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Sheltie versus mini Aussie for SD work?

If you are wondering what is the right dog for you, this is the place to be. In this introductory forum we talk about topics such as breed vs. mix, size, age, grooming, breeders, shelters, rescues as well as requirements for exercise, space and care. No question is too silly here. This particular forum is for getting and giving helpful, nice advice. It is definitely not a forum for criticizing someone else's opinion, knowledge or advice. This forum is all about tail wagging and learning.

  
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Happy

The Boy Wonder		 
 
Barked: Thu Feb 16, '12 6:26pm PST 
First....

Guest - I think you're mistaken on what Gypsy is looking for.

1) Service dog is a very different thing than Therapy dog.

Service dog is a dog trained to help a disabled person.

Therapy dogs are dogs that bring joy and love to people Other than their handler.

2) Therapy dogs can be any breed, or any mix. It is dependent on the dogs particular temperament, not the breed.

Same goes for service dogs... a lot goes into the choice of a service dog, there need be a delicate balance between needs and desires.

Now... Gypsy, though I think you know how I feel about it all. I know you have done a Lot of research into all of your choices, and respect that you keep looking at new and different options.

- Yes aussies and mini aussies can make wonderful service dogs for the Right person.

- I don't think anything about Chaser screams a no, but a lot of things can look good on paper or in pictures... I'll point out that fast food burgers generally look good in ads... that doesn't mean they look like that when you see them.

- I would wait until you have Gypsy and have started training before contacting anyone. Keep an eye on that breeder and others and if it looks like Gypsy won't work out then you can start contacting again.
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Luna

Future Service- Dog		 
 
Barked: Thu Feb 16, '12 9:01pm PST 
I don't think anything about [Cheeter] screams a no...

Thank you; that's what I was trying to ask. I'm not experienced enough in the world of dog breeding to know.

...but a lot of things can look good on paper or in pictures... I'll point out that fast food burgers generally look good in ads... that doesn't mean they look like that when you see them.

Oh, you mean like this? laugh out loud

I would wait until you have Gypsy and have started training before contacting anyone. Keep an eye on that breeder and others and if it looks like Gypsy won't work out then you can start contacting again.

Okay. I'm hoping that I'll know within a few months of bringing Gypsy home whether she'll work out or not. Until I know for sure, I'll focus on Gypsy instead of my fear-induced research into other dogs.
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Huck

GO!!!		 
 
Barked: Tue Apr 10, '12 7:44pm PST 
Huck is a Miniature Aussie, registered with MASCA and a fantastic therapy dog. I see no reason why a dog with a temperament like his would not make a great SD as well. There are some NOT good mini Aussies out there and it is important to go to a good breeder. Check out the Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of America and go to the Breeders Referral, they will be able to help you decide if these dogs would be a good fit for you. They are a working dog and need to have a job to do, they are smart and energetic and if you do not give them something to do they will create their own job and it may not be the job you had in mind. I like Huck's work ethic, focus and determination to get the job done and he will offer me behaviors until he gives me the correct one, he is not really a dog's dog, he is MY dog and while he is not aggressive with other dogs, he prefers they stay out of his face so he can concentrate on his job, whatever that is, it could be agility, a game of fetch, keeping the cows of the hiking trail or rounding up the wild turkeys or simply fetching me the roll of tissue in the other room. He is a fantastic dog and I know many that are. Good luck.
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