dogs. Although it is really hard to beat an Irish Wolfhound. Other than her, I won't have anything other than a Catahoula.

I will take some pics of ours and post them. :D