u/cr1zzl

I am planning to get my next dog in 1-2 years and after rescuing/adopting 4 dogs in my lifetime (currently have a high-ish energy 3 y/o sighthound x herding mix at home), I have decided that my next dog will be an ethically bred purebred dog. I’m in the process of researching breeds and breeders and MAS have been at the top of my list for a few months now. (I did post once before looking for general advice on the breed but this time I want stories 😃).

I love hearing about individual MAS dogs, so if you have one, please tell me all about them!

Did you buy your pup from an ethical breeder? Or adopted? How old was your pup when they came home with you?

What was the early socialisation process like?

Personality? Is your pup a Velcro dog? How are they with other humans?

Do they have anxiety / separation anxiety?

What are they like around other dogs?

Do you complete with them in canine sports? How did training go?

What motivates them?

Are they snuggle bugs?

Energy levels?

Pics very welcome ;)

Thanks folks, I appreciate you taking the time to talk about your pup and help me make my decision :)

It’s the first day of winter where I am but I’m thinking ahead to next summer and I really want to get into kayaking with my dog. She’s almost 3 year old medium size (18 kilos) dog that’s high-ish energy and usually up for anything (we do some other canine sports together as well).

I’ve gone to look at a few kayaks over the past year or so but if I’m being realistic they’re all going to be a pain the butt to get in/on and out/off of my vehicle, and there’s really no room to store it in our small home or the shed that’s already quite full. So I had a thought that maybe an inflatable kayak would work. I understand I’d have to take good care of it so it doesn’t get damaged and I’d have to train my dog to wear booties while in it so it doesn’t get punctured (?). I have also trained her on a lot of different unstable footings and she’s great around water and I plan to do some indoor training with her with whatever kayak I need up getting.

Has anyone gone out with their dog in an inflatable kayak? Or even just you in an inflatable kayak? What are they like? Do you think this would be a good idea for myself and my dog?

I was at a rally-obedience event today and met a woman with a 1 year old MAS. This breed hasn’t been on my radar as a potential next breed but our talk (and pup cuddles!) has got me thinking I should maybe add this breed to my potentials list.

I’ve been around dogs all my life and am currently on my 4th shelter rescue - she’s a 3 y/o medium mixed breed (primarily greyhound, BC and ACD). She’s wonderful, but also has her challenges. I’ve decided my next dog, in about 2-3 years from now, is going to be an ethically bred purebred puppy.

I want a smart, biddable, handler-focused affectionate dog. Ideally medium-energy but I’m used to high-ish energy dogs as well. I want a dog I can train in rally/obedience/agility. I prefer larger dogs but my partner prefers smaller dogs, so I’m looking at small/medium dogs that look like large dogs, if that makes any sense lol.

My current top breed is a small munsterlander, which is a gun-dog. I like the idea of a gun-dog because they tend to be human-focused and can settle between activities. I’ve always loved herding dogs as well but thought they were a bit too much for me, however they’ve been some of the calmest most affectionate dogs at the comps I go to and I’m starting to be swayed!

Anyway, what would you tell someone who is interested in the breed? I want to hear the good and the bad! What activities do you do with your dog? Is the shedding manageable? Do you compete with your MAS? Are they usually dog friendly?

Thanks in advance!