Hi

I am as most people looking for assistance from more experienced dog owners than myself. I grew up with dogs, but have not owned one for over 15 years (work circumstances). Am now in the position to purchase a dog again, and have taken the ‘Select a breed’ test which does not come back with any of the dogs I was originally interested in.
I do not want a giant or Extra large breed, medium to large will suit. I have time, I now work from home. Can anyone out there answer the following questions about either breed? My reason for posting this question, I have an idea, but would like further information, to open my eyes.

These are the following conditions in my life and it would be helpful for the combined wisdom of the forum could assist me?
Live in Small to medium house, medium 150 ft garden, in an urban environment
Have time during the day I work from home
We have No children
I walk so exercise should not be an issue.
Three rooms downstairs with only 1 door that will close.
My partner is not a dog lover (give her time), neither is she a dog loather
We take a minimum of 4 holidays a year.
Would like a dog that is alert to either strangers or strange noises
Must be intelligent.
I am not too worried how much training is required.
Do not want a dog that hunts or chases on sight.

Bout enough for now all answers gratefully received

Hiya
Try this test to see which dog suits you best:
http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/select/index.htm

gundog might be an idea, golden retrievers, the labrador (my fave), flat coated. like any of these??

Thanks I do like those, and will investiaget the breed further

i would personally go for the lab, but it really depends on which look you prefer, all have similar temperments all make loyal friendly pets, let us know how you get on, one thing you should think of is hereditory diseases there is a growing number of cases of bone cancer in young flat coats, but only a small number, the golden and lab can suffer from serious eye and bone problems, which ever breed you choose make sure you ask the breeder about the tests that each breed must have eg hip scores , eye certificates, and make sure you see the documents to prove the puppies parents health please keep us updated.

Just did suitable dog from the link & one of mine was a lhaso which isnt too bad has i have a shih tzu :)

a pointer, a dalmation or weimarner?

Have a Pointer as long as you dont mind the dog greeting everyone coming into your house with affection, have access to safe areas for galloping off lead and can cope with your dog ranging 300 metres ahead before turning to look at you then carrying on - heel? what heel they like to be out in front so all the local experts can tell you s/he is out of control, has no respect for you etc . They need company and hate being left alone. They are intelligent and will crack a kong in under 5 minutes then look for something else to do, and probably learn to open doors, bins etc. Permanently curious. If youhave fantasies of throwing balls for your do to fetch, dont get a pointer.Pointers have incredible stamina and can be out all day when fully grown, weather no problem so expect to spend over 2 hours outside and lose weight. On a walk if they see a bird/leaf/rock resembling one they will point immobile for ages in the rain and you could detonate a bomb behind them and they wont move, unless to catch and kill the bird. Spend hours training this loyal and obedient companion and watch him/her shake their head and gallop off in the opposite direction oblivious because a scent has to be investigated. Pointers are great with kids, can be picky eaters and grow LARGE. I LOVE my pointer and cant imagine having another breed now.:) Just make sure you love pointers lifestyle and your made for life.

How about Boxer?

They are a nice size, not too big, not too small. They are extremely intelligent and respond well to training. They are also alert and do notice strangers and strange noises but are not over protective. They are quite boisterous so if you were considering a Boxer I would definatley recommend going to a show or meeting a breeder so you can meet some adults dogs and make sure that you and your partner would both be able to live with that.

I have a 5 month old Boxer pup who is absolutely fab :)

Jen

No competition - a Large Munsterlander!!!! :D

I had discounted Sight Hounds given I live in an urban environment that is awash with squirrels. I though that sight hounds would require a little too much supervision in those circumstances, please correct me if I am wrong here.

