We have always had dogs and I posted a while a go about Ridgebacks. We saw lots and visited breeders and experts, and are still keen. However, I am wary about making a busy life (2 young DCs and a part time job + study) even more difficult than it needs to be by getting such a challenging breed. We are about to move to a rural home with access directly onto countryside (there is literally a gate from our back garden into the fields behind!)
If I tell you what we want, and what we've considered, I'd love to hear some opinions from those with experience of these breeds.
Requirements:
Short haired (will be out and about lots in rural countryside. Life is far too busy to be hosing/washing/drying/brushing everyday!) Shedding less of an issue.
Large at least 25kgs, pref. 30kgs+
non-aggressive Obviously more down to environmental factors but must not have a genetic predisposition towards aggression/extreme suspicion to strangers/other dogs/animals
tolerant with children both family members and visiting
Good off lead see what I've written for non-aggressive
not too demanding at home Happy to chill out at home without needing to be gazing into my eyes/pawing my hand/nudging my hot cup of tea in my hand/sitting on my head
be nice to my cat
Quite a list! Some of it is of course negotiable (except I definitely don't want a hairy dog). Under consideration:
Ridgeback - Have done so much research, I love them but I am very nervous about how easy they'd be to manage on walks/if the gate was left open (vision of sheep being taken down)
Labrador - DH desperately wants one, I have worked with them for years and while I appreciate their great qualities, they don't excite me in any way.
Border collie - I'd have another (short haired!), DH not keen
Great Swiss Mountain dog 
Know nothing about them but considering starting to find out more, having read up a bit. At the moment I like the look of them and the sound of them. Are they not very good with dogs?
Dalmatian Are they less nutty with adequate exercise than the one's I get mugged by see out and about?
Any other suggestions?
We are about the most cautious people you could imagine, so won't be rushing into anything but are enjoying pondering new breeds. Exercise and company isn't an issue (dog can come to work with me), child friendliness is the biggest factor. We've always had gundogs/Bcs and are thinking perhaps something a bit different. I can see us ending up with what we've always had though! The dog will be kept busy with classes, walks and doing a job of some sort (agilty/obedience both of which I've done lost of, or rather fancy the cart pulling for the swissy!)
Sadly DH will not consider a sight hound, though DS1 and I have been campaigning for ages for a Grey. We've never had a puppy before, always rescue, but definitely want to buy a puppy this time.
Sorry, long!
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
Help choosing a breed - advice appreciated
GetYourMoneyBackAtTheDoor · 19/05/2013 10:20
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Message withdrawn at poster's request.
Re. Dalmations: I like them but not enough I don't think. And I can jst imagine all that white hair. I had a white (and black) short haired dog before, it was a nightmare!)
Rotties: I love them, wanted one for years but nowadays I think I am put off by other people's reactions, IYSWIM. I like them but lots of people go out of their way to avoid them and I'd hate other parents to worry about their children at our house or by the school gates. Shame though.
Boxers: Again, not my cup of tea 
I think we'll go with a Ridgeback, this has made me see its what I want most. The bitch we like hasn't been mated yet, stud dog just identified and bitch is awaiting season so no guarantees anyway. Breeder is lovely and will be fine if we change our mind but I can't let go of it. This thread has helped clarify that so thank you all.
Oh I'd love a sight hound type, DH wouldn't! We both used to work in rescue and seem to have been left with different feelings about them
mrslaughan I knew there had to be someone! Yours sounds lovely. I read in a Gwen Bailey book plus on the 'net that they need lots of socialising with dogs or they can be difficult. Glad that isn't your experience.
Friends have a St. Bernard. Are Swissys smaller (that would be too big, tough I think the slobber makes it feel too big, iyswim!)
I'd strongly suggest a lurcher or long dog. Can be quite large, depending on what cross they are. Lots of MNetters have them with young DC. The grey side gives a nice temperament, they are very laid back and chilled but the cross will give a bit of stamina and brains 
. They can be large, but usually very healthy (no HD) - I meet lots in their mid teens.
I transported a gorgeous dog yesterday - a young Saluki/collie cross - incredibly handsome, friendly, playful but also v happy to come to the pub and chill out and be admired. He's about 25" to shoulder, with a fairly short coat but some rather swishy feathering. Lots of families in the pub and he soaked up masses of small toddlers and DC who came over to say hello. Pups come up with regularity in rescue - keep an eye on Evesham Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue for instance (they will rehome nationally). And a young dog who's been fostered in a family home can often be more of a known quantity than a puppy.
Our boy regularly plays with a ridgeback..... Ridgeback is a couple of months older and abit taller, but would weigh a lot less.
All the swisseys I have meet are fab with other dogs, infact ours lives for meeting other dogs
He is a big teddy bear, another dog growls at him he either runs behind me or away from it,. Completely non- aggressive .... Not sure where you got that they are not great with other dogs?
I don't know the specifics but I have heard of one breeder here having temperament issues (a couple of dogs returned)..... I believe this is due to socialization.... Ie puppies are being raised in the stables/barn, not a huge amount of human contact, or contact with other dogs. I honestly don't know the full story, which is why I would say research the breeder/ breeders and meet dogs that that breeder has breed and placed with other families. Talk to those families about there experience and the support they have received.
We meet a lot of swissies in Switzerland, every person said what an amazing family dog they are.
Part of my post went missing 
Meant to say that they will live happily with children, cats and so on. My bitch lived very happily with dogs but was a little more antsy towards other bitches. If you have researched ridge backs you have some idea of the sort of issues that may come up.
I'm going to start a thread about Swiss mountain dogs.
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