Help Me Choose A Breed Please

[mixy]

Hi guys, my partner and I are getting ready to move in together and are both super excited about getting a dog. I am feeling rather indecisive about which breed and could use some guidance/advice as we want to get this right! We're both of the opinion that a dog is for life so we want to make sure we choose the breed that will suit us best. To give you an indication of what we are looking for in a dog/what we can give the dog here are the basics. OH doesn't have much of an idea about breeds so he's sort of leaving it up to me to choose!

Size - We prefer larger breeds and would like a dog kelpie sized or bigger. We'll be looking for a puppy.

Coat - Shortish coat, wash and wear is ideal. Minimal grooming requirements. Not too fussed about shedding really.

Exercise needs - Can spend around 2 hours daily, probably more on weekends. Not really wanting an overly energetic dog but are happy to provide adequate exercise to have a calm and happy dog.

Training - Basic obedience and want to raise a well mannered, well behaved dog! (Obviously this isn't necessarily attached to the breed, but some are more trainable than others if you know what I mean). Would love to have a dog that can be trusted off leash with reliable recall.

Temperament - A people oriented breed, a loyal companion and one who will be happy to spend time on the couch with us as well as playing. He/she would be alone for a large part of the day. Partner is a shift worker so this would vary, but some days one of us would be home all day and at times he/she would be home alone for 8ish hours.

He/she would be an inside and outside dog.

Breeds I'm keen on (not too sure that they would be suited to us though?) - Rhodesian Ridgeback is probably number one on my wishlist. I love the look of them and the ones I've met have had absolutely lovely temperaments. Also love Weimaraners, Vislas and GSPs. We are fairly open at this stage, but we are just not really after a small breed.

Breeds I'm not so keen on - Labradors, German Shepherds, Mastiff breeds.

We've both grown up with dogs as family pets but this will be our first dog we'll actually own together.

I think I've covered the key points but feel free to ask questions if you want more info

As dogs don't come tailor made obviously we are willing to compromise on some points for the right dog!

[whiskedaway]

Finnish Lapphund. Coat is longer, but they are definitely wash and wear, they're working dogs so their coats aren't meant to be high maintenance. They only need about a 20 min brush a week. They don't need too much exercise, but will take what you give. They're definitely family dogs.

[Jaxx'sBuddy]

greyhound or whippet?

[lappiemum]

Would have said a Lappie too. They have a longer coat but its not a lot of care (at least, my lot aren't!).

[Guest belgian.blue]

Greonedael [aka Belgian Shepherd] extremely loyal, around 20kg, shaggy huggable coat that is very easy care. Can happily sit at home all day, just as long as they are with their master.

They tend to stick to one person and will follow that person anywhere and everywhere.

Brushing required from winter to summer coat change but then monthly. Their coat holds on to the loose hairs so it only really comes out if you pat them. I bathe Ivy two or three times a year. Nil doggy smell.

VERY smart.

I highly recommend a Belgian Shepherd Happy to answer any other questions if you're interested.

Pointers [english] are awesome but some can be rather out there and energetic, Badger is a dud as he loves to sleep Some can also shed little pin pricks of hair everywhere but Badger doesn't seem to shed. Maybe due to his diet?

[mixy]

Finnish Lapphund. Coat is longer, but they are definitely wash and wear, they're working dogs so their coats aren't meant to be high maintenance. They only need about a 20 min brush a week. They don't need too much exercise, but will take what you give. They're definitely family dogs.

Would have said a Lappie too. They have a longer coat but its not a lot of care (at least, my lot aren't!).

Aren't they quite small though? I don't think I've ever seen one in the flesh, only pictures

[Parkeyre]

You should take a look at the Australian Shepherds.

[Dogsfevr]

Head to a dog show although the WA show season is coming to an end so only a few shows left this year

[lappiemum]

Finnish Lapphund. Coat is longer, but they are definitely wash and wear, they're working dogs so their coats aren't meant to be high maintenance. They only need about a 20 min brush a week. They don't need too much exercise, but will take what you give. They're definitely family dogs.

Would have said a Lappie too. They have a longer coat but its not a lot of care (at least, my lot aren't!).

Aren't they quite small though? I don't think I've ever seen one in the flesh, only pictures

They are roughly boarder collie size - some a bit smaller, some a bit larger but in the ball park

[Guest belgian.blue]

You should take a look at the Australian Shepherds.

Oooo yeah Aussies are great, I want a Aussie.

Come meet my Belgian Shepherd, seeing as you're in Perth

[noisymina]

If you want good recall, a Weimaraner is not for you. The one we had was an obedience champion when we got her. A very good dog generally. But once she was on a scent out there, she was deaf as a doornail. OK on our fenced areage once we put up the electric fence. The fence kept in the Dobes, but not a Wei. And once she got out, she had no idea how to get back.

I'd suggest a Dobermann. It would tick most, if not all, of your boxes.

[SpikesPuppy]

Collie Smooth could suit you not the kind of dog most people see and think 'OMG I want one!' but they pretty much tick all your boxes although only around 20kg so not overly large. But they tend to look bigger than they actually are.

Our smooth is in the yard one her own (the terriers are in the house) most days during the week with no ill-effects.

[helen]

I was going to suggest Labrador until I got to the bit that said you aren't keen on them

Maybe go and visit some Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders if you are leaning toward that breed

ETA - or what spikespuppy said, they have one very adorable smooth collie

Edited November 22, 2010 by helen

[Sayly]

I think Smooths are a fantastic breed which are very underated.

[FHRP]

Rhodesian Ridgeback is probably number one on my wishlist. I love the look of them and the ones I've met have had absolutely lovely temperaments. Also love Weimaraners, Vislas and GSPs. We are fairly open at this stage, but we are just not really after a small breed.

