Next summer I am looking for a new puppy to join the ranks and possibly looking to show him/her but unfortunately I just cannot decide on a breed! I've got a few ideas of what I like/the criteria of the breed I am looking for but just thought I'd come on here and get some professional opinions ;) (I went to Crufts this year and needless to say this didn't help the situation, it was like being presented with a box of chocolates and not knowing which one to have?!) . I am currently studying three days a week at University (I live in the same city as this University so stay at home), I live next door to my parents, my grandma and an aunt and uncle all of which have agreed to 'dogsit' when I'm away for five hours of studying thus the dog will never be left on his/her own. I intend to bring the puppy home during my five month summer holiday next year so I can have time to bond, play and train the puppy for most of the day. At the moment I own an 11 year old male West Highland White Terrier and my Aunt owns a 10 year old male English Bull Terrier, both of which the puppy would be in contact with as well as three cats and a rabbit. I'm looking for a breed which doesn't require a great deal of grooming or clipping to be presented in the ring, a breed which enjoys over an hour of exercise a day (my male westie still likes at least an hour and a half of off lead running a day, although as he ages I am prepared to take the dogs on a seperate walks) and a breed which is medium to large in side. I live right next door to over an acre of fields and a fifeteen minute walk from a large dog walk so exercise would no be a problem as well as the added bonus of a particular large garden. I've had experience in many different breeds over the years (Old English Sheepdogs, German Shepherds, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Dobermanns, Shih Tzus and obviously Westies and English Bulls) and have been allowed to attend training classes with them etc. I'm quite partial towards Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Rottweilers and Dalmatians but I would love to hear of any other recommendations to research!

Thanks :D

For me, it would have to be a Rotty. :-)

Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Rottweilers and Dalmatians are all quite different, what are your reasons for wanting each one?

Dalmatians for me :-)

> I intend to bring the puppy home during my five month summer holiday next year so I can have time to bond, play and train the puppy for most of the day

you'll have to find a breeder who is expecting a litter during this period first

I'd give some more thought about what you like, do you prefer the traditional terrier attitude of the westie? If so maybe a larger terrier type. Do you like the bull temprement of the bull terrier? Perhaps then blending it with the guarding breeds you like and going for something like a dobe, a bullmastiff or a boxer. Is barking a big issue or not a problem for you? did you prefer the herders or the guards temprement wise?

there are a huge number of breeds that meet the criteria you've mentioned and your three top picks all are very different so more detail might help to narrow the field

>I'm quite partial towards Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Rottweilers and Dalmatians

Three totally different breeds, in terms of both size and temperament. What attracts you to each?

>I live right next door to over an acre of fields

An acre is actually very small; think of a square, 70 yards on each side. That's all it is!

Hi everyone, thank you for comments. Firstly, the three breeds I mentioned were only to show the dept of difference of dogs I find attractive, they're not my top three. When I attended crufts (six years in a row now and it's still magic?!) I took a notepad with me and noted down every breed I was attracted, last night I spent time with over six dog books to whittle them down and came to the conclusion that I like dobes and after meeting a family member who owns a ridgeback I'd like to know more about them as a breed. Barking is most definitely not an issue, only family members live near by and I've asked this question to assure them. I do love westies and am going on a course this Christmas to learn hand stripping techniques but there's only one westie for me at the moment, mayber later another one will join but it'll be at least another two years before I even consider it, this puppy deserves my attention first! In terms to the acre comment, I didn't mean to but it, I kept typing whilst being distracted by my big fat gypsy wedding! We have an agreement with the farmer behind us to allow our dogs free running on his empty fields. I can't remember exactly how many acres but needless to say its a lot! Thanks!

If you want to know about Rhodesian Ridgebacks, you're more than welcome to give me a buzz and we'll have a chat :) If you send me a message, I'll message you back my phone number. (I have nothing to sell you - I have no breeding plans, if anyone is concerned by my motives!)

I've had Ridgies for 27 years and currently have 7. I'm a bit of an enthusiast - but they are not the breed for everyone.

I can also do the same re Cardigan Corgis,have had them since the 80's and have no puppies to sell, but happy to chat about this lovely breed and to point out their (few) minus points.!!!

You could always go to discover dogs and have a serious chat with the different breeds there .

Hi

I have had goldens and Standard Poodles. But now i have 5 American Cockers Spaniels which are my life they are very nice dogs.You don't have to have them in show coat you can have them cut short.They have lovely temperament have a look on Champ Dogs.xxx