Help needed. Which breed?

For those of you who don't already know I am working away from home atm. Although the money is good I hate being away from my family and the animals.

My reward to myself is to be another dog. For me, just me!

I already have a JRT (Todd) (my daughters) and a GSD (Nico) who seems to have been taken over by my OH since his GSD died just over 12 months ago. They are both dogs.

I am thinking a bitch would be better as Nico can be quite dominant.

So which breed would you suggest?

I have a short list.

1. GSD
2. Staffy
3. Deerhound
4. Wheaten Terrier


What do you think?

The deerhound looks interesting ive never actually seen one

They look massive

What is your first choice?

Alternatively you could have all four . I dont know much about the other 3 breeds, but like the sound of the deerhound.

if you are after a change from gsd I Love the look of the deerhound and wheaten terrier dont like staffys ....sorry thats just me

Putting my pennies worth in...

You don't mention if you keep them in Kennels or not...that would make the decision on the Deerhound.
Hounds are sensitive and Deerhounds don't do well in Kennels.
If you want info on them speak to Ali Morton...(PM me for her number)

Staffy...depends on who you go to....if you buy from a good breeder then temperament should not be an issue.

Wheatens need grooming....bit different to the GSDs.

It really all depends on where you are keeping the dogs, Kennels or house. Will you be away for periods of time and for how long. You say you work away but want a dog for you...what will happen with the dog when you are away, who is going to be there for it?
There are many more considerations to be taken before choosing any of these breeds not based purely on the looks! Each breed needs are different.

What I would advise is speak to specialist breeders of each one and explain your circumstances....they will be in a much better position to help you choose which one will suit your requirements best.

CC xx

Hmm a tough one
I do have to agree with Jude though... I don't like Staffies much either it would be a hard choice between the other three though would the dog be for when you finished working away Hun?

Don't envy you with this decision

Yes Shelley. This contract finishes at the end of June so I wont be doing anything until then when I will be back home.

I know Staffy's aren't everybody's cup of tea but they must be one of the most misunderstood breeds there are. They absolutely adore people and I have never met a more loving breed. Unfortunately, they have suffered by becoming a fashion item, something that GSDs have been through as well as Rotties.

A Deerhound is just like a big hairy Lurcher. Similar to a Wolfhound but not as big. I have always liked them but tbh I don't yet know a huge amount about them so some research is needed.

To answer the question about my dogs living arrangements they both live in the house and the new one will do the same.

We do all work but varying hours and I have seen enough dogs living in households where someone is there all day and they still dont get as much attention as mine do. Its quality time, not quantity time.

The dog next door is an 'only child' and never goes through the gate. Nor is it allowed in the house.

I just love the look of the Wheaten Terrier but I have to admit the thought of all that grooming is a bit daunting.

I have been here before, agonising over which breed to buy & so far I have ended having yet another GSD. I will probably do the same this time too!

As far as my OH is concerned there is only one breed anyway & that's the GSD so he won't even discuss it with me.

I love Staffies, I had my Gemma for 14 yrs she was funny, loving and so loyal, we talk of her all the time and often shed a tear about losing her, she was beautiful.

It's a very personal thing chosing a pooch. I think loads of breeds are fantastic.

ooh bev, this is going to be a toughy ....

freds my first GSD ... and i know that i will always have GSDs in my life now ...but i do have a soft spot for terriers