Border Collie or Dalmation??? HELP

zimandtakandgrrandmimi

hmm....Perhaps a BC someday...any breed I own has to have the intelligence and energy to keep up with my bullies...though it would have be a smooth coat..

sorry OP Im done hijacking...

Lonewolfblue

As for people friendly, I know a few people with pits around my block here and they are definitely not real friendly here. And with all the pits I've taken on walks at the Humane Society, there's only been one that I just loved, he was the best mannered pit I had ever seen. The rest were all too restless, nippy, and had something about them that I just didn't trust. And again, it all stems out from how they have been raised. But I would have to say between pits and BC's, my experience is that BC's are more people friendly, lol. That can also be different in other locations as well. Just need to do your homework before selecting any particular dog.

The only dog that's ever bit me was my Betty, lol. An ACD, lol. ACD's are very hard headed. Makes most pits look like teddy bears, lol. I've been in contact with about a dozen or so BC's, and have not seen one with any major issues yet, but yes, they are out there. My trainers BC is the velcro lovebug, loves everyone. In her Rally competitions, she's missed some titles due to breaking away to greet the judges, then going back to complete the course, lol. And the 8 BC's at Betty's herding class were great, they all greeted new strangers that came in to class, then went back to the sheep or ducks, or racing each other around the pond at 100mph, lol. And that's why the need for the research, to weed out the good from the bad. And yes, they definitely need something to do. I'm glad I got my Nell, she's been a real charm.

Also, some say the BC's, ACD's, etc, are not the type of dogs for the first-time dog owner. Well, it also depends on the individual person as well. I was a first-time dog owner, and what was my first dog? lol. Betty, my ACD. And I have learned tons from having her, and when I first got her, there were some that thought I was crazy and making a big mistake. Well, even though I've had a lot if major ups and downs, I'm really glad with the choice I made. And she is too. A lot depends on the individual person. If you are willing to spend time with the dog, work on training, have jobs for them, and the dog is going to be a big part of your life and not just the occasional playmate, then I don't see anything wrong in getting the BC. They are my favorite breed personally, it's what I wanted before getting Betty. But when I saw Betty, I just fell in love with that coat, lol. And since there weren't any BC's available at the shelter here, I got Betty.

Even with having 3 dogs, I still find a little time now and then to take dogs for walks at the Humane Society here. Between now and the time that you do get a dog, volunteer some time, take many dogs out for walks, do a little work with them. Get the feel for some of the different personalities the dogs have. You will find one that fits you and you will fall in love with, and chances are, it may not even be a Dal or a BC. Find the individual dog where the personality fits you.

Wary and judgemental? hehehe... That's exactly how my trainers Sheltie is. And once the bond is there, it's permanent. My Sheltie (Chloe) is the complete opposite. She's velcro to everyone, not wary of anything. She loves people, other dogs, cats, and especially kids. So the home that she came from was very good to her, and she was properly socialized with everything. She just ended up at the shelter due to the kids keeping the doors open and she kept wandering off, and the parents just got tired of paying to bail her our. So that last time, they said to keep her and adopt her out.

zimandtakandgrrandmimi

not enough exercise and mental stimulation. My girls get six to seven hours a day and are still raring to go...and they have bad structure and health issues...

no offence but This made me fall on the floor laughing. The ACDs I have known were to a t big babies compared to the pits I have known....

Laurelin

The bcs we get seem to vary.. Some are just plain lovebugs and then we get some that just take time to warm up to you. It's like you have to earn their affection, so it makes you feel somewhat privileged. We've never gotten in ana aggressive bc, just some destructive ones (they were bored). Aussies seem to be a bit more aloof than the bcs, but we still get some of those that are jumping all over and being wiggle bums. And as for ACDs.... well... you know how they can be, lol! Hard headed is the best word for them. We had the neatest ACD/border collie mix the other day. He was such a fun personality. The only problem was he resource guards pretty badly.

Just curious how Chloe is with people? Trey is so shy, but Nikki was everyone's best friend (for a while until she got bored with you).

Hehe, you answered while I was posting. Yeah, we've had the full range of shelties here. Nikki was the not normal one in that she craved attention from everybody. Trey however will watch you from across the room and wait for you to mess up. He's very judgmental and it takes a long time to get him to relax. He has warmed up to two people right away though, but they were both my good friends and dog people. Rosie wasn't so aloof, but she wouldn't have run up to someone uninvited. Nikki would've especially if it was a man.

Someone with bcs once said with shelties you're guilty until you're proven innocent. I had to laugh at that.

Lonewolfblue

Chloe just loves everyone she meets. Is not at all wary of anyone. She would be one that I would be afraid that she would walk off with anyone and get into their car and go off with them, lol.

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Sebastian_Doggs

Thanks for all the help guys!

tirluc

all the BC i have ever come across (w/ the exception of a friends) have been "friendly" but quite reserved w/ strangers....mine will greet everyone in a nice manner but they watch them and keep them at "front leg" distance for further eval.....it usually takes 3-4x of meeting someone b/4 they will actually warm up to them and if they don't, it's generally w/ good reason....as for being w/ other dogs?....i have never met one that was totally dog aggressive (wait, i take that back, a guy in our club has one that is), but they really don't have time to socialize w/ them much either....they have things to do (work, play ball, work, etc) i will say that when you have more than one working (our goosing) they learn quickly, on their own, how to work as a team (or in 3's).....just this past fall Tir, Saoirse and Titch quickly got a system down when working ponds.....Tir would go one direction, Saoirse the other and Titch would usually work both sides back and forth...when the geese would start coming Tir's direction she'd hit the water (she's my water dog) and then Saoirse would keep them off the other side...at this point Titch would generally stay on Tir's side to keep them from coming back that way......it was really cool to watch them bring it together like that....

