Hello there,

I have just joined the group because my family and I are planning to buy a puppy.  I have lots of questions and hope that
you will be able to help me.  I am still at the 'research' stage and want to make absolutely sure we choose a breed that's right for us.

We went to Crufts and have seen a few breeds we liked the look of. I've done some reading online and it's a minefield!  I want to make sure we can provide our puppy with what it needs.  I have got some dog encyclopedias out of the library.

We live in a small house with a small, enclosed garden. There are high fences on both sides but a lower fence at the back (approx 1
metre high).  So we would prefer dogs that aren't escape artists, although we could probably do some re-fencing if necessary. We are 10 minutes walk from a large suburban park. 

My husband works full time and is often away.  I currently work 3 days a week, but am changing my hours in September to coincide with my daughter going to school.  I will be away from the house for 4 hours each day.  This means we need a dog that can cope with being left alone for 4 hours per day.  Obviously we would work up to this and I would initially be at home all the time with the puppy.  Our house is really not big enough for two dogs though so we need a breed that will be happy alone at least some of the time.  We are planning to use a crate in the beginning.

I could sometimes bring our dog into the office, especially as it grew older.  There is another dog which sometimes comes in, a staffie cross.  Our next door neighbour has a Sealyham Terrier (who is prone to barking at other dogs!) so we need a breed that can cope with at least some contact with other dogs.

We have a four-year-old daughter.  We must get a breed that is good with children.  She often has friends round, so I'd like a breed that copes with children it doesn't know particularly well.

As for exercise, it is 40 minutes to school and back twice a day, and we will probably go to the park for a further 30-40 minutes.  The school run is just along paths and isn't very interesting for dogs!  We would go out to larger country parks at weekends for a longer run.  We would prefer the type of dog that will take as much exercise as you give them, but can manage on an hour or so if you're short of time.  We'd also prefer a dog you can let off the lead but its not essential.

I'm planning to do puppy training classes and may do obedience/agility/something suitable in the future.  I'd like a breed that's relatively easy to train?  I am trying to avoid dominant breeds as I am a novice at this!  I have owned two dogs before, both rescue dogs that were already reasonably well trained already.  I'd like to avoid excessive barking, but I believe this is trainable.  Having said all that, we're primarily looking for a pet rather than a show dog.

We would like a large-ish dog.  I personally would love a Newfoundland/Leonberger/Estrela but have been advised by two dog trainers that it is a bad idea to get a giant breed with a small house/car/child and no recent experience with dogs.  After some soul-searching, I have accepted they're probably right.  We are considering large/medium breeds now including an Otterhound, Tibetan Terrier, Bearded Collie or Flat-coated Retriever.  None of these exactly fits, but I'm trying to narrow it down a bit. My husband doesn't want a popular dog like a Labrador/GSD.  We have ruled out all spaniels and terriers and anything from the Toy group.

I feel like we are going round and round in circles.  Any suggestions would be most welcome!

Thank you so much,

Alice

>We have ruled out all spaniels and terriers and anything from the Toy group.

That's a shame because there are a number of breeds that might well fit the bill from amongst them! Is there any particular reason why you've ruled them out?

I wouldn't rule out a breed just because it's popular. Popular breeds are popular for a reason, i.e. Labs fit your criteria where children are concerned although the dog still has to be properly socialised.

What about a Golden Retriever rather than a Flat coat?

Hi Alice, good for you for doing your research. I know it's off your list but as CherylS said, Golden Retriever fits your description. I know they are popular but if you look for a good breeder you can find healthy dogs with good tempermants. My Golden boy would match your criteria perfectly.

Hi Alice

With your low fence, you would need to either change your mind about the size of dog and go for a small one, OR increase the fence -you will need a 6 foot fence for most breeds. :) A Tibetan terrier would be okay, but the other breeds you mention could all jump one metre for sure once adult.

