I have 2 Shetland Sheepdogs and would like 2 more AKC dogs, what would you suggest?
ByI need a smart dog that I can do agility and obedience with. And I need a breed that’d mesh well with Shelties. I was thinking Standard Poodles. Any other suggestions? I would adopt but I would really like AKC dogs in case I decide I want to get into the breed and do confirmation as well. I love Shelties but I don’t want to breed them and show them. I’d rather just have my two stick with obedience and agility. I have a large house, a large fenced in yard, and take my dogs for atleast two walks a day. I have all the time in the world and am very patient and loving. I know that I want to eventually have about 6-8 dogs. I’d like to find a breeder that would mentor me once I find a breed that I’d like to show and breed. Thanks for any information!!!
4 Comments
May 13th, 2011 at 9:12 am
That would be a Greyhound, or a Airdale Terrier. They are both good with kids and they are both smart and can do good agility. They are also friendly dogs to have around other pets, even cats. They also bond well with other dogs that live with them.
May 13th, 2011 at 9:55 am
Wow, it is refreshing to finally see someone that is putting some thought into getting something that they really want and will fit in with their lifestyle and with their other dogs. Also, I commend you for wanting to find a good mentor. Bravo! Just off the top of my head, the first ones that came to mind were Whippet, Poodle, Border Collie, and Fox Terrier, although I really don’t have any experience with agility, other than the boob tube. Good luck in your venture!
May 13th, 2011 at 10:27 am
I know a lot of people with collies who also have shelties. Both breeds are herding breeds and get along well. My sister has a few collies and one sheltie and the sheltie gets along fine with the collies. We think that she believes herself to be a collie too! Since you are planning on having quite a few dogs I would suggest the smooth collie because the coat is easier to maintain.
I think smooth collies are the best type of dogs…great collie temperament….less hair to groom! They weigh between 50 – 70lbs, so I would call them a medium size breed. (Some might call them large though…)
I love smooth collies the best, and then a close second would be rough collies. I have grown up around collies. My uncle introduced me to collies when I was a young girl, he was a collie breeder and competed in conformation and obedience with his collies. And then my sister became involved in breeding and showing collies.
I know the breed very well, and always planned on having collies of my own some day. Finally, the time was right and we got our first smooth about 3 and 1/2 years ago. (Then our second collie a year ago.)
The collie is a very versatile breed. They can be shown in conformation. They compete successfully in obedience, Rally and agility. They also excel in herding, and are still doing the job they were bred to do hundreds of years ago. And finally, they make a loving, loyal family pet. They thrive in both the city or the country as long as they are allowed to live inside as a member of the family and get plenty of exercise.
The collie isn’t for everyone. They tend to be a more vocal breed, which can drive some people crazy, but since you have shelties I don’t think it will bother you too much! They also try to herd children, joggers, bicycles, cars, etc. So a fenced yard is a must for collie owners. But I love the breed, I think they are beautiful inside and out.
If you are interested in learning more about the breed click on the link and then choose the correct bandwidth:
http://www.collieclubofamerica.org/meet_...
The Collie Club of America actually used quite a few pictures of my collie, Lad, and my daughter on the website. If you decide on getting collies, send me an email, tell me what state you are in and I may be able to recommend some collie breeders for you. (Also, some who may consider mentoring…)
Good luck!
May 13th, 2011 at 11:13 am
What about an Aussie? They excel at Obedience and agility. Standard Poodles aren’t bad dogs except for having the Continental clip for conformation. Too much work.