Sebastian_Doggs

I don't think socializing my dog will be a problem as there is a doggy park right behind my house and my whole street if full of dogs like Golden Retrievers, highland white terriors, american eskimos, labradors and such. lol I remember when I used to deliever newspapers on my street, all the dogs would bark when I came near their houses.

craven.44

have you had the chance to visit a shelter? Even if you think it might not be the best fit for you, I really encourage you to go have a look around. You may find a wonderful mutt who would be perfect for you. Or you may get to work with a breed you like and get first hand experience to see if that dog is right for you.

Most problems I have seen are either individual dog issues or the result of poor training, socialization, boredom, or something else that is generally the owners fault, not the dog. Good luck!

Lonewolfblue

Not a problem. Keep us up-to-date on your search/progress......

Aston

Pay attention to "tirluc" posts. He knows what he is saying, on the contrary other posts here, show that some users don't know what a BC is. I even foung this pearl here: "The only sane BC I ever met was owned by a man who used him to work cattle" this is typical of someone that had never been in contact with BC's.

BarclaysMom

You're miles ahead of many potential dog owners just because you're really thinking about it and asking questions - good for you! I hope you figure it out and find the perfect dog

sheltiemom

I've been lucky with my bc. He came from a rescue and was pulled from a shelter before that...I adopted him as an adult, and for the most part he is calm. It's simply not true that bc's need sheep to herd or acreage to run on in order to be happy. My bc and the ones I know just want to be working and interacting with their people...it's a mistake to think, "Oh, I have a big yard, a high energy dog will be happy running out there..." My dogs, 2 shelties, 1 bc and 1 aussie, need training and structure. Structured activities and a structured day, and they all want to be with me all the time. They would rather be holding down the couch with me than out in the yard alone. OP....since you're mom is the one who is home all day, I would be very sure that she wants a bc too...or whatever breed you decide on. I think an older bc would work ok for you if your whole family is on board.

PugChick

Aston-

ROFL. I have met a LOT of BCs. They were the dog du jour for the cowboy-wanna bes not that long ago. You can't go two houses without there being a BC, aussie or ACD in someone's yard. I have chased down lose BCs attacking riders (*attacking*, not herding), I have been chased by lose BCs while riding, I have been chased by loose BCs at horse shows, I have beat off a DA BC that was attacking my boss's Mini aussie at a show, I have had my chickens killed by BCs, I had one of my minis horses RIPPED OPEN by a BC. I get BCs in at work that are aggressive. I haven't had one bite me - yet. I see BCs in yards performing sterotypic behaviors because they are nuts from the wrong enviroment.

If you like I can take my camera and get a video of the one two streets over that spins. For hours. Just spins. He's pretty fun to watch. Totally off his rocker, but fun to watch.

The working dog was the ONLY sane one.

I do not know nor have I ever met anyone who does agility or the like with their dogs. I don't doubt that can keep a BC happy, but for the average dog owner (not dog person) owner who gets a working dog and doesn't have work for it? You're begging for trouble.

Next thing you'll know I'll have claims that I've never met a pug before - I don't paint a total pollyanna sunshine and roses picture for that breed either.

Sebastian_Doggs

Lol, my mom was the first one to suggest gettin a BC

Lonewolfblue

I completely agree. Even a younger one, say, 1.5-2yrs old. I got my Nell when she was 11 months, and she's been a great dog. Yes, lots of energy and need things to do, but if you are willing, and your mom likes BC's and is willing to help out, then I don't see any problems myself. I just wouldn't get a pup if you don't have the ability to spend tons of time with them, as with other breeds as well. If I had the choice of getting another dog, it would definitely be a BC at about 11-12 months. Not sure I want the time required with a pup.

Good for her, lol.....

Sebastian_Doggs

Thats the main thing right now. Getting my parents to agree to spend time with the dog. If they both agree then for sure I'll get a BC or a Dal. If not then I'll probably decide on another dog

Lonewolfblue

My Nell doesn't work sheep, cattle, or ducks, and she's perfectly sane. Like mentioned above, a job does not necessarily mean herding. There are many jobs that keep BC's happy. I've been doing a little Rally with Nell, but have switched over to Agility, as she's just got loads of energy and need a good outlet. And she's loving it. Can't wait to actually teach her some sequencing, currently we are just familiarizing with the equipment, and working on Sit/Stays and Down/Stays, as well as working on the left, as well as on the right.

PugChick

Of course not. But there does need to be a job. Something to mentally and physically engage the dog, and not just for 10mins a day. The dog needs work.

Most people I know can't be bothered to even walk their dogs everyday.


That BC trained on cattle was flippin' awesome. If the new property works out ::crosses fingers:: I want a working something - probably one of the BC mixes the cowboys breed, I met one in NM I loved- and I'm going to get some more heritage sheep for it to herd.

tirluc

and these are the dogs that i have been talking about that i get to work w/ after the owners get tired of dealing w/ their neurotic behaviors....mine, also, don't have sheep/cattle to work 24/7, altho we do do the goosing ruffly about 6 mo out of the yr.....they are laying in the house a good portion of the time, both here and at work, but all-in-all i'd say that the were "idle" about 3-4 hrs a day of wake time....the rest of the time i am doing something w/ them.....and not one of my dogs is insane.....

it takes time and dedication (and ingenuity) to keep them from being a neurotic mess.....and this goes for MANY breeds of dogs.....

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