peto2710 Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 Hi , I am looking for some advice on what sort of small breed puppy to get for a companion to my border collie. He is an outside dog, and so will the new puppy, however much time is spent with him, with daily outings to the beach. I was thinking maybe a cavalier king charles, but any suggestions would be great. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jed Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 A cavalier would not be suitable. They were bred to be an inside dog, and are never happy to live outside. It is unfair to get one and make it unhappy it's whole life. No matter what else you do, it will not be happy outside, and will probably develop behavioural problems, dig, or escape and be run over. Sorry, not really any suggestions either, more information on your lifestyle etc would probably help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 Why a small breed ? I would suggest a breed similar in size to your border- that way when they play, and if they fight, they will be evenly matched ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halfthewords Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 Cairn or Norfolk Terrier. Bold, outgoing, happy to rough and tumble with larger dogs, make great agility competitors, easy care coat, love exercise and stimulation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulesP Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 Corgi or sheltie. I find my border collies prefer other herding breeds, snobby little things that they are! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 (edited) A small breed pup may be too fragile to be left unsupervised with a BC. If subjected to unwanted attention or rough play by the BC it could end up with defensive aggression issues or injury. I know of a large breed pup that got OCD when (against breeder recommedation) it was left to play for hours every day with the BC in the home. If the primary purpose for buying the dog is for it to be a companion to the existing one I'd be looking at an adolescent rescue of working breed origins and the opposite sex to yours. You won't lack for choice. Most small breeds have neither the coat nor the body mass to cope with living outside 24/7. No way would a bracchy breed like a CKCS cope living outside in SA heat. Edited January 13, 2011 by poodlefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsD Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 My sheltie & BC get on great together, unlike the other dynamics in the pack (GSD dislikes BC & Kelpie hates sheltie). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 Are Corgies and shelties okay to be outside only dogs though? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowanbree Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 No shelties are not outside dogs. An outside sheltie is a barking sheltie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 An outside sheltie is a barking sheltie Yep.. my Auntie had one of those Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulesP Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 We have always had corgis and shelties that have lived both inside and outside. Mainly outside during the day. Haven't had a problem with this. There is a vast difference between a dog shoved outside and forgotten and a dog that lives outside and has heaps of things done with it. I am assuming the OP is in the second category. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mita Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 No shelties are not outside dogs. An outside sheltie is a barking sheltie I'm glad you posted this. Our shelties were definitely not totally outside dogs. They had a large, weather-proof secure verandah deck, with doggie door access to a grassy courtyard for going to the toot. And another doggie door into the house. A large backyard, too, for running-free play. We also owned a Cardigan Corgi and she had these same living arrangements. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsD Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 We have always had corgis and shelties that have lived both inside and outside. Mainly outside during the day. Haven't had a problem with this. There is a vast difference between a dog shoved outside and forgotten and a dog that lives outside and has heaps of things done with it. I am assuming the OP is in the second category. Yep, our sheltie is like you describe, he's outside during the day & sleeps inside at night, he has heaps of things to do & is much much happier outside then being kept in the house! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowanbree Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 There is a big difference between an outside dog and one that spend some time outside, mine do as well but they are happiest when they are with their people where ever they may be.. An ideal situation for a sheltie would be a dog door so they have the choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 Borders are pretty snobby and prefer their own breed. Why not just get another Border? Otherwise they can get on well with other herding or gundog breeds but they don't understand Terriers at all. They often get on well with Toy breeds but a Toy breed would not be suitable to have as an outside dog. Borders prefer to be inside with you as well but can and do survive as outside dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulesP Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 My borders HATE gundogs. They find them very offensive for some reason. Except Brock and he loves everyone! My 2 border collie girls are pretty little at around 46cm tall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 Why can't dogs be with their pack? Why is it so hard to understand this need? I have owned many small dogs, they like to be with me and each other. Haven't had one that prefers to stay outside yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 My borders HATE gundogs. They find them very offensive for some reason. Except Brock and he loves everyone! My 2 border collie girls are pretty little at around 46cm tall. Really, mine have always liked the clown like Gundogs. Goldies, Wiemaraners, Vislas, Springers, etc. They just can't handle anything that stares at them or acts agressively in any way. They have all been uncomfortable around Terriers and any of the guard breeds but absolutely adore the friendlier Toy breeds. My male at the moment loves every dog and person but has a particular passion for Pom baby puppies. The tinier the better and he is so gentle with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zizzi Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 My mums beagle likes everyone ?? I don't know enough about breeds to say it's small enough or the right match though?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jr_inoz Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 Corgi or sheltie. I find my border collies prefer other herding breeds, snobby little things that they are! second this... No shelties are not outside dogs. An outside sheltie is a barking sheltie Doesn't this depend on the sheltie? I know they bark - but that is when they are left alone. Friends outside shelties only give warning barks when strangers come to the property. My girls are both inside and outside shelties - and give warning barks when strangers come - but they aren't outside only dogs. A sheltie would love the daily trips to the beach and a romp with a border. Mine get to have a daily run around on the reserve near us each day with the border two doors up. They all love it. BUT - wouldn't another BC be better? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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