#puppyquest

There's definitely pointer, with that muzzle, plus hound, beagle, and a bit of terrier.

I think scienceofobsession said it best:

Pretty exciting.

I can hardly contain myself.

So, I had to regroup and feel better about the loss of not having the aussie I thought I was going to get in April. I guess there is one positive thing I got out of this. When I was really thinking about everything I need this dog to do, I think having a dog that is larger than an aussie would be wise.

I think I want a dog that is at least 50 pounds full grown. Aussies are around 40. Close but not quite as big as I need.

Just got done talking to a collie breeder if you would have guessed. She seems really nice and she has done more genetics testing than most breeders do for Collies. She has had collies in her life all her life and by talking to her, I could tell she really loves her dogs. I think the only downside is that this is the first litter she has bred. I think if I had a couple more talks with her she could be in the running for my business.

One thing really stuck out to me. She seemed very happy to help me find someone to help me evaluate her puppies for service. She also used to puppy raise herself and thinks she could assist me in picking one based on personality and trainability potential.

I donno. Normally I wouldn't trust someone who is only on their first litter as a breeder but... I really appreciated her passion and desire to work with me.

You know? I never thought of Collies as a real option for me. Not many people breed them in the area. I think I have only seen ONE rough coated collie in real life. They are so distinctive. I kinda get worried about  if I got one if it would draw too much attention to me. They are the perfect size. I definitely prefer rough coated to smooth because I really like to groom long haired dogs more. I find it really relaxing. And they seem closer to the energy I actually want from a dog. Energetic when out and a bout and playing, but a couch surfer once inside. But they are also naturally alert- a quality I value for what I want to train. And they are typically people orientated which is also something I am looking for.

(Also, I LOVE training herding dogs. Mostly because I have worked with many herding breeds with regards to training)