Breed Suggestions

[megan_]

The breeds you like are very different (which is fine, I want a toy poodle and a giant schnauzer!) but I'd take some time to think what you really want from a dog and how much your lifestyle suits those breeds.

I'll don my flame suit and say that the rarer the breed in Australia the smaller the gene pool. This can (and I say "can" and not "does definitely") lead to problems because there are only a limited number of dogs to be bred with.

[Sayreovi]

I am after something that loves people and is happy to go for a run or relax on the couch (eg, if it's raining won't go stir crazy). I worry a little about dogs that are too bouncy (that's the reason I won't have another lab cos they're crazy puppies), my daughter is good with dogs, but she's still young.

Tollers are generally reserved with people, I have two here who really could care less about anyone outside the family. They are definately not like a Golden or Lab in that aspect.

They can be pretty drivey full on little dogs, there will be some calmer dogs but the breed is pretty go-go-go, they are a beautiful breed and I wouldn't trade them for the world but they aren't for everyone

This is long but well worth a read through for everyone looking at a Toller:

Top Ten Reasons NOT to Get a Toller

These are not little Golden Retrievers!

10. Shedding and Mess - Tollers do blow their coat seasonally, and they are dogs who like to swim and roll and wallow. They are not a dog for the fastidious or the allergic.

9. Watch Your Cat - Many Tollers do just fine in households with cats or other animals. They do have a strong prey drive, however. If you don't want your cat chased, this may not be the dog for you. The chasing will be all in fun, but it is likely to happen.

8. Don't Expect Me to Protect You - Tollers are generally wary of strangers, but if you want a dog to serve as protection, look elsewhere. While they are excellent natural watch dogs, and their barking may be more than enough to scare away a burglar, these dogs are not cut out to protect. They may not lead the burglar to your silver, wagging all the while like a Lab or Golden, but they also aren't likely to go for his leg.

7. The Scream - Many Tollers have a penetrating scream which they produce to indicate excitement and eagerness. To the uninitiated, this can sound like the dog is being fed into a wood chipper; it's high pitched, frantic and loud. Not all Tollers scream, but many do. If you are unable to teach quiet manners, or live in a neighborhood where dog noise will get you in trouble, or just don't like dogs who make noise, this is not the breed for you. The scream is usually a reaction to an exciting stimulus (water, a toy, a ball) rather than a constant behavior, but it can be annoying.

6. Drive - Tollers are a hunting breed, and are bred to be working dogs. They have a frantic drive to work, and will retrieve until your arm is ready to fall off. Tendonitis in Toller owners is not unusual. This dog is a retrieving fool who will climb trees to get to a bumper stuck there (we have pictures). This may sound cute now, but after the 400th throw, you may change your mind.

5. Not Be Everyone's Best Friend - If you are looking for a dog who wants to be the world's best friend, the Toller may not be for you. Tollers are gentle and kindly and many can be quite outgoing, but if you are looking for a dog with that Lab "I just met you and you're my best friend" attitude, the Toller may be wrong for your [family]. The Toller will greet strangers happily, but generally reserve true enthusiasm for their family and special people.

4. Did You Say No? - If you give a Toller an inch, they will take a mile and come back for another. Tollers are generally too smart to engage in out and out dominance battles. Instead they sense power vacuums, and exploit them. If you are unable to be firm (kind, but firm) about the rules of your household, and to enforce them consistently, you will find that the ruler of your house has four legs and is red. They don't have a mean bone in their bodies, but they are opportunistic and stunningly smart. If you aren't in charge, they will be.

3. Just Do What I Tell You - Tollers love to work, but they are not always as easy to train as other breeds. They need to be challenged and engaged by their work, or they get bored and stop paying attention. They may also try things a dozen ways before they get around to doing what you're looking for. Patience, inventiveness and flexibility are the rules. If you want a dog who's going to learn by the book, or if you're at all unsure about your ability to train a dog who's a little different from the norm, the toller may not be for you.

