Which Breed To Choose

[equerry]

We are down to one dog an Aussie Shepherd after needing to rehome our other Aussie Shepherd due to him killing cats, we want a second dog and I would personally like a German Shepherd having had one several years ago.

However this next dog will be for our 10 yr old daughter not me, and she would prefer a smaller dog, we did have a JRT who was killed by a snake so not looking for another while we still live in Australia (soon to move back to NZ in the next year or so, depending on when our house sells).

We are not into fluffy types, and I actually like pugs, though the OH doesn't ,he is more into working dogs and although on 82 acres, we are moving back to 10 in NZ, we have burmese cats, and horses so something that doesn't like to chase, and doesn't need to be really small, med size would be ok.

All suggestions appreciated.

cheers

Oh and are all the dog shows in and around Brisbane over for the year?

[poochmad]

Deleted post.

Edited November 16, 2010 by poochmad

[WreckitWhippet]

What measures have you taken or will you take to ensure your next dog is not able to kill cats ? Chase the horses ? or be bitten by a snake

[poodlefan]

If you want to avoid chasing behaviours, then a breed selectively bred for low prey drive is probably your best answer. Alternately you need to socialise the pup very heavily with cats and permanently physically separate any pup from the horses. Personally, given that any breed still retains some level of prey drive, I'd recommend you do both.

What sort of life will this dog lead? Will it be an inside/outside dog or just outside? Many dogs selectively bred for lower prey drive are companion breeds that do better with a high degree of contact with the family and that means inside access.

Will it receive any form of training?

Are there allergy issues in the family?

How much grooming are you willing to do?

Yes, there are plenty of dog shows you can check out!

Edited November 16, 2010 by poodlefan

[kelpiekaye]

How do you stop your dog been bitten by a snake on a rural property? Unless you carry it everywhere and keep him, her inside, even then snakes can come inside. I think loosing your dog to a snake is mostly bad luck, not anyones fault. The other things are all to do with training and almost any breed if started as a pup can be trained to be good with all other animals. Get a Kelpie

What measures have you taken or will you take to ensure your next dog is not able to kill cats ? Chase the horses ? or be bitten by a snake

[WreckitWhippet]

How do you stop your dog been bitten by a snake on a rural property? Unless you carry it everywhere and keep him, her inside, even then snakes can come inside. I think loosing your dog to a snake is mostly bad luck, not anyones fault. The other things are all to do with training and almost any breed if started as a pup can be trained to be good with all other animals. Get a Kelpie

What measures have you taken or will you take to ensure your next dog is not able to kill cats ? Chase the horses ? or be bitten by a snake

Depends on how your keep and maintain your property. You can also snake proof your kennels.

[poodlefan]

Kelpiekaye:

Get a Kelpie

If the OP is going to give the dog some regular outlet for its intelligence and energy, I'd not disagree. However working breed dogs left to their own devices in the country and not effectively fenced often die of lead poisoning.

If I were looking for a breed unlikely to chase animals if left to its own devices, I'd not be putting working dogs high up the list. OP has just rehomed one.

Edited November 16, 2010 by poodlefan

[equerry]

I have owned many many different breeds, from GSD, to Boxers, cattle dogs, border collies and rough collies to JRT's and the Aussies, up until now I have never had any problems with the dogs chasing the cats let a lone killing them, back ground info is probably relevant so you all don't think I am a terrible dog owner.

We got the Aussies when they were a little older, ie one was about 5 months , the other a month later so she was probably 6 months old, they had been living in a kennel situation ie locked up for a large % of there day, with the rest of the litter and mum initially, we already had two aging cattle dogs and 5 cats, 2 inside burmese, 1 that was an inside/outside cat (couldn't make up its mind) and two barn cats who wouldn't have a bar of the house but who are locked up in the barn each night.

The Aussie bitch was not interested in the cats, the dog was, but was well behaved and did no more than the odd chase for the first couple of years, we socialised them with the cats early on, all of our dogs though they live outside, they are free to come in and out during the day and evening if they wish.

We moved 3 years ago to 82 acres with unfortunately a bad feral cat problem due to neighbours not desexing their cats, now we have a secure back yard on this acreage, but morning and night the dogs come out with us to have a run while we feed the horses, they have never chased the horses.

We purchased a JRT for our daughter, who was a fantastic little dog, was mainly an inside dog but played outside with the other dogs when we were at work, we had it JRT escape proof or so we thought, with mesh etc... but unfortunately he found a hole and a snake and we found him dead under the house one day.

(long winded but is important to the story), we were offered a lovely female JRT as a replacement, though she was a tad older, lovely dog, again mainly an inside dog, but like the other JRT on occasion managed to find another hole we had missed, anyway she began to chase the ferals and on one occasion one of our barn cats, found her nearly dead (we were feeding horses, heard the commotion and went to rescue said cat), after that the male Aussie became interested in the chase of the cats as well and one of the ferals got into the back yard and he killed it. I came home one day to find the JRT out in the car port standing over one of our barn cats who was sadly dead when I arrived.

