Quote: randy allen

... I'll stick with my low energy GSD's.

Randy, is this a good characterization of "most" of the working GSD's (say a Czech or DDR?) I know they are more of a handful than the American variety...but that "off switch?"

I can certainly appreciate this line of reasoning, and have ventured across it myself a few times in the last several months.

I can't speak for most.
For the dogs I've had though, I'd say that famous off switch is a misnomer. I'd liken it more to an idle or a simmer just before boiling then an offswitch.

 Quote: randy allen

I can't speak for most.
For the dogs I've had though, I'd say that famous off switch is a misnomer. I'd liken it more to an idle or a simmer just before boiling then an offswitch.

Ok - maybe a trannie, not an engine. A neutral switch.

Thanks.

Rob,
My low energy comment really was tongue in cheek. I wouldn't take it literally if I were you.

They'll worry you to death if you can't keep them mostly on the go.

Thank goodness for the trainability!

I have just resigned myself to the fact that I will probably always have to tell my dog what to do or she is most likely not going to make people friendly decisions.

That and exercise her A LOT. We walk like six miles a day plus play ball, tug, frisbee, or soccer. I live on a bay so I swim her a few times a week. Lots of find it games and two daily obedience sessions. We usually go hiking twice a week, too.

With the exception of her evening nap time (she usually sacks out between 5 and 6 for an hour), If I really want to relax she has to be in a down or in her crate. Otherwise she is pacing around, whining at me and pinching my butt.

I really want a high energy dog. I run several miles a day, my wife does also and usually at a different time. So it would be nice to have a dog that can do both runs.

My wife and I love hiking, playing soccer, being on the go...our puppy is just less than 6 months old and he goes almost everywhere with us. During my training with my little dog I can already see where he lacks drive, how he will give up, and that he is really only average intelligence. I love him and he is a lot of fun but I really have a desire for a dog with super high drive, very high intelligence, and a body that is appealing.

Shorter hair is better for me because my wife has allergies not to mention it makes it easier to maintain. I want a strong athletic frame where I will never be limited to what sport I can excel. This actually brings me to the reason why I might consider a Mali over a BC, because a Mali would be better at bite sports, so that door is always open.

Also as a side note, I really could careless if my dog is socially polite as long as he listens to me. As long as I am okay with someone in my home he will be, dogs don't pick fights, handlers do I know for a fact that my dog will always be properly crated and supervised before he is ever allowed around my future kids or company. I just wouldn't tolerate anything weird or aggressive towards his own pack.

This thread is an amazing resource!

Hey Spencer,

re-think your stance on shedding and hair types. Just read this article yesterday: go to

http://stores.frontandfinish.com/StoreFront.bok

click on online sample page 17 column entitled, "Dog Hair Everywhere".

BC coat types run the gamut, but most I've seen are more like hair than fur, and shed less than a hair coat like a Malinois.

Meredith, that was a good article! I can relate to the writer.
My female is a stock coat and sheds more in the summer than my long coat. Thanks for posting the read.

Any time.

My dog has been shedding like crazy since Spring. It's never been this bad before.

That is a good article. She has a couple of fine looking muttsters.