2. Smart, Smart, Smart - It cannot be stressed enough that this is a dog with brains to spare. Keeping all that intelligence focused and busy is a big challenge. These dogs MUST be given at least basic obedience training, and many toller owners are active in several dog activities (hunting, agility, flyball, tracking, competitive obedience) just to keep their Tollers occupied. Even a Toller who is "just a pet" MUST have basic obedience training and the chance to use their brains (teach them to bring the paper, have them carry the mail in, teach them tricks) or they become downright obnoxious around the house.

1. VRooom - The toller is an energetic dog, and needs plenty of exercise. While they aren't quite as hyperactive as some breeds, they do need lots of exercise, physical and mental. If you are looking for a dog who is content with nothing more than a pleasant walk in the evening, go elsewhere. Better behavior through exhaustion is the rule for living with a Toller. If you don't have time to give this breed at least an hour of exercise a day, every day, with plenty of swimming and fetching, look elsewhere. A Toller with excess energy will find another outlet for his drive, and the results are seldom pleasant.

If you can't keep this dog busy, don't get this dog. More than many breeds, a Toller is a mental and physical commitment. They are not the dog for everyone, and while we love them dearly, we don't want to see them in pounds and shelters. Keep this in mind as you consider choosing a "Little Red Retrieving Machine".

[minimiss]

I'd put another vote in for getting an Aussie.

From everything I've seen and read, they're wonderful with kids, and have lovely natures.

AND they're so strikingly good looking :D

[SparkyTansy]

An Old English Sheepdog would probably suit, if you were prepared for some grooming. You can keep them clipped but they do need to be clipped regularly. They don't shed masses of coat (hence the need to clip and/or brush out)

They are a very intelligent breed but gentle and loving. They can go without exercise occasionally. They are obedient and loyal. Absolutely beautiful natures and want nothing more than to be with you. They are absolute clowns.

[Rozzie]

Collie Smooth. Maybe a Tervueren.

[Ellinnet]

I was going to suggest a Finnish Lapphund as well. Pop into the Spitz thread (Esky the Husky left the link in a post a few up from here). They will soon talk you into one in there! Well, it has worked on me anyway!!

[Blackdogs]

Guys - all fine suggestions based on physical attributes but man there are some huge variations in temperaments......the OP really needs to pin down a little further what sort of temperament he/she wants before then going for looks....

I agree with this. Temperament is the most important thing when looking for a doggy companion.

Can you describe the sort of temperament you are looking for in more detail? Do you want a dog who is easy to train or more of a challenge? Do you want a dog who is clingy or more independent? What about outgoing vs reserved with strangers? Territoriality important or not? Good with other dogs or not important? Dominant and headstrong or soft and submissive? Just how much grooming exactly can you cope with? Every day or once a week? How much time will you spend with the dog and will it come indoors?

[pixie_meg]

to who ever suggested the saluki, the OP wants an obedience dog and i wouldn't be recommending a sighthound for that. great dogs but really so much harder than the other breeds to teach obedience.

I like the suggestion of the Lappie. I love setters also.

[jr_inoz]

I am after something that loves people and is happy to go for a run or relax on the couch (eg, if it's raining won't go stir crazy). I worry a little about dogs that are too bouncy (that's the reason I won't have another lab cos they're crazy puppies), my daughter is good with dogs, but she's still young.

shetland sheepdog ticks all of these boxes temperament wise and are very intelligent, eager to please and easy to train.

They are a little smaller than you are after - but the ones that are gorgeous but too big to show will probably be the right size for you.

If you want rare - go for a blue merle or a bi-black (there are a few around in the country.)

[Topoftheheap]

I like the look of the Aussie shepherds, they're very pretty. Mandimoore, you say that bearded collies need heaps of exercise, will one go stir crazy if I missed a day?

Totally accepting of a missed day here and there, and equally love being couch potatoes!

