Warnsey

It came down basically to traits we were looking for. medium-large size, high energy levels as they will do a lot of km's with us, short coat, but pref with double to deal with the cold (we're up pretty high) and of course dogs that we both liked. We will defiantly be buying from a breeder. If we go GSD we will try to get one from a working line.

I don't think that it is 'bad'. But being the bush it is a real possibility.

Thanks for all the comments. I think I need to go visit a few breeders that I'm interested in of both GSP and GSD before I make the final decision.

We've made many a lists, that's how we narrowed it down from 10 to 3.

Yes, we've only seen 2 on the property so far, one brown and one black. I am planning for a chain link fence dug in. Then using 4.5mm wire mesh dug in on the outside of the chain link fence 1.2m high and coming out at a right angle.

2 dogs, getting a bit ahead of ourselves... Maybe one day two dogs could be o the cards. Not yet though. Here is some of what it has to look forward to:

Thanks for the info Fiona. I am in Canberra currently, but the house will be just south of the border in NSW. My wife has family down Maitland way. Thanks for the offer.

I will have a secure area for the dogs so hopefully no escaping.

Thanks for all the replies thus far. Now maybe some members can help me with perceptions/ generalisations that I have about the breeds right or wrong to see if they i'm on the right track. German Shepherd Like it or not they do automatically invoke fear in a lot of people, which could be cause for concerns for friends coming over especially with kids (though supervision show always be given regardless!!!). Coat is slightly thicker even with short hair breed and may attract more seeds. Maybe could be issues with wanting to 'herd' roos. Very intelligent and should pick up commands easiest and be good on recall, with training. German Shorthaired Pointer Very active breed May be eager to chase birds, roos etc. Less negative perceptions Shorter coat should be easier maintenance (feel the cold more????) Might be harder to train for recall as likes to follow it's nose??

Agility ability isn't of crucial importance, as I have many opportunities for outdoor activities at the property. Obedience training is a definite though

Dog will be allowed inside. Someone will be home full time 4 days out of seven and the other days dog will be alone for 4-5 hours a day. At this stage no plans for a second dog.

So we are getting ready to move into our new house on 45 acres and are getting very exciting about finally having another dog. We have narrowed it down to 3. German Shepherd, German Short haired Pointer and Weimeraner. We are really struggling to decide between these three breeds. I will give everyone a bit of background info and then any ideas, opinions or recommendations we'd love to hear. We will have a large fully fenced area for the dog to be secured. We have both been dog owners previously and I have done obedience and agility courses and plan to do that with our dog. We are active and the dog will receive lots of exercise. We will have chickens in a pen and there are lots of roos around. Although we live out of town on property we will be going to classes to socialise the dog properly. We really are stuck as I'm sure they are all great breeds.