You could always look in your local rescue, there are some lovely crossbreeds and pedigrees and that way you will know what the dog is going to turn out to be like. I have x-breed rescue and she has a fan club :-D You couldn't ask for more in a dog from her.
Gina

Spanish Water Dog - but you have to socialise them with people from an early age or they won't want to be bothered with people if you don't

sight hounds lover to chase, i wouldnt recomend one in your area, although you can train them not to they still will, afterall its what they are bred to do, you cant change a dogs purpose! would you consider a rescue dog??? there are many that need a home, all shapes and sizes all tempermants. even a breed rescue if you have decided on a breed, all dogs make loving companions which ever one you choose, if you bring it up right it will be a pleasure to own!

I would suggest a Lab. Easy to train, and a great companion.

How about a Standard Schnauzer? No moulting so no hair in the house. They are alert and excellent watchdogs. They would convince your other half that a dog is just what you need!!!!!!

haha sounds like everyones listing there fav breeds!
ok what about a cocker small freindly and always happy,easy to fit in your car;) and ohh so cute:) your partner will take it to bed and cuddle it like a teddy. ohh hold on you might not like that idea:O hehe:D:P

I'd have to say cocker as well, and don't let anyone ever tell you they are just lapdogs!

Teabag who will look after the dog when your away on holiday? some breeds dont take to kennels too well, especially if you have so many holidays a year lucky you.Good luck in finding your perfect companion

Good choice frankie:D:P

Hi Teabag, whats your shortlist now?

"Do not want a dog that hunts or chases on sight"

Outside the dogs you might be thinking of who do this a lot of dogs might if allowed to, but its a training thing. My 4 month old cocker 'kangaroo hops' alongside joggers at the moment desparate for them to give him a cuddle.

i would say a lab,
i may be a bit biast seeing that i have one but they are so wonderful and loving,
when your partner looks at those loving adorable eyes she will fall in love [with the dog i mean]

what about an akita inu,i have one who is nearly 5 month's old and i wouldn't be without her now.

As you can see I have just logged on after a little break. My short list is getting longer by the posting...... I will do some more investigation on breeds suggested and post a short list on Tuesday, at an exhibition Monday. Then we can start to make more informed choices, and post breed specific questions to the forum.

Thanks

Tea Bag (no string)

The dog will have to be kenneled while we are on holidy, again that should help narrow things down abit

I don't know where you live but there's Discover Dogs at Earl's Court London 3 weekend of November. You could go there and see all the breeds that you like and discuss with the owners there whether your circumstances would suit or not?

Does it matter if the breed is long or short haired? I immediately though lab or retriever - golden or flat coated. Howver there are so many types of dog to choose from it is very difficult to pick one!

Hi

Bit late here, and I am not going to promote my favourite dog, as you have said you have discounted sight hounds. But the outlaws have a couple of Finnish Spitz, and they would appear to meet your broad requirements. Good luck in your choice.

Paul

My recommendation (biased but fair) has to be the German Pinsher, Alert, good natured, Loyal and fearless. They require a firm trainer as they can be high spirited , but respond well to training. You mentioned I think you wanted a dog alert to strangers and strange noises, well mine is which makes him a good hose protector.

I go on two long holidays each year and he kennels well, but we prepare him for them, by putting him in a kennel for a week end occasionally before we went away for a long 3 week holiday.

Good luck in your choice.

I'm not going to recommend my breed either, though it fits all stipulations but one. As a terrier person, my advice is if its not to chase or hunt, say no to all the terriers.
Edited to say... I bet now someone comes up with an exception! ;)

Thank you all for your comments. I have taken on board your recommendations, done some further research, and have decided to look initially at Pinscher’s, and visit the Discover Dogs show in November. That will probably be a mistake as it will no doubt ‘muddy’ the waters even more ;-)

Thanks Folks……

I suggest a Cocker Spaniel - I had one for 16 years and she was faithful, loving, obedient and the apple of my eye. I now have 2 Rough Collies which are also a very good breed although can be skittish which is not always a bad thing. A medium sized dog would be best and Labs/Retrievers are brilliant but be warned about the moulting - almost constant and a real nuisance.

Good luck and I have found that no matter what breed you have, lots of love and reassurance will produce a very, very faithful and loving pet.

Gill