Which Breed Does This Describe?

[Ptolomy]

Rally Valley gets to play with my kids at least once a week and shows 2 of them for me, so she has first hand experience with tollers.

However, I always hand pick the naughty full on ones as babies because thats what I want for obedience, ones with attitude, but they do come in a more laid back version

I think she was very diplomatic with what she said

Edited January 18, 2011 by Ptolomy

[RallyValley]

Working Springer of course!

Em is full on and loves playing with Ziggy but one (well deserved) grumble from him and she immediately submits until he can't resist her adoring eyes and wagging tail - takes about 5 seconds Easy care coat, runs like the wind (all day!), loves to learn and is just a pleasure to snuggle with on the couch. Note: I don't allow dogs on the couch...well I didn't before Miss E

From reading all about Em and seeing Huski's thread she sounds close to perfect only.... I cant show a working lines ES I am looking for a dog I can show cause I enjoy that side of things too!

Would a small to medium size dog interest you or were you just looking at medium to large dogs? Are you dead against wire coats?

Some of the most laid back dogs we have in our playgroups at work are Bassets but I don't think they suit the sports side! Goldens and Dallies are often the dogs are work who are in everyone elses faces.

As a personal preference I like medium to large dogs but the right small breed might suit. However anything that weighs less then 10 kilos or would be run in the 400 height class at agility (or smaller ) would just be too small for me.

I am not dead against wire coats but I don't find the thought of patting one at all appealing or personally like the look. But if the dog was near pefect in every other aspect I would consider it.

Munsterlander ? (small I think)

One of the last dog trials I went to - this was the most laid back and successful dog.

Burkes Backyard fact sheet declares them "nervous" and prone to dog aggression - so based on those fact sheets being all wrong as usual... they'd be calm and laid back and not interested in other dogs - which is what I observed. Have also seen this with Brittany spaniels.

There are only Large Munsterlanders in Australia. They are a breed I have been admiring for a few months.. have yet to meet one properly though. I have also been looking into Brittany's

Rally Valley gets to play with my kids at least once a week and shows 2 of them for me, so she has first hand experience with tollers.

However, I always hand pick the naughty full on ones as babies because thats what I want for obedience, ones with attitude, but they do come in a more laid back version

I think she was very diplomatic with what she said

Yes but after playing with the full on ones so much a laid back one might seem boring :D

[FHRP]

First breed that came to mind from your original list was also Italian Spinone. Lovely, laid back easy going dogs. I did compete in obedience and agility with my Spin, but they are not a breed I'd recommend for ANKC agility and while I have a real interest in the sport I probably won't have another Spinone. Asking a dog of their build to regularly jump 600 is a big ask and I did NADAC and ADAA agility with her where the jump heights were more sympathetic to her build. We did get two passes in Novice Obedience, including a score of 194 (when there were two heel patterns) but they are a more stubborn gundog breed and really need to see the point. She would blitz it one day and be dreadful the next. However, they are trainable as any gundog should be

The Wirehaired Vizsla may be worth looking at. A long time Vizsla owner and trainer raves about how laid back her Wirehaired Vizsla is compared to her smooths, she is also a very succesful competitor in the obedience ring with both varieties. Actually she's a DOLer, although I haven't seen her post for ages....

[Mason_Gibbs]

Mason would be the type of dog Toby could live with, he backs of with just a warning and tends to pick up signals on when to give a dog space and mind his own business. Not all labs are like that though, I know.

ETA there is a Vizsla across the road that Mason plays with some mornings, he is a lovely dog, very active when out but his owner tells me that at home he is as relaxed and calm as anything, he is a lovely dog and is very very obedient too.

Edited January 18, 2011 by Mason2009

[RallyValley]

Toby has (and probably will again) go on holidays with Bronson who is a Lab but similar to Mason in that he is not so full on. They happily play tug and fetch together and play chase but Bronson gets bored or tired quite easily and Toby knows to leave him alone then. I love Bronson and he has ruined Lab's for me! I will always be like "well Bronson..." and because I never had to live with him and missed the really naughty things he does he is perfect in my eyes

I will definately go visiting at a Vizla club meet Sounds like a breed I have to give some more thought to.

Mason would be the type of dog Toby could live with, he backs of with just a warning and tends to pick up signals on when to give a dog space and mind his own business. Not all labs are like that though, I know.