Hi Alice and welcome to CD :D
Well you certainley seem to have done your homework, and its good to see someone taking the responsibility of dog ownership so seriously.
I have a Flatcoated Retriever, and yes they are fantastic dogs, but they can be very boisterous and slow to mature (they're not called the Peter Pan of dogs for nothing):rolleyes::rolleyes:
Perhaps you could arrange to meet some breeders of your preferred breeds, as they will prob be able to narrow down your search. Am sure others will be along for suggestions and advice for you too.

Good luck in your search :D

Hi Alice -

How great to hear from someone who's doing their research well before getting a dog - well done.  It sounds like you're doing all the right things so congratulations.  From what you describe you have a lot to offer a dog, as potential owners.

About your shortlist, I would say - the Otterhound is a very rare breed.  You may have to wait quite a long time before a puppy comes along for you, so be prepared.  Perhaps other people will know more.  Since it's important to you to have a dog which is quite easy to train, and since you're quite interested in doing agility or obedience, you might also want to rule out the Otterhound because, as a "hound" it will be less easy to train than some of the other breeds you mention.  Hounds are trained to use either scent or sight to pursue other animals, and as such they can be a bit scent or sight infatuated, depending on whether they are sight or scent hounds.  (I would think Otterhounds are scent hounds although can't say for sure.)

I'm sure some Bearded Collie owners/breeders will be along soon to advise you in more depth on those.  They are very intelligent and you would have no problems doing agility or obedience with them.  They are bred to work very closely with humankind and this is partly why agility and obedience are natural pursuits for them.  Sure others will tell you more.

The flat coated retriever is a gundog, as I'm sure you know.  Flatties have a high rate of cancer in the breed, and tend to die earlier than many other breeds - often as young as around 7-8 years old.  Flatties are quite high energy and, in my opinion, are more high energy than most labradors, even most working labradors.  This is not to say they're hard to train, but I'm not sure they would fit your criteria for not needing a walk some days.  I'm sure you would have few problems with agility or obedience with a flattie, although they won't be as fast as a beardie at agility, probably.

I know nothing about Tibetan Terriers so will leave that to someone else.

There are some HPR breeds which are similar in appearance to your shortlisted breeds and are not over popular breeds, but I think the HPR energy levels will be higher than what you're looking for.  But if you're interested, you could do some research into the Large Munsterlander, the Slovakian Roughhaired Pointer and the Wirehaired Vizsla. 

OH - I just thought of a good one for you guys - what about the Italian Spinone????  They are much "slower" and less boisterous than other HPR breeds and they also have the similar appearance as the dogs you have listed.  They are definitely not over popular.

When you're ready to investigate training classes, have a look at www.puppyschool.co.uk  or www.apdt.co.uk  Whereabouts do you live - someone may know of good obedience or agility training in your area?

Yes, otterhounds are sight hounds, and not a breed I'd recommend for a novice owner. They have an oily coat (needed because they were bred to spend a lot of time in water) which has a distinctive 'odour' - to put it politely! They also have a loud voice with a characteristic bay - a neighbour half a mile up the road breeds them and I can hear whenever she has a visitor! ;)

The Tibetan Terrier is a lovely breed and many excel at obedience and agility.  They might be a good choice.  Try and see some local breeders and their dogs.

> otterhounds are sight hounds

shurely shome mishtake :) 
Aren't they scent hounds, although if you smelt like that yourself maybe you wouldn't want to be nose based :p

Oops! 100% mistake on my part! Sorry! Thanks for pointing that out, Isabel. :o :o

Otterhounds are scent hounds.

Don't think they will make the short list either way :)

Tibetan Terriers are much smaller (at 14"-16" tall) than the other breeds you've mentioned. It's a shame you've ruled out the terrier group because Soft-Coated Wheaten terriers seem to have the 'look' that appeals to you - but again, they're quite small at 18"-19". Briards are big and hairy (23"-27") but I don't know anything about their temperament.