[Topoftheheap]

I like the look of the Aussie shepherds, they're very pretty. Mandimoore, you say that bearded collies need heaps of exercise, will one go stir crazy if I missed a day?

No, they are totally accepting, will be a couch potato if you want them to be!

Edited December 1, 2011 by mandimoore

[Gayle.]

Gee, I hope you're not in any tearing hurry to get a puppy, some of these breeds are really quite rare and pups aren't often available.

[Topoftheheap]

mum did agility and obedience with the beardies, and they showed at conformation as well, but they are the 'clowns' of the dog world. but i love the look of the toller's as well, as long as your able to keep up with thier fitness requirements.

but the above post is right, the rarer the breed the harder to get a pup, but then again, if you don't mind waiting for the perfect pup for your life (and who wouldn't considering its a 10 to 15 year commitment, what's a couple of months?) the rarer breeds can offer you alot!

(i own a rarish breed and i love them so much, and love when they get confused for something more popular!!!)

[Nevafollo]

If you want a rare breed stick to your guns! Make a choice meet some dogs and get on a waiting list sure it wont be a quick process but anything good is worth waiting for right? :D

[poocow]

I really like the look of the Field Spaniels, Wikipedia makes me think their temperament would be alright, and I really like the Finnish Lapphunds. How hard is it to get a puppy of either breed?

Feild Spaniels are awesome My friend owns and shows a feild spaniel (I have handled her in the ring a handfull of times aswell) and she has the most DEVINE temperment! You have to watch your lines as some can be abit skitty but the good ones are BRILLIANT!

Fields are the best Not that I'm biased or anything LOL. As my friend said above you do have to be careful with lines and be prepared to socialise them within the first year to ensure they meet new people, dogs, situations etc. But thats the same with all breeds to raise a well balanced dog. If you were in my state I would offer to meet my girl. There is a lovely breeder with similar lines in SA that you would be able to contact.

I like the look of the Aussie shepherds, they're very pretty. Mandimoore, you say that bearded collies need heaps of exercise, will one go stir crazy if I missed a day?

No, they are totally accepting, will be a couch potato if you want them to be!

Would you like to tell my Aussie that All I can say with the higher energy breeds is research and talk to your breeder about the best pup suited to you. There are chilled out Aussies and there are also those that like to go go go!

[Gayle.]

I really like the look of the Field Spaniels, Wikipedia makes me think their temperament would be alright, and I really like the Finnish Lapphunds. How hard is it to get a puppy of either breed?

Feild Spaniels are awesome My friend owns and shows a feild spaniel (I have handled her in the ring a handfull of times aswell) and she has the most DEVINE temperment! You have to watch your lines as some can be abit skitty but the good ones are BRILLIANT!

Fields are the best Not that I'm biased or anything LOL. As my friend said above you do have to be careful with lines and be prepared to socialise them within the first year to ensure they meet new people, dogs, situations etc. But thats the same with all breeds to raise a well balanced dog. If you were in my state I would offer to meet my girl. There is a lovely breeder with similar lines in SA that you would be able to contact.

I like the look of the Aussie shepherds, they're very pretty. Mandimoore, you say that bearded collies need heaps of exercise, will one go stir crazy if I missed a day?

No, they are totally accepting, will be a couch potato if you want them to be!

Would you like to tell my Aussie that All I can say with the higher energy breeds is research and talk to your breeder about the best pup suited to you. There are chilled out Aussies and there are also those that like to go go go!

Ripley would never be a couch potato. He is a mover......he loves to run more than anything and he can run all day, given the chance. Dusty, on the other hand, wouldn't move a muscle if she didn't have to, she's the ultimate easy-care, lazy persons dog. The other two are in between.....easy going, exercise or no exercise, they'll be happy either way.

So yes, it definitely depends on the dog. Dusty is easy to live with but her laid back (lazy) attitude extends to performance, so she's been retired from showing and from obedience and she pooh-poohed herding as all to yucky for a princess. Her main goal in life is to lie at my feet and look adoringly at me, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

[Topoftheheap]

I really like the look of the Field Spaniels, Wikipedia makes me think their temperament would be alright, and I really like the Finnish Lapphunds. How hard is it to get a puppy of either breed?

