Small Breeds For Competition?

[CaseyKay]

Sheltie breeder and owner of 20 years here. I think the first thing you have to consider when looking at a sheltie is their temperament and if it will fit into your household. The sheltie standard reads should be reserved with strangers. Don’t mistake this as timid, it simply means they have little to no interest in people who are not part of their family. If you are looking for a mini border type temperament that isn’t a sheltie. For example if you visited my house I would not expect any of my dogs to go bounding up to you but after you had been accepted into the house and had been sitting on the couch they will come up for a pat. This is vastly different from a sheltie that is hiding under the couch and would never come near a stranger.

Hi, Thanks for that. That is the main issue I have with shyness. We take our 2 dogs everywhere, they have very social lives, not just to dog training shows but sometimes to work with me (university) and wherever OH is running errands etc during the day, also his 4wd events, KC loves going to work with my Mum, who is a rest home nurse, too. Both our dogs are very outgoing and confident with people. They like doing PR type stuff, for the club at expos etc. I would not like to have a dog that would be traumatised by our lifestyle and be happier just being at home

A good friend of mine who had two goldies and a sheltie (pets) is getting a papillon puppy soon, so I might be able to try him out so to speak! I'm in no big hurry to get a pup and I want to make the right decision. Their goldies are very much like my BCs but the sheltie tends to stay at home and is quite happy there. She had some trouble finding a breeder who is okay with a papillon puppy in a house with two big dogs. Two in fact said no way, sorry, too high of risk of injury to the tiny puppy. This is something I hadn't considered. I have seen quite a size variation in the breed, so could possible try for a larger one.

[cowanbree]

I think perhaps you have meet some shelties with very bad temperaments. Believe me none of my dogs want to stay at home, they go everywhere with me and not a lot phases them - they just are more interested in me than other people. Also the amount and way they are socilised as pups both with teh breeder and new owner helps

Having said that I have also in the past done rest home visiting and they are perfect, very gentle and not pushy wanting attention. Kell was my best one, she would enter the room and sus out if the people like her and then go and sit beside them. Where are you located, perhaps I can recomend a breeder you can go and visit and sus them out for yourself

[CaseyKay]

Cowanbree have sent you a pm

[Ausvarg FL]

Get a Swedish Vallhund, they are a small little wonder dog. Very trainable and brillant at agility.

Also no genetic problems.

casvast

[StormyroxTan]

have a look at JRT's even though there not on your list they are very tough little dogs, and my jack gets along so well with my border they are pretty equaly matched,and she is amazing at agility,she lives for it.and pretty trainable too,with a little food she will do anything

Edited October 14, 2007 by TanyaAC

[helen]

I am starting agility classes with a local club with my smooth Griffon Bruxellois. I muck around at home and she is very enthusiastic, quick, agile and a fast learner. They average between 3 - 5 kilo so they are between Chi and Cav size and you can also get long haired ones. They are unusual in the face so maybe not to everyone's liking! From your selections I would go Sheltie as that type of dog fits closest into the type you already prefer. Just find a breeder who takes temperament seriously and really socialise it between 8 - 12 weeks and the "shyness" shouldn't be an issue. I have seen several in the agility arena and doing quite well. A whippet could be an option, fast! Plus a Brittany is a handy size and very athletic. Happy hunting and I hope you find the dog you want.

Remarkable good tast recommending a Brittany

They are more of a medium size though. Out of the small breeds you mentioned Papillons and Poodles are my definate favorites. Looks like you will have to go and look at some breeds and see what you will be happiest with

[Ausvarg FL]

I found some pictures of a Swedish Vallhund doing agility.

casvast

[aussiegal7]

Thanks guys! I have only met one sheltie that has a temperament I like, the majority are very shy. I love the looks of the breed though. But I see too many that are constantly shuffling around trying to keep their owner between them and Scary Other People. How would one go about finding suitable lines? I live in New Zealand. Not too keen on corgis, we had a pembroke next door when I was growing up and he was a nasty ankle bitey dog. Put me off for life.

In terms of soundness of temperament and physical ability I personally think poodles would be the best bet. Would just need to persuade OH they aren't girly poofy dogs. If I was getting a dog just as a pet, I would definately go for the Cav. Argh.

Have you thought about a Schipperke? Awesome all round dogs, very smart and loyal!

[CaseyKay]

I don't think I have seen a schipperke

Ok, so one of the breeds on my list was the Papillon, and I have now spent a fair bit of time with Oscar the Papillon puppy who belongs to my friend.

He is tiny (10 weeks old and 1.2 kg) and OH says way too fragile, he would be too worried about it being hurt, not by the dogs we have, but in general and by being stood on and also by our cat. Maddie my older BC ignores Oscar completely as I might have expected. KC tried to play with him the first time (making bitey faces at each other and doing play bows) and it started good but he jumped about and ran so quick and she can only see out of one eye and she kept losing sight of him. So she gave up and got away from him up on the sofa! The next time she ignored him too until he got too annoying and then she got back on the sofa out of his reach. KC is 5 years old but always my playful and sweet "puppygirl", with Oscar around she seems very grown up all of a sudden!

I had no idea Papillons were so tiny and fragile-looking as puppies, I had only met grown up ones. He is much more like I imagine a chihuahua pup is like. He is extremely cute though! Although very very active for a pup so tiny. His Mum brings him into work at the university

Now just down to Cavs and Shelties

[Vickie]

I don't think anyone has mentioned schnauzers? We have LOTS of awesome mini schnauzers competing in agility in NSW right now. Here are some pics I have taklen over the last couple of weeks:

Personally if I were to get a smaller dog I would have to go for a Papillon. I know so many that live in homes with BC's & they just seem so well matched in terms of temperament & drives.

My daughter wants a sheltie, but I too am concerned about some of the temperaments I see. I would say at least 50% of the ones I know & see are nervous & those odds are too great for me.

[pie]

If only you liked Terriers: There ars ome very successful Tenties doing Agility around Australia.

Kyzer has started Agility, and he loves it, he loves the tunnels and the jumps.

He is learning it really quickly, much faster than obedience

I saw a Sheltie pup last night and it was absolutely Puny I didn't realise how little they were.

[kymbo]