Wanted: Opposite of a deer dog ...

[lambic]

Before I get shouted at...I'm looking for the worst deer dog. One who has no interest in chasing deer or hares, but happy to live outside of house all year in a shed type kennel.

Retirement dogs

Criteria :

* Pair of males

* Spend all year outside on a smallholding , probably sharing their home with a mousing cat or two

* low prey drive - won't chase roe or hares. Won't kill the resident wildlife too much ... so no terriers.

* But will object to fox or badger being near them

* Good natured

* Not likely to stray over fences too far

* Would not object to strongly to hens, pigs or even a few goats




Had springer and cocker dogs years ago but they were house dogs. I'm not sure they can cope with an Aberdeenshire winter ?

My initial thoughts are golden retriever, springer or cocker ... Any suggestions ?

Is my all year outside plan frowned upon these days ?

 

[VSS]

Nothing wrong with housing dogs outdoors.
It's much better, in my opinion.
Might be a bit tough though if you take on an older dog that's always lived indoors before.

 

[Bowland blades]

Nearly All these matters come down to just one bundle , that is the training / handling / Leadership of the owner !

 

[lambic]

Nearly All these matters come down to just one bundle , that is the training / handling / Leadership of the owner !

They would be off the leash most of the time amusing themselves, but would attempt to train them to not stray over fences lines and boundaries and pass gates.

I would be looking to take a pair to pups I think, ideally brothers.

Just looking to find the right breed that can amuse themselves a fair bit but not create total carnage when left to their own devices.

 

[Klenchblaize]

There's only one way to go:

K

 

[VSS]

They would be off the leash most of the time amusing themselves, but would attempt to train them to not stray over fences lines and boundaries and pass gates.

I would be looking to take a pair to pups I think, ideally brothers.

Just looking to find the right breed that can amuse themselves a fair bit but not create total carnage when left to their own devices.

Any dog, of any breed, needs to be pretty well trained and mature before it can be trusted to "amuse itself" without causing trouble. Two dogs, litter mates, would be more than 2x the trouble.
They're the ones that generally end up getting shot, if you're in sheep country.

 

[lambic]

There's only one way to go:
View attachment 422274
K

Don't think Paris could survive outside

 

[lambic]

Any dog, of any breed, needs to be pretty well trained and mature before it can be trusted to "amuse itself" without causing trouble. Two dogs, litter mates, would be more than 2x the trouble.
They're the ones that generally end up getting shot, if you're in sheep country.

True. There it would take a while to train them up.

So, any recommended breeds for good behaviour ?

Obviously my experience is only with spaniels

I'm guessing golden retrievers the best choice ?

 

[shakey jake]

True. There it would take a while to train them up.

So, any recommended breeds for good behaviour ?

Obviously my experience is only with spaniels

I'm guessing golden retrievers the best choice ?

Can you still get working golden retrievers?

 

[Drum123]

Before I get shouted at...I'm looking for the worst deer dog. One who has no interest in chasing deer or hares, but happy to live outside of house all year in a shed type kennel.

Retirement dogs

Criteria :

* Pair of males

* Spend all year outside on a smallholding , probably sharing their home with a mousing cat or two

* low prey drive - won't chase roe or hares. Won't kill the resident wildlife too much ... so no terriers.

* But will object to fox or badger being near them

* Good natured

* Not likely to stray over fences too far

* Would not object to strongly to hens, pigs or even a few goats




Had springer and cocker dogs years ago but they were house dogs. I'm not sure they can cope with an Aberdeenshire winter ?

My initial thoughts are golden retriever, springer or cocker ... Any suggestions ?

Is my all year outside plan frowned upon these days ?

I've never heard of a dog the likes of which you describe. What is your aim in seeking out such an animal? Stock protection? Genuinely interested.

 

[lambic]

Dogs that are just happy following you about really, but are not going to disrupt resident wildlife too much....apart from wandering foxes and badgers

Some mild stock protection for poultry in the future

But can live outdoors all year, that is the most important bit

 

[lambic]

Based on my previous experience, i would have springers over cockers ... But I know their characters, hence wondering if more unstable species.

Maybe black labs ?

 

[Drum123]

Based on my previous experience, i would have springers over cockers ... But I know their characters, hence wondering if more unstable species.

Maybe black labs ?

Clumber spaniels. They're just like springers , just without the desire to do much.

 

[lambic]

I'll look into them

 

[lambic]

Clumber spaniels. They're just like springers , just without the desire to do much.

I think you have nailed it Drum123. Thanks

Good old SD

I don't suppose you or any others know of respectable breeders in Scotland or any knowledgeable contacts ?

Thanks

 

[PostmanPat]

I would assume something wire haired would be happier (GWP, wire vizsla etc) outside in a Scottish winter if you want a gundog breed. Some top trainer/competitors look for retirement homes for their competition dogs, most will be used to kennel life and obviously very well trained.

If you don't want it to have a high prey drive then a non-gundog breed. Huskies or malamutes maybe. They will at least be good with the weather.

 

[VSS]

.

If you don't want it to have a high prey drive then a non-gundog breed. Huskies or malamutes maybe. They will at least be good with the weather.

Not huskies!!!!
They (and their crosses) are one of the worst for sheep worrying, so clearly they do have a strong prey drive.
I think, in the OP's position, I might consider a bearded collie from a farm strain. They have enough of the "work" instinct to be trainable, and therefore fairly obedient, but are sufficiently laid back to not mind not working livestock, if you know what I mean.
I would avoid the show strains as, although they're likely to have less "prey drive", they're also likely to need pampering. The old-fashioned farm strains are hardy.

 

[lambic]

Hello

Yes, huskies et al, plus the pointers are not an option based on my experience. We sold our old house with resident hens to some people who had 4 husky type dogs, the hens were slaughtered within weeks apparently

I have thought about the classic Lassie collie. Appreciate the Border collie is very intelligent, but not for me.

However, looking at all the evidence, I think the Clumber is currently the strongest candidate. Mainly because of the character and laziness.

Just need to try and find some when the time comes, as well as building their home.

 

[lambic]

Not huskies!!!!
They (and their crosses) are one of the worst for sheep worrying, so clearly they do have a strong prey drive.
I think, in the OP's position, I might consider a bearded collie from a farm strain. They have enough of the "work" instinct to be trainable, and therefore fairly obedient, but are sufficiently laid back to not mind not working livestock, if you know what I mean.
I would avoid the show strains as, although they're likely to have less "prey drive", they're also likely to need pampering. The old-fashioned farm strains are hardy.

Just reread your post ... I have never seen a bearded collie. Don't know much about them either.

But like old English sheepdog ?

 

[SikaSeeker]

Never great getting two pups at the same time, they’ll form a bigger bond with each other then you.