Need Help Picking a Dog Which breed for me?

Cocker spaniel??

Can you explain a bit more about what exactly you mean by this? Do you mean when you are at home or when you are out and about?

My Viz loves pretty much everyone that comes to the house and is happy if people are staying over to have a cuddle with them on the sofa instead of us for a change.

When he's out he's not interested in strangers, but having said that I've never let him approach strangers either. He will go to my dog walking friends when outside, but only if they call him over, he's not a "botherer".

I'm lead to believe by owners that have female Vizsla's that they are slightly more aloof than their male counterparts.

They definitely deserve their velcro tag though, love their owners to bits and are happiest when someone is around. They like to stick close by, preferably having their human in their sights

HPR breeds do meet much of the criteria you want, but temperament can differ wildly between individuals and breeds. Very generally speaking though, they are far more energetic than Labs and are more "full on" in most aspects.

I think some of the working and pastoral breeds mentioned would be worth looking at.

Not sure what you mean by the different coats, other than standard (short) coat and long coat?

However, choosing a GSD is a complicated business - there are so many different "types" to choose from ...

http://www.dogsey.com/showthread.php?p=2510268#post2510268

Naturally am going to say Dober! but that is based on your criteria to be fair

if you truly think you can cope with a velcro dog that is! They make better doors than they do windows when you are trying to watch TV for example (mine likes to think hes a lapdog)

If you are serious about one then as with any dog really make sure they have all the relevant health tests and get one from a reputable breeder.

Nutty as fruit cakes and as Trouble said can be incredibly chatty never mind cheeky as hell Never a dull moment with a Dobe (only when they are asleep!)

I just luvs 'em

I have to say if I had the space and more excperience a doberman would be on my list of dogs to have if money was no object.

My mum all ways tells me stories about the doberman called Kym my grandfather rescued from a train carraige because no on one would go and get him out. Everyone said he was aggressive and nasty but how wrong they were! He was all ways very laid back and my uncle who at the time would have been about 5-6 thought he was a horse! Kym would let him ride him but would not let anyone else climb on him. He was a good guard dog too.

The dobermans ive met seem to love people and have bubbly personalities, all ways on the go investigating things and I love hearing about them ^_^

There have been some lovely suggestions so far

Out of the 5 breeds I have experience of, my velcro dog was a rescue working springer spaniel. She was fantastic! a great family dog but really only had eyes for me. She was my shadow for 12 years (died age 13 from a tick-born disease) and was athletic to the end but very sensible in the house. Having only had one representative of the breed though I could not say that they are all like that.

I now have a Border Terrier, but he is only a baby and so I cannot say if he will fit all your criteria? So far he is easy to train, great in the house when he isn't doing the manic-terrier-puppy circuits! I thought about suggestion Borders to you because I recently saw a marvelous blog by a chap who mountaineers in Japan with his very fit little terrier - you should have a look! it is a wordpress.com blog and the dog is called Hanameizan. eta I think Hanameizan also has her own .com page too!

driving home last night was pondering the 'aloofness' bit

perhaps a ridgie? i read that they are fabulous family dogs but tend to be aloof with strangers and fit the athletic but switch offable criteria i would have thought?

something to remember is also the 'type' of dog you get whether they have a high 'drive' or not. with lots of breeds you can get some who are drivier than others. personally am blessed with a low drive boy (unless a hare pops up) and i couldnt be fagged with one that persistently wanted to play fetch 24/7 for example (dont get me wrong he is in your face but is happy with a chin scratch and the odd wrestle)

a good breeder will advise you on which puppy would be most suitable (and even whether you would be better to wait for another litter from a different pairing) for your lifestyle/requirements

Hello everyone,

Thought I'd share an update as it has been a few weeks since my last post. Wanted to say thanks again to everyone for chiming in.

I've decided to get a Doberman. The breed was never on my proverbial radar, as I naively thought they were an aggressive (see: vicious) breed. A few people suggested them in this thread, and the more I researched them, the more they appealed to me. I won't be getting one for another few months, though.

Like I said, I have been reading about them a lot, but if any Doberman owners on here would like to share some invaluable insights, that'd be great.

Wise choice ;-)

Nice choice. There are quite a few Dobermann owners on here who I am sure can give you some insight.

Have a look at this site ..
Lots of health info ...

http://www.aritaur.co.uk/index.htm

You won't be disappointed, I adore them,they suck you into their world unlike any other breed,they are almost human,but better!
Good luck in your search.
Alys

Thanks for the update Most of these threads never end in a descision! Only know 2 dobies but they are both lovely, lively, fun dogs.