Congrats on doing your homework first. It makes it more likely that you will get the dog you want. :)

onetwothree mentioned HPR's. As I am owned by 3 Large Munsterlanders I think you should think really hard before looking at one of these breeds unless you have a high fence. Munsters, and most other HPR's, can jump a 6 foot fence at the blink of an eye. Though, in saying that, my dogs won't jump into my neighbours garden, over a 3 foot high fence. They know it just isn't allowed. ;) On the whole any gundog breed is people friendly. They have to be. Whatever breed you go for make sure that you meet the breed before deciding. I wish you luck in finding the right breed.

I agree with Lindylou, I would say looking at the OP needs, wants and restrictions that a member of the HPR group is one of the LAST dogs you should be considering.  As a subgroup they have the highest degree of initiative amongs the gundogs (which translates into very strong hunting drive, selective hearing) and require a great deal of mental and physical exercise/training which will not be fulfilled on the daily school run as described above.  They are busy dogs bred to hunt, point and retrieve and if they cannot fulfil their original task they need other occupation or they will go self employed...........

Not sure what your objections to a popular breed actually are; if it just to be different, consider this, there is a reason some dogs are more popular than others, generally cos they tend to fit in well with a lot of different environments.

Good luck in your search

I went for a less common breed on both occasions as it is easier to find decent breeders and research lines.

With soem common breeds the variosu liones are as different as in some cases differnet breeds with very different traits, especially the working and show types in two three of the most popular Labradors, Springers, Border Collies.

Going for a less commerical/common breed seemed less of a minefield for a Novice buyer.

there is nothing wrong with wanting something just a bit less common place, and maybe some of the breeds with very smal numbers would benefit, rather than people going for designer crosses.

I was going to suggest a Soft-Coated Wheaten terrier but some one beat me to it.
I wouldnt recommend a scent hound  to you i have a basset and they are harder to train and can be stubborn also can tend to go of on a trail if your not careful that scent rules all! but i have to agree with the others to me you did describe a golden retriver. I dont know what other types of retrivers might be good apart from the flat coat stunning dogs but can be very active. My friends is a very clever little chap that gets into all sorts of trouble and he is 4 yrs old and acts like he is 2.
Happy puppy hunting and your doing it the right way.
Mandy

hi
Dont know much about them?
how about the bouvier des flandres?

I think a bouvier des flandres would be too big for the OP's requirements and the ones I know could easily clear a 1 meter fence. Also the ones I know are quite boisterous but I don't know if that's a breed trait or just these particular dogs :)

From the breeds you have mentioned, I'd choose the Tibetan Terrier. Or how about a Spanish Water Dog..? (I'm very surprised that SpanishWaterDog/Perrodeagua hasn't pitched this one already, she must be getting slow in her old age ;) :D ) good size, very trainable and excellent temperament if well socialised in the early stages and certainly not a common breed. However, you would need to raise the height of the fence as I don't see a 1 meter fence being much of a challenge ;) Anyway, there are a couple of SWD experts on the boads who can advise further should you be interested :)

From your criteria, I'd say the Tibetan Terrier fits all your needs, but it's not very big! Definately not an Otterhound - you could end up with neighbour problems because, as has been said, they don't bark but the do have a most amazing Bay!
Think your next step should be to ring round a few breeders & ask if you could visit to see the breed in a home environment. Doesn't matter if you haven't actually decided, a good breeder will be happy for you just to visit without any commitment. You can get some contacts of your nearest reputable breeders through the breed clubs.

Thank you all so much for all the replies!! You've given me lots to think about.

I have to agree - the Otterhound is not going to be practical.  The flat-coated retriever sounds too boisterous for us - it would be OK in a few years when my daughter is older and can run further and faster - at the moment it would leave her trailing behind!

