Thinking about a MAS as my next puppy… do you think this might be a good match?
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!