Hi, I'm looking to get a puppy at the beginning of June and wondered if you could offer any advice as to which breed would be most suitable for me. I live and work at home running a B&B with my Mum, so someone will be at home all day most days. We live in a large-ish house with secure gardens and a 4 acre field out the back which is in a small rural village surrounded by countryside, so long muddy walks aren't a problem! We're an active family so would want a larger breed which we could take with us walking/cycling/running etc. We need a dog that would be ok having lots of strangers around (but I guess that can be handled by good socialisation and getting the pup used to it), which is one of the reasons we want to get a puppy rather than an older dog. We would also like a dog that would make a burglar think twice before breaking-in and who would know what is and what isn't her territory - oh yes, we want a bitch too. I have researched both Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Weimaraners and really like what I've read (the Weim in particular), but would really value your advice/opinions. Many Thanks, Asher

If I was you then I would seriously consider both the Hungarian Vizsla and the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla, but then they are my breeds so I'm a bit biased as we have 2 smooths and a wire:D From the gundog group, like the weim, will take alot of exercise when mature, love to be around people although can be protective of your property, ours have made enough noise to scare of prowlers before but not sure what they do if actually confronted!

I have no experience of ridgebacks so won't comment there, but if your like the smooth coat of that colour only better as they have brown noses too then the Hungarian vizsla is a good choice! We do have alt least one CDer who has weimies so hompefully she will be along soon but what I do know is that I have met quite alot of weims who are nervous, shy, aloof and even aggressive due to lack of correct socialisation. Now, I'm not saying you won't sociailise your pup but its just another thing to bear in mind. Of course, they are loads of lovely weimies out there, I just have not met any of them :(  Does anyone have one I could meet please :D

Hope this helps
Emily :)