Hey another question for my friend who will be getting her first dog in the summer.
I was wondering what you thought of these breeds as a first dog and any training secrets that work well with the breeds.
Their downfalls and positives would be good aswell.
Also if you think they wouldn't be suitable that would be great.
She will be at home for the holidays so will be doing lots of training then in September she will be going to uni stuff but is still going to be living at home.
She lives near to chester and will take it as many walks as it needs. She also doesn't have a huge house so nothing too big.
Here are some of her likes:
Beagle
Norfolk Terrier
Border terrier
Brittany
Thanks in advance
Anna

Out of that list I would imagine, because I don't actually know the breed just some of it's group, that the Brittany would be the easiest for a beginner to train.  I suppose it depends on how much of a challenge they want and how capable they are likely to be.

>she will be going to uni stuff but is still going to be living at home

This bit troubles me.  What are her plans on completing uni and presumably going into a full time career?

I would think the Brittany would be hard for a first timer because after all said and done they are a gundog.  The others seem OK although don't know if Beagles are hard to handle?

Beagles are very much hounds, and when they find a scent they'll follow it, ignoring anything else ... such as the owner's desperate shouts! I know several people who have them and say they can hardly ever be let off the lead, and give a whole new meaning to the word 'stubborn'!

I would think the Border - they seem one of the more amiable terrier breeds.  I wouldn't recommend a Brittany, they are bred & built to work as an HPR and many end up in rescue bought as unsuitable pets.

I agree - the Border terriers I've met have, in the main, been delightful little dogs. :)

I did think the border was the most sensible. I didn't really think that a Brittany would be very good first dog but thought I would get others opinions as I don't know much about them. If they are anything like other HPRs ie vizslas then definately not. I have heard that Norfolks were easier than other terriers but again didn't know much about them and I know Beagles are not great at coming back but again anyones personal opinions are always good to hear.

Goodness, I have always thought gundogs to be the most bidable :)  I have mostly had Cockers which are probably the most willfull in the group :) but even so I find them a doddle compared to the couple of terrier breeds I have had.  They have some interest in pleasing you for a start :)
Borders are lovely dogs and, I think, a lot less feisty than some terriers but I would not be surprised if they do not require that very consistant training which many terriers require and which first time dog owners do not always appreciate is necessary. 
It is very hard to match dogs to people we do not know because we don't really know what they are looking for in a dog but we also don't really know what they are capable of dealing with.

Hungarian Pulis are absolutely fantastic to train - very quick and very willing to please  - and very adaptable to their living and exercise arrangements......:)

Yes, I met a couple of these a year or two ago out on a walk.  Did not know what they were as they were clipped off.  Very friendly very bouncy.
I'm still concerned about what plans your friend has in place for a dog when her life changes after University, SV do you think she has really thought about it?

I believe she has thought about it and has wanted a dog for such a long time. Her family are also going to be caring for it and they have talked for a long time about the dog. We are both doing animal behaviour and welfare and she always has animals welfare at the upmost importance. It is not a spur of the minute desicion.

I too believe that gundogs are the most biddable group however HPR do have very specific needs and are very sensitive to training. Having both terrier and gundog I do like the pleasing factor of the training gundogs. She was also looking at the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

Thanks

So is the plan that the dog will stay with them if she has to leave home to start her career as so many do or indeed work full time whilst staying at home?  In which case would it not be better to fit the dog to their needs too.  Is there going to be someone else at home in the day because again that would influence choice.

I would guess out of those the Border, as they seem more placid than most terriers, but I don't know anything much about any of the breeds. Has she thought of a cocker or Cavalier? Cavaliers in particular are more biddable than terrier or gundogs in my experience! :-)

I,ve a freind with a brittany and all she wants to do is work work and more work, very lively needs an awful lot of excercise and lots of brain work as well.
Unless your freind can spend lots of time on the dog she could find a brittany very hard work they never seem to be tired at all.
I,d go for a border terrier from the breeds you,ve mentioned they seem nice sociable little dogs all the ones I,ve met.