The reason my husband doesn't want a 'popular' breed is because he wants something a bit different and interesting.  I have tried explaining that actually labs are versatile, easy-going, friendly dogs but he insists that he doesn't want one.  What can I do?  I need to get the whole family onboard and choose a breed we all like so that everybody is happy and willing to share the responsibility.  (However I'm still willing to take all the responsibility if they don't do their fair share, so I get the final say!)

I looked up the Slovakian Rough haired Pointer and they are gorgeous dogs.  There's not much info about them online so I couldn't establish much about them - like whether they mind being left alone, if they are easily biddable etc.  I'm sure they'd jump our fence in a second though, and would need plenty of exercise.  I think they look great so will try to find out more.  (Unfortunately, being a HPR, we might not be able to provide what they need. But it's worth a look).

Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers look good too.  Bigger than Tibetan but probably couldn't jump the fence.  They seem like a friendly breed who would fit in well so I will do a bit more research.

Not sure about the Bearded Collie - nobody said much about them, they're still on the shortlist.

Tibetan Terrier - still really like them and am getting good vibes from everyone about them!

Well - that's some progress.  Looks like I had better go back to the library!

Thanks again,

Alice

Have you considered the amount of daily grooming needed for the long haired breeds, I know I would ahve found them too much with the kids when they were young, whcih is why I wnet for coated but easy care in both the breeds I have owned though my present breed is a lot less work than my first.

Sticking up for Berdies they are lovly, a bit nuts and lively, but so are the TT's but smaller.  The whetens are a nice breed, used to look after oen, but they still are a terrier, and probably more indepndent than either TT or Beardie, would suit me better than the latter two, but I like a dog with a mind of it's own.

what about a polish lowland?
they are sort of half way between a TT & a beardie!

hopefully starryeyes will be along in a mo to tell you about beardies.

is a border collie too common for your hubby?
because the right one with the right breeding would be ideal?

This has been a really helpful topic, alicey because I've googled up all sorts of breeds I knew nothing about too! But I am slightly concerned about your husband's insistence on an unusual breed of dog because whilst I'm sure he isn't looking to get an interesting accessory, there can be jolly good reasons why a common dog might fit the bill best! 

I know that your husband doesn't want a popular breed, but what about a Rottie bitch. As long as you find a good breeder that breeds for temperment, they are great family pets and are very easy to train. Ours is fantastic with children and adults and is the most friendly dog I know and loves saying hi to all the kids (I live around so many schools).

We have low fence on one side and she has never tried to get into next doors garden, but their dog comes into ours.

Socialised at a young age, they are also great with other dogs.

You will feel safe and secure when your husband is away as well.

As tohme has already said HRPs don't really fit your criteria other than having a look that you like. Our HPR is our first dog and I have to say they are not for the fainthearted.  Yes, they like people but they do need a lot of training and TBH as much as I love her to bits I didn't really appreciate how much you really need to know regarding training these dogs to keep them from getting into bad habits.  They are very prey driven which means that unless you have 100% recall (admit we don't) they will take off if there is prey in the vicinity be it birds, cats, rabbits.  This means that if you let off lead near roads the dog is in serious danger of being killed as does happen.

I would say our dog goes against the 'normal' for her breed as she is quite calm when it is just me and her in the house but as soon as there is another person in the house well .....think Tom and Jerry chasing around the house in a blur stopping momentarily for the comical expression before wheel spinning into action again.....!  Even at 2 years old she is too boisterous, powerful and excitable for young children.  Young children that come to our house find her too much and even scarey because she is in your face constantly even though all she wants to do is play.

Our fencing is continuous 6 feet high panelling, brick walls and 8 feet wrought iron gates.

I know this might sound negative but I am trying to be as honest as possible because the breed standard guides don't tell half the story.

Hope this helps

A wheaten could easily clear a fence of one metre.

Hi there,
just my two pence worth- my husband was exactly the same as yours and I think his exact words were 'I don't want a boring labrador', and to some extent that's how I felt aswell until I met some. Just take him to see a litter and see what he thinks, I am constantly suprised and how not boring they are.

Good luck with your dog search!

