Thinking of what breed should be my next one. It won't be in a a few years though, I have a 1 year old Airedale Terrier right now. Anyway. It'll be left at home for 3 hours Monday - Thursday. As you can't plan the next 15 years of your life, I can't say what'll happen later. I do know that I'll adapt my situations so the dogs can make it without problems. Stimuli: 2 hours of exercise every day, probably more on free days. Me and my current dog do agility once a week, tracking twice a week, going to start pulling bikes/skis/etc when he's old enough. We also train obedience pretty much everyday. Grooming: I'm not a fan of grooming, so easy to groom. Brushing once a week. No hair-dog like poodles and bichons which have to have their hair cut several times a year. Wire hair is fine as I know how groom them. Characteristics: - Easy to train. I'd like to compete in obedience, so a dog who doesn't tire out as quickly as a terrier does would be nice. - Not too independent. - Good with other dogs. - Over 33 lbs/15 kgs. The youngest child in our family is 7 years old and gentle with animals. Thanks in advance
Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla.....I'm planning on one for my next dog, apart from the children, my requirements are pretty much the same as yours, although i'd like to get back to agility and perhaps try my hand at working trials.
I think a malinois would suit. I stated one above but they do well in homes where they have a job or are kept very stimulated mentally and physically, and agility and obedience training and competition would suit really well.
A couple of people have mentioned the Malinois, but how about a Lakenois if you fancy something unusual? Or you can have my bearcoat shar-pei right now if you want the little horror bag. She would make an excellent obedience, agility and tracking dog - I'm just sad I'm too knackered to do stuff like that with her. A doddle to groom as a flick over with a slicker brush once a week is more than enough for her. She would fit your bill perfectly if it wasn't for her having a high prey drive and I only want to part with her when she's been barking her head off when I go out for a couple of hours. Being serious, the right shar-pei would fit your bill too. They learn things faster than any other dog I've trained in the past, but they will keep you on your toes as they think about 5 steps ahead. Their history is of a general purpose farm dog rather than the animated soft toy people seem to think they are.
Because the Laekenois do not have the history of working ability and performance that the Malinois have, in any country, in any discipline.......
Thank you all! Well, I guess Malinois will be next (or Laeke... or GSD). What's really the difference between Tervueren, Groenendael and Laekenois except for the coat types? They seem to differ mentally too from what I've heard. I only know that it's hard to find mentally good Groenendaels here.
The breed standard would have you believe that the only difference between the 4 is the coats. That has not been my experience or that of those who are deeply involved with the BSD at the highest level of competition (internationally) in obedience, Working Trials, Schutzhund, Mondioring, French Ring, Belgian Ring, Agility etc.
