As many of you know, I’m a student and once I move out of my parents' place, I’m planning on getting a dog of my own as soon as I can (either during the second year of my Master’s when I’ll be getting paid, or during my first year of work).
I’ve been looking into all the different options.
I’m considering adopting from a rescue, but the idea of getting a pedigree dog really appeals to me too.
I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the Golden Retriever’s temperament: they’re so sociable (with dogs, cats, and children), they love their walks without necessarily needing to tear around everywhere, and let’s be honest, they have such lovely faces. They have good recall if trained properly, generally listen well, and don't have much of a prey drive (I panic as soon as Hava wanders off too far to chase shadows, so I definitely don't want anything more than that).
A few days ago, I came across another breed I’ve fallen for: the Eurasier!
They seem to meet my criteria and are a bit smaller (I want a female), which is a plus for me. I’m certainly not looking to enter any obedience trials with this dog, but that’s not what I’m after anyway.
Just to recap:
I’m going to be a secondary school teacher, so I won’t be away from home for long periods. For the first two years at least, we’ll be living in a flat, but I hope to have a small garden before long (for myself, and it’s a nice bonus for the dog). I love walking—at the house, I do about 1 hour 30 mins every day, often more, but let’s go with that. In a flat, I’d be doing at least 2 hours. I’ll have a cat that gets on with dogs. I just want a companion for life that I can train well.
I’d love to hear some of your stories or experiences with these dogs if you've met them? I really like what I’ve read so far, anyway. Thanks everyone!
Translated from French
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The absolute worst are the owners who just let it slide, saying 'dogs bark, it’s only natural'. Well, fair enough, but there’s a difference between barking (communicating or playing) and barking (howling or being aggressive). We’re also capable of screaming our heads off, but that doesn't mean people think it's normal behaviour ^^^
It’s the same for the neighbours, especially in a flat; if there’s a lot of barking, it can quickly become a real issue. As for being fearful versus being reserved, they’re definitely not the same thing. I reckon there’s a bit of nature and nurture involved in both, but in my opinion, you can still work on it in almost every case (and I really mean *work on* it). It can take quite a bit of time, though. I think it’s the same with barking, actually – you can definitely tone it down quite a lot.
I've got a dog who ignores everyone, even the people we pass on our walks (some of them every day). Since we got her, she’ll go over to them but keeps her distance; she likes them but doesn't want to be petted. She’s an absolute expert at blanking people! It doesn’t bother me one bit, but I think having a dog that’s actually scared of people is a completely different kettle of fish. It’s not what I’m looking for, as I plan on taking this future dog everywhere with me (weekends away, holidays, the pub, maybe the train, etc.). So, socialisation is going to be really important, and it’s much more complicated with a fearful dog (as opposed to one that's just wary or aloof).
As for dogs barking at others, I’ve noticed that with the Borders and Belgian Shepherds round my way. I find it quite annoying and Hava isn't a fan either... she completely ignores dogs that act like that when she’s off-lead, but if she’s on the lead, she absolutely kicks off (because she can’t get away, naturally...).
When it comes to the shedding, I give her a brush about once a week to get rid of the loose hair, but it doesn’t really make much difference—the house is still full of it! 😅😂 Two or three times a week would be alright, but every day... that’s a bit much, isn't it!
I know a four-year-old who, when she bumps into Ben, used to be too scared to go near him if his long lead was trailing (that was a while ago). Once it’s off, she’s chasing after him like a little traffic warden, barking her head off. According to her owners, she’s a bit full of herself 😁 She always wants to win and be the boss, and all the rest of it. I’ve never seen her wander far from them, so I couldn’t say if she’s got a good recall. We don't run into her that often so I can't really tell you much more; they play together for about fifteen minutes, and it's usually just the two of them. Oh, and apparently she’s quite wary of people—she won’t let you touch her easily, but she’s fine as long as you stay a metre or two away.
I’ve known three Collies: the two brothers I mentioned and a little one who was so reactive he ended up losing an eye to my nan’s cat (she was a right little terror – she’d ask for a cuddle then swipe at you immediately after...!).
None of the three are actually timid. They do have a tendency to get under their owner’s feet when faced with a new situation, but I’ve never seen any of those three being over-reactive like a White Swiss Shepherd or a Malinois, for instance.
