[GTGallop]

We have some unique family needs for a dog. Right now our Boxer/Lab mix isn't cutting it. She was supposed to fill the shoes of our Catahoula/Aussie Shep mix and apparently that was a taller order than I originally appreciated.

So this isn't a what is YOUR favorite breed discussion, or what works best in YOUR situation. I hate to say it, but yeah, this is all about me. I'll be the one living with and training the dog so it has to fit my families needs.

What is a dog that fits these criteria?
1. SMART - Can't have another dumb dog that gets surprised every time she farts like it snuck up on her.
2. About 40 to 45 pounds
3. Loving
4. Protecting / herding
6. stout/compact build - I don't mind a heavy dog but I don't want a tall spindly dog.
7. Clean - not a lot of excessive shedding.
8. Obedient

I'm thinking about Catahoulas, Australian Sheppards, Blue Healers, Australian Cattle Dogs, but are there others I should know about. Primary duty is a family member but needs to earn her keep with security. I prefer mutts and will probably look for a blend of dogs that hit one or more of the breeds mentioned in this thread. It will be female and it will be fixed ASAP.

 

[PrepConsultant]

Australian Cattle Dog aka Blue or red heeler.. I have had them my entire life and they should fit what you need.. It's too bad you are not in Montana as we just had 6 pups..

 

[Earthscreations]

I recommend a Blue Healer. My mother has one and it fits all your criteria.

 

[MI.oldguy]

We have a Lab/border collie mix,smartest dog we have ever had.intelligent,not lazy,gentile but firm,not a guard dog but,more of an alarm dog.

 

[GTGallop]

Just For Reference:
Blue Heeler ==> Australian Cattle Dog - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Catahoula ==> Catahoula Cur - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[AvengersAssembled]

Yep, I'd say a Blue Heeler. My grandpa had one for years, she provided security to his whole farm. She was very easy to train, and incredibly loving and loyal to all of us. She definitely earned her keep at his place. She was a mix, we don't know what else she had, but every one of her characteristics and her appearance were Blue Heeler.

 

[Inor]

We had a Blue Heeler. She was a great dog and fit 7 of your 8 criteria perfectly. But she was dumb as a post.

 

[GTGallop]

We had a Blue Heeler. She was a great dog and fit 7 of your 8 criteria perfectly. But she was dumb as a post.

There is one in every breed - the Forrest Gump of the litter if you will.
I know the Blue Heeler is statistically more likely to be smart and that's why I'm leaning that way. I'll assess the pup when we go to adopt and make sure we get a good one. I think we are going to take our time with this though. Might be a year or two out.

 

[lgustavus81]

Red Heeler. And thats all I'm saying about that. Love mine and he fits the bill in all areas.

 

[Smitty901]

Australian Cattle Dog aka Blue need to think about that. I have shared my life with a couple. My current one is 51 pounds he is one of the lager size in the breed. He is a Smart dog and a smart ass. He is loyal and loves to work/play. While they may not hurt small kids think can be a bit rough with them .
My grandson has a nick name for him - - - hole.
If you go that route you will have a partner for a long time once you train them they work hard for you.
A Sheltie fits a lot of people needs that are not ready for a Healer. The best farm dog and family friend we ever had was a mix Sheltie and blue healer.

Meet Sir Pretzel Stick named by my grandson

 

[sparkyprep]

Blue Pitt, the most loving, loyal dogs in the world. Great with kids, but needs training. Fairly smart, not too stupid, but loyal to a fault.

 

[PrepConsultant]

Ours love the water too. It would be hard to find a smarter dog than a heeler...

 

[Smitty901]

View attachment 2453 View attachment 2454 Ours love the water too. It would be hard to find a smarter dog than a heeler...

Oh yea water he goes and jumps in the little duck pound often.
Looks sharp I really do love healers

 

[ekim]

I still miss my "Miss Emily", best friend I ever had. A blue Healer we had for just short of 12 years. Smart, good warning dog and great with all members of the family. If I ever get another dog it will be a healer!

 

[PrepConsultant]

Damn, a lot of heeler lovers on here..lol

 

[Smitty901]

Damn, a lot of heeler lovers on here..lol View attachment 2462

Well let us look at this
heelers is strong able to work alone or with others.
Smart and can handle tasks alone others would need a lot of help with
Courage, ever have a Heeler step between you and a really piss steer or cow? Nothing stops them if they are sure it needs to be done.
They can think on their own.
I would not want o be in your shoes if he though you meant harm to anyone of his family, 51 pound of really upset dog going to ruin your day.
Sounds like the prefect partner for many of us

 

[PalmettoTree]

American Water Spaniel

 

[lgustavus81]

Got my jaw broke breaking up a fight one night. Had my heeler tied to a picnic table. He was dragging the damned table to try and come help me! That dog has no fear whatsoever and will love me and my family til his last breath!

 

[PrepConsultant]

Well let us look at this
heelers is strong able to work alone or with others.
Smart and can handle tasks alone others would need a lot of help with
Courage, ever have a Heeler step between you and a really piss steer or cow? Nothing stops them if they are sure it needs to be done.
They can think on their own.
I would not want o be in your shoes if he though you meant harm to anyone of his family, 51 pound of really upset dog going to ruin your day.
Sounds like the prefect partner for many of us

I had a pissed off cow just yesterday try to tear me up when I was pushing her and a few hundred others to another pasture.. I was on one of those fat cat dirt bikes instead of a horse or 4 wheeler and she came up behind me and freight trained me. Knocked me off the bike and kept comin after me. If it wasn't for the heeler I would have got my ass handed to me...

 

[PrepperDogs]

I'm a catahoula fan. We got Kali from the Catahoula Rescue.