I am planning to move to France to a house with barns and 1 ha of land in the deep countryside. We hope to keep small animals and poultry and have a 4.5 year old boy. I would like to choose a dog which would act as his companion primarily, but would also act as a bit of a guard dog and from which we could possibly breed and sell the pups in the future.

I would like a dog that is medium sized, short coated to avoid dog hairs, and with a harder, slobber-free mouth. It would have to be sensible, friendly, adaptable and be able to sleep outside in a kennel - but could go into a barn in winter. It would be an advantage if its feeding wasn't too demanding.

I have 'read the books' and like the look of Flat-coated Retrievers - but they are quite hairy, Italian Spinone, and the German short-haired/wire-haired Pointers. Perhaps the Hungarian Vizsla. The Grand Bleu de Gascoigne appeals because it is a French breed.

Should we just settle for a Labrador Retriever and play safe?

Any advice and ideas would be appreciated as I would like to be sure that we make the right choice initially.

Also any advice about buying in France - how do I contact good 'family-type' breeders, as it would be better to buy once we are settled in.

Many thanks

B Walton blwalton@btinternet.com

Italian Spinone = slobber + hairy.
Grand Bleu de Gascoigne = slobber
German short-haired/wire-haired Pointers/Hungarian Vizsla = all hunting breeds, that left to their own devices, will do what they were bred to do .. go off huntin'.

All these breeds are short coated but you can not avoid 'dog hairs'. They all moult!

>>It would have to be sensible, friendly, adaptable.

I don't quite understand, what you mean by 'sensible'?
All the breeds that you mentioned are hard work. They all need a lot of mental stimulation and if they don't get it, then they will go off and find their own :-)

To find breeders in France, once you have established which breed you are interested in, contact the breed clubs for more details. They should be able to provide you with breeder information.

I had to read this twice i thought It was a leg pull.
Anyway please rule out a labrador because they moult for Britain,make lousy guard dogs,and do not like to be on their own.And they do slobber / drool when upset /distressed.

Or if you are eating something mattie:D
Anita

Rule out German Shepherds too they also shed one hell of a lot- and mine's short haired;) I also wouldn't advise them with kids- they're too big even as puppies and can be boisterous- infact I'd rule out any puppy altogether- I have a 7 year old Daughter and a 4 1/2 year old Son:)

Stacey x x x

Sorry about that I've just re read it and thought I haven't made myself very clear- just don't get a puppy- an older dog would be best I would have thought;)

Stacey x x x

so did I!!!

I can't think of any breed that comes up to this specification. But a point that you need to consider is that you are looking for such a lot from one package here - imho. If you want a companion for your son - stick with that - forget the guard dog and breeding side of things. I don't think you should not a dog with a view to being able to sell pups, That's not what they are for and if you want to be a reputable breeder it will probably cost you more than you make anyway.

Must admit I am so jealous of your moving to France though - it sounds idyllic. We love the Dordogne and plan to move there in about five years when the children are all done with school.

Pam n the boys

Hallo Guest,

I am pleased to see you have logged on to the board first to get advice about a dog, it shows you must be diligent enough to do your 'homework' first.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but I too was a little concerned about your comment 'settle for a labrador'. Whilst this breed is a lovely companion I personally feel that is about the only one of your criteria matched apart from friendly also. I'm not sure if you are aware but just because a dog is short haired this does not mean they do not moult. My own labradors loose enough hair daily to fill a Dyson. They will eat for England if you let them. They dribble when excited. Guard dog??????? - I don't think so.

I also wondered exactly what you meant by adaptable?

I am no expert in the other breeds you mentioned, but do know there are few dogs that do not moult, did you need to know this for an allergy point of view?

Good Luck with your arrangements for move to France (Lucky you)
Lynda

I am wondering what you mean by "It would be an advantage if it's feeding was not too demanding?" It gives the impression, "you might feed it, if you think about it, perhaps..." I am sure you can't really mean it the way it sounds.

No! you don't mean I should be feeding "The Flower"? No one mentioned that when I got her!!!

Seriously though, I would definately steer clear of Labradors. I dont think these would suit you at all.