Researching a future breed. Help and opinions wanted and welcome! Which breed for me?

I'm currently researching for a future dog. Research is long-term but I do think it's sensible to thoroughly research!

About me:

Whether you have had dogs previously

Whisper is my first dog (8 year old Rough Collie rescue we've had since September) and our first dog as a couple. Husband had a dog in his childhood.

My second dog may be a companion for Whisper in her old age or we may wait until after Whisper (which sounds horrible - but focusing in this way will help me cope with the unthinkable I feel!)

Definitely want a puppy.

Your circumstances - do you work etc?

I work part-time (3 days a week) at the moment and have no plans to do more hours. Hubby doesn't work so is always around.

How much time you have for exercise

Whisper currently gets at least two half hour walks a day - often more like 1 hour and a half per day and more when am off work.

Am happy to devote 2 hours a day exercise-wise.

Whether you have children, other pets etc

No children and *definitely* no plans for any! We do have grand-children (step-grand-children for me - husband is a fair bit older than me!) I have small animals and rabbits. Whisper has been absolutely fine with them.

What characteristics you are looking for

A friendly dog who is gentle and not yappy. An affectionate dog. A companion dog primarily but who would also enjoy training and possible HWTM or similar. A dog who enjoys games and walks. Possibly a relatively protective dog - realistically husband being older than me I may end up walking doggy alone.

What breeds you have already looked at and your thoughts on them

Hmmmm well!

I love Rough Collies of course! But wonder if something a little bit smaller might be better for me long-term? I would definitely want a dog of whatever breed I had. Also; Whisper is at times not as lively as perhaps I'd like but that could be her age too of course.

Shelties - very similar to RC's in many ways but in a smaller package! I like the 'sensitivity and gentleness' of collies very much. Just a bit concerned they would be a bit yappy I think?

ESS - really like Spaniels, always have tbh. But I prefer the 'type' of a Working Spaniel and worry I wouldn't be able to give it enough in terms of exercise. Am not anywhere near as keen on the look of a Show Springer if I'm honest! I wouldn't want a dog that is full-on all the time as when I'm at work husband would be at home with the dog and as he is getting older it wouldn't be fair on him.

Border Collies - have always loved Borders but have the same concerns in terms of being able to give them enough exercise etc. My sister's rescue BC is a crazy dog who simply never stops lol and we're not sure we could cope with that! He is lovely though without a hint of nastiness or aggression.

GSD's - Love this breed *but* again I worry that as a relative 'newbie' to the dog world a GSD would be too much for me in terms of training and exercise?? Would certainly be a breed I'd feel safe with though and that hubby would be happy for me to walk alone.

Anything else you think might be relevant or important

I don't want a small dog - medium sized at least. Not keen on any terrier-types tbh and not keen on Staffies or Boxers (sorry - lovely dogs but not my type!)

Grooming doesn't phase me - I thoroughly enjoy brushing Whisper if I'm honest. And as shallow as it may seem I do like to have a dog who looks handsome. I feel so proud when I see Whisper running and her fur blowing in the wind as she looks so beautiful. I love the 'look' of RC's I really do.

Am willing to take all comments and opinions on board. Thanks!

A male rough collie younger than Whisper sounds ideal for you. You already like the look of the breed and know what to expect temperament and grooming wise.

I think you already know that a working springer or border collie are going to be too much exercise wise. Shelties of coure are gorgeous - one of the neighbours over the road has two. One is rather large and very well behaved, the other is much smaller and finer boned and he's so sweet but totally mental and barks his head off as soon as he sees the TM because he loves him and wants him to come over nownownowplaywithme!

I don't necessarily think you need to be highly experineced to own a GSD if you are a responsible, sensible dog owner to begin with and you are paired with the right dog. But some people don't have the right personality and self confidence to persuade a GSD to respect and obey them. I'd definitely try to find someone who will let you handle a GSD or two for a few walks and obedience moves before you commit yourselves. I think you'll know in a short time if you feel confident enough with the breed.