I spoke to the JRT's breeder who offered to take her back as she understood, her JRT's had killed 6 cats so they don't have any anymore.

We hoped that with her gone, the Aussie male would settle and we have been managing the situation for nearly a year, but a few weeks ago when I was feeding the horses, I came back from the paddock to find the male with a feral kitten in front of him.

I think one of the issues, is that although we socialised them both, before we got them at the kennels there were a lot of cats that used to tease them through the kennel mesh, now although most would say a few dead ferals is not a bad thing, unfortunately he cannot tell the difference, he is fine inside at night with our burmese, and he cannot escape the backyard, but he cannot be kept in their forever and with 8 horses to feed and rug morning and night, its difficult to keep him on the lead. Also I have always had very small puppies before and they are much easier I guess to socialise with cats, as I said until now never had a problem in 40 odd years of dog ownership, even my kelpie border collie cross couldn't care less about them.

A lovely family close has offered him a home in a non cat environment, in a secure yard with another dog for company, he doesn't try to jump fences or anything to get to a cat, and we felt he deserved the chance, they are fully aware that he kills cats. Most suggested he get put down immediately.

Now the remaining bitch as I said, doesn't care to chase cats or kill them, she is an outside dog, but again comes in nightly to socialise with the family, and the cats and she is fine when out with us feeding up.

So I guess to answer your questions, yes the dog will have basic obedience training, yes it will be a family inside/outside dog, but it will be living on acreage with horses, and ofcourse cats.

so I am not really looking for a lecture, I feel sick to the stomach every minute of everyday thinking that my lovely boy thinks I have abandoned him, as I said he is on trial until friday, if it doesn't work out, he comes home, what happens then? Not sure as I don't think I could go through the heartache of rehoming him again, will face that hurdle when and if we come to it, spoke to the people last night and they said he was a bit sooky but settling well, he is a sook so that is not a surprise.

So I am just looking for suggestions please.

Why did you delete your post poochmad?

As to grooming well I owned a rough collie for 17 years and although I really don't want that much hair again, a medium length coat would not be too bad.

Do you know of any dog shows coming up?? Or where do I go look.

thanks

[JulesP]

A stuffed one would work I reckon.

[equerry]

Gee thanks JulesP, how to make someone feel worse than they already do.

To those that gave suggestions, I thankyou.

Would like to see some of the city slickers living in the country coping with their animals and snakes, it is a bit hard to snake proof 82 acres and personally I don't find it all that appealing to have my dogs locked up in kennels for a large % of the time, my backyard has shade, water, and somewhere to play, you try JRT proofing a farm.

Edited November 16, 2010 by equerry

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

Personally, I think it sounds like a high risk environment for the cats.

I'm surprised that the breeder rehomed a JRT to you as they are known to kill cats, it's pretty common with the breed. Not only are they consummate hunters of small furry things, they have amazing tenacity and no fear - a lethal combination when up against something like a cat. I have a JRT cross, she looks sweet until she sees a cat and then you see the whole JRT behaviour come into play, far worse than my other dogs.

You also sound like you have a lot of experience with different kinds of dogs.

The Aussie Shepherd is not quite settled from what I'm understanding? I hope he does make it in his new home but you won't be able to have him back unless you can keep him in a dog run or something until you rehome him again.

My thoughts would be that you need to sort that issue out first.

Secondly you move to NZ and resettle and then see about getting another dog.

[equerry]

I give up. I am in tears as it is at having to rehome my much loved dog, please do not try making yourself's feel better by putting me on yet another guilt trip, I am beating myself up about it as it is.

I am not stupid until we know if our dog is settling in (he has only been there since Sat) I won't be rushing out to buy another dog, but our remaining dog is lonely and I thought that some research may cheer me up, well that didn't work thanks.

Edited November 16, 2010 by equerry

[Monah]

I dont know about the Brisbane shows but there is a dol SHOW section that has all aussie shows pinned and links so you can see dates, places etc. , Click on QLD and see what is on in Nov Dec

I would also suggest waiting until you are settled in NZ (well, I guess that's because that's what I'd do) saves on the stress and expense of another dog to travel etc. RE pug, just also check on travel arrangements if you think of getting one as I have heard that some airlines do not like taking brac. breeds,

As you have had so many different breeds I suppose you realise that all dogs are very capable of chasing.

It really comes down to management and training.I had a cattle dog who I got aged 7 (dog not me!) and she loathed cats but after 12 months of training with our 4 cats she was terrific, ended up sleeping with them all in her dotage!!

Is there any chance or re wiring you aussie if his rehoming does not work out? It is so upsetting for you to have to rehome him, must be awful.

If a dog IS that way inclined, dont give them the opportunity. I feel the other person who's dog has killed 6 cats is really negligent.

I'm a cruel owner who keeps her dogs shut in if i'm not here ;) ;) for several reasons.

I dont think you can JRT proof 82 acres either ;) but I've lived on properties too and always kept my dogs contained.

