This is probably in the wrong place, mods. Feel free to move...
I don't think so! I wouldn't trade them, but I can't help but feel like too many people don't understand GSD temperament (and lump them in with Labs and Goldens)!
Ok. Let me back up. DH and I are looking for a smaller breed to add to our pack - we started looking last year. We narrowed the number of possible breeds. Then, I took a trip to NJ so that I could meet a breeder and see their dogs in person of one rare breed (the Norwegian Lundehund). Absolutely wonderful people..and truly a neat little dog with potential.
But with several of the other breeds, I get the same response when I say that I currently have GSDs. Basically, they feel like I have such an easy breed to deal with - none of the hassles that their breed presents (not "eager to please" is the common characteristic that they cite along with their breed being "independent" and "more difficult to train" and "can not be left off leash - they run away!").
As an aside, since this is non GSD, do you think that going to the breed education seminar offerred at the Nationals would be a good way to get a better understanding of type/movement for that breed? Or should I leave that spot open for a judge/serious breed person?
I called today, to see about getting into the seminar of a breed whose National will be only 2 hours away (woohoo!) and was put off when it was suggested that I not take the spot of someone who is a judge/serious breed person - since we are still deciding on which of these 3 breeds are "right" for us. My thought was that this might be my only shot at getting into this seminar for a few years (depending on where the National is in the future) and I'd hate to miss out on something that could give me a better idea of what I need to look for in the parents of my future puppy, as well as help me evaluate that puppy.
OK.
This shouldn't even need saying...but don't be afraid of hurting my feelings..give it to me straight!
I don't think so! I wouldn't trade them, but I can't help but feel like too many people don't understand GSD temperament (and lump them in with Labs and Goldens)!
Ok. Let me back up. DH and I are looking for a smaller breed to add to our pack - we started looking last year. We narrowed the number of possible breeds. Then, I took a trip to NJ so that I could meet a breeder and see their dogs in person of one rare breed (the Norwegian Lundehund). Absolutely wonderful people..and truly a neat little dog with potential.
But with several of the other breeds, I get the same response when I say that I currently have GSDs. Basically, they feel like I have such an easy breed to deal with - none of the hassles that their breed presents (not "eager to please" is the common characteristic that they cite along with their breed being "independent" and "more difficult to train" and "can not be left off leash - they run away!").
As an aside, since this is non GSD, do you think that going to the breed education seminar offerred at the Nationals would be a good way to get a better understanding of type/movement for that breed? Or should I leave that spot open for a judge/serious breed person?
I called today, to see about getting into the seminar of a breed whose National will be only 2 hours away (woohoo!) and was put off when it was suggested that I not take the spot of someone who is a judge/serious breed person - since we are still deciding on which of these 3 breeds are "right" for us. My thought was that this might be my only shot at getting into this seminar for a few years (depending on where the National is in the future) and I'd hate to miss out on something that could give me a better idea of what I need to look for in the parents of my future puppy, as well as help me evaluate that puppy.
OK.