[Anthony]

Hello Everyone,

My wife and I are planning on buying a German Shepherd and Collie when we buy a house next year. While giving protection dog training some thought, it occurred to me that the German Shepherd and Collie share many similar traits:

* Bred to be herding animals
* Bred to protect the flock against wolves and other animals
* Unusually high degree of intelligence
* Similar size
* Similar build
* Similar weight

Yet, despite these similarities, the Collie is not looked upon as suitable for protection work. Please note that I am not talking about a police K-9 unit or guard dog, but a protection dog that behaves like a normal pet until the owner give the command to attack and later the command to release a BG.

The only real disadvantage I can see are the Collie's long hair.

Growing up I had a Collie for ten years and I can tell you from playing hard with her for eight of those years that she could definitely run me down, knock me over, and apply varying amounts of biting pressure.

Help me out here. Anyone own a Collie trained to be a protection dog or know someone who has one?

How did it work out?

If not, are there any dog experts (e.g., K-9 unit officers, trainers) that might be able to give a seasoned opinion?

Thanks for the help and Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

- Anthony