I went to the Pet Expo at the Orange County fair grounds this past weekend and was lucky enough to speak with the German Wirehaired Pointer breeder from Norco. We talked for a long time, and she even offered me a potentially great 12 month old bitch. I just about melted but knew I needed to obey my mom's orders for the house. I told her my interest, and how sorry I was that I couldn't take it, but left rather disappointed. I have brought it up countless times around the house and plan to still do it. Now that I am almost set on a breed, I have decided to be absolutaly sure.
I created this list of dogs I potentially can look into, but I think I might be just about decided, for the time being.
I'll first start off with the breed I am most used to:
Shetland Sheepdog:
Pros:
- Agile and quick for agility training
- Can live in smaller homes
- Easy to find a breeder you like the dogs of
- Smart and eager to please
- Used to working with them
Cons:
- Shedding
- Grooming for show and daily life
- Barking [we are lucky with Missy]
- Smaller breed [leaning toward larger]
- Want to try something new...
Australian Shepherds:
Pros:
- Agile and quick for agility
- Smart and easy to train
- Connections already accumulated
Cons:
- Grooming for show and everyday life
- Obsessive herders [potentially]
- Need amounts of space
- Shedding
- High energy
English Pointers:
Pros:
- Little grooming needed
- Intelligent and eager
- Gentle
- Good dog to handle for show
Cons:
- Not as quick in agility
- Shedding
- Needs a job and room
- Somewhat stubburn
German Shorthaired Pointer:
Pros:
- Smart
- Agile and quick for agility
- Little grooming needed
- Willing to work
- Larger breed
Cons:
- Shedding
- Larger space needed
- High energy
- Good conditioning
German Wirehaired Pointer:
Pros:
- No shedding
- Energy when needed
- Gentle and calm with family
- Good contact acquired
- Moderate in agility [possibly good]
- Good finishing dogs [for show]
Cons:
- Stoning required for coat
- Grooming
- Possible lack of competition [2 major breeders in So. Cal.]