Feild Spaniels are awesome My friend owns and shows a feild spaniel (I have handled her in the ring a handfull of times aswell) and she has the most DEVINE temperment! You have to watch your lines as some can be abit skitty but the good ones are BRILLIANT!

Fields are the best Not that I'm biased or anything LOL. As my friend said above you do have to be careful with lines and be prepared to socialise them within the first year to ensure they meet new people, dogs, situations etc. But thats the same with all breeds to raise a well balanced dog. If you were in my state I would offer to meet my girl. There is a lovely breeder with similar lines in SA that you would be able to contact.

I like the look of the Aussie shepherds, they're very pretty. Mandimoore, you say that bearded collies need heaps of exercise, will one go stir crazy if I missed a day?

No, they are totally accepting, will be a couch potato if you want them to be!

Would you like to tell my Aussie that All I can say with the higher energy breeds is research and talk to your breeder about the best pup suited to you. There are chilled out Aussies and there are also those that like to go go go!

Ripley would never be a couch potato. He is a mover......he loves to run more than anything and he can run all day, given the chance. Dusty, on the other hand, wouldn't move a muscle if she didn't have to, she's the ultimate easy-care, lazy persons dog. The other two are in between.....easy going, exercise or no exercise, they'll be happy either way.

So yes, it definitely depends on the dog. Dusty is easy to live with but her laid back (lazy) attitude extends to performance, so she's been retired from showing and from obedience and she pooh-poohed herding as all to yucky for a princess. Her main goal in life is to lie at my feet and look adoringly at me, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

The comment was in reference to Bearded Collies, not Australian Shepards. Unfortunately I have never owned one so I have no first hand knowledge of it! Sorry!!!!

[dancinbcs]

A Collie Rough would suit all of your criteria. Almost a rare breed these days, there are certainly less of them at shows than Aussie Shepherds. Med-large, easy care long coat, very easy going, easy to train, much calmer and not as bouncy as a Beardie or an Aussie.

[Gayle.]

A Collie Rough would suit all of your criteria. Almost a rare breed these days, there are certainly less of them at shows than Aussie Shepherds. Med-large, easy care long coat, very easy going, easy to train, much calmer and not as bouncy as a Beardie or an Aussie.

I never thought of collies as being a rare breed as I grew up in a neighborhood of Uk immigrants and the collie was often their breed of choice for the family pet.

Then a few weeks ago I was driving through town and saw someone walking a beautiful black tri collie and I slowed down to look and it suddenly dawned on me that it's a very rare sight these days to see a collie anywhere outside of dog shows.

Pity, because they are a wonderful family dog.

Edited December 1, 2011 by Gayle.

[salamancat]

Guys - all fine suggestions based on physical attributes but man there are some huge variations in temperaments......the OP really needs to pin down a little further what sort of temperament he/she wants before then going for looks....

I agree with this. Temperament is the most important thing when looking for a doggy companion.

Can you describe the sort of temperament you are looking for in more detail? Do you want a dog who is easy to train or more of a challenge? Do you want a dog who is clingy or more independent? What about outgoing vs reserved with strangers? Territoriality important or not? Good with other dogs or not important? Dominant and headstrong or soft and submissive? Just how much grooming exactly can you cope with? Every day or once a week? How much time will you spend with the dog and will it come indoors?

I don't mind a challenge, though I am used to training my lab who wasn't easy but also wasn't hard. I don't want a dog that has to be in your lap all the time, I'd like it to do it's own thing every now and again. Territoriality isn't important, and being good with other dogs isn't important, as it'll be an only dog. It just has to get along with the cat. Grooming I'm happy to groom every second day, and yes, definitely an indoor dog, and I'm home most of the time so will spend a fair bit of time with it.