Qestion On A Breed ?

[Crazy Daisy]

Hi guys,

Thanks heaps for all your comments, even though I haven't replied to all of them yet, I am very grateful for them and have read every single one. Your comments make sense and won't definitely go for a cross-breed (unless it's from a shelter or a rescue group). Most likely though will go for a pure-bred dog :-) You have probably saved me another week or two trying to look up more info about cross-breeds, now I do have much better understanding why not to go for one:-)

Also thanks that you have commented even though my post may have been offended some of you as pure-bred dog breeders. I truly hadn't believed anyone would reply to it or thought it would be deleted before anyone would have a chance to comment (being on the site of pure-bred dog breeders). I have learnt a lot today and maybe this post has helped also someone else who had been deciding between a pure-bred and a cross:-)

Thanks lots and lots and have heaps of fun with your lovely dogs:-) Xx

This is the best part of having an open discussion, education. Well done on doing all your research first before just jumping at the first puppy you see. Good Luck :)

[LizT]

The problem with crossing breeds is firstly you do not know the background of the dogs.A dog may look like a labrador or a collie but not being pure bred it may have any number of other breeds in it's more distant ancestry.This will impact on the overall temperament of the dog because behaviour traits can be passed down not just from the parent dogs ,but also from generations further back.Temperament does not split 50/50.Each time you cross you create more possibilities with regard to temperament.

You could end up with a dog that looks like a Labradore but has a temperament that is nothing like one

Sorry, maybe I havent't explained myself well...I was thinking of getting a pup from a pure-bred border collie and pure-bred labrador retriever...in that case, I meant it would be 50/50...

A Registerd Breeder is actually not permitted to breed it's purebred dog with any other Purebred dog, other than of the same breed. Therefore you are unlikely to get any health testing from such a combination. And to use the Labrador X Poodle (Labradoodle) as an example of a 50/50 split. It was found the variations in coat, temperament and size too great for this breed combination to be of any real use as a guide dog.

Unfortunately the Spin Doctors had made it a popular "designer Dog" and the rest is history.

Not to say a cross breed dog isn't going to be a wonderful, clever individual. The smartest loveliest dog I have ever owned was a Border Collie X Aust Cattle Dog. But I couldn't replicate her in size, temperament or personality even if I wanted to.

[Dogsfevr]

Also consider the Curly coated retriever if you want something different & active

Another would be a Flat coated Retriever .

[Niki8]

:) here's some reading for you.

LINK

Thank you :-) Will read through it:-)

[Sheridan]

You mentioned in an early post that there was a guy in England who had a lab x BC and that it was lovely hence your interest in getting one. Unfortunately, it doesn't follow that every cross of this type is also going to be lovely. That's the unpredictability of crossbreeding.

Good on you for asking the question and being open to the answers.

[koalathebear]

HW's suggestion of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is also excellent. They are beautiful-looking and seem to have crazy high energy :)

[Niki8]

Hi guys,

Thanks heaps for all your comments, even though I haven't replied to all of them yet, I am very grateful for them and have read every single one. Your comments make sense and won't definitely go for a cross-breed (unless it's from a shelter or a rescue group). Most likely though will go for a pure-bred dog :-) You have probably saved me another week or two trying to look up more info about cross-breeds, now I do have much better understanding why not to go for one:-)

Also thanks that you have commented even though my post may have been offended some of you as pure-bred dog breeders. I truly hadn't believed anyone would reply to it or thought it would be deleted before anyone would have a chance to comment (being on the site of pure-bred dog breeders). I have learnt a lot today and maybe this post has helped also someone else who had been deciding between a pure-bred and a cross:-)

Thanks lots and lots and have heaps of fun with your lovely dogs:-) Xx

This is the best part of having an open discussion, education. Well done on doing all your research first before just jumping at the first puppy you see. Good Luck :)

:) :) :)

[Niki8]

The problem with crossing breeds is firstly you do not know the background of the dogs.A dog may look like a labrador or a collie but not being pure bred it may have any number of other breeds in it's more distant ancestry.This will impact on the overall temperament of the dog because behaviour traits can be passed down not just from the parent dogs ,but also from generations further back.Temperament does not split 50/50.Each time you cross you create more possibilities with regard to temperament.

You could end up with a dog that looks like a Labradore but has a temperament that is nothing like one

Sorry, maybe I havent't explained myself well...I was thinking of getting a pup from a pure-bred border collie and pure-bred labrador retriever...in that case, I meant it would be 50/50...

A Registerd Breeder is actually not permitted to breed it's purebred dog with any other Purebred dog, other than of the same breed. Therefore you are unlikely to get any health testing from such a combination. And to use the Labrador X Poodle (Labradoodle) as an example of a 50/50 split. It was found the variations in coat, temperament and size too great for this breed combination to be of any real use as a guide dog.

