Once I'm in my own place I'm planning on adding another dog. I've quietly been researching which breeds I like, which I want and which would be the right one this time. And now I'm down to 3, I thought I'd ask you guys for your thoughts/experiences of them. 1. Csv (no surprise there lol) I will own this breed, but not sure now is the right time. 2. Estrela, this was one of those breeds that I'd never really considered. However, after reading about them more, I've got to say I think they'd suite my lifestyle pretty well right now. 3. Smooth collie, another breed I'd never considered, but they seem like they could be an option.
All the polar opposite from what you have now I would imagine! I'm guessing as those breeds are all uncommon, if you were genuinely interested, getting a pup might mean putting your name on waiting lists and potentially having a long wait.
Where would you get the Csv though , that is what would make me look at your no 2 choice more ... If i could source a csv dog from a good breeder overseas the choice would be harder ..
Yes I wanted something different to a lab. I'm prepared for a wait for the right dog, from the right breeder. There are Csv breeders who are prepared to export here. The relax in quarantine regs and the persistence of potential owners, who want to support the breed, will only help in that.
Smooth Collies are a breed I've always loved and wanted to own one day. However being so uncommon in the UK, the gene pool is small and I'm not entirely happy about the temperament - like Roughs they can be rather shy and nervy. I understand that some registration bodies overseas allow breeding between Roughs and Smooths - I'd be happier with that, I think as I can only see the gene pool of Smooths in the UK shrinking even further in future.
I've already read that Az, thanks for posting it though. Any particular reason you'd suggest the estrela over the other 2? The breed guides haven't escaped my research.
I had wondered about the state of the gene pool. Why do you see it shrinking further? I hope the relaxed import rules will be allowed to help breeds with low diversity. Shame what you say about the temperaments.
It's the Saturday, I'm thinking of getting the train. You can get 2 singles for £26:50 each from Darlo! Not cool, I wanted Dan and Rio cuddles!