Hello,
I am desperate to get a dog. I love Dobes and Weims and realise they can be challenging which is not a problem. My concern is what dog would be suitable to my lifestyle and I'm not convinced the above 2 are. A little about myself so you can base your ideas:

Medium sized house with a garden. I HOPE to work from home as a groomer but can't guarantee the dog won't be left for up to 4-6 hours a day some days in the garden/house. If possible I will take the dog everywhere I go, even on holiday. I have 3 cats but no children as yet. I love walking so taking the dog out for hours for a run is great. I have the time and the enthusiasm to train/socialise and attend classes, I even thought about agility.

When I look on sites that help you choose a dog, and I don't mean to disrespect anyone when I say this, but a labrador seems to be the best bet - but it's not a dog I want or ever wanted. The other choice was a Bracco Italiano which when I look into the breed, actually looks lovely. Does anyone have any comments regarding the Bracco as I haven't met anyone that knows or owns one? Or can anyone advise a good breed to suit me? I prefer larger dogs but have also had CKCS myself. Grooming also is not a problem but partner would prefer short hair as he's ever so slightly allergic to dog hair.

Thanks for any advice.
Ali

Hi Ali,

Just to say good luck in your search and well done for putting so much effort into finding a dog which will work with your lifestyle

I think Leigh on this board has Braccos

Theresa :)

Others may correct me but the dog hair problem is not caused generally by the long haired dogs it is ones that cast hair which generally is short haired dogs.

If you partner is slightly allergic to dog hair it maybe worth searching through the breeds that don't cast hair but need cut/clippered.

I believe when a dog that needs clippered and is done regularly this is suitable for people who are sensitive to dog hair.

Others will offer assistance when they read your post.

BFN

Pam

A standard Schnauzer might fit what you're looking for perhaps? (no, not mini or Giant ;) :D )
They have hair instead of fur and don't shed at all. They don't have as much as the go getting energy as the Mini's (terriers were introduced to make them smaller) and since you are a groomer, dealing with the 6-8 week hair care really wouldn't be a pain. They're not as barky as the mini's and a bit more easy going. :)

I wouldn't worry about any dog not cutting it for long walks as long as you stay away from the pushed-in nose breeds. Sorry, they just have more problems with their airways and handling temperatures than "normal" muzzle dogs :(
But my small crew (15-18lbs) can hike cities/trails all day long and trot along bikes for several hours as long as it's not too hot. Conditioning is the key, not size, imo :)

Is there a personality trait, attitude, or color that you have in mind at all??? It's very hard to give suggestions about possible breeds to investigate without at least having some type of blueprint. It's the personalities of individuals and dogs that have to mesh, which tends to be most important imo :D
regards,
toodles

Hi Toodles

I don't mind a dog that can be challenging as I will train it, but not overbearing to the point of pulling my hair out. The purpose of this dog is to be companion to me, partner and children (if I ever find the time to have one). A guard dog does not interest me, but if the dog is inclined that way that's fine, I just wouldn't choose a breed based on guarding.

I want a dog that is (minimum) medium to large and sociable. That's why I love Dobes and Weims as they have a lovely head and body, great hair and strong personalities but I also know neither breed like being left on their own too long to the point of being destructive.

Thanks
Ali

Yep, look into either the Standard or Giant Schnauzers. The Giant was bred for driving cattle -- Standard, not certain, but probably companion and working farm. They are wonderful to train and usually have excellent dispositions with children. The Standard would probably fit your size wishes for a med dog though. Salt and pepper or Black are the most common colours.

An Airedale bitch also might fit what you want ---ditto on the "hair, not fur" thing. Independent, fairly easy (a terrier) to be trainable...dogs tend to be more headstrong than the bitches.

Perhaps a German gundog (non- Wiem ;) ) like a Wirehaired pointer might also interest you. Shorthaired pointer does shed.

If you stick to some type of wire coat, your partner will likely have an easier time.
hth
toodles

Hi Ali
I have a11 mth old dobe (who's been in the wars today ) He is the best thing since sliced bread ,he has been very hard work but it does pay off .I'm learning every day ! there are others on this site with acres more knowledge than me but I would not leave him unsupervised for very long as he would wreak havoc in the house (we use a crate which is a godsend but obviously he's only in it a max of 2hours in the day -- and then only after a good run).they are terrific dogs ,we have 2children and I mind another 4 and he's fine with them all .oh and he does shed quite a bit of hair -the brush is never far away ! Good luck with whatever you choose :)
LIZ

I have never come up with my breed when doing a search. Often coming up with breeds I would not want to live with.

I suggest you list the must have traits, and the must not have ones. then go with your heart once yopu have found the character/temperament you feal easiest with.

When I met Elkhounds for the first time, I just new they were me, and despite their downsides (heavy coat that blows twice a year, and the independance that can make some less good on recall than I would like) I have never regretted my choice, as they are ideal for me in all other ways.

I would advise a day spent with a group of different aged examp;les of a final shortlist of breeds. Include a walk where they encounter other dogs etc in your visit.

The only advice I can give is listen to Brainless;) Not that you should ignore the others, heaven forbid:D

Thanks for the vote of confidence. :D

I have just come to realise that what one person seeks or enjoys in a dog may be what another person dislikes.

I can take the dog hair, certain amount of stubborness, but could not take an ocerly fawning dog or anything that slobbers!

