Thinking About My Next Breed... Shortlist Now Chosen!

[MonElite]

Haha big tough guard dogs huh? I suppose like a few breeds there are breeders breeding for different temperaments, I guess there are working people and show people in the breed who want different things?

Im a show person but I like and appreciate working ability.

My dogs are not to mess around with when it comes to guarding. They might sleep all day but you wouldnt want to be greeted by them when you are uninvited.

[Nevafollo]

Pointer?

ETA. There are alot being shown in NZ! Some very good breeders there! (although they do shed abit!)

Edited May 16, 2013 by Nevafollo

[Steph M]

I just wanted to add I think your poochie has a bigger wardrobe than me, going by her collars ;)

[kiwifeathers]

I just wanted to add I think your poochie has a bigger wardrobe than me, going by her collars ;)

Haha, she only has two, her pretty show of bead collar and her normal one. Although her normal one is pretty too. I love the some of the collars people have for their sighthounds.

[Akay]

I was thinking either an English Springer Spaniel or a German Shorthaired Pointer. The Springer might shed too much though.

[kiwifeathers]

Hi all, thanks for all the suggestions, were certainly some breeds I hadn't thought about, and it was good to have a look at a few more.

I have a shortlist now, and hopefully in another few months will be able to pick a breed! I still have a long time to go before I can get a new dog, I think, I'll have to save a bit, but I like getting in touch with breeders early, and these are all rarer breeds anyway.

So after much deliberation to get a shortlist of only five (which was so hard omg!) my list is;

Borzoi

Greyhound

Pharaoh Hound

Lagotto Romagnolo

Brittany

The only reason Silken Windhounds aren't on this list is purely that they aren't recognised yet, even if they had AKC recognition and not NZKC I'd probably consider them, stunning dogs!

Made myself choose one of either the Pharaoh or the Ibizan which was tough. I think appearance wise Ibizans I like slightly more but Pharoahs won out on other factors.

Borzoi were always going to be on this shortlist, but there are some things that are keeping me from saying Borzoi are my choice outright, still have to do some weighing up of pros and cons for all these shortlist dogs and go from there.

Greyhounds I umm'd and ahh'd about because I don't know if I like the look of some of the show line greys. Some of them look weirdly proportioned but IDK maybe its just some lines, or maybe its the photos... I love the temperament though so that's why they are on the list.

Lagatto are there because I've always liked them, but the grooming requirements have put me off, but got a chance to talk to a breeder last big show I was at and clearly she is eager to have more people in the breed, because she offered to let me take one of her lesser priority young dogs in the ring when we are at the same shows, and teach me grooming, as well as give me a make pup for nothing and groom him for me before shows till I learned how as long as I showed him, and allowed her to use him at stud. I'm hesitant about the whole thing, I'm not sure if its a good idea or not. Can't help being suspicious its in my nature haha. Perhaps someone on here can tell me whether I should head for the hills or not.

Everyone I know at shows keeps recommending a Brittany. Everyone. Never met one, most here are working dogs. Seem nice from what research I have done. Like the French types colour variety but the American Types build.

So basically from here on out, I'd love personal experiences with these breeds, and any breeder recommendations (Grey's and Pharoahs would been imports no question and I think to get a show Brittany as well. Borzoi and Lagatto breeders are here in small numbers and I have spoken to both but wouldn't mind aussie breeder recommendations for these breeds either). If you have a good list of pros and cons for these breeds that would be really helpful too thanks. Will keep up my own research but there is only so much that can help before you need first hand stuff.

Thanks again all.

[Podengo]

There is a forum member with a French Brittany in Chrsitchurch, you can find her on the Brittany thread... CaseyKay is her username I think. She is very helpful and friendly :) Her Brittany is VERY bouncy and full of beans, an awesome little hunting and working dog, friendly, good with other dogs, not too much coat either.

[Justrace]

From what I was told when I started researching the Brittany, was that the French lines are more the hunting lines & the American lines are more suitable for pet/show homes. Call a few of the breeders and talk to them (that's what I did) Our boy is from American lines. They really are super smart & just love everyone. You can hunt with them one day & then take them to a show the next.

