Choose me a 'breed' of dog (long post)

My OH and I were discussing some of the threads on here last night and I repeated to him the fact that 'there is an established breed of dog for everyone'.

This sparked off a 'discussion' as to what would be the right breed for us if we decided to get another dog. We both had our own favourites and our own definite 'not likely' breeds but thought that it would be fun to see what others would suggest.

This is our situation:

Humans
OH, me and 2 kids (20 and 1

Dogs:
Nala - aging Akita (13)
Some would call her the 'Alpha', 'pack leader' etc. If she wants it it is hers. She will take treats, food and sleeping spaces from the others without so much of a by your leave. Sleeps most of the day but enjoys her walks.

Willow - Akita x GSD (
Happy go lucky girl, anything for a quiet life, happy to wait for everything.

Meeka - GSD x NI (3)
Intelligent, canny and also likes to get her own way. Quick to work out solutions to problems. Only one that gets on the furniture.

Storm - GSD x NI (3)
Very shy and noise sensitive. Likes to spend time on his own but loves being stroked and given affection. Affectionately called 'the love sponge'.

None of the dogs are aggressive with dogs or people.

Situation:
Both my OH and I are out of the house for approx 8 hours a day. The kids are both in further education so are occasionally at home during the day but are, more often than not, out and about.

We have 2+ hours available daily to exercise the dogs and have a large variety of areas that we can take them that include open fields, woodland, rivers, lakes and some that have all of the above. The suggested breed must be able to be exercised off lead in all of these places and also be able to be trained a VERY reliable recall - even when attempting to chase as the exercise areas contain deer, fox, badger and rabbit .

No small dogs allowed as my OH wouldn't let me have one.

We also have a large variety of visiting dogs, some that stay overnight and also a large variety of teenagers coming and going all hours of the day and night so the breed must be sociable.

We like a dog that is independant but not too much so and do not want a dog that is so clingy that you cannot turn round without falling over it.

I think that is everything, it will be interesting to see what is suggested

This is just for fun, please do not think that we would just go out and get a breed of dog without making sure that it was suitable first Feel free to ask any questions that will help you suggest a breed.

Over to you

If you are out for 8 hours, will you have time to train / socialise a young dog?
How about a retired gundog? A shorthaired pointer would be my choice, but then I`m biased.

Hi Claire,

All of my current 4 have been puppies/young dogs whilst I have been in full time employment and (touch wood) it hasn't had any detrimental effect on them.

Once I am home, all of our time is available for the dogs which is probably on par with people who do not work/work part time as I am very concious that they deserve this time after being home all day.

I would prefer a puppy/young dog as I feel that it would be easier for them to fit in with the existing dogs and their 'quirks', especially Nala.

Never had a gundog though, are they easy to train on recall when there is a chase involved? All the labs we meet waling are notorious for selective hearing but this could be their training.

Chellie

That`s why I suggested one that was already trained. The training for recall needs to be worked on really hard as these dogs are driven by scent. Once trained, though, they`re excellent. (They have to be, if you think about it) GSP`s are people friendly, playful cuddle-bunnies who love to work, and love company. They do need a lot of time and exercise though.

i have to labs and they are both great on recall no matter what they are doing, if you train straight away and make a game they love it. they are 9mths and 12 mths and have never not come back.

even a friend who does gundog trials has took them out and she was over the moon with there recall, so was very proud of that.

Well as you have already got working breed dogs I would definitely stick with them.

Personally my breeds of choice for your situation would be either a GSd, Dobe or Rottie.

My reasons for these breeds is that they all are easy to train and are intelligent, so picking things up is pretty easy for them. They are all more then capable of keeping up with your lots and are big enough to withstand the rough and tumbles when playing together.

Have a look at Shonas, Neros and Boobahs rotties, and Trouble and I along with a few more have Dobes.

I was going to suggest GSD or Doberman Whatever you do dont choose a setter They crave attention and are very norty when left alone and recall can take years to teach Good luck with your search....
Personally I would love Trouble's liver and tan Dobe's

GSD...........but then im biased!

or a goldie? or dob?

my first thought was pointer/viszla...
but also agree that rottie or dobe would be good!

Thanks for all of your replies, I have never considered owning a gun dog before (except for once years ago when we considered a Spinone in a moment of madness but that only lasted five minutes ) Something to consider.

GSD's are off of the list. Used to adore the breed but haven't seen any that I would like to own for years, one of the main reasons that I have crosses now

Dobes and Rotties are another 2 breeds that I haven't really considered. Are they likely to challenge the old girl? I think she is going senile in her old age and will just barge her way wherever she wants to be. Even if another dog growls at her she keeps going