That pretty well rules out spaniels and Basset/Bloodhounds for me!

I do think it is worth looking at less common breeds, as I did, for your ideal match. It helps these breeeds keep going, and the very popular over exploited breeds won't miss the odd new owner.

A;so some of the rarer breeds, that haven't had media exposure have a core of dedicated breeders, and few if any of thee other sort, or where they do, it is easy to find out who is good and who isn't from t6he breed club.

Have you thought about a standard poodle? No shedding, and as you are a groomer, could be a good self advert of your skills! I have a couple of friends with these and they are sociable, agile (doing agility) and good companions.

I may be worng here but most challenging breeds don't like being left on their own so you may have to try and get a balance.

Saras suggesting is a good one ..poodle is also another..

Hello
I believed that too Pam, the challenging dogs are just not going to fit in with my lifestyle. Seriously disappointing as I have had my heart set on a Dobe since I worked with them. Perhaps once I'm an old lady and can stay at home to give it the attention it needs but for now something else.

I did my grooming training with a lady in Scotland, she had miniature and standard poodles - and to be honest, until I met her standard Poodle (coincidentally called Ali aswell) I thought they were wet puffy dogs. Totally wrong and they actually have a lovely personality. This was one of the 6 dogs I want along with Dobe, Weim, Dalmation, Vizla and CKCS again - all dislike being left on their own apart from Cavalier that can cope. I do like Schnauzers but my experience with them was a little snappy, but it could've been a bad day. I'm also going to pursue Braccos as they seem very mild tempered and perhaps won't be upset if I walk away for a few hours.

Thank you all for your advice, I think the best bet would be to write a list as suggested and vist some breeders. Then I'll be back asking for more help rearing the munchkin.

Hi
I own weimaraners. You say you like the breed. They are wonderful.
But I will just point out they do shed hair. Not huge lumps but a fine
moult. If your partner is allergic then don't get a Weimaraner. I have
known two cases this year that someone has bought a Weimaraner and
had problems with Asthma. Now not everyone is allergic but I would suggest you find the breed you like, and then go and visit with your partner.
See if he has any reaction. If you want to contact me for more advice
then click on my name and we can chat over e-mail. Or contact the Weimaraner forum on The Weimaraner of Great Britain site and lots of people will chat to you about Weimaraners.
One point, their is a special shampoo that you get from the doctors I believe that you shampoo into the coat of the dog which is supposed to help. I have no experience with the product myself but maybe someone else has.
Nutkin

hi, cant realy help you with choosing a breed,with your partners alergy to hair i was told that the llaso sheds no hair and it is the nearest to human hair as you can get, not sure i get this bit about certain breeds not wanting to be left on there own for to long, as you have said it is no longer than a few hours not like you are a way up to eight or nine hours like some, that work full time and leave there dogs all day long, surly this would all be down to training and getting the dog used to being left on it's own for short periods, i am at home all the time do the weekly shopping once a week and have very young family, when we got our whippet pup i would see to her needs in the morning then put her in the utillity room in her crate door left slightly agar,and go upstairs make the beds , hoover etc, i feel this used to get her used to being away from me and being left on her own also left a radio on for her , have had no probs leaving her, all down to training and a bit of luck i think good luck with finding the breed for you, regards tina

Having been of sick for the last couple of days I was watching something interesting on the hospital program on BBC 1 that is on in the mornings.(can't remember the name)
They had an interview with a chap who was allergic to dogs and cats. The Consultant was explaining that it is not necesarily the hair that causes the allergic reaction but something that is in the saliva from the guts of the animal that is left on the animals coat after they have been cleaning. The treatment they give to de-sensitise humans is obtained by the drugs companies from vets. When they do operations they give the hair that has been cut away before an OP to them. I wonder how much the vets get for that ?? I am sure quite alot considering the the cost of the treatments. Has anybody ever been asked their permission to donate their animals hair for this purpose ?? I doubt very much !!

Lucy

I wonder how much the vets get for that ?? I am sure quite alot considering the the cost of the treatments.

Hi there,
if you're really curious, why not call up a vet and ask? You might be surprised at the answer. Personally, I think they probably would just give the hair away, if asked. Vets aren't evil conniving creatures :rolleyes:
As to "cost of treatments".... I don't know about the UK, but in the US maintaining facilities, purchasing medicine/equipment, paying back years of school loans/insurance, and hiring personnel is not free or even cheap. If one doesn't like the cost or the vet, change vets. It sounds as if you have plenty to choose from :D :D

Has anybody ever been asked their permission to donate their animals hair for this purpose ?? I doubt very much !!
Huh? If my discarded dog's hair which will likely go into the trash actually can help someone, I'd be glad. Why be so offended at this? It's not like the dog will ever miss it. Well, perhaps when it's cold, but I doubt anyone would ever try to glue it back on :)
jmho
toodles

Hi Toodles

Sorry I don't think I really explained myself !

What I was getting at was the amount of money the drugs companies are making from this when perhaps some of the money should be going elsewhere, maybe like donations to charities etc.(Maybe they are doing this, if so fantastic)

I am sure if also if it was human hair etc then permission would be obtained.

At the end of the day it is great that people are able to get the treatment for the allergies but I do get on my high horse when it comes to drug companies making extorinate amounts of money !:D

Lucy

PS Also I don't think vets are evil conniving creatures. Most of them are wonderful caring people who have the animals interest at heart!