I've been doing some thinking lately and I'm just not sure if I would be able to find the dog I want (for my next dog) in the GSD breed.

I love the GSD, don't get me wrong. But I'm not sure if it'd be a good match. I love the zippiness and flash of my mystery mix, Risa. I love her structure (though I wish she didn't have some back problems). I love her speed and intelligence. I also know Ris' history of GI issues drives me absolutely up the wall and GSDs are well-known for their GI problems too. Her fears and dog-reactivity are also huge issues and really make competing with her a problem (or, at the very least, a huge production).

I know there are plenty of high-drive, energetic GSDs out there. I know they're far more handler-driven than my independent hairball (which is good). It's just that most GSDs I see don't seem quite as speedy and driven as Risa can be. And I like that bit of intensity (read: craziness) underlying the work.

When looking for a dog, they often say to look for a breeder who breeds dogs that do the activities you like. The ones whose breeding program compliment what you're looking for. I don't know too many GSD breeders who concentrate on competing in musical freestyle. I do know some whose dogs have competed in agility. I know plenty who focus on Schutzhund which I really have no interest in doing (at this point in time).

I want to be honest with myself (and anyone else) about what I'm looking for. I don't want to have a bad match as that can be disastrous. Do you think it would be wise for me to consider a different breed or do you think I could find what I am looking for in a GSD?

Thanks.

FWIW, I am not trying to dis or belittle the GSD. I LOVE this breed but I'm trying to be honest about the potential shortcomings of choosing this breed and whether or not it would be a good match for me. Hopefully this doesn't get me kicked out. LOL.

I can think on more than one GSD that will completely fit you, but you are also right, they are not exactly the average of the breed. Yes, they are out there, but I don't feel like you HAVE to own a GSD for loyalty with us when there are indeed other breeds that are more like what you are looking for. I would seriously consider a Border Collie and maybe a Malinois. In both cases you will need to be extra careful to chose the breeder, because reactivity and extra sensibility may be a problem in both breeds. A BC from herding lines, as opposed to agility lines, would be my first choice.

I totally agree with that - the herding lines - and my personal preference would be the Border Collie because a Malinois would just make me sad I didn't get a GSD (no offense Rafi). I only have a BC mix and like what I have in her with the intelligence and just the way she does things. That eye! I mean, I have kind of given up on ever being a step ahead of Ava and she is diabolical.

IF you were to go with a GSD I would look for an adult that was already showing the zip and stability - thinking of us humans, it's hard to find people who are can be driven and not frantic at times, so amazing we can produce it with dogs! Plus with an adult you would know the GI stuff.

You should go hang out at the Glen Highland Farm. http://www.glenhighlandfarm.com/aboutghf.htm

Jean, I have browsed GHF's website more often than I should admit. Usually looking at their available dogs. Would LOVE to take Risa there for one of their camp things but I don't think she's the best type of dog for it.

It's possible Risa has border collie in her. The shelter had her listed as a BC mix and she occasionally does very border collie-like things:


I have always admired BCs but I'm not sure if one would be too much dog for me. I do love Malis but, again, worry they might be too crazed. I know BCs are also very quirky dogs. I do find myself looking more at Aussies, ACDs, and BCs when I (stupidly) browse Petfinder.

I also have no idea whether or not an adult or puppy would be best. An older dog is a more known quantity (especially if I go the rescue route). But Risa is less fearful of puppies. Either way, is going to be a lot of work for me. . .

Hmm, I don't think that a lot of working line GSD's would be any less speedy and driven than Risa. I personally think something like a Mal is not at all like Risa...I think they are way beyond her in the "OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" factor haha.

You can easily find females that are a lot smaller and agile in the 50-60 pound ranger.

Go to a SchH club and see the "intensity" those dogs have!

But, I also don't think that something like a BC would be a bad fit, either. Overall, they are a bit on the idependent sdie as well, right? At least, I think, compared to most GSD's.

Jamie,

You would love a Rafi {I can't believe you said that Jean!]. He would be fantastic in musical freestyle. He loves learning and he loves me above all else. He lives to work and play with me. He will ignore anything I ask him to ignore as long as I'm paying attention to him. His movement is beautiful. Honestly, he would be perfect for what you want (except for the kissing but you can train him out of that ;-)).

I am always watching the mal rescue site and see so many dogs coming through who sound exactly like him in personality.

Plus he's very photogenic.

Kicked out? Absolute NOT! You have been so helpful to us all.

GSDs are great but no matter how much we all try they don't fit every mold. That's part of the appeal of the GSD for me is that they can do everything. Are they the best at everything? Not always.

Jamie - to me, getting a dog is a personal choice (including what breed/bloodlines/rescue/breeder/adult/puppy/etc). You have to do what's right for YOU.

After reading your first post the first thing that popped to my mind is that you should look into BCs or Aussies. Sure a GSD could do it but a BC or Aussie might do it better.

I think (I hope) you were just kidding. Who else would have drawn such a super cool, priceless portrait of my crazy two (and understood when I said I wanted Kato to look a little more, errr, determined to kick Lexi's butt in the pic, lol).

Hopefully someone else will be able to give you some advice about choosing the proper breed for what you need. But don't you go anywhere...you're an asset to any doggy forum, regardless of breed.

I think there are GSD's out there that would meet your criteria. Not all GSD's have GI issues.

I would trade a little speed of the BC for the correct/accurateness of a GSD. If you watch some SchH video's I know that isn't your interest, but it will tell you a lot about the speed and accuracy of the GSD. As some one else posted you want in that 50-60 lb range. You might even look at a breeder mixing showline/workinglines. DeeDee is a mix of AM showline and working line, she is that 60 lb range, quick, agile, her draw back is the sound sensitivity problem (could have been vaccine reaction induced). She is smart and wants to please. She always had a cast iron gut until some problems with a med for her thunderstorm problems. Some GSD's are just quicker than others, DeeDee is quick but not as powerful as Cheyenne. Raya is very quick and very agile, she is in the 50-60 lb range.

Before DeeDee got really bad with her sound issues, my plan for her was agility. My trainer at that time said with DeeDee's speed if we worked on being clean and accurate we would be in the score range of the BC's.

I think BC's are as cute as can be, but not the dog for me.

It is hard after having a mix breed that we really like to decide on what we want for a purebred breed.

I fostered a GSD/Kelpie mix and he was very athletic, speedy, agile and had work ethic.
I would have kept him if he wasn't so reactive to my husband and son. He and I formed an incredible bond while I had him.
Too bad the Kelpies aren't more common in the US.