Dog breed?

Question

I am looking for a new puppy,and I'm trying to narrow down my choices.I am an experienced dog person,and will be using this dog for obediance,showmanship,a running partner,and probably other doggie sports like agility,all when it is old enough.It needs to be smart,athletic,flashy,and of medium size.I was looking at dogs from the sporting,herding,and working group.I have an acre and a half of fenced in land.I don't want a German Shepherd,Retriever,or Boxer.I also have a budget of about $850-1 grand is pushing it.My options so far:Pointer,German Shorthaired Pointer,Australian Shepherd,Border Collie,Weimaraner,and Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Also,the dog needs to be registerable by the AKC.Anyone have any recommendations?I know the drill for getting a dog:Recommended breeder or rescue dog,no pet shops,etc.I have 3 myself,and have had many previously,so you don't have to include any advice about finding a dog,I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with any of the above dogs,or could think of any others that fit the bill.

I'm aware of that,but I have a fond spot for Ridgebacks,my friend had one.I've never had or trained one though,so I'm curious about how they would do in sports,etc =) Thanks for the good advice,I'm leaning toward the GSP too.

Uh...I'm not going to exploit the dog-actually,I consider that an insult,I'm not sure if you meant it that way or not.I don't consider training a dog exploiting it,and I've never met someone who does.I only train through patience and positive reinforcement,and my dogs listen to me because we have a mutual,loving,and respectful relationship.They do it because they want to,not because I'm forcing them to.

Answer 1

I have always had a soft spot for herding dogs and sporting dogs (the larger breeds in sporting). Although, Border Collies are my favortite! I am an agiltiy addict and love to show border collies and golden retrievers. I will be doing dock diving, frisbee, flyball,backpacking, herding, and tracking. Hopefully I will be able to do thesed sports with my border collie (which i might get).

Rhodesian ridgebacks require alot of traing and patience. They are also very large and a little above mediuum size. German shepherds can get very nervous around strangers and have a tendency to be over protective (which is what they were partially bred to do). Weimaraners can be very calm and not as willing to do ery active sports. Pointers can run away searching for game to hunt and all the ones I've seen are very misbehaved (even at shows). Australian shepherds seem to always want to nip at the heels of people and are very sensitive ( that means if some of them feel like they're doing something wrong while training, then they might become sad and not work). Border collies were proven to be the smartest breed of dog. Although, if you get one that is too smart, then it could over analize what you want from it.

If you don't care about the bad habits on one of these breeds, then I would suggest getting that certain breed.

If you are scared away by the above points, I would say to get a lab or golden retriever, maybe. Golden retrievers are very willing to work and are very showy and loyal. They can knock over small children though, when they try to love them if they are younger (even adults sometimes!). Labs are also very willing to work, but if you are looking for a dog that is not usually seen around town, then I wouldn't get this breed!

I am not trying to scare you away from any breed of dog, as I love all breeds, but rather trying to make sure that as an owner you know some specific problems about that one breed you want to get. I'm glad you know exactly where to search for your dog, and are keeping your mind open to a variety of great breeds! I am guessing you have searched the American Kennel Club or even the United Kennel Club website and read over the breed standards dozens of times! And might I suggest rescue if you decide showing isn't as important as saving a life. The bond between a rescue and its owner in uncomparable :)!

ENJOY YOUR NEW DOG!

Answer 2

You don't have to start with a puppy to get all of the quality's you are looking for. An older dog may have more experience and could possibly already have the trates you want. But if you are leaning toward a puppy be sure to buy from a reprable breeder. Do your research and find a breeder who also shows and is nationally recognized as a breeder.
You would probably benefit any dog you choose since you seem like you will give it the rules, boudaries and limitations it needs, especially exercise. But which one better fits your lifestyle and your personality? Do you also want this breed to be your companion? Will you share living quarters?
I have two weimaraners and they are a breed that gets a bad label these days, however if you really understand them and give them the structured environment they need you'll be fullfilled and amazed at how much they have to offer. If you have any other questions about the breed I can help as I've had one since a pup and I've rescued one.
I hope that I've given you some insight in a different perspective. Good luck and God bless.

Answer 3

Aussies and Border collies are the best for agility and are awesome Frisbee dogs. They are medium size loyal and lots of fun. I have a 15 yr border collie I rescued when she was 1 yr from the pound. I also have a 8 month Boxer/pit he is such a goober. Not at all graceful of smart but lots of fun. From now on I am going to sick to border collies or Heelers.
You could save your self some money and find an amazing Border collie or Aussie at the animal shelters. They always seem to find their way to the shelters dew to the fact most people get them and are shocked at how much energy they have. Or how smart they are. Smart dogs get into trouble.

I now that there is a dog in the pound just waiting for a person like you to come along and save them.
www.petfinder.com

Answer 4

Best way to figure out which dog is going to work out for you? Go spend lots of time visiting breeders. When I get ready to sell pups, I have people come spend time talking with me and seeing my pups.

Find that breeder who is going to take your dog back at any age, no matter the reason. Make sure they've done x-rays of hips and elbows.

And if you have a friend who owns a Ridgeback, talk to their breeder. Do not buy any dog over the internet, unscrupulous people sell dogs this way, and you could end up with huge vet bills (have seen that up close and personally)

I will sell a Ridgeback to someone who is inexperienced, but they have to pass my dogs' test. that means you need to come in, visit, and if my dogs approve of you (and Ridgebacks will do that very fast as soon as you enter the house) then I will, too :)

All the questions you ask can be answered by the type of breeder that really cares about their breed.

Answer 5

Border Collie

Answer 6

Well I don't like the idea of a dog or any animal for that matter to be exploited but the best dogs I know from experience are Weimerainer, Pointer, and German Short-Haired Pointer would be the best because they have long legs and are great hunting dogs, but many dogs by that breed that I've trained have won in those sports. So those would be the best to go by.

Answer 7

I would go with a German shorthair according to your requirements. They have an abundant amount of energy and are very intelligent provided you work with them. They are amazing jumpers, are agile, and will tire you out running long before they even think about stopping.

As a side note, a Rhodesian Ridgeback will be larger than the medium size you are looking for.

Answer 8

German Shorthair Pointers are great so are the German Wirehair Pointers. Ausies or Borders are good too. I have a Sheltie, but it sounds like you want a larger dog that that. You have picked very good breeds for what you want. Whatever breed you go with it sounds like it will have a great home! All the best;~)

Answer 9

Okay, I don't want to suggest Border Collie (although it is probably the best choice.)
I want to suggest Shetland Sheep Dog--SHELTIE! That's the best dog ever, if you are lucky enough to get the right one. They are almost as agile as a Border Collie. They are almost (sometimes) as obediant as a border collie. They are FLASHIER than a Border Collie. They are MORE ADORABLE than a border collie.
So, actually, if you really want to find the dog who gets all the positive checks for competition, go for the Border Collie. If you want a dog who is filled with love for his owner, get a Sheltie.

Answer 10

I would suggest a border collie, as my friend has one and they are the most smart, obediant, loyal medium size dog. They do well in agility, and a border collie would love a yard. Plus, I think they are great looking dogs, so are collies.