There are some fantastic breeders in Australia that I have spoken to, really helpful and been with the breed for years and years. Even though I didn't purchase my dog through their kennels they are happy to offer support and ideas - Most of the breeders know each other & who has puppies too. Depending on the time you may have to wait for a pup as most have long waiting lists before the litter is even born.

[kiwifeathers]

There is a forum member with a French Brittany in Chrsitchurch, you can find her on the Brittany thread... CaseyKay is her username I think. She is very helpful and friendly :) Her Brittany is VERY bouncy and full of beans, an awesome little hunting and working dog, friendly, good with other dogs, not too much coat either.

Ah awesome, that's good to know thanks. I read they can be quite high energy, again I was told repeatedly to have a good long look at them hence why they are on the list, I guess as the "wildcard" haha. I wouldn't have a problem with high energy as long as with plenty of exercise the dog wasn't still going mental in the house. If Brittany's are that loopy then perhaps I might take them off the shortlist and put one of my other near miss breeds on it. The Brittany's temperament sounds lovely, they sound like sweet dogs. I'd probably give obedience and agility a go with both the Lagatto and Brittany, maybe even the Pharaoh if it was one of those that was into that sort of thing, I know some are more than others.

[kiwifeathers]

From what I was told when I started researching the Brittany, was that the French lines are more the hunting lines & the American lines are more suitable for pet/show homes. Call a few of the breeders and talk to them (that's what I did) Our boy is from American lines. They really are super smart & just love everyone. You can hunt with them one day & then take them to a show the next.

There are some fantastic breeders in Australia that I have spoken to, really helpful and been with the breed for years and years. Even though I didn't purchase my dog through their kennels they are happy to offer support and ideas - Most of the breeders know each other & who has puppies too. Depending on the time you may have to wait for a pup as most have long waiting lists before the litter is even born.

Thanks for that, first hand accounts from people with the breeds is just what I was after. Any other info you can give is much appreciated, everyday life stuff that you don't tend to find in books and on the Internet especially is very helpful.

[Diva]

I have Borzoi, happy to share experiences by pm if you want another view.

I am up to number seven now, got my first in the eighties and have had at least one ever since. Always mostly pets although I have shown too.

Obviously, having stuck with them for so long, I am a fan.

Edited June 7, 2013 by Diva

[Podengo]

Ah awesome, that's good to know thanks. I read they can be quite high energy, again I was told repeatedly to have a good long look at them hence why they are on the list, I guess as the "wildcard" haha. I wouldn't have a problem with high energy as long as with plenty of exercise the dog wasn't still going mental in the house. If Brittany's are that loopy then perhaps I might take them off the shortlist and put one of my other near miss breeds on it. The Brittany's temperament sounds lovely, they sound like sweet dogs. I'd probably give obedience and agility a go with both the Lagatto and Brittany, maybe even the Pharaoh if it was one of those that was into that sort of thing, I know some are more than others.

Her one is apparently VERY laid back in the house - just sleeps all day, but she does get lots of exercise :)

If you're in CHCH I think CaseyKay will be at the agility this weekend, at the RDA building.

There are quite a few American line ones doing agility too, I think there are 3 entered this weekend.

[Yonjuro]

Have you considered a Saluki?

[kiwifeathers]

Ah awesome, that's good to know thanks. I read they can be quite high energy, again I was told repeatedly to have a good long look at them hence why they are on the list, I guess as the "wildcard" haha. I wouldn't have a problem with high energy as long as with plenty of exercise the dog wasn't still going mental in the house. If Brittany's are that loopy then perhaps I might take them off the shortlist and put one of my other near miss breeds on it. The Brittany's temperament sounds lovely, they sound like sweet dogs. I'd probably give obedience and agility a go with both the Lagatto and Brittany, maybe even the Pharaoh if it was one of those that was into that sort of thing, I know some are more than others.

