any advice welcome

Hi, we are looking for some advice regarding choosing the right breed for our next dog. We have had 2 akitas (littermates, 1 dog, 1 bitch) for the last 11 years, and sadly lost the bitch recently. As we now have 3 children under the age of 4, we are primarily looking for a family-friendly dog, but also one who would happily go to work with my husband who helps look after a 25 acre estate, where we also live. The breeds we are considering are: German Short Haired Pointer, Labrador, Italian Spinone, Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Brittany. The GSP is our favourite choice so far, but we haven't been able to find out any negative information about the breed, so if any owner knows otherwise, please let us know! If anyone owns any of these breeds and has any advice, we'd be very grateful, or if anyone could suggest a breed we haven't thought of, again, we're open to suggestions!
Thanks.

Have you thought about going on to the breed club sites to see what other owners are saying about the breed, and you can ask them questions, they will be pleased to give you advise.

hm...negative points of the GSP...

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...still thinking...


nope! Can`t think of any! Unless you`re a couch potato who doesn`t like a big affectionate clown who just loves to do what he`s been born for.
Mind you...I am a bit biased!

I agree with C & D, they are totally addictive and are such rewarding dogs, because they just want to work and work and work. Any game that is loosely work related will keep them amused for as long as you will play it with them. Woe betide you, if you don't give them enough to do though

Thanks for the replies. The gsp is still number one on my list, but now we are also considering a nova scotia duck tolling dog.

They are very high energy dogs and if they don't get enough exercise or mental stimulation they can become problematic as a direct result.

Aside from that they are just like a slightly less insane version of the Weimaraner so as long as you have the energy to match then you will have a cracking dog, they are a lovely breed.