Anyone with experience of Blue Merle Collie x Huntaway? (Pic included)

[FlankerMum]

Hi everyone
I’m thinking about getting a Blue Merle Collie x Huntaway bitch puppy. I’ve kept and bred German shepherds for about 10 years but haven’t had any dogs at all for the last 4 years.

German shepherds, from the lines I like, can be a challenge to train and handle, although so rewarding! However, it’s just me in the house now and I’m considering less dominant / aggressive breeds.

I know collie / huntaway would need plenty of attention, activity and training but has anyone got direct experience of having one as a house dog?

Any other advice?

Will post a pic of the pup I’m considering - she is 3.5 weeks old and so pretty!

@InTropicalTrumpsLand

Exciting update! Do you have any idea about the parents' genetics on MDR1, etc? If not, I'd bite the bullet and do an Embark test or similar. I like Embark for the amount of testing they do for 300 dollars, especially considering your pup is a cross.

I’ve no idea about the genetics, other than the parents and grandparents being fit, healthy, long lived dogs. What would an Embark test tell me?

In one respect, with a cross, you’re not sure what you’ll get but one reason I stopped breeding German Shepherds was the frankly upsetting consequences (in terms of health and temperament) of decades of line breeding - predominantly for ‘beauty’ or the other extreme of pronounced protection traits, rather than the original purposes of the breed and health.

It’s sad because I used to say that there would never be another breed for me but it’s now so hard to find a GSD bred the old way from properly healthy lines.

I’m hoping that a degree of ‘hybrid vigour’ will mean my new pup enjoys a long and healthy life - obviously no guarantee there though! In the end it’s always a bit of a lottery.

@Wolfiefan

She’s sooooo pretty. Wishing you many many happy years with her.

Thank You!! Yes, isn’t she just gorgeous!

@Disneycharacter

Haha. Now there's a surprise. It's obvious from your first post you were in love with her.

Ha ha other people have said the same! I wanted to make sure that I took time to consider this though as it’s a big commitment- even though I have in the past had 6 GSDs all at once and their children and grandchildren!

But you’re right, ultimately, the connection was made as soon as I met her!

Gosh, she's gorgeous!

And you can see that focused working-dog look in her eyes already. She'll probably end up quite a big girl if she's half huntaway, but you know that already.

I love huntaways. Absolutely gorgeous, practical, intelligent dogs - and a mix of lots of different genetic lines, so probably pretty hardy to start with.

@GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman

Gosh, she's gorgeous!

And you can see that focused working-dog look in her eyes already. She'll probably end up quite a big girl if she's half huntaway, but you know that already.

I love huntaways. Absolutely gorgeous, practical, intelligent dogs - and a mix of lots of different genetic lines, so probably pretty hardy to start with.

Awww lovely comment, thanks!

You would totally love her father (the Huntaway). His eyes are so intelligent and kind looking and he holds your gaze with a smile on his face unlike so many dogs who perceive a direct look as being either a threat or challenge. He is also happy to chill with you whilst also being a great worker!

As crazy as this may sound - was it you we spoke to about her in the car park at Brecon today?

If so just wondering if you'd be happy to pass on the details of where you got your gorgeous girl from!

Our Huntaway/Collie cross 😊. Loud, boisterous and energetic but very affectionate and loyal, good recall and lovely temperament. 40kg! Hopefully fully grown now.

She is adorable. Love the ginger colouring. How is she energy wise 6 months old? Does she look more like mum or dad now she has grown?
I'm thinking of getting a collie cross. I'm happy for many walks, they help my mental health.

@FluffybuttLove

As crazy as this may sound - was it you we spoke to about her in the car park at Brecon today?

If so just wondering if you'd be happy to pass on the details of where you got your gorgeous girl from!

OMG yes! Sorry to only be replying now, so late! She is from my friend who lives and farms near me but I don’t know whether they will repeat the breeding. Willow is now almost 7 months and quite unlike any other dog I’ve known - and we bred GSDs for 15 or so years! She’s so bright but not a mad thing. Extremely trainable and very loving. It was lovely chatting to you! I hope you find a pup as amazing as Willow!

@SwaylorTwift

She is adorable. Love the ginger colouring. How is she energy wise 6 months old? Does she look more like mum or dad now she has grown? I'm thinking of getting a collie cross. I'm happy for many walks, they help my mental health.

Sorry also for the late reply! She has lots of energy and enthusiasm but can chill out in the house and adapts to the mood. She loves her toys and games but also loves watching T.V or relaxing in front of the fire. Her legs have grown quite long and elegant and I think her hind quarters are like her Dad, the Huntaway. Sometimes her ears are up but mostly half up. Her coat is shortish and glossy not harsh and more fluffy round her ears.

Thank you for your reply. Your dog is stunning and sounds like a very nice personality. Makes me regret not getting the collie cross I was looking at, in one way, but in another I think fate took me another. I got a poodle that was being rehomed via a friend of a friend. Not what I wanted at all but he is great. Three years old, apricot sort of colour. You could not have picked a more opposite dog than what I wanted but it was meant to be.
I'm very glad your dog is bringing you so much happiness. Mine is likewise.