Sarah

Alicey - the dogs you have shortlisted are very different in terms of the purposes they were bred for, and this will reflect on their characters, energy-levels etc. 

I think you need to decide, realistically, how much time you can devote to this dog, how much you are prepared to really "get into" it.  For example - thinking of the Slovakian Rough haired Pointer - I DO know of people who have had HPRs as their first ever dog, have known before they even got the dog that they would be going into this 110%, have read loads of books on training before getting the dog, watched all the training classes in their area, selected the best class, got into gundog work with their dog, even if just training classes and not actually working the dog.  Predictably perhaps, they now have very well trained dogs that are a pleasure to own.  It's not impossible.  Quite a few people have done it.

But you do have to make MORE sacrifices for this type of dog than perhaps for some of the others.  They WILL need some form of free-running exercise every day.  They WILL need a training session every day.  And by "need" I mean - if you don't provide this, they will be intolerable around the house the days they don't get it!  They don't generally like being left alone for long periods every single day - although if you gradually get them accustomed to this from puppyhood onwards, they will be fine being left.  (I can leave ours up to 5 hours quite happily - although rarely do need to leave that long.)

From reading your description of what you can provide, I don't think a HPR is out of the question - you say that you will provide another walk besides the school run for the dog.  You say that the dog will eventually be left for up to 4 hours but that you will also soon be working less.  You have a small child but you have time when she is at school to focus on the dog.  You have a slightly low fence, but it's no big deal to get a higher fence put up - certainly I wouldn't think the height of your garden fence should decide what breed of dog you should get.  You are already thinking of getting into obedience or agility, so you are considering working the dog to some extent and mentally exercising it - something which HPRs need. 

Basically there's nothing in your description which screamingly (factually) means you shouldn't have a HPR (such as a Slovakian Rough haired Pointer is).  However, you should decide quite what role you want the dog to play in your lives.  Do you want the dog to fit in as much as possible with the way your lives are currently?  In which case a HPR probably isn't for you.  Or are you prepared to take on several training classes a week, competitive agility or obedience, a lot of reading about learning theory - basically letting the dog affect your lives in a greater way?  And be realistic - it might seem possible now, but with a young family taking up a lot of time, is it going to be a long-term thing you can commit yourselves to?  The Rescue kennels are overflowing with HPRs bought by people who optimistically thought they could give that much to them, but then couldn't. 

There isn't much info on line about the SRP because it's a relatively new breed, developed in the 1950s.  It is a cross between the Weimaraner, the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Czesky Fousek.  You might get some idea of how they are likely to be, by researching those individual breeds.  They are said to be more laid back than the Weim, but to have a very keen HPR working ability - which some Weims have now had bred out of them.  Since the SRP was only developed as a working breed in the 1950s, it is still very strong in that area and they also cannot yet be shown in the UK - so they are as yet relatively unaffected by breeders breeding for show purposes at the expense of working ability.

When you compare the SRP with the Tibetan Terrier, you're talking chalk and cheese really - I think you need to see more of these dogs and see what it's like to live with them.  If possible, try to go for a walk with someone who owns the dogs on your short list.  That will give you a chance to see more of them and what their characters are like.  If you want more info on the SRP, where to see them and who to talk to about them, message me. :)

Thank you once again for your advice.

I totally agree that it is easy to be seduced by a cute puppy only to realise later that you haven't the time/resources to take adequate care of a big, energetic adult dog who needs lots of training and attention.  It sounds from your post, and others earlier, that HPRs fall into that category.

We are relatively busy people and I just can't guarantee that we will be able to put in the necessary hours for the next 10 years.  I don't think it's fair to buy a puppy if we can't be absolutely sure.  So, much as it pains me, I don't think the SRP is the dog for us.  I know a Weimanarer quite well (he stays with us sometimes) and if the SRP has an equal amount of energy, it would take over our lives!  It would also be difficult with a young child who can't walk long distances and obviously can't be left alone.

