This is why we have Australian Labradoodles. But if you like Retrievers specifically, look into a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Yes a mouthful, but most just call them Tollers.
I have been Lab owner most of my adult life.This is why we have Australian Labradoodles. But if you like Retrievers specifically, look into a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Yes a mouthful, but most just call them Tollers.
We are 100% the same. My wife even bred Labs and we're sold, hook, line and sinker on ALDs. The "Australian" part matters as well. Sounds pretentious, but we are totally convinced. These are a well managed breed, no AKC, but managed as well or better than any breed I've been associated with. Our first one was a "working" stud until he turned 6 this year. We got one of his puppies. They are simply the best.
I agree. I want a smaller dog, preferably 35-40 lbs, but still durable enough to be out in the outdoors, and run 10-15 miles with the wife, and provide some level of protection when I'm not home.
A nice snuggley pet when your home, but when you lock the door, it turns into a honey badger.
That dog checks a lot of boxes...but I don't want a dog that looks like a stuffed animal.
And comes with an ungodly grooming bill. That's why I suggested the Toller:
I love bernese mountain dogs, and great pyrenees, but too big to haul around everywhere.
They're low to mid 40s.
We have a few Great Pyrenees around us. Good BIG dogs that let predators know to stay away(cue incessant barking thruout the night). A couple of them come pay us a visit from time to time. I wasn't sure how they would handle the heeler nipping at them, but they tolerate her.
I have no problem with that. But, my last Shelter pet was a disaster. Not really a disaster, but not good. She reeled me in with her sweet eyes. I ended up having to re-home her.
Dog loves you...haha
When people say Heelers are loyal, I believe it. My GSP would stay in the bed of the truck until I went around the corner... then she would be fucking around in the bushes 
it is a daily occurrence in Show Low and especially Snowflake to pass ranchers running in to town with the heelers riding on top tool boxes and even on top of the truck cab standing up taking bends like a champ at 45 mph. It is quite impressive.My parents had little shit dogs and I've had a GSP for 10+ years. They're insane unless you get a good one. Always remember one thing about dogs... Some people say they have a great dog and you can watch that dog destroy absolutely everything, snap at people, and shit on the carpet. A "good dog" is subjective.
Guy who gave me my GSP is now a veternarian. He said your GSP is one in a million. They aren't well behaved like that. You got lucky.
Basically, just do your research. Like too much research.
As for Heelers, I've met a few and they nip at me and my GSP. Luckily my GSP is very submissive and won't get into with other dogs unless she's pushed excessively.
I saw this Heeler (maybe a mix?) at Roadrunner north of Phoenix. He wasn't leashed. Just stayed with the truck. He was side-eying the hell outta me, so I didn't get much closer to his property
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They herd..its what they do, whether its cattle, goats, small children etc.
Have you met Okie? My Dads dog? He’s a heeled/Border Collie Mix. Great dog. Extremely Intelligent. He is ball obsessed. He is super high energy and has crazy nervous energy if he doesn’t get ran every day or two. My Dad spends a lot of time training him, throwing that damn ball to him and just giving him attention. While we love Okie…when he stays at our house he’s disappointed after a few days. We are too busy coming and going to give him what he needs.
Looks like only one has a shock collar on. LOL
Noticed the same.
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