ETA there is a Vizsla across the road that Mason plays with some mornings, he is a lovely dog, very active when out but his owner tells me that at home he is as relaxed and calm as anything, he is a lovely dog and is very very obedient too.

[RuralPug]

'Happy go lucky", "bomb proof", suit show and dog sports, medium to large, preferably gundog...

Is there a conspiracy I'm not aware of here? Why is everyone not mentioning the obvious one? Plenty dual titles around so spoilt for choice...

I'm talking about labs. So why not throw them into the consideration pot as well?

ETA: Ah posted at the same time and cleverly answered my question too! Who's your crystal ball supplier? :lol:

Edited January 18, 2011 by RuralPug

[Mason_Gibbs]

Toby has (and probably will again) go on holidays with Bronson who is a Lab but similar to Mason in that he is not so full on. They happily play tug and fetch together and play chase but Bronson gets bored or tired quite easily and Toby knows to leave him alone then. I love Bronson and he has ruined Lab's for me! I will always be like "well Bronson..." and because I never had to live with him and missed the really naughty things he does he is perfect in my eyes

I will definately go visiting at a Vizla club meet Sounds like a breed I have to give some more thought to.

Mason would be the type of dog Toby could live with, he backs of with just a warning and tends to pick up signals on when to give a dog space and mind his own business. Not all labs are like that though, I know.

ETA there is a Vizsla across the road that Mason plays with some mornings, he is a lovely dog, very active when out but his owner tells me that at home he is as relaxed and calm as anything, he is a lovely dog and is very very obedient too.

Yeah i am like that too, mason is so special that i hope the new puppy can live up to my expectations. The viszla i know is quite in other dogs faces tho and he always takes masons toys but maybe its because he just wants mas go chase him. Lovely dogs though i must say and the owner put in min effort for training and dog is as obedient as and he will only be 3 this year. He is also good with their toddler.

[RallyValley]

'Happy go lucky", "bomb proof", suit show and dog sports, medium to large, preferably gundog...

Is there a conspiracy I'm not aware of here? Why is everyone not mentioning the obvious one? Plenty dual titles around so spoilt for choice...

I'm talking about labs. So why not throw them into the consideration pot as well?

ETA: Ah posted at the same time and cleverly answered my question too! Who's your crystal ball supplier? :lol:

I was replying to Mason's post So I definately can't see into future posts... if I was that intuitive I would not have even had to create this thread seeking guidence on breeds!

[pie]

However anything that weighs less then 10 kilos or would be run in the 400 height class at agility (or smaller ) would just be too small for me.

Are you sure Valley??? Trixie is 10kg and 400 and I think she is too small for you

I remember once at Riverside there was a Vizsla meet with crazy hyper Vizsla's running everywhere, and amongst them was a wirehaired baby, probably about 16 weeks, with a cute little beard, and I was so impressed at how calm and confident he was, just cruising from group to group, meeting dogs and peoplevery politely and getting heaps of pats, it really stuck with me! Definitely look into them!

I like Brittany's too but I think the two at Nationals were pretty boisterous weren't they

I liked your diplomatic Toller comment too

[becks]

If you like the fluff, what about a Portugese Water Dog or a Lagotto?

[raineth]

my next dog will be a spinone

I just love them!!!

check out this site: spinone club of GB

and if you go to the gallery section you can see how incredibly athletic they can be! Amazing

[Kavik]

If Toby is part Kelpie and behaves like a herding dog, what about a purebred Kelpie? I have found that herding breeds understand each other well, and that Kelpies like the company of other Kelpies I have found that I have to be careful with introduction of the Kelpies with gundogs as they do speak slightly different languages Kaos gets on with the Vizslas he knows, but I think that is partly because he was introduced to sidoney's Vizslas when he was a puppy, and hers are well behaved, as are the ones at agility (Though I have to be careful if several come up to him at once as he can get a bit overwhelmed then). I haven't found Labs to mix well with the Kelpies.

[RallyValley]

However anything that weighs less then 10 kilos or would be run in the 400 height class at agility (or smaller ) would just be too small for me.

