Need Help Picking a Dog Which breed for me?

Would what I described in my original post be enough for them exercise wise?

Medium sized dog around 14-18 months

Large breed - 18 months to 2 years or so

We all love our own breeds - as can be seen by the choices you are being given ;-)

If you hadn't said on the smaller side of medium I would have suggested a working line GSD.

Border Collie would also be a good choice for you from your description.

Your original choice of an ACD could also fit the bill.

GSD

Weimaraner

Staffie


I know you said you don't want another Lab, but actually, they do fit almost all of your criteria My Lab is a 'velcro' dog, that's for sure

Regarding GSD's, I've seen some that have soft looking fur (like the dog in the film, I Am Legend), and others that have dull, flat looking fur. Is there a difference?

Excuse my ignorance, my dog knowledge is limited to the breed I've owned - labradors.

I don't have a visla---I do have collies and I think the visla would be more suited. Exercise would be fine. Be good to do some training and mantal stimulation with whatever dog you decide on.

rune

Yes, they will take as much as you give them,they will also cope with one good walk a day.

I have a friend who breeds them ( the smooth haired) they come in two types , smooth and wire haired , either will suit your requirements in a dog.

I know personally about 20 vizsla, and all are fab dogs, that fit into active family lives, some more active than others.

how about a mutt from the pound,a dog that fits the bill,there is one that needs you..hummm

I didn't reply originally because I would have said border collie but that's because I have five! All mine have off switches, even though they do agility. At the moment they are all lying quietly waiting for me to turn round away from the computer as a walk is imminent, even the six month old pup.

To answer your previous question, you shouldn't be taking any dog on long walks over rough terrain until they are fully grown, which will depend on the breed.

Dobermen are the perfect family dog, as said,aloof of strangers but adoring of their family . They are such big personalities,so comical,clever,loyal,they are my heart dogs,but beware of health issues.i would have another in a heart beat but having just lost my beloved dobe to CDM at just 5yrs I just can't. When you look at statistics, they are so prone to this horrible condition.
But as a best friend,they are incomparable!
Good luck

short or long haired varieties that's all

I agree with German Shepherd. Velcro is the word Mine (although a X breed is very Shepherdy) only ever stands in one spot....the same piece of floor I'm standing on There's a lovely loyalty there though, and he absolutely adores me and my company over anybody else. Loves a good run, soooo smart and keen for training, but also settled in the house (unless I'm moving....in which case he'll be following me!).

They might be a little bigger than your initial criteria, but a well bred GSD seems to fit everything else

P.s. Viszlas I've met have been lovely too, although they tend to be quite sensitive as a breed.

I'm for Viszla's too. I've been looking into the Wirehaired variety, and they would appear to fit the bill for what you want.
If you would like to know more about them I can give you the contact info for an excellent breeder of the Wire type, who would be happy to tell you more about the breed.

Thanks everybody for chiming in with suggestions - really appreciate it. I've got a good list of dog breeds that I am going to research over the next few weeks.

Regarding Viszlas -- In my original post I said I wanted, "A dog that does not love everyone and prefers the company of me, or my partner. I don't want an overly sociable dog, like another labrador." Does this sound like the way a Viszla would behave?

Unless you`re prepared to learn about gundog training I wouldn`t get a Visla. They are HPR dogs.

Very much so.

You will have to socialise any pup you get regardless of how you want it to behave or react. Early socialisation to anything and anyone is essential.

rune

Discover dogs is part of the london pet show On 12th and 13th May 2012, Earls Court Two...

If you haven't met some of these breeds it might be worth a visit ...

I've had different experiences with viszlas. The two wirehaires that I know will happily tolerate a fuss, but aren't bothered about seeking it out from strangers.

My vet has three smooths and one is very blaise towards strangers, yet her other two are VERY enthusiastic. I sat on the floor and one sat on my lap and the other jumped on my shoulders and tried to lick my face, and fifteen minutes later they were still there lapping up the fuss!

The other smooth I know is a total nutter but he is a male teenager which might account for it. He's all over the shop and happy to dash up to anyone who has food!

In my experience, GSDs are definitely more aloof and handler orientated, but I only personally know about 6 viszlas - but the majority are massive fuss pots towards anyone who will give them attention!

Yeah, from the reading I've done and videos I've watched (those Dogs 101 videos are helpful), Viszlas seem quite happy-go-lucky. Lovely dogs, but perhaps not what I am looking for.

I'd never seriously considered GSD's. My partner's parents have a pair but they have rather edgy temperaments and have bitten a few people. I'm starting to think they're probably bad representatives of the breed, though.

If you get a well bred GSD of sound temperament, they are one of the most sensible steady dog's you'll ever meet.
My first dog was a GSD and he was one of the most gentlemanly, kind, clever and even tempered dogs I've ever known.


Louie

This photo was taken when he was 11, still very fit, and got to a very respectable 14, so they can be active into old age.