Her one is apparently VERY laid back in the house - just sleeps all day, but she does get lots of exercise :)

If you're in CHCH I think CaseyKay will be at the agility this weekend, at the RDA building.

There are quite a few American line ones doing agility too, I think there are 3 entered this weekend.

Ah well that's okay then, exercise wise my dogs get as much as they need (the current and the family dog get two 30-40min walks a day plus lots of zoomies and play in the big garden usually, anything less and they are nutcases!), so I'm happy to give it plenty (would help me get a bit fitter too :laugh:)

Not in CHCH unfortunately, I'll have to keep an eye out for them next time I go to shows out of town I guess.

[kiwifeathers]

Have you considered a Saluki?

Yes I did, and they are beautiful dogs but unfortunately all those I have met have had shocking temperaments. Very very fearful. I imagine they aren't normally like that but it made me discount them at the time and haven't given them a second thought since. Perhaps worth re-evaluating them?

[kiwifeathers]

I have Borzoi, happy to share experiences by pm if you want another view.

I am up to number seven now, got my first in the eighties and have had at least one ever since. Always mostly pets although I have shown too.

Obviously, having stuck with them for so long, I am a fan.

Hi thanks for the offer, might PM you sometime.

[grizabella]

With Salukis, I think temperament depends on the lines you get them from. My girl is great with new people, very friendly and well-mannered, and her sister who I met a couple of times was equally outgoing. My Bella is rather more energetic than her Borzoi friend, as I think would be the case with most Salukis.

[WreckitWhippet]

You have chosen very different dogs. Personally I would take the Pharaoh out of the Sighthound equation. The Grey and the Zoi by comparison are very relaxed dogs, they are content for the most part to stay in your yard and hang around as part of the family.

[pebbles]

Just to throw another in the mix - what about a Gordon Setter? Happy to lie around with you but always ready for a long hike. Much more settled than the Irish or English. Fine with other dogs and people. My one suggestion - if you are wanting to show, remember they aren't a black and tan Irish - they are the heavier of the Setters so look for that good boning!

[RallyValley]

There is a forum member with a French Brittany in Chrsitchurch, you can find her on the Brittany thread... CaseyKay is her username I think. She is very helpful and friendly :) Her Brittany is VERY bouncy and full of beans, an awesome little hunting and working dog, friendly, good with other dogs, not too much coat either.

Ah awesome, that's good to know thanks. I read they can be quite high energy, again I was told repeatedly to have a good long look at them hence why they are on the list, I guess as the "wildcard" haha. I wouldn't have a problem with high energy as long as with plenty of exercise the dog wasn't still going mental in the house. If Brittany's are that loopy then perhaps I might take them off the shortlist and put one of my other near miss breeds on it. The Brittany's temperament sounds lovely, they sound like sweet dogs. I'd probably give obedience and agility a go with both the Lagatto and Brittany, maybe even the Pharaoh if it was one of those that was into that sort of thing, I know some are more than others.

My Brittany is fine with a decent walk each day and some mental stimulation. I have only met one Brittany I consider loopy and it's quite possible that dog was a reflection of the owner... I do obedience and train for agility with my Brittany, they are made for it!

You will hear/read lots of things about French/American lines, usually that information is heavily biased depending on who wrote it. It's really sad there is misinformation out there that American lines are only for 'show/pet' when Americans have produced 614 dual (show & field) champions and the only dual champion (show and field) dogs in Aus have been predominately American lines. The stud dog I recently used is all American lines and a state field trial winner, beating a national winner for the title. I have literally run my girl in the field one morning and then gone to a show that evening (after a bath!).t

The coat care for a Brittany is minimal however you can do some grooming for the ring. Mentally and physically Britts are just about as sound as they come, breeders should do hips, elbows, heart and eyes though. They have an average lifespan of 14 and I have heard of quite a few living to 18 or 19. Socialised well they are very happy to meet strange dogs and people and get along with pretty much everything. They are more laid back then a lot of other gundog breeds.