Are you sure Valley??? Trixie is 10kg and 400 and I think she is too small for you

I remember once at Riverside there was a Vizsla meet with crazy hyper Vizsla's running everywhere, and amongst them was a wirehaired baby, probably about 16 weeks, with a cute little beard, and I was so impressed at how calm and confident he was, just cruising from group to group, meeting dogs and peoplevery politely and getting heaps of pats, it really stuck with me! Definitely look into them!

I like Brittany's too but I think the two at Nationals were pretty boisterous weren't they

I liked your diplomatic Toller comment too

There are some breeds I have been looking into that are around 15 kilos ;) ;) BUT as a preferance around 50cms or larger is ideal for me.

If Toby is part Kelpie and behaves like a herding dog, what about a purebred Kelpie? I have found that herding breeds understand each other well, and that Kelpies like the company of other Kelpies I have found that I have to be careful with introduction of the Kelpies with gundogs as they do speak slightly different languages Kaos gets on with the Vizslas he knows, but I think that is partly because he was introduced to sidoney's Vizslas when he was a puppy, and hers are well behaved, as are the ones at agility (Though I have to be careful if several come up to him at once as he can get a bit overwhelmed then). I haven't found Labs to mix well with the Kelpies.

Toby has met one Kelpie and they didn't really get on. He has met about 100 BC's and he seems to get on well with most of them to a point (i.e when they are throwing a ball for the group). The best interactions he has ever had with other dogs were my friends special older lab, an Aussie, the neighbours Rotweiller and an English Setter - the common denomonator here is that they are all dogs that aren't "in your face" or dogs he has grown up with. He also quite likes the Irish Terriers he has met and a certain Mancherster. ;)

[poodlefan]

'Happy go lucky", "bomb proof", suit show and dog sports, medium to large, preferably gundog...

Is there a conspiracy I'm not aware of here? Why is everyone not mentioning the obvious one? Plenty dual titles around so spoilt for choice...

I'm talking about labs. So why not throw them into the consideration pot as well?

ETA: Ah posted at the same time and cleverly answered my question too! Who's your crystal ball supplier? :lol:

At the risk of incurring the collective wrath of the Labrador folk (again), Labs are not a breed I'd recommend for someone who wants to do serious agility - too solidly builit, they have to jump high for their height and its a big ask. I think they have it tougher than the Goldens do.

I've seen one or two Labs in agility over the years and their attitude was great but their bodies find it hard to handle the demands of the sport. I think a dog lighter in build and higher in leg for its size is a much better bet.

Sure you could have fun but the risk is that you'll make your dog unsound. That's a risk I'd not recommend folk take. Labs would be high on my list of recommendations for obedience, but not agility.

Edited January 18, 2011 by poodlefan

[Monah]

I've met heaps of wire vizs, they are really lovely, coats vary so you can get a less wirey coat or quite a shaggy one.

They are much more laid back than my viz (and most other vizs I know, there may be an exception out there.. )

several portugese here are doing very well at agility and other sports, they come in wavy coat (nice and soft and easy) or curly (bit more work), gorgeous breed, nice size too for what you are after. very clever dogs...

I agree that if you are terribly interested in an agility dog that a spin may be a bit of a plodder and too large, they do excel at many other things inc. tracking etc.

apart from that they fit the criteria....

Mine doesn't compete, we just do some training. I dont have the time etc. for all the travel involved. Would be different if we were in the city.

My viz catches onto commands after one or two goes (using treats, she is GREEDY). SHe astounds me with her intelligence.... mind you, I've never had a poodle,...

[Monah]

my next dog will be a spinone

I just love them!!!

check out this site: spinone club of GB

and if you go to the gallery section you can see how incredibly athletic they can be! Amazing

Aren't they wonderful???

I spend hours on that site, and facebook re spin friends.

I see a few vizss in there too.

Those photos etc. are EXACTLY what mine is like.

One of the things I really like about the breed is that (as far as my experience goes) they are what they are, you dont hear of any dog or human aggression, nervousness etc. they are very stable dogs. I'm pretty sure there has never been a recorded bite from a spin.

there can always be exceptions to the rule, but having had contact with very many spin people and breeders form all over the world, and here is aust., I have not heard of one yet.

