Working on Mrs Crusty to get another dog.

[crustychief]

Shadow,
Happy 13th birthday Shadow!
R.I.P. Jordans Moonbeam Shadow
left us a couple of months ago for the rainbow bridge and there is a empty spot in my soul. I am considering a Australian cattle dog. My friend has a 9 year old and a puppy. They seem like a good fit for us. Mrs. Crusty wants a small dog with no shedding issues, I want a dog I will be ok walking down the street with. ( not a Pomeranian ) . I have always had Labradors, and one German Shepard. Does anybody have/had an Aussie? Any issues? Thank you.

[RWebb]

good dogs if you own a cattle or sheep herd; you can also substitute teenagers

very high energy; need a LOT of exercise - not an easy going dog like a lab

why isn't she 'Mrs. Chief' BTW?

[HiBeam]

[GH85Carrera]

Does she know you call her Mrs Crusty?

[crustychief]

Yes, she does. She thinks it is funny. She is not crusty though.



Getting back to the dog thing... A dog like this.

[crustychief]

Randy, when I was active duty she was COMNAVHOMEPAC. I do agree they need a lot of exercise, it may even get me out of the house and back jogging again.

[JavaBrewer]

Originally Posted by crustychief

Looks like RC flying club in the background - Miramar or Fallbrook? Cute pup!

I read the title of this thread and immediately thought of Ron White "geeet her another dawgg" on late night. Don't be so quick to discount the non-shedding variety. Scout, our Maltipoo, gets to hang with us everywhere cause he doesn't shed a lick and is super easy to keep tidy. However I get what you're saying about a "real" dog.

[crustychief]

David, the field is Miramar. Do you fly? The little nugget I am holding is my friends puppy.
I am not totally against having a smaller dog but My labs used to jog with me and it was fun to take them to the beach and or a lake and throw sticks or frisbees for them. I can't imagine a Chihuahua keeping up for a 3 mile run.
Do you still have your Disco? I have a brand new set of front pads and some gaskets / seals that I never got around to installing before we got our new Acura. I can make you a deal on them.

[Buckterrier]

There are quite a few of us that own Heelers, Vinny, Baz, & I think Varmit to name a few. High energy for sure. I don't have cattle or any other critter that they heard. They do play well with each other very well. They do shed also. It's not an issue for me. I have a large fenced in back yard they play in. Play ball with them 2, 3, 4 times a day to tucker them out. Maxx is a very good watch dog, Colbi not so much. In one word to describe them.... AWESOME!!

[weseeeee]

That is a good looking pup. We are an English Bulldog family. They're a lot less active than your pup will be. Good luck, but I don't think you'll need it once she sees that puppy.

[Baz]

Couple quick comments.....

The pup you are holding is an Australian Shepherd - aka Aussie.

There is another breed which is different called an Australian Cattle Dog, aka Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, or Queensland Heeler. But they are never called "Aussies". That is the nickname for the Australian Shepherd only.

While these dogs were breed specifically to help ranchers manage live stock, it's a complete myth that they require large yards and/or lots of farm animals to herd in order to maintain them properly. I can personally attest to the fact that they are perfectly happy to stay inside in the air conditioning and bide their time until such time as their human takes them outside for some horseplay and romping around (which they love to do, BTW).

I encourage you to check out some of the rescue organizations for any Australian Cattle Dogs or A. Shepherds who are waiting for their forever home.....they are extremely devoted and easy to care for.

Some video of my 2 girls:

[Drdogface]

To support our buddy Baz...that pup is an Aussie ..not an Aussie Cattle Dog which is a wholly different breed. If you decide you DO NOT want that pup, then I do. I have one and he is the best dog I've ever owned...but he has terminal cancer at only 7 years of age. So let me know...

[zephog]

might I suggest the english mastiff, the biggest small dog I have ever owned.

[varmint]

as puppies they are ridiculously expensive. wait a few years and they're free on craigslist.

my advice would be to adopt an older heeler. i got cowboy at ten. all the great intelligence and personality with much less crazy. he's 15 now and still chugging along.

[ckissick]

Here's Teddy, our Minnie Aussie.

He's the sweetest dog I've ever known. He loves everyone he meets.

[DonDavis]

Mini Schnauzer. No shedding, confident, good looking dog for a man to walk,

But, it's terrier. Prone to dental issues, kind of barky but I have seen them with engaged owners that train them well. Very nifty breed, imho.

However, they should get monthly grooming by a pro.

[crustychief]

Thanks Baz, I learned something new today. Definitely looking at the Shepard vice the Heeler. Mark, that is my friends puppy, I offered to take her off his hands.. he offered to kick my.......
Don, I have a good friend that has two rescue mini Schnauzers, they are awesome dogs, my daughter likes to play with them but I am kinda looking for a medium size dog.
Charlie, How big is your Teddy? could he keep up for a 5K run? Mrs Crusty mentioned the mini, maybe that is the route to go?

[Baz]

You're welcome, Sandy.

I'm partial to Cattle Dogs myself (I think they are smarter!) but Aussies are also a great breed.

Again - I urge you to check the local rescue groups for available dogs as they always make for the best companions.

Good luck and please post in the dog thread when appropriate.

[Steve Carlton]

Just throwing this out there- how about a Tibetan Terrier?

[HiBeam]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

Just throwing this out there- how about a Tibetan Terrier?

Absolutely wonderful breed! No shed, no stink, affectionate, and bright.
Keep them clipped.