Mind you, the coat does seem to require regular grooming. For the two brothers, Newton and Mozart, their owner brushes them every day. She makes light of it, saying, "it’s quick, 10 minutes each and they look gorgeous!", but that’s already too much for me as I’m used to zero maintenance!
@Caroline I've spent a good part of the day doing some research, and I really love their temperament too! Even the name 'Lapinkoira' makes me chuckle every time I say it... and physically... what stunning dogs! Size-wise, they're exactly what I'm after. I came across a video, what a beauty!
https://youtu.be/_g4rt8CNQlo
@Fred yeah, I was thinking about Frenchies, but English and American Bulldogs have quite a few health issues as well. And to be perfectly honest, I can't really see myself with a flat-faced breed...
As for the Collie, the shedding does look insane. In terms of sensitivity, I’d prefer a dog that's a bit less "high-maintenance"!
Lacurieuse, the Finnish Lapphund is first and foremost a herding dog rather than a hunting dog, and like all pastoral breeds, they are relatively responsive to training. I reckon they’re probably the most responsive of the Group 5 breeds—certainly more than my Swedish Vallhund, who can be a bit of a clumsy brute at times! So, obviously, it’s worth chatting with some breeders, but I’ve never heard of Lappies having much of a hunting instinct. That’s just not what they were originally bred for.
As I mentioned, the recall itself isn't the tricky part with an Eurasier, as they’re quick learners; it's more that they get bored easily, which is why it's a good idea to focus on 'natural following'.
They aren't particularly known for being escape artists, either. It’s just that if you’re the type who prefers peace of mind and wants to be calling your dog back constantly during a walk, you’d be better off with a pastoral breed like the Lapphund, which will likely be more responsive. That said, getting a solid recall is definitely possible with an Eurasier.
I think you might be thinking of the French Bulldog when you mention size... it seems to me that the American ones are (much) larger. Mind you, I don't know those breeds very well at all. As for the other flaw you mentioned: I had no idea about that smelly little detail 😁
As for the Collie, they’re lovely dogs, though sometimes a bit too sensitive for my liking in some individuals... but when it comes to shedding, it’s honestly staggering, speaking from experience 😞
@Emla I don't know much about Collies at all, I've only heard bits and pieces that aren't very positive... apparently they can be quite reactive dogs (which I’m looking to avoid completely, or at least I don't want a predisposition for it). I should probably look into them a bit more though, because weight-wise they’re a really good size.
@Fred honestly, bulldogs are just too small for me, plus they’re full of health issues and snore and fart way too much 😂. If I had to pick a small pedigree dog, it would be a Cavalier King Charles, but they have too many health problems as well.
@Caroline I imagine what they were originally bred for still plays a big part; I’ll have to ask some breed enthusiasts about it. We’ll see! As for the recall, yeah, what I’d like to know is if it’s just like most other dog breeds or if it’s more of a challenge.
@aggie I’d like to get a dog for various reasons and I’ve noticed that the prey drive varies quite a bit with island rescues. I’d really like to "know" what the future temperament will be like, or at least the breed predispositions of my puppy. For a second dog though, I’d love to get an adult—probably another island rescue—but only once my first one is perfectly trained so they can "help out".
"I know an Eurasier belonging to someone I know who’s had dogs forever... and the absolute nightmare is definitely the recall!"
"Exactly what I’m dreading. We’ve talked about it before, but I really think there’s a gap for a medium-sized dog (between 33 and 55 lbs max) that’s fairly obedient, without a strong prey drive, friendly with everyone and with a decent exercise requirement (like a Golden Retriever type)..."
"Hi Lacurieuse! It’s funny, since you’ve got one yourself, you’re basically describing a Creole dog! 😁"
@Lacurieuse, like many dogs, they probably have working roots that go way back. A long time ago, my dog was used for catching vermin, but that's so far in the past now that he can wander right past ducks without anything happening; his primary job is being a sheepdog. Primitive breeds—excluding the Eurasier, which is actually a fairly recent cross of primitives—have all had various different roles throughout history.
Regarding Eurasiers, personally, most of the ones I’ve come across had recall just as good as an Australian Shepherd, though they can sometimes be a bit off in their own world. Natural check-in is the foundation if you want to let a primitive breed off-lead, alongside recall training, and that’s something you should start as soon as you get the puppy.