What do you mean by handsome, by the way? I think shar-pei are very handsome dogs and beautiful on the move. I'm especially taken by the longcoats as they look like a lion but with a beautiful plumed tail. But most people think they have a face only a mother could love.

You're probably right - a male Rough Collie would probably be ideal. But being a total 'newbie' I didn't want to close my mind (and heart!) to other breeds.

I don't know anyone with Shelties but I guess the best thing to do would be to go to shows and meet some before we 'decide' anything. They are gorgeous dogs!

Handsome - um - difficult to say - I guess beauty is in the eyes of the beholder isn't it lol?! I suppose I like long-furred dogs or dogs with a 'showy' look about them??

GSD's - you make some very interesting points. Thank you. It's interesting that Whisper responds wayyy faster to my commands than she ever does to John!!! I try to be 'fair but firm when needed' because she can be stubborn believe me. ;-) Even when it comes to a simple thing like 'sit' - you can see her eyebrows going and the internal battle as to whether it's actually worth it or not!

How about a Eurasier...?

I met two at the weekend and they are very striking, medium size yet strong. Friendly but not as friendly as a Lab for instance.

Only drawback would be price: there are only a few breeders in the UK and pups apparently are £1000.

But looks-wise, they are not a million miles away from a Rough Collie, yet a bit more 'sturdy' looking if you know what I mean?

Ooohhh yes! I have looked at those before and they have lingered in the back of my mind.

But I've been able to find out so little relatively speaking about them - nice to hear someone that has met them!

*Adds Eurasier to the mental list*

There is a guy who comes to our local park, he has two Eurasiers, a half brother and sister

I took some pics of them so will post them either tonight or tomorrow, take a look

From what I gather, the Eurasier was created from several other breeds, including the Chow and also the Samoyed, to name two.

The intention was to create a very 'level' temperament; a dog that would make a good pet. The ones I have met are a bit aloof but then again, I have a very sociable Lab, so many dogs seem aloof compared to him

The Eurasiers that I met are certainly very good looking dogs The owner said they are strong on the lead; his were both wearing harnesses.

If you like spitz breeds like the Eurasier, how about a Finnish or Swedish Lapphund?

How about a Eurasier...?

I thought it was a joke till i looked, lol i thought you were gonna say they rub themselves out if you dont like them? silly mind i have.... but they look gorgeous, if a bit too hairy for me (allergy) sound great for you
think i may live life on piriton if i saw these pups thou http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRNWB6cZ5May-TkPfDl_NbCDeUNIA_bI1PpxH2-gEeco7kZ5Y3U

You read me very well!

I have researched those breeds as yes they do appeal to me but everything I've read said that they are pretty vocal dogs - and though the occasional site said vague things about being able to 'train them out of it' I'm not all that convinced! I'd like to meet some though as they do seem like lovely dogs.

I think for the time being the Eurasier certainly seems to be at joint top with a Rough' tbh.

But shall investigate any other suggestions happily!

Don't go saying that or I'll be recommending one of these.



I love my shar-pei, especially the bearcoats. They actually fit your criteria very well and they don't slobber like a mastiff or st bernard. I used to have a chow chow and my god, it was horrific - he even slung snot on the ceiling! Compard to that, most shar-pei are not big slobberers with just the odd 'shoelace' when they get really excited. There's at least one woman competing in the UK at HWTM freestyle with a shar-pei. They are the easiest dogs in the world to train to do things as they pick it up in 2 or 3 attempts, but they won't necessarily perform on cue like a clockwork collie.

As long as you don't expect them to play fetch as they'll either look at you as if to say "if you wanted it, why did you throw it away in the first place?" or dash after it, pick it up, prance round shaking it then drop it even further away than where it originally landed.

A working type Golden was the first dog that came to mind. They can be pretty successful at obedience, HWTM, etc.