Having read through the whole thread again, I am back to the logical conclusion of Labradors/Golden Retrievers.  They are the "obvious" dog for us.  Even the other breeds we liked (TT, Beardie etc) had various drawbacks such as grooming.  I will try to persuade my husband to come and see a litter of Labs.  (At least they are relatively easy to find, which is a bonus!)  We could also visit some of the other breeds we are considering.  It seems that that's the next step.

Alice

Now being easy to find herin lies the problem.  Because labs and Goldnes ar bred inlarge numbers, you need to take care that you buy from responsible knowledgeable breeders.

Check out any breeder through the breed club/s, check on health staus of parents (hip scores, eye tests and elbow x-ray results, beefore you are tempted to view a litter.  There are huge numbers of poorly bred Labradors and Goldens too, who do not have the best of health or temperament.

It sounds to me like a typical Golden Retriever woudl suit you well, a little larger and more attractive coat than the Labrador as you seemed attracted to breeds with more furnishings.

I couldn't agree more.

After often having people visit me to see the dogs, it was only after going for a walk with mine on Christmas day with my Father along to find him surprised at how energetic they were off lead, as in the house after initial greeting of visitors they are quite laid back.

I always try to arrange a walk along the roads and to the country park with people interested in the breed. 

To be honest I don't know half the time if this puts them off or confirms them into having the breed, but if we put off some then it is to the dogs benefit not ending in a home they aren't right for.

Also at this stage DO NOT visit breeders who have puppies.  It is very difficult to make sensible decisions faced with a litter of pups. :D

Also with no pups to sell you are more likely to be sure the information you are being given is balanced.

From what you describe you need from a dog I think a Briard would be perfect - IF you can cope with the grooming.  They are described as a 'HEART WRAPPED IN FUR' and that is soooo true.  Mine is fantastic with children (any children) and can enjoys long or short walks.  She copes with periods alone (sometimes well in excess of 4 hours) and simply sleeps and is equally happy with our lively household when we are all home.  We have a low wall in one part of our garden (only leads to a neighbours high fenced garden) but she has never once tried to jump it and when she is off lead she never goes far at all, preferring to be near me.

The breed can be stubborn though and so do need firm handling from a young age, and although all puppies are very lively, etc, being big dogs, they are BIG puppies! With regard to the grooming, some coats are easier to manage than others and I believe the blacks are easier than the fawns (which I have).  I have three children and a part time job and the grooming is manageable - just!  But despite all that, she is our first dog and I would never want another breed now.

Have you tried various google sites on 'how to choose the right dog for you' ,  helped us a lot when trying to decide what would be best.

A wheaten will jump a fence of 1 metre no trouble and its a high maintenance breed needing lots of company no good if you are leaving one alone for any length of time

I'm sure if you prefer that gundog type temperament and want something a bit more unusual, what about a Curly coat retriever?    Or an Irish red & white Setter?   Both are coated but don't need huge amounts of grooming.

Some of the less common spaniel breeds (I know you said not a spaniel) like the Field or Sussex?

Ooh or Irish Water Spaniel

I found those hopeless and even knowing which breed I love it never returned anything remotely like my heart breed :D

Ah, but we went in completly open minded. No breeds favoured, just put in our circumstances and investigated our given options....Had we put in our hearts breed then may have been disappoited

Neither Beardies nor Polish Lowlands are dogs for the beginner.  They are high maintenance and can be stubborn.  They have been bred to think for themselves and have had to work alone in the past making decisions for themselves when bringing the flock in.  They do make delightful companions with good training and care.  A six foot fence would not deter my boy Beardie, he makes a 6ft scale look like a walk in the park.  Tibetan Terriers can jump too but they are just a little more reserved especially the girls.

If you are anywhere near Cornwall you are welcome to come and get acquainted.  We have no puppies so you wont be tempted. 

I can't believe it - how have I not come across Briards before??? They sound perfect!

