We have a bunch of them in Agility, and that's a dog that needs a serious full-time job!
I have Labs, they are field Labs so very 'busy' dogs who also need a full time job. Most people just aren't willing to put in the time to make a busy dog happy. Every time I see that book about Marley, I just sigh. If the ignorant owners had taken the breeder's advice and gotten a laid-back conformation Lab instead of a hard-charging field dog, EVERYBODY would have been happier (including the poor dog!)
We have a 3 yo German Shorthair. Active dog, right? Needs a lot of running area and outside activity? Not!
We acquired him as a puppy from a breeder who kept the brood in the unfinished part of their basement. Not a good situation from a breeding standpoint for such dogs but it worked well for us. When we brought him home in mid-January three years ago, it was the first time he’d been outside. That plus the winter weather completely disoriented him.
I suffer from heart related issues and am pretty sedentary. Because of his background he’s the perfect companion. He goes out to do his duty but wants back in right away. If it’s snowing or raining, forget it. I have to force him outside. He’s perfectly content lying at my feet or in his ‘chair’ (the wife’s) when she’s at work. Sure, in summer he’s happy chasing birds & squirrels outside in the yard, but is ready to come back inside with us when it’s time.
Breed may be an indicator of characteristics, but environment also plays a role in how a given animal corresponds to those characteristics.
I agree. Aussies are really, really smart.