THere was one on HEartbeat (tv show) later episodes after dear old Alfred died. she was a honey!! and so good, even as a very young pup.... the downside was that they became a bit 'popular' and unsuitable people got them, so they have an amazing rescue/rehome service in UK where all the spins needing homes live in homes and socialise with heaps of people and dogs, upwards of 30 or 40. the photos are so lovely...

[poodlefan]

I've met heaps of wire vizs, they are really lovely, coats vary so you can get a less wirey coat or quite a shaggy one.

They are much more laid back than my viz (and most other vizs I know, there may be an exception out there.. )

several portugese here are doing very well at agility and other sports, they come in wavy coat (nice and soft and easy) or curly (bit more work), gorgeous breed, nice size too for what you are after. very clever dogs...

I agree that if you are terribly interested in an agility dog that a spin may be a bit of a plodder and too large, they do excel at many other things inc. tracking etc.

apart from that they fit the criteria.... ;)

Mine doesn't compete, we just do some training. I dont have the time etc. for all the travel involved. Would be different if we were in the city.

My viz catches onto commands after one or two goes (using treats, she is GREEDY). SHe astounds me with her intelligence.... mind you, I've never had a poodle,...

Im not sure poodles have the same rat cunning for food theft that a Viz like the Wonder Dog can demonstrate.

RV if you weren't interested in showing I'd say a working English Springer would tick all the boxes. A friend here has one and she's the loveliest dog and showing plenty of appitude for retrieving apparently.

[RallyValley]

Well according to Animal Planet these are my compatibility levels:

Brittany 99%

English Springer Spaniel 99%

Field Spaniel 99%

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever 99%

American Cocker Spaniel 98%

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 98%

English Cocker Spaniel 98%

Flat-Coated Retriever 98%

Irish Setter 98% Don't know enough to rule these in or out... possibly too big?

English Setter 97% I do want one but they are not suitable yet.

Golden Retriever 97%

Havanese 97%

Keeshond 97%

Labrador Retriever 97%

Vizsla 97%

West Highland White Terrier 97%

I have put a line through breeds that I would not consider (since this part reflects my wants, not Toby's wants )

[raineth]

my next dog will be a spinone

I just love them!!!

check out this site: spinone club of GB

and if you go to the gallery section you can see how incredibly athletic they can be! Amazing

Aren't they wonderful???

I spend hours on that site, and facebook re spin friends.

I see a few vizss in there too.

Those photos etc. are EXACTLY what mine is like.

One of the things I really like about the breed is that (as far as my experience goes) they are what they are, you dont hear of any dog or human aggression, nervousness etc. they are very stable dogs. I'm pretty sure there has never been a recorded bite from a spin.

there can always be exceptions to the rule, but having had contact with very many spin people and breeders form all over the world, and here is aust., I have not heard of one yet.

THere was one on HEartbeat (tv show) later episodes after dear old Alfred died. she was a honey!! and so good, even as a very young pup.... the downside was that they became a bit 'popular' and unsuitable people got them, so they have an amazing rescue/rehome service in UK where all the spins needing homes live in homes and socialise with heaps of people and dogs, upwards of 30 or 40. the photos are so lovely...

yes I just love that temperament! A very adaptable and laid back dog will suit my needs in the future.

I have the photo of the spin jumping over the fence with the bird in its mouth as the background on my computer at the moment

My one little worry is the hair around the mouth - I worry about it being yucky from eating and drinking. How do you manage that Monah? I've only had fine haired dogs previously.

Sorry RV if that is not exaclty relevant for you

[poodlefan]

yes I just love that temperament! A very adaptable and laid back dog will suit my needs in the future.

I have the photo of the spin jumping over the fence with the bird in its mouth as the background on my computer at the moment

My one little worry is the hair around the mouth - I worry about it being yucky from eating and drinking. How do you manage that Monah? I've only had fine haired dogs previously.

Sorry RV if that is not exaclty relevant for you

I'll confess to being a big Spinone fan. I'm not crazy about beards either which is why the Bracco Italiano appeals greatly to me. Smooth coated, slightly lighter build (and I'm told slightly more active) but same general temperament. There are a handful of Braccos here now. I've got them down as a 'maybe' dog in the future - just have to accustom myself to drool

But that doesn't help RV I suppose. So to get it back on topic, we have Irish Setters who have done well in obedience and agility at our club. Very handsome dogs, that's for sure.

Edited January 19, 2011 by poodlefan