I can cope with stubbornness.  I've been training my daughter to stop, sit down and drop items for four years now (I'm only half joking!)  She's never shown much interest in flyball though... :D  Seriously, I am a confident person and a dog lover and I recognise that training is essential and intend to go to classes, read books etc.

A dog which joins in when you are there but is happy and doesn't pine when you aren't, and can cope with varying walks depending on circumstances is EXACTLY what we're looking for.  They have got the "look" we like, and they are big without being giant.  (I think I may have seen Briards before but not paid attention because they were too 'fluffy' for my husband.  In show pictures, they are brushed within an inch of their lives, but in home life they seem to have that rough look we are so keen on).

Grooming - well - its something you just have to find the time for.  My daughter goes to bed at 7.30 so I think I'd just allocate some time every evening.  It might even encourage my little girl to let me brush HER hair!

Have had a look and there is a breeder who lives very close to my parents house, who currently has no puppies, but has six dogs she keeps in the house.  I think I'll give her a call and see if we can arrange a visit in a couple of weeks.  I feel more optimistic than I have in a long time!  Thank you so much.

Alice

SRPs are very similar to Weimaraners but with more hair (even than a LH) however they are not as "hard" as a Weim.  There are not many in the country and as in Weims there are those that work, and those that do not...................... ;)

Many Weim owners/breeders have one or two knocking about the place and so they can give you a good picture of how they compare.

I know you say you've "ruled out" small dogs but in my opinion a puppy of the smaller breeds suit young children better than large.  I too have a 4 year old and although he knows many large breed young to old adult dogs who are very good around him and other young children, the puppies of medium to large breeds are another story.  Puppies are puppies - full of energy, extremely playful, bound about all over the place etc etc.  Medium to large breed puppies have more weight and 'power' behind them to unsteady a young child and possibly knock them over (though I stress unintentionally and only in play!).  A small breed doesn't have much weight or 'power' behind it and in most cases only knock a child over if the child falls over it.  Also, given the size of your house and garden I believe a smaller breed would suit for this too.  So, a quite robust smaller breed, in my opinion, would be an ideal dog for your family :)

Here's some breeds I've come up with which I believe would suit your circumstances (first time dog owner with a small house, small garden, young family and of course the amount of exercise you can offer):-

Border Terrier
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel (English Cocker Spaniel)
Finish Spitz
Norfolk Terrier
Miniature Poodle
Miniature Schnauzer
Scottish Terrier
Soft Coated Wheatan Terrier
West Highland White Terrier

Terrier's have wonderful temperaments and are brilliant dogs and with the amount of daily exercise you can give it (1.5+ hours) I'd urge you not to discount them :)

Hope this helps!

Edit to say - the Cocker and the Poodle do require a fair bit of grooming but they can be clipped/trimmed which gives a much more 'manageable' coat :)

There's a Briard that went to the obedience training that I've just been to recently and I definitely wouldn't recommend that breed to the first time buyer if she was anything to go by.  The owners just couldn't cope and still seemed the same after the 10 weeks was up.  It was a gorgeous lively dog, but way to lively for the family that it was living in!

We had a poster who sadly ahd to give her Brisrd up as it was proving too challenging.  I have met a few and they are high maintenance mentally and physically as one would expect from a herding breed, even more than a Beardie, as they are larger.

what about a pyerean sheepdog. they are like a mini briard

I believe that their temperaments can be a bit iffy too!!!  Saw a couple at a show a few weeks ago and the judges couldn't get near them.

oh really,we have one at club,hes favbby,really "just william" funny & a real clown!

I have heard that about Pyranean sheepdogs too

Like all breeds of dog, it depends on the breeder and lines that a Briard comes from ;) If you do your research and homework,  a Briard can be, depending upon the education that the owner bestows upon him/her,  a fantastic companion :)

Afterall, all breeds of dog temperements can be iffy, if not bred and educated by the owner correctly :)