Border Collies are not uncommon in SAR/HR detection work - I've got one and know of several others. I know of a few SAR/HR Aussies, too. I think Aussies are suitable provided they are well bred working dogs - or an adult that has shown the proper drive. But it is harder to find good working bred Aussies these days.
Will Rambeau Moderator Reg: 01-25-2003
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I would have no problem using an Assie that had the correct drives.
I've seen several through the years that would have worked in any venue that you'd care to name.
The public finds them "cute", which can be a positive factor, in my book.
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007
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There is a pretty big schism in aussies these days in this country between working pet and show line. Personally the ones with adequate work drive were not dogs I consider having a temperament suitable for the job. It's not that they didn't have the drive to do something, they just don't have the persistence needed without a lot of prompting and they tended to be slightly flighty around areas with alot of movement. I can see them being great SAR dogs, I just don't see many of them functioning in a high traffic noisy area like a port.
I'm not saying it couldn't be done but I think you would need to search far and long for an adult aussie that would fit your needs drive wise with a solid enough temperament to not flip in a busy parking lot. Since this is your first narc sniffer perhaps you should be seeking a mentor to help you evaluate a potential dog rather than trying to pinpoint a breed?
Melissa, I have selected a dog for my first candidate a stray lab from the shelter. I was looking moreso down the road. I do know some Aussie Breeders with working lines. I was thinking if the breed was suitable then I would not write them off......
Since I will be reselling the dogs......I did want to see public perception.
I also own a couple aussies, that wouldn't cut it with the drives......but this new puppy I have.....she is something special. I will not part with her, but she made me think of possibilities.
Thanks for your perspectives everyone,
Someone had mentioned coat maintenance as a reason to knix the breed...I wanted to see if that came up anywhere.
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007
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Having to groom a dog quarterly or even every other month isn't a reason to reject one. Really if the drives are there and the temperament is on point I don't see really any breed unable to do the job. I have a couple of really drivey standard poodles and golden retrievers that I groom bi monthly that I bet could be trained into the job.
Someone had mentioned coat maintenance as a reason to knix the breed...I wanted to see if that came up anywhere.
I can't imagine a dog with higher coat maintainence than a GSD, yet they are extremely popular.
If I were marketing Aussies, I'd do what Ed Frawley did and develop a little "how to" maintain the coat, showing the tools and frequency of brushing, etc., necessary. Once folks know what they are getting into, surprises (and frustration) will be eliminated.
A dog has alot of friends because he wags his tail instead of his mouth.
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