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Originally Posted by SScattergunSS
I've always been drawn to these dogs, but have only interacted with a dog which was a 50% mix. Is there anything in particular about them that those of us who have only read about them but never been around them should know?
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There are a lot of them here, as well as a mixed breed known as a Boerbull. All of them I have met are family or farm dogs and very friendly after introduction.
But from talking to people that have them it seems they are one person dogs and very loyal. So, nothing like a terrier where the loyalty is a family/pack thing. They are very one person dogs. And require very positive feedback training only. A heavy hand will ruin the dog in terms of trust and behavior. They seem to test the owner a lot it. Which requires a disciplined approach to dog handling. I have heard a lot about them being destructive and aggressive because of rough handling. But my experience is that they are very good hunting/farm dogs with the need for stimulation and ongoing structured training with tons of positive feedback. In that sense they are a lot like Border Collies. Smart enough to be great dogs so long as they don't get bored or are kept pent up.
To be honest, I wanted 2. But our philosophy of giving SPCA dogs a home and the fact that I'm not a dog handler made me change my mind. I'm a guy that loves lazy, smart dogs that fit into our house hold. If we had the self discipline, we could have made it work. Unfortunately, we don't. We are pound dog people, who have a very flexible approach to dogs and their training. We also have been incredibly lucky to have gotten 2 such well behaved, relaxed, and genuinely loving dogs. Ridgebacks wouldn't have fared well in the sort of house we have. In my opinion, even if I had the need for a farm dog, a Jack Russel would be a better choice. Actually, the 2 I have now would love living on a farm.
Hoped that helped a little, I know it's sort rambling.