We are looking to take on a dog as a companion for our adult samoyed. We live in the country but we're not sure exactly what type of dog we should go for. My wife is at home all day so attention won't be lacking. We have no children, no cats, just our 1 dog.

I like other Spitz breeds, although I've been told that Spitz breeds can be bad with each other. In particular I like the Malamute, Elkhound, and the Finnish Lapphund - I know the sizes are very different but that's less of an issue than temperment, of which I see admirable qualities in all of these breeds. My wife has trained dogs before and she says that our samoyed is very submissive, I can see that. However I am also interested in three other breeds, these are the GSD, BSD and the rough collie. I have always admired the GSD and BSD, and the wife says that the rough collie has a nice nature, and I am told they're good with other dogs.

What I would like to know is whether any of these breeds seem suitable for our situation. We live in a small 4-in-a-block house with a nice garden, and we have lots of coutryside round about. We'd be homing an adult dog rather than a puppy, so would go through rescue. My wife usually knows more about these things than me, so I'm going so see if I can find some external ideas (haven't mentioned that I like the Malamute!) about how these dogs seem in our situation.

Hi guest
there are several elkie owners on the board and some mal owners.I have 2 male elkhounds(+ a staffie,a cat and 4 children) and find the elks are great with other dogs-both male and female.They are both very different characters but both easy to live with and wonderful companions.My 2 regularly play with an adult male samoyed in the park on our morning hike and love him to bits.
There are 2 male elkhounds(18 months and 8 years) offered for rehoming on the British elkhound club site and I know of 2 females(15 months and 4 years) needing homes at the moment.
Why don't you register -its free and I can give you any more info concerning contacting these dogs if you're interested.
I'm sure some of the other elk and mal people will give you their advice aswell.
Archer

I've registered now. Could you possibly give me more details?

sent you an e-mail