I'd stay away from heeler's. Maybe it was by chance but my experience... they are dumber than a box of rocks. The worst one, someone gave my dad one years ago. It would stand in the rain and bark at rain drops splashing in puddles, beyond stupid. Almost daily that dog would do something that'd leave me shaking my head in befuddlement. It eventually got run over on the highway, dumb dog wasn't even smart enough to stay out of the road.
That's funny - our dog is boxer/ridgeback. He does like to chase, but won't bite to save his life. Perhaps it's the cross. I didn't know they were the second fastest- he is fast!I can tell you that a Rhodesian Ridgeback is not the kind of dog you want. It will be outside if its owner is. If owner goes into the house, RR wants to be as well. It wants to be wherever its person is, even in bed. They want to have eyes on or be in close proximity to their owners, snuggling right up. They are loyal and devoted and protective. If a stranger comes into your space, they will come up with a deep growl and a scary bark. They do well living with a group of other RR, but they are active and can be rowdy dogs. They are the second fastest dogs, behind greyhounds. They love to run and run! Not the kind of dog you want, but I love the breed. They were bred to hunt and protect from lions. You probably don't have a wild cat problem. They will chase any other animal: cats, birds, rabbits. If it moves, they are after it.
I’ve had heelers for many years and most rancher around here do as well. Have never had a dumb one or worked with a dumb one. Sorry to hear that..
Australian Cattle Dogs have a tail.
The Aussies I've seen all have docked tails. The pup I was given has her tail docked. Border Collies have their tails are also extremely smart and devoted, and hairy.
. Dr Pepper...Have another cup of coffee.
Definitely not. They need a job. They are used for working cattle out here.Y'all are saying the Australian Shepherds are mellow?
This one might work to keep the strangers away. Don't know if it would meet your other criteria though. Looks like it wouldn't shed much.
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Me too on dr. Pepper, not coffee!. Dr Pepper...
Definitely not. They need a job. They are used for working cattle out here.
Yes! Both of my daughter's ridgebacks chose her. She went to the breeder, sat and waited for them to come to her. This is the best way!A lot of interesting info on dogs. Thank you all for sharing. I had a boss that had a theory on finding a dog. She said she never picked a dog. She let the dog pick her. She would take the one that came up to her and showed interest or affection. An interesting theory. I never tried it, but it made sense. Has anybody else tried this?
I've read that there are places where they race ridgies, like greyhounds are raced. Maybe in California? I could so see them chasing the rabbit, much like I saw sweet Crosby chase real rabbits.That's funny - our dog is boxer/ridgeback. He does like to chase, but won't bite to save his life. Perhaps it's the cross. I didn't know they were the second fastest- he is fast!
This one might work to keep the strangers away. Don't know if it would meet your other criteria though. Looks like it wouldn't shed much.
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I see them chase balls over and over and over. Owners use a chuckit and chuck the ball repeatedly.Me too on dr. Pepper, not coffee!
I thought someone said Aussies were mellow or mellower than Heelers.
We used to have to run our girl a lot because she didn't have a job. She was pretty intense. She's 8 now and has calmed down a little.
So, @phideaux . . . Back at ya.
My two Norwegian Elkhounds loved to pull sleds in the snow - and chase mice under it. They also caught birds in the air, cleaned the raccoons out of the area and took care of stray cats on the property.
They need a lot of exercise and loved the water.
This one might work to keep the strangers away. Don't know if it would meet your other criteria though. Looks like it wouldn't shed much.
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Yes. It’s very effective for finding an outgoing friendly partner. However one of my best dogs was super shy with people but the biggest love, sweet hearted but fierce when needed. So while it’s a go to sign for me when picking any puppy it’s not necessarily my only sign. It’s does show an outgoing curious smart habit though for sure.A lot of interesting info on dogs. Thank you all for sharing. I had a boss that had a theory on finding a dog. She said she never picked a dog. She let the dog pick her. She would take the one that came up to her and showed interest or affection. An interesting theory. I never tried it, but it made sense. Has anybody else tried this?
You're referring to Australian Shepherd, aren't you, @Terri9630 ? While @Double R is referring to Australian Cattle Dog, which is known as Blue Heeler.
Yes, just clarifying also. Have another cup of coffee.
Y'all are saying the Australian Shepherds are mellow? They're real furry and shed like there's no tomorrow? Our girl will start shedding at the first sign of stress. Lol
I've read that there are places where they race ridgies, like greyhounds are raced. Maybe in California? I could so see them chasing the rabbit, much like I saw sweet Crosby chase real rabbits.
I see them chase balls over and over and over. Owners use a chuckit and chuck the ball repeatedly.
So many dogs do not get enough exercise. I saw a family chasing a husky today. Their husky gets out frequently and the 5 children are left to chase it down. A man helped catch it for them. Huskies run for hours. I know that huskies who do not get enough exercise escape and run. With the snow we have now, count on them loving to run in the snow.
My two Norwegian Elkhounds loved to pull sleds in the snow - and chase mice under it. They also caught birds in the air, cleaned the raccoons out of the area and took care of stray cats on the property.
They need a lot of exercise and loved the water.
I have heard of that, but I think it might be different. I don't really know. I do know there is lure coursing in Colorado. We just never got involved.You might be referring to Lure Coursing?
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