Search & Rescue Dogs

Hi

I recently joined Essex SAR which I am enjoying immensely, and as I was intending to look (again) at getting a dog early in 2010 thought I might be able to combine it as a pet and working dog (collie or similar?) and do ESAR plus a dog rescue group. I am 52 and do not think I could physically manage mountain rescue etc but can do lowland search & rescue (and anything short of mountains). The standard of training and commitment is very high in Essex SAR and I am getting a lot of 'enjoyment' out of the discipline and commitment involved ('will I get a call out' is a much better feeling than 'what will watch on TV'!).

I am particularly interested in what breeds may be best, rescue home or breeder, local training / groups, etc.

Thanks.

Fred

Welcome to the forum!

Its safe to say that the Border Collie is obviously the best breed............

That should stimulate some responses for you!!

Working dog type breeds tend to be better but the main thing is the play drive of the dog.

American Police Canine Association wrote:
Play drive is the desire from the dog to play and make contact with the Handler; a dog who has no prey drive may still desire to play, where as prey drive is the desire to chase and capture prey. Play drive and prey drive are not exactly the same thing.

The thread Which is the Best Breed? might be worth a read, although it probably won't be of much help as most people believe that the breed that they have is best.

Working dog type breeds tend to be better but the main thing is the play drive of the dog.

Hi Daryl

Thanks for the reply, I had looked at the 'best dog' thread and it covered most large / medium dogs. I do like the GSD (or variants) but as I get older thought I should consider how easy I can lift it over something or onto something. There are a lot of Staffordshire Bull Terrier (and SBT crosses) in Battersea etc and I like the idea of using a rescued dog as a rescue dog, but is the SBT a suitable SAR working dog, also living in the town (semi with 90ft garden) may restrict some breeds. Although it will do a lot of country walking and I will do obedience training (with the dog!) it may on occasions have to be on its own for up to 6 hours so a suitable temperament for it to be working dog and pet is also required.

I am arranging to go out and be a Misper for a dog search exercise so that will give me some insight, I do not want to rush into getting a dog and ending up with the wrong one, but do not want to miss out on something suitable either.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi Fred,
a Staffordshire Bull Terrier or Cross will definetly have the stamina to do the work, but if you pick one of those who loves arguments with other dogs, it might lead to some problems. If you would like to come along to one of our Training days as a misper I am sure you more then welcome. I am a member of Essex Search Dogs and also train with Lowland Search Dogs Kent.