First dog research

[sun-shine]

Hey, I am looking to get my very first pooch in a couple months time, and really want to make sure I get a breed that will be happy with my routine and the lifestyle I can provide. I know each dog is different etc etc, so I'm bearing that in mind, but am aware that some breeds are predisposed to aggression, chasing small animals etc. Dog will come to work with me, work as an equine dentist so this will involve travelling in the car, and sniffing about at lots of different yards (providing they don't mind) so I'm looking for a breed that isn't too hard to train, not known to be aggressive, reasonably calm, and can learn pretty decent recall (have nightmares of dog eating clients cats/chickens/small yappy dogs).
These might be very naive questions, but I didnt grow up with dogs, so I could really do with some advice. Looks wise, I love the japanese spitz, and the cocker spaniel - although am concerned about stories of aggression in the latter. Any help would be much appreciated - thanks!

 

[CorvusCorax]

Booboos on here has a spitz (can't remember if Japanese or German, sorry!!!)

Plenty of spangles on here so hopefully someone will guide you

Have you thought about a rescue? They have lots of younger dogs, and indeed older, calmer, seen it all types who might suit you, rather than a specific breed? Good rescues will usually cat/dog/child/chicken - proof their dogs and test them with different scenarios before rehoming.

 

[Spudlet]

There was a lot of panic about cocker spaniel 'rage' a few years ago - this was thought to have been caused by inbreeding in some show types. However it has always been extremely rare, and most cockers (all cockers that I know) are lovely dogs The rules are the same as for looking for any other breed - meet the dam and if possible the sire, make sure they have the requisite health checks, and pick a healthy and well adjusted puppy from a good and reputable breeder.

They are intelligent dogs needing exercise and mental stimulation. This is true for both types (show and working). Workers is particular really really need a job to do and lots of exercise, or they can end up becoming 'aggressive' through boredom and frustration. However there is someone on here who took on a worker which was due to be PTS for this reason, and he is now a happy and well adjusted working dog So IMO this was not really an aggressive dog - just a badly managed one.

I have a rescued show type cocker, who would love your job. However he does have incidents of 'deafness' of the 'I can't heeeear yoooooou' type and I would be cautious about letting him loose around people's yards as I think he would go exploring a bit too enthusiastically! He is great with other dogs and people though chickens might be a problem - but they would not be if I had had him from a puppy

In summary, I think they are great dogs and I wouldn't be without one