Second was an Aussie Shepherd or Border Collie.

Both meet your criteria, perhaps bar the protective part (although most dogs will make fine watch dogs).

I used to do agility with 3 Finnish Laphunds and I can confirm that they were very vocal!

Thanks everyone for your comments!

Funnily enough we 'met' a Sharpei yesterday - Jacob - he was lovely! Nice shape and colour and not stupidly wrinkly.
He and Whisper were a bit wary of each other to begin with but we were chatting to the dog's owner for a while and by the end of the conversation Whisper was making her 'I want to be friends' whine-type noise lol and they were getting on well.

Hmmm now that sounds like a doggy I know! Whisper loves us to throw her toy for her but though she'll chase it and growl with it she never brings it back to us!

I shall investigate them further I promise. ;-)

Yes-I agree with this, not that you see many but I saw a couple with 2 of these dogs on Sunday and they were going nutty barking at my 2 terriers! I asked them if they were Finnish Laphunds (I've only seen them in dog papers) and they said yes.

I love all the spitz looking breeds:
Perhaps an elkhound might be worth looking in to?
Buhunds are lovely too (most aren't like mine so dont let the horror kestral threads put you off!)

I haven't met many shelties but the ones I have met have all been very sweet; a little aloof but seem like good dogs; might be worth going to meet some at a show if you are interested?!

I have just been looking at Elkhounds after reading your post - they are a stunning breed aren't they?

I will have to go to a few shows I think and have a good look at all these breeds! Buhunds do appeal to me - I've looked at them before so again will have to look more closely. Yes - there is something about the Spitz breeds isn't there?? I think I like the 'chunkiness' of them - nice sturdy dogs but not too big overall.

Yes they're gorgeous!
I think going to shows is a great idea; there's nowhere better to meet a variety of breeds and chat to people that know them best.

Here are some pics of Kestral my buhund:







An elkhound from crufts:


Buhunds are typically a lot of fun and a big personality in a medium to small dogs body.
They are friendly and fun, although can also be independent. They're generally food driven which makes training easier but from most say they don't excel in things like obedience.
From my experience with Kestral; although keen to learn she can be slow to pick things up. She's also strong minded and independent and when theres nothing better to do she loves to be around me but if there's something else on offer she's gone without a backwards glance.

Spitz breeds also typically have a high prey drive. Whilst a buhund is more manageable than a breed like the shiba inu which is not often let off lead, they do need to be carefully watched and lots of recall training. Even with lots of work Kestral cannot be let off in forests or some densely populated animal areas!

Spitz breeds can also typically be quite vocal. Personally this hasn't been an issue for me as she's generally quiet.
Sadly Kestral is very nervous in temperament and this has lead to issues with her barking at people and sounds that scare her. Its not normal in the breed and I guess there are always specimens that do not conform to breed standard!

Still lovely dogs, if you do meet any take pics and post them for me!! Keep us updated!

Thank you very much for your input. Those pics of Kestral are lovely - she is a stunning dog xx xx

Nice size too.

Wow the Elkhound is rather magnificent! Thanks again for all the information and yes will definitely keep you updated.

I'd love to go to 'Discover Dogs' and / or Crufts and meet more of the dogs I'm interested in.

Thanks! I think shes beautiful but I'm biased
Seeing as your in Derbyshire perhaps you could go to the Birmingham dog show? I think its a champ show (I dont know much about showing!) so there should be lots of dogs there

Thursday 10th May 2012 Gundog
Friday 11th May 2012 Working & Pastoral
Saturday 12th May 2012 Utility & Toy
Sunday 13th May 2012 Hound & Terrier
http://www.nationaldogshowbirmingham.org.uk/default.asp

Well although we will go to some dog shows / Discover Dogs etc we've pretty much decided that our next breed (a way off probably) will be a Eurasier.

Have been researching them and they sound ideal for us and I love the look of them.

Thanks to everyone for their help xx