bossyboo Posted April 29, 2013 Share Posted April 29, 2013 Hi I am looking at getting a new puppy for our family. It will be a family pet but will also be my walking buddy. So the breeds we like are..Brittany Spaniel. English springer spaniel and border collie. I also like the smooth collies. We are looking for a medium sized dog..not bothered about grooming. If anyone owns these breeds can you give my your experience with them. I have done some research..but would like some feedback from owners. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted April 29, 2013 Share Posted April 29, 2013 (edited) :) research is a Very Good Thing ! you may find some useful info from owners HERE.... and lots inHERE :) Edited April 29, 2013 by persephone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted April 29, 2013 Share Posted April 29, 2013 English Springer Spaniel - there are distinct "show" lines and "working" lines. If you are not bothered by the amount of coat the former may suit you better - lovely dogs. I have a working (or field-bred) ESS - smaller, longer than she is tall (show ESS are squarer in shape), less coat and feathering, shorter ears, has 2 speeds (asleep and flat out running) and she needs a definite job to do! She doesn't enjoy walks as much as she adores training (she gets to run!) and she has a very strong hunting instinct. That said she snuggles up with 3 cats after a long day training/competing and has one of the best "off" switches I have ever encountered. I do know of working ESS in pet homes with families, though, so it's a case of finding the right breeder who can help you select the most suitable pup :) Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Podengo Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 CaseyKay on this forum has border collies and a brittany (not a brittany spaniel anymore, they dropped the spaniel part), maybe send her a message :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
temperamentfirst Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 Border Collies vary a lot so you need to look at how much drive you want, and how much coat. Of course, most important is that at least one parent has been tested or is clear by pedigree/parentage for TNS, CL and CEA and that both parents have good hip scores. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertDobes Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 I've know some English springers- They are gorgeous Nikki and Peter own them and also have Welshies which are also very cute http://www.rhegedspringerspaniels.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aphra Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 The Springers I've know have been super active, super smart dogs - a challenge to keep up with if you're not really active. We've just rehomed a Brittany, and she is the most adorable dog. I've never thought of owning one of the spaniels, but she completely changed my mind. Smart, active, strong willed but really companionable. That's my only experience, but if she was indicative of the breed as a whole, that would be my choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 Point has already been made but Brittanies are NOT Spaniels. They are a utility gundog and, in my limited experience, are quite different in temperament to most Spaniels. All breeds named are smart, high activity and need a fair bit of physical and mental stimulation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zug Zug Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 Yep they're all very active and you'll need to keep them very well exercised and trained/entertained. Perhaps think about adding Welsh Springers and Aussie Shepherds to that list...? You'll get fit :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry's Mum Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 For an active intelligent dog think about an Australian Koolie. You can get long or short coats. Very people focussed and love lots of exercise and having their brains trained. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RallyValley Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 I own a Brittany and could not be happier with the choice. I will never own another breed now. I have also owned a pet shop 'Border Collie' in the past and a Kelpie x, so I am used to active breeds. Britts do require physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy. Zora usually gets a walk in the morning of around 30 mins to an hour and at least 2 or 3x5 min games or training sessions a day. They love to be with their family but also love to explore new places and sniff things out. They are clever and give back what you put in as far as obedience goes, so if you make an effort to train your dog and work on it's recall you will have a beautifully obedient dog with a good recall. They are biddable and loyal but not one of these gundogs that tries to crawl into your skin and has to follow you everywhere. All Britts I have met are mentally sound - so no anxiety, agression etc - but almost all the dogs I have met were socialised well from the start. Britts are bred to hunt, point and retrieve game. Unlike Springers there is no working/show divide although you will find within the breed there are different lines that look and act a little bit different. In comparison to the herding type breeds I have owned Zora is far more laid back. I think the best way for you to decide would be to go out and meet the breeds because a herding dog and a gundog have very different natures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pattycake Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 We have had both types of ESS currently an almost 4yr old working/ field type, Bella. When we went looking for another dog after our show ESS passed away about 5 yrs ago we did not know there was a working/show difference untill I found the DOL site and started looking at breeders. There was a litter of Working ones almost ready to go not too far from home so we went to have a look and talk and fell in love with 9 cute puppies running around :) As TSD has said there are 2 speeds flat out running and flat out asleep well sometimes she slows down a bit. Is always eager to please and loves anyone who comes to visit. We do not do any 'formal' training with her and she doesnt get walked as much as she should as yes she isnt the easiest to walk, if we could run Im sure she would love it. We do play tracking/scent games in the yard which help stimulate and tire her out she has never been destructive apart from a couple of her beds when younger, doesnt bark too much (except at the neighbour's cats who all seem to come up the side of our driveway ) Our old boy who was a Show ESS was a lot less energetic but still very active, loved walks and playing games and was great with our children. Good luck in deciding which breed to get :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amw Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 Hi I previously posted elsewhere on the forum about our (show) ESS puppy. He is now coming up to 10 months and is becoming a beautiful young dog. He is my regular walking companion,, at the very least he gets 30 minutes twice a day, longer on weekends and when my husband or I are working from home. I usually include some obedience training and play time (wherever possible with some nearby doggies friends including a few ESS), he loves to run, sniff, chase and be chased. We are looking forward to having him as running companion also when he is a year or so. We do find that he becomes a little bored, hyperactive and mouthy if he has been home by himself all day and does not get an evening walk but I think that is understandable. http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/246138-new-puppy-ideas/page__st__15 This is our first ESS and we are hooked. I am not sure now that we could consider another breed (even though I love so many others, including the BCs, Australian shepherds and lots of others). If you have any particular questions, feel free to PM me. Good luck with your decision. amw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emilymarston Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 Also consider English Cockers. They're very similar to springers but a bit smaller and a little less active. My cocker is quite energetic and walks 12km or more each week. All those breeds you listed are good family dogs and walking buddies. Good luck finding your puppy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mita Posted June 4, 2013 Share Posted June 4, 2013 (edited) Just saying. I think one of the most beautiful dogs, is the Welsh Springer Spaniel. But, as you've wisely asked for inside information on the breeds.... can't add more because I've had no experience with them. http://www.google.com.au/search?q=Welsh+Springer+Spaniel&client=safari&rls=en&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=MDWtUbP7DoeQiQeZ_oGgAQ&ved=0CDgQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=599 Oooh, Zug Zug, just saw you also suggested adding Welsh Springers! Edited June 4, 2013 by mita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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