Is your daughter able to spend time with your remaining aussie? the ones I've met are fantastic kids dogs and it may help alleviate the dogs lonliness

Edited November 16, 2010 by Monah

[poodlemum]

equerry - I know what it's like having to re-home a much-loved dog (and I got some of the same sh*t you're getting, from some of the same lovely people on here when I asked about it).

I'm sure sure what to advise as regards the new dog. Obviously, if you are going to wait until you move to NZ snakes will not be an issue. I would suggest that you contact breeders and try to get a puppy that has been raised in a home with cats. I have always had cats - my puppies have been introduced to them at about 4 weeks and I have never had an issue with any of my Poodles being cat-aggressive, so I'm sure it would work for other breeds.

I'm sorry you have had the worst from some of the ignorant people on this forum - wouldn't it be nice to be all-wise & all-knowing, as they obviously are?

Take advice from Poodlefan & ignore the others!

[poodlefan]

Gee thanks JulesP, how to make someone feel worse than they already do.

To those that gave suggestions, I thankyou.

Would like to see some of the city slickers living in the country coping with their animals and snakes, it is a bit hard to snake proof 82 acres and personally I don't find it all that appealing to have my dogs locked up in kennels for a large % of the time, my backyard has shade, water, and somewhere to play, you try JRT proofing a farm.

Some folk find that providing a ready source of water OUTSIDE the yard gives the snakes a source they will use. Water is a significant attraction for snakes and dog bowls will attract them. Snake mesh around your yard might also be useful.

Most dogs need to be socialised with cats or horses to prevent chasing - you may have been lucky up to now. Horses kill and injure dogs all the time - threads here attest to it.

Now, back to the purpose of the thread. If I was looking for low prey drive, human focus and a good sized dog for a child I'd be looking hard at a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, provided it was inside with the family to sleep and socialise.

If a dog has killed 6 feral cats in its own yard, I dont' see that as "negligent". Once again, look to the purpose for which a breed was developed. Most terriers are vermin hunters and killers. You'd expect high prey drive and if a dog had not been socialised to teach it that cats are NOT prey, then the result would be fairly predictable. Your Aussie watched and learned and he learned that killing cats was rewarding. Damn hard to unteach that lesson.

Plenty of country folk have a terrier around to keep the snakes busy. Better the dog than a child I'm afraid to say. If a terrier pup was carefully socialised with cats, the cats would be pretty safe I reckon. An acquaintance of mine sold a Fox Terrier to a family on a cattle feed lot. They were up front about wanting one to protect the kids from snakes and so far its Foxie 6 vs snakes 0. The owner was gardening in his veggie patch one day and had the Foxie fly up and seemingly attack his hand. What he couldn't see was the brown snake just about where he was about to pull a carrot.

Friends of mine have Aussie Terriers and cats. You could do a lot worse than taking one of these guys back to NZ.

Edited November 16, 2010 by poodlefan

[noisymina]

Our dog is perefectly fine with our cat.

But she would kill a feral cat if she got hold of it. It normally ducks through the fence before she can get to it.

And I'd wish her luck too, as we have lost one of our own dom cats to that feral.

No way I'd re-home her for it. She would have been doing her job.

[corvus]

I think corgis make pretty good kids dogs. My first dog was a little Pembroke. She was always up for a 4 hour hike through the bush (until she got too old for it), but didn't chase the roos or the bunnies or foxes. She was scared of horses and snakes, the former because of some overly friendly donkeys when she was a pup and the latter I assume was genetic. She always got on very well with cats and pet rabbits.

I was looking for working breeds that wouldn't kill my pet rabbits a few years back and ended up with a Finnish Lapphund. That worked out pretty well. They have a lot of hair, though. Mine is a grub and actively seeks out things that smell bad to eat and roll in. He is also one for getting wet and muddy. Every time he rolls in the grass at the moment I have to spend half an hour getting burrs out of his coat. I don't think I'd fancy trying to keep his coat clean and tidy on a large property.

[kelpiekaye]

Kelpiekaye:

Get a Kelpie

If the OP is going to give the dog some regular outlet for its intelligence and energy, I'd not disagree. However working breed dogs left to their own devices in the country and not effectively fenced often die of lead poisoning.

If I were looking for a breed unlikely to chase animals if left to its own devices, I'd not be putting working dogs high up the list. OP has just rehomed one.

No dog should be left to its own devices, but I do agree with you if the op cant give it the outlet it needs a working breed is not the one for her.

[KumaAkita]

I have no idea on what breed will suit - just wanted to

Hope that your Aussie settles in with his foster family. I wouldn't know what I would do if I was in your situation.

Best of luck...

[mr.mister]

Ignore those who have nothing useful to say.. there are plenty of others here with lots of knowledge, willing to share it.

The idea others suggested of waiting to get a dog until you settle in NZ is a good one, but of course you can still research! As for what breed, I am not entirely sure. Another option could be a well-matched dog from a rescue?