Any thoughts on these breeds?

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DBrasnett

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www.brasnett-pratt.co.uk
I am beginning to research breeds in anticipation of getting a dog in spring next year. I have thought about pound puppies, but after a bad experience with a cat (cute fluffy kitten turned out to be 3/4 Siamese!), have decided we want to know the breeding of our doggies. We will totally consider known x breeds, but are loathed to pay more for a GSP x lab then you would for a pedigree!!

At the moment I am looking at one bigger (medium sized dog) and one smaller dog. The smaller will most likely be a JRT, but there are several breeds I am thinking about for the larger dog - Vizala, GSP, Black Lab (working breed).

We have a large garden and live on the edge of a very large common. I run 4-5 times a week between 4-10 miles. I will want one of the dogs, if not both as running companions (after they have matured and bones set!). In addition to the running, I'd like to have a non serious play at dog agility. The local club meets at our yard 2x week.

My questions -

are JRT's long distance/endurance dogs? would they be able to cope with longer runs/walks?

- apart from hips, are there any health concerns with Vizalas? GSP?

- my OH aunt has a very snappy insecure Black lab from working breeding! If there are any bloodlines/breeders people think should be avoided please PM me.
 
I am a huge Lab fan and thoroughly recommend them as a breed, providing they are hip and eye scored! However, they may not be your best bet for agility. Most dog heavily geared towards scent are not really great at this sort of thing.
 
our JRT will run for miles or be just as happy asleep on your lap all day! not long ago we did a 12 mile beach walk, he was off the lead for more than half of it running round and chasing our other dog and when we finished he wanted to go again!
 
Maybe you would be better clearing your list and working from your requirements of your dog and looking for a breed that will fulfil those wishes, rather than trying to fit your breed in mind to your requirements.

Sent and sight hounds and hunters do not generally make for good "stay with me" dogs, there are of course exceptions to that rule and some serious training can also control traits but not always.

I love JRT's and grew up with them, as I did my sisters Huskys but I am wise enough to realise that neither breed suits my lifestyle and that herders have the traits that I need.

I have stuck to collie crosses both border and rough collies which have not been too manic or too clingy, but I must admit that I do love the attitude of my Cattle Dogs, whilst they are obedient they are not subservient and they are excellent guard dogs too, they are not distracted by the need to chase wildlife and when I walk them at night they always keep an eye on me and I feel really safe.

I lead a busy life and when I need to leave the stables I don’t want to spend hours either looking for my dog or digging it out of a hole! My boys are always nearby and I don’t have to call when it’s time to go home, they are never far.

So if I were you I would make a list of the traits you need, then look for the right breed for that, look at health problems in that breed and make sure you pick a reputable breeder who breeds for structure and movement rather than more aesthetic traits and you won’t go far wrong.
 
That is good advice from KarynK. My sisters lab would not budge from the house if she put her running shoes on but was waiting by the door at wellies or old shoes.
 
Springer Spaniel could be a good option. As long as you're willing to put in the time and effort to train! Obviously they have endless amounts of energy so will love running with you. I have springers and a lab, all of which are working dogs but will stay with me ALL the time, very protective and extremely loving.
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New Yorkers tend to be fitness fanatics, and as such, you see scores of people out running with their dogs (including me). We usually see:

Lean cross breeds
Labs
Viszlas
Dalmatians
Pit Bulls
Huskies

There's a great dog running service here in the city, Running Paws, that has a longer list of ideal running partners: Running Paws: Best Running Breeds
 
Ah a Husky, yes only if tied to you and only if you are prepared to eat a lot of mud if you fall over as you will probably be dragged for some distance whilst it chases something or just figures it's time to run faster!!!

There is a growing movement of people running with their Huskies over here and ABSA run a competition at their fun day which involves uber fit people being dragged even faster with a dog tied to their waist, to me it's always going to be a spectator sport!!!
 
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Ah a Husky, yes only if tied to you and only if you are prepared to eat a lot of mud if you fall over as you will probably be dragged for some distance whilst it chases something or just figures it's time to run faster!!!

There is a growing movement of people running with their Huskies over here and ABSA run a competition at their fun day which involves uber fit people being dragged even faster with a dog tied to their waist, to me it's always going to be a spectator sport!!!

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I saw a man running in Central Park yesterday with two Huskies. The dogs were side by side and wore a similar sort of contraption to that of sled dogs, only without the sleigh. It's a good job the man was a six-minute miler, that's all I can say!

I can't wait to start running with Stella again. I like the temperature to dip below 70 first; that way she can manage a good four miles at a nippy pace. There's nothing better than cruising past some bloke who not only hates a woman overtaking him, but then notes the small dog in a pastel pink harness
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I used to run - but haven't done so for years
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However I do take both my dogs riding with me everyday. I have a lab and a springer which are both working dogs. They follow my horses (I ride and lead!) daily, the springer is always in front, zigzagging around looking for scents but always keeps one eye on me as I may canter off or change direction at any time!! The lab follows generally - very loyal, bless him
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Very occasionally I ride down the lane and both dogs are trained to sit on the verge if a car comes. I just shout "car" now, actually they usually hear one before me anyway, and tuck themselves into the side of the road and sit until its passed. Also they are both whistle trained
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Phew - don't I ramble!!

I think that any dog should be fit enough to run with you whatever breed you choose - it all comes down to the training
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I run with Yellow Dog sometimes - he doesn't really appreciate it
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but he keeps up
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Have you looked at Wiemeraners? My boss has got a couple - they've got great recall, stay with you and LOVE to run. I looked after them last week and they exhausted me!!
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Thank you all for your posts and comments. I actually came up with the list based on requirements of energetic dogs that were in the easier to train group.

I grew up with a border collie that would run off and explore and my uncle recently had to have the coast guard out to rescue his Collie cross off a cliff ledge. the dog had been trying the heard seagulls and leapt off the cliff after them!! Uncle was uber embarrassed and has since held a fund raising event to repay the coast guard!! so, unfortunatly I am a little bit negative about the type.
 
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