Any suggestions for my next dog? Which breed for me?

Having been at a show today it's got me thinking about my next dog, even though I love my cresteds and can see me always having one or two I know I'm a big dog person at heart, and only got my cresteds because I wasn't allowed a big dog and they have big personalities

Dogs owned previously:
I currently own two Chinese cresteds an live with a papillon, when I was a teenager we had a family dog which was a terrier cross, the walking, feeding and socialising was down to me. Having also worked at a boarding kennels I've had experience with a lot of different breeds, large and small, nice and not so nice.

Circumstances:
At the minute I do not work. So I'm home all the time. Although the likelihood is that when the next dog comes along I will have another job, part time at least, maybe full time although I don't think the hours I work will make any difference to what breed I have.

Time for exercise:
My dogs currently get anything from and hour to two hours a day, sometimes longer at the weekend as we drive out and follow different trails. So I want a dog that can keep up with that if not go for longer. Ones that go all day welome

Children/other pets:
I currently have two cats, so car friendly but saying that I know some have high prey drives and live qutenhppily next to their own cats happily. I don't have any children. May want some one day but im guessing that will be a while seeing as I dont even have a partner

Breeds already looked at:
Now I like a lot of breeds, I'm open to anything really but I'm looking at medium size (Labrador size or bigger) and I want short haired dogs. I may want to show the dog and I'm looking for a 'wipe clean' type breed Just one that won't take me ages to get ready for the show ring.

I've looked at weimaraners and I like a lot of the gundogs including the gsp and pointer. I like setters but imagine they take a while to get ready for showing and to keep the coat in top condition.
I also however like the great Dane (one of my favourite, but lifespan puts me off a bit) and the Doberman. Like I said I'm pretty much open to anything.

Anything else:
I want a dog that is going to be focused and enjoys learning. I want a dog that is loyal to its owner, and not necesarily go up to anyone and everyone we meet. Guess you could say a bit aloof. I would quite like a dog that could do a job maybe working trials, agility etc.

Can't think of anything else to add at the minute. So guys hat do you think?

Have you gone off the idea of a Weim?

No definitely not! Still top of the list Like you I've had the whole 'you won't cope, they are stubborn, not an easy breed' etc etc. just thought after being at the show today and being nosy That I'd see what people thought. Especially now that my specifications have changed since the last time I did this in the fact that it's now medium or bigger and definitely short haired. Weims are still top, wasn't the right day for me to see lots of them today

Rottweiler?

Never really considered a rottweiler. Thanks.

Thought you had made your mind up on a weimi :?

yeah i have. i just wondered on what other people would suggest.

Well you can`t go far wrong with a German Shepherd

Haha C&D ... I would opt for GSD too - especially with regards to this bit ...

"I want a dog that is going to be focused and enjoys learning. I want a dog that is loyal to its owner, and not necesarily go up to anyone and everyone we meet. Guess you could say a bit aloof. I would quite like a dog that could do a job maybe working trials, agility etc. "

However, GSDs are definitely not what I would consider a "wipe clean" breed LOL!

So, with that in mind, I would have said a well bred Dobermann would probably fit the bill.

Is showing the dog essential? because a working type Golden Retriever may fit well but probably won't be a candidate for showing.

Or maybe a Welsh Springer Spaniel?

A boxer ?

See I do like dobermans. Dont really know too much about them though other than the ones we have has in at the kennels. I saw a really nice one at midland counties on Thursday.

I do like boxers, are boxers good at workin trials and hinges though?

I do like showing so yes would like to give it at a go with my next breed. I wouldn't like the idea of a dog that looks completely different dependingmon whether it's show or working type. I also wouldn't choose a golden retrieve either. The amount we had in at the kennels which were either dog aggressive or human, I wouldn't choose one. I'd think a welsh springer is a bit on the small side for me.

For what you are looking for i would have said a dobe too. x

I would say Weim or Dobe

Is the showing the priority and the working a secondary thing, or the other way or as equal in priority..? If you know what I mean?

Equal priority. I think it has to be with a gun dog anyway. That is why I wouldn't want a breed that has such a spilt in looks between working and showing. I love weims and have already found a kennel I would go to to get mine. I do love dobermans too but haven't looked at them in as much detail as I have the weims. Can dobermans do working trials and things? I Like the idea of having a gun dog I can work properly on shoots.

yeh, but if you have seen a 'type' that you would like you might want to look at the breeding etc when thinking about working them and so on

I've never competed in working trials but would go along to training with either a dobe or a weim. I was going to go to training not that long ago but now I have to work every Sunday so can't but one day I will (and it will probably be a dobe that goes with me )

The weim kennels came on the recomendation of smokey bear, they both show and work their dogs. Might have to start looking into dobe breeders and see what's about. I've never heard anyone say a bad word about dobes.

I know that Chancepixies and Aritaur both show and work their dobes.

Depends what 'type' you like though....