lefty's random dog thread.

[lefty]

I know little about them other than this which is pretty cool:



Did you buy some sheep?

lefty

 

[itsstillmatt]

They basically work like border collies. More stamina and tougher, but less intense about non sheep things. More naturally social. Not golden retrievers, but they had to work huge sheep sales and shearings, so they culled dogs that were not generally social. They are basically the same breeding stock as bcs, but the farm collies who went to Australia from Scotland. They just selected for different traits. Also, there really only are working lines, so no weird sport dogs or show lines.

 

[djblisk]

Any advice on my 10 month old rescue pooch. Started limping in july from her front left leg, xrays were negative. Vet put her on ant-inflammtories and 2 weeks rest. She was fine. About 1.5 ago, started limping again. The vet didn't take xrays this time because she did not exhibit any pain when they test her legs. Now she is on 3 weeks rest and anti-inflammatories.

The dang dog still has a limp after a week of rest! I think its a muscle or tendon strain but for a 10 month old? Shouldn't it be healing faster?

Alas, I'm probably going to take her to an Ortho Vet in the bay area (if anyone knows of a good vet, let me know).

 

[lefty]

If your vet has ruled everything else out then time is all you've got to work with. Her exercise sessions should be on lead only with a lot of crate time inside. Have patience.

lefty

 

[dcg]

All, thanks for the advice. Sorry I haven't replied sooner; was traveling all week for work with a hectic schedule.

German Shorthaired Pointer seems to have a lot in common with the Vizsla. I like them both, and their wirehaired varieties. Also still interested in the ACD.

I'm very much a fan of Airedales and am liking the Giant Schnauzers, but the fiancee not so much, sad to say. I like the Australian Shepherd as well, but she's pretty set on something with short hair.

Lefty, I'm aware that the poodle is a fine breed, but they just don't do it for me.

Will have to try to get some time with the above breeds over the next few months.

 

[Streettrash]

I had a German Shorthaired Pointer. She lived to be 14. They are like a coiled spring at all times. You have to really love the breed to own one. Mine hunted upland birds like a pro. So much stamina and drive. Nothing better than a day spent in the field hunting quail or chucker with a Parker double over that dog. It would have been criminal for me not to allow that dog to hunt, it was what she had hardwired into her brain. IMO they are not great dogs to have around just as companions or pets, they are working dogs and that's what they desire most of all to do.

 

[lefty]

Fairly said.

lefty

 

[dcg]

Good info @Streettrash, thanks for sharing. Seems the Vizsla would likely be a better option for us.

 

[itsstillmatt]



I know little about them other than this which is pretty cool: Did you buy some sheep? lefty

We are going to get goats. We have plenty of grazing space but better goat food than sheep. We have a while, though.

All, thanks for the advice. Sorry I haven't replied sooner; was traveling all week for work with a hectic schedule. German Shorthaired Pointer seems to have a lot in common with the Vizsla. I like them both, and their wirehaired varieties. Also still interested in the ACD. I'm very much a fan of Airedales and am liking the Giant Schnauzers, but the fiancee not so much, sad to say. I like the Australian Shepherd as well, but she's pretty set on something with short hair. Lefty, I'm aware that the poodle is a fine breed, but they just don't do it for me. Will have to try to get some time with the above breeds over the next few months.

I adore our acd,but I don't know that I would actually suggest one to somebody. They are tough dogs, and smart, and beautiful. Their energy level is not super high. Great hiking companions and super loyal, but not exactly great for anything else. The real thing is that a well need acd really isn't a friendly dog. They have been kind of de-angriest by breeding, but since they are basically a show dog now, they have been de- a lot of thinged. As I said, ours is great, but he is very much old style. I don't like most I see. Love vizslas. And standard poodles.

 

[lefty]

Goats seem to be more interesting than sheep. Better personalities.

lefty

 

[itsstillmatt]

They are. They also eat all the scrub and brush, and they eat from the top down, so they are great for fire issues. They roam a lot, so that makes them a little tougher, but they are kind of pet like, and the young ones taste great.

 

[itsstillmatt]

First two are his mother working cows in a trial. Last is monkey (kelpie), Norbert (blue) and their friend buddy at the herding training place.

 

[rnoldh]

The best herding dogs use monkeys as jockeys.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/31/monkeys-ride-dogs-herd-rams-colts-video_n_2390081.html

 

[Connemara]

Any general thoughts on Great Danes, aside from the obvious issues with large breeds?

 

[itsstillmatt]

I don't like Aussies. 90% of border collies are neurotic messes. They are amazing dogs, and I love them, but ones who are bred to work aren't going to be satisfied with a tennis ball and a 3 mile run, and so many of the akc borders are soft and way too environmentally sensitive. An underused vizsla or gsp is going to be miles easier to live with.