I suggest you get out and meet some of these breeds, dog shows are a great venue although there aren't many Vizslas showing in WA.

My short list some 13 years ago was very similar! I crossed Ridgebacks off pretty quick because they are bigger, less active and not as easy to train (although very trainable!). Being a Hound they are more aloof with strangers. FOr what I was interested in I decided the Utility Gundog breeds were more suitable. The Gundogs you've listed are all high energy and would love that 2 hours exercise each day, but don't expect them to sit on the couch with you if they don't get it!

Edited November 22, 2010 by FHRP

[VJB]

A GSP ticks lots of the boxes for what you are looking for. Very wash and wear coat, and providing you give the amount of exercise you have suggested in your first post, then you would have a contented GSP who will happily sleep and relax with you for much of the day. (got to get through puppyhood first, which can require more mentally stimulating activities to keep them amused).

They are a very people orientated breed, and inside/outside access is preferred. I find them to be very alert and quick to train, though more effort in some areas than others is required. Recall is something that takes work, but certainly not impossible. My dog comes back easily each time if I have treats, but might stray a little bit if off sniffing the ground. She has never run off from me though, and stays close when bush walking..... I guess each dog is different.

As long as they are able to be part of the family happenings when you get home, then 8 hours is ok. Lots of people work away from home for this amount of time or more. You may be better off exercising your dog before leaving home for that period of time, especially when it is young, as a tired dog is a happy dog. Also look into mentally stimulating activities your dog can do (any breed) while you are away from home.

I think most would say that a GSP can sometimes be slow to mature in some ways, but they do get there. Heidi is now just on 2 and 1/2 and has become a delightful member of our household. She is lovely. It takes work and understanding to get the results you want. This is for any breed.

[Dogsfevr]

Rhodesian Ridgeback is probably number one on my wishlist. I love the look of them and the ones I've met have had absolutely lovely temperaments. Also love Weimaraners, Vislas and GSPs. We are fairly open at this stage, but we are just not really after a small breed.

I suggest you get out and meet some of these breeds, dog shows are a great venue although there aren't many Vizslas showing in WA.

My short list some 13 years ago was very similar! I crossed Ridgebacks off pretty quick because they are bigger, less active and not as easy to train (although very trainable!). Being a Hound they are more aloof with strangers. FOr what I was interested in I decided the Utility Gundog breeds were more suitable. The Gundogs you've listed are all high energy and would love that 2 hours exercise each day, but don't expect them to sit on the couch with you if they don't get it!

We rarely get 1 Vizsla shown, we have a wirehaired Vizsla shown more often.

Keep in mind i don't believe we have any breeders of Vizsla's in WA so you would have to go east.

If the GSP are to your liking consider the wire haired GSP aswell ,we do have a breeder in WA of those who also breeds GSP.

[mixy]

If you want good recall, a Weimaraner is not for you. The one we had was an obedience champion when we got her. A very good dog generally. But once she was on a scent out there, she was deaf as a doornail. OK on our fenced areage once we put up the electric fence. The fence kept in the Dobes, but not a Wei. And once she got out, she had no idea how to get back.

I'd suggest a Dobermann. It would tick most, if not all, of your boxes.

Ah, thank you. I must admit I don't know too much about the breed I just think they're absolutely gorgeous looking! Hadn't considered a Dobermann, I was always a bit frightened of them as a kid and came across rather a lot of not too nice ones so I don't have the best feelings about them

[mixy]

Rhodesian Ridgeback is probably number one on my wishlist. I love the look of them and the ones I've met have had absolutely lovely temperaments. Also love Weimaraners, Vislas and GSPs. We are fairly open at this stage, but we are just not really after a small breed.

I suggest you get out and meet some of these breeds, dog shows are a great venue although there aren't many Vizslas showing in WA.

My short list some 13 years ago was very similar! I crossed Ridgebacks off pretty quick because they are bigger, less active and not as easy to train (although very trainable!). Being a Hound they are more aloof with strangers. FOr what I was interested in I decided the Utility Gundog breeds were more suitable. The Gundogs you've listed are all high energy and would love that 2 hours exercise each day, but don't expect them to sit on the couch with you if they don't get it!

Ah yes, brilliant idea!

[mixy]

A GSP ticks lots of the boxes for what you are looking for. Very wash and wear coat, and providing you give the amount of exercise you have suggested in your first post, then you would have a contented GSP who will happily sleep and relax with you for much of the day. (got to get through puppyhood first, which can require more mentally stimulating activities to keep them amused).

They are a very people orientated breed, and inside/outside access is preferred. I find them to be very alert and quick to train, though more effort in some areas than others is required. Recall is something that takes work, but certainly not impossible. My dog comes back easily each time if I have treats, but might stray a little bit if off sniffing the ground. She has never run off from me though, and stays close when bush walking..... I guess each dog is different.

As long as they are able to be part of the family happenings when you get home, then 8 hours is ok. Lots of people work away from home for this amount of time or more. You may be better off exercising your dog before leaving home for that period of time, especially when it is young, as a tired dog is a happy dog. Also look into mentally stimulating activities your dog can do (any breed) while you are away from home.

I think most would say that a GSP can sometimes be slow to mature in some ways, but they do get there. Heidi is now just on 2 and 1/2 and has become a delightful member of our household. She is lovely. It takes work and understanding to get the results you want. This is for any breed.

Hmm, sounds like just what I'm looking for. I'd better get out there and meet some I think

Thank you for your replies everyone, I have a lot to consider and am very grateful for your help. Will read more and reply tomorrow.