Working/working Line Dogs As Pets

[moosmum]

I keep working dogs as pets because the temperament and trainable intelligence is compatible with my life.After having a dog like that growing up,its hard to accept any thing "less".

I tried non working lines and found the hard way they would not do at all for my needs when I had to stop a fugitive who had just held a family at knife point from entering my home while I was alone with 3 small children.

They are personal protection dogs who have the run of house and a huge yard.They share their space with free range chooks,horses,cats and often other animals,little dogs too.They are pretty much constant companions is all I do and I love that they pick up so quickly on things.

They look out not only for me but the other animals,alert me when some thing needs my attention and often try to help out.

Most people comment on how affectionate they are,and find it hard to believe they are capable of being otherwise.My children were raised with them,had the usual parties etc with the dogs not needing to be confined even then.We have never had a child hurt by a dog,but a son bit the dog as a pre schooler.

Some of their lines are living quite happily in cities filling the same function,some trained in P.P.some doing obedience and agility etc. They go to dog parks and are not a problem..2 huge boys have been known to ignore little dogs completely even when being attacked.

They are very pampered family pets who do a job when needed.I know these dogs will not let me down.

BUT... They are not for every one.Their needs for training,socialisation,mental stimulation and lots of companionshipship have to be met.To me, they are very easy to live with and train,far easier than the non working lines,since the more they are taught the better they learn.We are very familiar with this particular line now and that makes a huge difference IMO.

Some are laid back and some pretty full on/ reactive,but with the early ground work while they are growing up even the reactive ones are safe family pets.

I don't believe they are suited to 1st time dog owners or those who have no real committment to turning out a well rounded dog.

[huski]

Totally agree with Poodlefan

I have always liked GSDs but if I ever got one (seriously considering it down the track) it would be a WL not a SL. I'd have more chance of getting what I want in a WL shepherd than SL. But I don't just want a pet and if I was just after a family pet dog that didn't need a job to do, I would be more inclined to get a SL.

I don't mind that there is a SL and WL distinction in some breeds. Not all pet owners want to own a high drive working dog, and sometimes SL can give them the breed they want but with an easier to live with temperament. Happier dog, happier owner.

I must admit I HATE the look of some of the field beagles however there's not as big a distinction in beagles as in some breeds and you still see SL dogs working.

Edited September 24, 2010 by huski

[poodlefan]

Working line Toy Poodle

Bench line Toy Poodle

Edited September 24, 2010 by poodlefan

[SpecTraining]

Loving these pics PF!! Keep 'em coming!

Me too, and in every one so far I have preferred the working dog over the show one.

What I don't understand is what happened at the transition point where people showed a different look to the original working dog. How could this different look which is quite dramatic in Poodlefan's example pictures be awarded show wins instead of being sent home for exhibiting a dog of altered compliance

[Tay.]

Loving these pics PF!! Keep 'em coming!

Me too, and in every one so far I have preferred the working dog over the show one.

Yeah same here!

[poodlefan]

Working Labrador

Bench Lab

I think in this case the major difference is the condition of the dogs. Dog 2 needs to lose the kilos and tone up!

Edited September 24, 2010 by poodlefan

[ravenau1]

Fascinating thread! Thanks for the pics, Poodlefan.

I also prefer the look of the working line dogs.

[poodlefan]

Some of the working line dogs I've posted won't be found in this country.

There are working lines in most of the gundog breeds though.

[Remarkabull]

Wow, I have never really liked Labs, but have to say that pic of the WL Lab could change my opinion. He/she is lovely. #2 could definately do with some dieting . Would a lab in that physical condition be considered correct for the showring?

[poodlefan]

Wow, I have never really liked Labs, but have to say that pic of the WL Lab could change my opinion. He/she is lovely. #2 could definately do with some dieting . Would a lab in that physical condition be considered correct for the showring?

Sadly, yes. Go look at the pics in the Lab profiles here.

Edited September 24, 2010 by poodlefan

[Tay.]

Is it just me, or do all of the working line dogs look healthier?

[Diva]

you cheated with the poodle !

[poodlefan]

you cheated with the poodle !

On a poodle list I used to be on there were Americans who shot over their mini and toy poodles.

[moosmum]

Great pics,the differences are huge!

Love seeing the poodles work.

I like the reactions I see when they make some comment about poodles being pampered sissy little lap dogs and I tell them they can be highly intelligent working dogs and I think they are great. it just suprises me that so few know of that side to the breed.

Very sad realy.

[poodlefan]

Great pics,the differences are huge!

Love seeing the poodles work.

I like the reactions I see when they make some comment about poodles being pampered sissy little lap dogs and I tell them they can be highly intelligent working dogs and I think they are great. it just suprises me that so few know of that side to the breed.

Very sad realy.

I have to confess that the Toy poodle didn't participate in the dispatch of that rabbit. She sure was interested in digesting it though.

Just showing it can be done:

Edited September 24, 2010 by poodlefan

[Diva]

you cheated with the poodle !

On a poodle list I used to be on there were Americans who shot over their mini and toy poodles.

I'm sure they are up to it.

But I recognise that little face.

[moosmum]

Great pics,the differences are huge!

Love seeing the poodles work.

I like the reactions I see when they make some comment about poodles being pampered sissy little lap dogs and I tell them they can be highly intelligent working dogs and I think they are great. it just suprises me that so few know of that side to the breed.

Very sad realy.

I have to confess that the Toy poodle didn't participate in the dispatch of that rabbit. She sure was interested in digesting it though.

Just showing it can be done:

Thought that might be the case

I've used pics on dol before tho' to "educate' about poodle.My O.H specificaly to show him a standard poodle.He thought they were all toy or mini.

He was amazed!

[Staranais]

An example would be a GSD specialty show. How can a Shutzhund titled imported dog loose to a local dog that isn't work tested and confirmed it is bred to correct type???. IMHO, all the work titled dogs should fill the top placings before any untitled dogs are looked at in a working dog category show.

I agree.

[Aidan3]

I have to confess that the Toy poodle didn't participate in the dispatch of that rabbit. She sure was interested in digesting it though.

Hehe, I'll bet you caught a few out with that one!

Here is a poodle who really does compete in hunt tests:

Lots of field Goldens look like show Goldens, but some of the American and Canadian lines look distinctly different, this one probably too dark for our standard:

[poodlefan]

Lots of field Goldens look like show Goldens, but some of the American and Canadian lines look distinctly different, this one probably too dark for our standard:

The old wives tale is that the darker the dog, the more hunting instinct it should have.

I think that colour is OK here. A friend who breeds working GRs has a dog close to that colour.