Can I ask a question without getting BBQ'd?

That right there is how a good natured person pokes fun. Quality individual w/a healthy mind

 

In saying Aussie/bulldog I meant austrailian shepherd and Bulldog, I've known more of that mix than you guys would believe! In Cali where I lived there were always accidental litters that produced awesome dogs that were perfect for agility and companionship! I would never intentionally plan that kind of litter, however can vouch for that mix being an absolutely perfect match for the original poster. She would get a good working dog with not a long coat and a decent amount of drive, not too dog aggressive either if socialized properly and nuetered or spayed.:dogstare:

 

What about your beagle/heeler mutt? Or your beagle?

They are normally hardy dogs,can't you use one of them?You could get a bareback pad and attach it behind your saddle so if they get winded they could ride the rump for a bit.

Getting a bulldog from game lines as a 13th dog all living together in a house is pushing it IMO.Bulldogs generally don't like other bulldogs of any kind and I know the heelers,or anything that makes strong eye contact with mine are asking for it.

Good luck

 

MO. I don't have any, but I really like them - beautiful dogs and a very unique personality. I have met a lot of them at pulls and the local boarding kennel I use here breeds them. The hair, noise(once you have APBT, any other breed seems so noisy), and containment are a little too much for me, though.

 

I'm gonna agree with the Rhodesian Ridgeback idea. Fantastic working dog... Also a hunter though, but with the right training I think an RR would be just fine for this lady's situation. They are great guard dogs as well, very protective, and can live in a pack environment. My main concern would be worrying that it's too big of a dog for what she may want. They're pretty huge.

Although I am not a fan of herding breeds AT ALL, (tend to be neurotic and HA) I think the kelpie idea sounds good as well. Just gotta be careful with the horses. Don't get a BC, I had one once, worst mistake EVER. Mean ass little shit. Smart as hell, I could train him to do anything..... except be nice, lol.

I also like the husky idea. Great dogs for distance type activities. And a good chain set-up is all ya need to keep one home when it's outside not being worked. Not to mention they are beautiful and easily acquired.

I also know some people with working springer spaniels and Llewellin setters. Fantastic outdoor dogs that can run and work all day in the field. One of these may also be a great choice for you. Springers can be a tad tempermental, but I've always loved all the Llewellins I've had the pleasure of meeting. Not to mention they are beautiful. I personally know a world-recognized Llewellin breeder. He health tests his stock and works them in the fields. Gorgeous, people pleasing animals. I can PM you the info if you're interested. You might have some issues with it wanting to kill your fowl, but they are highly trainable. I'd luv to have one myself someday.

No matter what breed you choose, just make sure it comes from health and temp tested stock. Train it according to your desires (and yes, I'm a fan of the Kohler method too) and I think you will have the perfect companion.

So, based on my experience and research, I'd go with (in no particular order)
1. husky (Alaskan or Siberian)
2. Kelpie or Australian shepherd
3. Rhodesian ridgeback
4. Springer spaniel or Llewellin setter

 

Laurie didnt you have an Australian shepherd and you didnt really care for it much?

 

My parents have several Aussies - they are smart and would be a good trail dog; I don't care for their temperament around people that much. They are not necessarily a good dog with kids and strangers IMO.

 

nah it was the border collie. he was the king of all assholes, lol. as are many herding breeds IME...

 

exactly....

 

Just curious as to why you think my post is a paradox? I love the looks of the APBTs, and I love the bully personality. Plus I have trained several dogs (put CDXs on three GSDs, one Great Dane, and have done agility and obedience with a papillon) and am looking for another one to work with and show.

I don't need another dog, I want one--big difference, and I already have a fairly large pack, so as much as I appreciate the thoughts of other dog breeds, if a pit, AmStaff, or American bulldog isn't the dog for me, then I'll probably just hold off on getting another until some of the ones I currently own go to that great kennel in the sky.

As far as any dog I have not having a good life, well, there sure are dogs living in a lot worse situations. Mine live on an acreage, have a two acre yard, livestock to work, are inside at night, walk about 20 miles a week with me, plus train in both obedience and agility.

I can offer a dog a really, really good life, but I just need to find a cold dog or wait until I have less dogs of my own so that dog aggression wouldn't be as much of an issue.

So I'm not new to dogs, and I'm not even new to the bully breeds if English bulldogs count (which, quite honestly, they have been bred down to the point that other than still having a little bit of OCD tendencies I'm not sure they can be compared to any of the pit types) and as any responsible person should do, I wanted to talk to some people who have and work this breed before I go out and get one.

Hope that helps explain my original post?

Therese

 

We live in the country, so people are ALWAYS dumping dogs out here, many of which I've kept over the years. One of the best dogs we've ever had was what we are guessing was an aussie/doberman cross. He had the upright, deep chested build of the dobe, and the hair coat of the aussie. He even had the head knot that people said is what made dobes turn since their brains keep growing and their skulls don't. (I know--people are crazy.)

He also leaned and did the head thing like Dobes do.

That dog was the sweetest creature who ever lived, was smart as a whip, and an absolutely amazing athlete. We guessed him to be two when he ended up with us, and had him for 14 1/2 years. He was like the energizer bunny, in that he could run 4-5 miles with me, work stock, do an agility course, and then look up at you as if to say, "Okay, good warm up, now what?"

Wish I could find another one like him--but if I had to pick the part of him I liked, I do think it would probably be the dobe half. I have a friend who has show aussies (her male got his championship last year) and most of her dogs are jerks. Then again, hers are show stock, and not working stock, which makes a big difference IMHO.

Therese

 

The beagle is getting up there in years, and is a typical beagle--her nose hits the ground, and she is gone. I'd spend most of my trail riding time trying to find the little brat, and one of the main things I'm looking for is another obedience/agility dog.

The beagle/heeler is a great little guy--thankfully he got the heeler smarts and the beagle sweetness (man, was I ever hoping that he didn't get things the other way around, which is usually my luck!) and he is taking to training really well. The only issue with him is since he's a mutt, he's only good for open and/or fun shows, and I do like to do some of the bigger shows as the competition is a lot more fun.

That dog wasn't really planned, but we live in Amish country, and he was abandoned in a cardboard box at a horse sale on a 95 plus degree day, and I was worried that if I didn't take him home he was going to die of heatstroke. Me being me, by time I got him re-hydrated, wormed, vaccinated, and ready to find him a home, he already had one--mine.

There's pretty much a reason with all of my dogs as to why I'd like to find another one to show--not that any of the others are going anywhere, it's just that the older shepherd is, well, old, the younger one was dumped here, and when he came up with a limp we took him to be x-rayed and the vet found he had buckshot imbedded in his right hind leg, plus arthritis already startedin both hocks, the older Dane has already had a TPLO, the younger Dane is a Dane--and they just don't have the athleticism I'm after--I won't bore everyone by going through everyone, but truly, I am looking for an athletic, highly trainable dog, and just have it in my head that I'd love to try working with a pit.

Maybe an adult rescue might be a better way to go, as then I can still get an ILP on the dog to show, and would know if I'm getting a cold dog?

Sorry if I rambled on too much, it's three a.m.!

Therese

 

Thanks, Little Black Dog, I appreciate the thought. I do think a dog could sure end up at a worse place than with us, and I love the idea of taking a dog who needs a new home.

I do have to say that I'm not a guy, however. I'm trying to get my avatar up, but for some reason every time I go to load it, it won't work. You'll just have to trust me when I tell you I'm a her.

Therese