Unfortunately the Spin Doctors had made it a popular "designer Dog" and the rest is history.

Not to say a cross breed dog isn't going to be a wonderful, clever individual. The smartest loveliest dog I have ever owned was a Border Collie X Aust Cattle Dog. But I couldn't replicate her in size, temperament or personality even if I wanted to.

Thanks LizT :-) Yep, I had a feeling that registered breeders were not allowed to breed two purebred dogs of different breeds - maybe I even read it but with all the info I have been getting in last few weeks it simply stayed somewhere at the very back of my mind...it make sense...THANK YOU :-)

[Niki8]

HW's suggestion of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is also excellent. They are beautiful-looking and seem to have crazy high energy :)

Awww...:-)

[RiverStar-Aura]

I just want to say good on you for researching so much first rather than just go straight in and get a pup!!

My own dog Zeus was an impulse, pet shop puppy before I knew anything about backyard breeders and puppy farms. He's supposed to be a beagle x jack russell terrier however he looks a bit beagle but no idea on the JRT.

Cross breeds are definitely like pot luck -- there's definitely no way of guaranteeing what you're going to get.

I do love the look of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever but do look into the Aussie Shepherd too!!

[Alkhe]

welcome! All the things I would have said to your original post have been said, so no use repeating.. just wanted to say, stick around the forum! I have learnt so much from here, and am a far better dog owner than I ever dreamed I would be, and my dog and entire life are so much the better for it. There are lots of really experienced and dedicated people here, who will be able to answer any questions or issues you may have, or point you in the direction of someone else who can help you, if they can't.

And I'm sure there are lots of people who would let you meet their dogs if you still need help deciding on a breed!

[Sayreovi]

I have heard Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (NSDTRs) referred to more than once as "the Border Collie of the Gundog Group"

They might be worth a look.

HW's suggestion of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is also excellent. They are beautiful-looking and seem to have crazy high energy :)

Tollers would only be suitable if you are flexible about your previous post on size or coat as they are a fairly small breed (about knee height) and aren't short haired. Some people seem to think of them as miniature Golden Retrievers but they aren't, they are pretty reserved with strangers so not sure if that suits you?

They require a fair bit of physical and mental stimulation but should never have "crazy high energy" at home. They are meant to have an off switch and be calm until called upon.

Apart from that though they are an awesome breed and I wouldn't trade them for the world :D

Edited June 18, 2012 by tollersowned

[koalathebear]

They require a fair bit of physical and mental stimulation but should never have "crazy high energy" at home. They are meant to have an off switch and be calm until called upon. Apart from that though they are an awesome breed and I wouldn't trade them for the world :D

I've only met them at agility so perhaps that's why they always seemed so lively :laugh:

[Sayreovi]

They require a fair bit of physical and mental stimulation but should never have "crazy high energy" at home. They are meant to have an off switch and be calm until called upon. Apart from that though they are an awesome breed and I wouldn't trade them for the world :D

I've only met them at agility so perhaps that's why they always seemed so lively :laugh:

I thought you might off :laugh:, they tend to come across as nuts at agility and flyball but I just wanted the OP to know they aren't meant to be like that at home :)

That being said my girl can go from hyper in a flyball comp ring waiting her turn to calming down enough and lay on her back, eyes closed while I rub her belly waiting for a judging decision to be made while all the other dogs are still carrying on......but she is a little special :laugh:

Edited June 18, 2012 by tollersowned

[Simply Grand]

What a good thread! Niki8, good on you for doing your research and seriously considering the feedback you get. I think it will result in you finding the right pup for you!

I was also thinking an Aussie Shepherd could be a good option, mine (7 months old) is full of energy when she's awake and always happy for a walk/run/play but also quite happy to lie around or entertain herself at home (well, entertain herself by destroying things...), more interested in other people and dogs than most BCs I've seen, very affectionate and she does have the Lab-type tendency to run up to everyone with exuberance and throw herself at them!

Long hair though, and probably smaller than many labs. Sounds to me like a lab from the right breeder who you keep nice and fit would actually be a good fit from what you've said :)

[Weasels]

more interested in other people and dogs than most BCs I've seen, very affectionate and she does have the Lab-type tendency to run up to everyone with exuberance and throw herself at them!

This has been my experience with Aussies too - absolute smoochers :D And dead keen to do whatever is going on, as long as they get to spend time with their human.

If you were looking for a border collie temperament with a short coat there are always kelpies ;) - it just depends on what you want to do with your dog while you are out and about. Herding dogs tend to be more reserved (but focussed) once they're adults, whereas more labs seem to retain a healthy curiosity for the world (dogs, people, sniffs) around them. I spend my mornings jogging, training and throwing a ball, but because my dogs are fairly aloof with others there isn't as much socialising with other dog-owners as I would do otherwise.

Plus you can't go wrong with a good dose of lab cuddles!