Learning about the OES and new to the breed. If you don't
I've always had Westies my whole life. No other type of dog. However, for the past several months I've been researching the OES and browsing this very informative forum. 1. Do you think a Westie would learn to get along with an OES? She is 4 and very sweet natured compared to most Westies. This one is very calm compared to high strung ones I've had in the past. 2. OES rescues. I realize there are many rescues for many breeds. But I've been wondering.....Westie rescues started popping up in greater numbers once the breed become more popular. Ex.) In commercials, Their faces on biscuit boxes, etc. So everyone wanted one of these cute, fluffy white balls that they thought would be little tame lap dogs. Then all of sudden owners realized they couldn't handle the little dog that turned out not to be so calm and needed more attention then some children. So they gave them up. The OES seems like a dog that needs plenty of attention and exercise. Has the popularity of this dog risen? How do so many end up at the rescue? I've really enjoyed browsing your photos. They seem like such sweet dogs with big hearts. And they seem to have certain mannerisms that I'm really drawn to. Thanks for letting me be a part of this. Hope someday to have one! |
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| My 1 year old OES Clyde's favorite dog at the dog park is a Westie named Mr. Nibbles (gotta love that name!). Mr. Nibbles runs and Clyde chases. It's fun for Clyde because Mr. Nibbles squeezes into places that Clyde can't get so it's very challenging. I'm not sure how other Westies are but Mr. Nibbles is no wimp either. He plays with Clyde like he's a big dog too but Clyde is always very gentle with him regardless. They get along so great, I came home to ask my boyfriend what he thought about getting a Westie for Clyde to play with. He has so much energy and Mr. Nibbles always manages to wear him out!
I'm sure others will give lots of possible reasons why OES wind up in rescues but, for one thing, they're a lot of work. To keep them in a full, fluffy coat is a serious committment. I brush Clyde at least 30 minutes a day otherwise he mats up like crazy. It's a daily routine that can't be skipped. Another reason is their herding nature. If you even read the ads on Petfinder you'll see a theme of "knocked the kids down, tried to herd them," which is why OES rescues usually don't place OES with families with small children. You're smart to do your research to see if the OES is the right dog for you. On the plus side, I've never had a dog with a better, more lovable disposition. He loves us so much! He's great with people and kids and took well to training. After having Clyde for only a year, I don't think I'll ever want another breed! Good luck in your research and I'm sure you'll find lots of great information and insight here! Jill |
| on one of my walk areas there is two westies that race out to play along the fence. One in particular loves to intcie remy to chase back and forth back and forth....until I get tired and have to go, the dogs never want to stop.
At the off leash park Remy greets the small dogs, but she has no interest playing with them. Good luck, I would get a puppy so your dog feels like the alpha. |
| Hi Satchel,
Welcome to the forum. You're right regarding how when one breed becomes popular in movies it's sort of unfortunate for that particular breed as many are attracted to it by what they view on screen and may not be prepared for the responsibility of dog ownership. It happened to Dalmations after 101 Dalmations and now may happen with Sheepies. Tim Allen is staring in a remake of the Shaggy DA to be released soon. While the original dog was a sheepie the remake features a Bearded Collie (grey and white one) that resembles an OES. I'm apprehensive about this as I'm sure many will purchase a dog not familiarizing themselves with the requirements of the breed. Good for you for doing this and you sound very responsible and with the best intentions. While my three dogs are not the best of pals. My 15 year old dog still has no fondness for his rescue brother and this is after almost 17 months. Most of the time it's just a matter of letting them sort it out. When I fostered for the Humane Society it was encouraged that people adopting a second dog, bring along their first dog to see if they liked each other. Meeting on neutral territory makes a huge difference in their first meeting as home turf may cause your girl to feel she has to protect it from an intruder. The Humane Society policy was let your dog choose his/her pal and not you. Good luck on your search and I'd encourage you to check out the forum which features Sheepies that need homes. Petfinder as of yesterday currently had 36 dogs listed. Marianne and the boys |
| Welcome! I think dogs get along based on personality not necessarily on breed. Supervision is the key and training (just like with kids). They will do wht you let them get away with. If you do wind up getting an OES you'll want to find one that is bred with a good temperment, or if you go the rescue route get to know the dog and know the temperment of the dog.
Good Luck. |
| Welcome to the fourm.
I am not familiar with traits of a westie but I agree with the others, it depends on the particular dog. If you look closely in this picture you can see Mojo's friend, a 9 pound scottie. They are best friends. She thinks she is a big dog and Mojo is very careful with her. They have great play dates. http://forum.oes.org/viewtopic.php?t=5301 I think a lot of people don't know what is involved when getting a sheepie. They are wonderful loving companions. They are a big commitment but, so worth it in what you get in return. Bless you for doing the research before making that decision. |
| my sister in law has a yorkshire terrier who is the same size as a westie and him and einstein get allong fine
but i agree with the other people it depends on the dog good luck with your research zoe and einy |
Thanks everyone. I really appreciate your opinions and comments. Since I was a kid I always filed the OES away as a "dog I'd love to own when I'm grown up." Then for purely superficial reasons I recently wondered what kind of dog Sophia (the westie) would look like overgrown and a bigt shaggier  Then I really started researching the OES and liked what I read.
What I find very endearing is the fact that you can almost see their personalities through their photos. Not something I really notice with other breeds. And I love reading about your dogs. The one who moves the chair to get to his/her biscuits. How cute. I don't plan on getting one for a year or so until I find the correct breeder or go with rescue. If I go with a breeder, I'd really like to find one that breeds for temperment. I'm kind of timid about all of the brushing. I'm lucky enough to be able to take my dog to work with me so the OES would be coming to work as well. Terriers are sometimes known for not getting along with other dogs, thus I had to ask. How are they as watch/guard dogs? |
satchel wrote: How are they as watch/guard dogs? Excellent watchdogs! They watch people come, and they watch people go!  |
| I know of some people that do in fact have terriers and sheepies. The key issue is Temperament of BOTH dogs/breeds, and territory. Territory can be a problem. The sex of the animal can "sometimes" be a major issue.... Girls are, well, they can be you know whats if there are two together. And two males together can sometime spell danger if they don't know each other. I know of people that have two girls with no problems at all. And I also know of some people that have both male dogs.
Truthfully it all depends on each individual dog. Most OES I know of are of sound mind, and well tempered. Each and every one with their own distinct personality, like little shaggy people. There are however, some dogs that were abused, neglected, and or mistreated (most cases simply unwanted), where they are timid, or weary, so it's probably best if you speak to someone with knowledge on this subject. It really all depends on the temperament of your Westie, and the temperament of the OES you are looking for. There are rescue org's out there that would be more than happy to help you and answer all of the questions you may have. This is a very tricky subject. There are people out there that just rescue any animals from a shelter (all breeds) and plop them together and expect them all to get along. Unfortunately that doesn't work often. It's VERY smart that you are doing research on this breed - You are definitely in the right place. I've come on this site time and time again to look up information if I had needed help. You are in great paws being here. You can private message me if you are interested in contacting an OES rescue closest to you if you have more questions about this matter. Michelina~ |
| We have 2 sheepdogs and plan on adding a Norfolk Terrier to the mix sometime in the spring. I've met about half a dozen sheepdog breeders/owners who seem to gravitate to this breed for some reason but I think our sheepdogs will welcome the little guy with open arms. I would say as long as your Westie likes other dogs then you should not have a problem bringing another dog into the mix.
Also, since your in VA, our breeder is in WV, highly recommended by OES Club of America, and she breeds for tempermant first and foremost above anything else. Just PM me if you ever want her info. |
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