Still confused so asking again Which breed for me?

Thanks everyone!

Looking into some slightly more, I think at the moment the three I am most interested in are the GSD (still ) the Flat coated retriever and I am actually intrigued by the Airedale just now too

I also like the Leonberger but feel that size wise it's just tooooo big

If you're not entirely sure, why not get some hands on experience with each breed to help make your mind up? Volunteer for a breed rescue perhaps? Not necessarily right now if it's not practical, but before you commit to the second dog. And there's fostering as an option too

That is a good idea actually!
I have met 2 GSD's "properly" but never met either of the other breeds!

Saw a GSD the other day on a walk and it was SO well behaved.... was so lovely

From having another think about it all, I still like the GSD the best I think

With the Airdale, you get the added benefit of low/no shedding

That’s because they are the best... lol

Zara will take as much exercise that is given to her, but will happily have lazy days when I am ill for example. She does have an off switch and is very quiet in the house.

I also play games in the house with her and she loves playing with her treat toys...

She has got arthritis of the knees now, so can't really have as many long walks as she use to get, as she gets sore.

just depends, i feel safe with maddie, but shes a big softie (but no one knows that, need a switch to stop her wagging her tail - i don't think this is typical of well bred gsds on meeting strangers).

i go on a group walk down the nine arch (for lozzie ), which is a deserted rail link, think youths drinking, no lights, an old cemetary, you get the idea.

a couple of said youths were hiding in the trees, when all of a sudden the dogs (about 10) stood a few metres off the hiding place and started barking.

lead instigator of the barking, a westie

just like zara above, maddie is very quiet in the house, not manic at all. we very rarely get a bark out of her, i think her background has somethign to do with this, terrifed of brooms as well. Id love to be able to get her to bark on command. No one would come near that!

Being extra nosey, which group walk do you go on?

Everytime I think to myself "I will have a look at a couple of different breeds" - it never lasts I alllllways end up back at the GSD - and it seems to be getting faster each time

no bother, human names not so sure of , the number varies but the ones i always see are :-

theres luna - deerhound
alfie - black gsd
storm - b&t gsd
scottie- westie
marley - i forget
cody - i think hes a cross
blinker - labrador poodle
another labrador poodle whos names escapes me?

jake - who sadly passed away at christmas

i bumped into them randomly so starting going along, i was glad, the nine arch is not a place i want to be on my own, but its great for letting madlugs off when i visit my mum. or doing a big loop walk back to mine in carfin.

its a spell they have cast on you, better to accept it!!

Ah great, are they a "proper" dog walking group/ club then or do the randomly meet up now and again for a walk?

I am always looking for new doggy friends for the girls...

Do they alway go the same walk?

Don't think I have ever been to the Nine Arch before... Where about is that?

they arent official, but they do meet regularly, they all live nearby. The later walk is 7.30pm, routes vary dependant on rainfall, it gets a bit mucky around the cemetery. i dont mind if its shorter route, maddie spends the whole time charging about with luna.

they meet at the entrance to the nine arch thats off milton street. very friendly bunch.

Sounds like a great group walk!

Kammi - why not try to meet up with a few people who have the breeds you are interested in, and get a feel for them.

I am going to try and arrange a group walk at Dunbar or Gullane possibly (not that far out of Edinburgh) and you would be very welcome to come along and meet Yogi and Zak

Obviously I am biased towards GSDs and wouldn't want anything else, however they aren't a breed for everyone. They do tend to need a firm (but fair) leader and given an inch they will take a mile ;-) They do need training and plenty of exercise, but if you get the right one he/she will also have an off switch and be happy to fit in with family life. Contrary to popular belief, GSDs make excellent family dogs.

I never feel afraid when walking in the dark when I have a GSD or two (or three LOL) by my side. However, they can become over-protective if not well socialised and trained.

Also, if you do decide on a GSD get in contact with Heather and explain you are a newbie owner and that you are interested in one of her pups potentially and see if it would be ok to go and meet her and her dogs at home.

From the other breeds you have mentioned, I would say they need just as much exercise as the GSD. I do really like Flatcoat Retrievers and my friend has a beautiful working type Golden Retriever.

Have a look at http://www.gortonsgoldenretrievers.co.uk/
They breed some beautiful looking dogs.

Haha, I can't tell OH when I go down that way anymore coz he worries so much about me I don't often see anyone (just 2 guys with 6 dogs between them, who come charging up to us Jake and Paddy do not appreciate it!). I usually try to drag OH along with me though, which is made easier by it being so close to his house It is a fab walk though... although, the last time we went Jake fit through the teeniest wee hole in the fence for the railway line OH ran one way to find where he got in, and I ran the other while Paddy pounced at the fence wanting to join him! We got him out safe and sound though, and next time I will be keeping an extra close eye on him when he goes near the fence!

The group walk sounds fab!

Walk with an Irish Terrier youngster occasionally. Not sure they'd be less "work" than a GSD.