We currently have a lab/patt cross who is four years old, but have always had pairs of labs before now, and we are on the look out for a second dog.
We had just assumed it would be a lab, but I think it's worth considering other breeds too. We aren't in a rush, and will probably be a good long while before we actually get round to getting the next dog, but I just want some ideas so I know what we're looking for.
So, we ideally want a dog either a similar size to GinDog (he's a bit larger than a Patterdale) or larger. Can accommodate large dog but not something very powerful like a Ridgeback.
It needs to be a very active dog. An average day for it would either be at home with me which would include a lot of walking, or out at work with DP running alongside the tractor. GinDog can cover a ridiculous amount of miles!
It would need to be clever/alert enough to learn the sounds of farm vehicles, and just basically have its wits about it.
It needs to be a sociable dog that can handle visitors, children occasionally, other dogs, that kind of thing. We always have a rescue cat knocking around as well, so able to be around cats also a must.
Would potentially be a gundog too, but it's not a deal breaker if not.
Other than a Labrador, we've also thought of a beagle or a border collie. I think a beagle would tick the exercise plus social boxes, but I wonder if it would be a bit tricky to train, and whether we would ever get to the point of being able to let it off the lead. I think we wouldn't, and that could cause a problem when out with the tractor. I suppose a dog could stay with me at all times and have walks on the lead, but it is handy having the option to send it off with DP if I'm not well, or have a rare day of not being able to walk a lot.
What other breeds could we consider?