1. How would you keep loose dogs (or groups of dogs, or other animals, or kids, and on and on and on) out of your dog's yard?

Good info and clarification on the last couple of posts. I hadn't thought of intelligence and trainability as being differentiated. This is so true in the workplace. I'll take the "lesser educated worker" that's eager and willing to learn much faster than the individual that holds a Masters but is less eager and borderline lazy. That eager one is the one I'll have in my camp - EVERYTIME!!

I'm glad all has weighed in with my thread - thanks for clearing things up and giving me more options on my next breed, it appears the tide has shifted and I'm OK with that. I'll not be closed minded to the hearding and hunting breeds. Not that I was before, it's just that they are slim pickins with the type of coat and look I'm most interested in. The Manchester Terrier, Whippet, Dobe, German Pinscher, Vizsla all seem to have a clean and athletic appearance.

Please share ideas of hunters/herders with those types of features.

Marla, I totally agree about the dog shows and getting somewhat of a skewed idea of how a dog acts outside of that arena (no pun). The shows have been the only realistic option to actually see the multiple breeds. While doing my research on the German Pinscher, for example, some of the best and reputable breeders are on the west coast. Respected and responsible breeders for the Manchester Terriers are in the East Coast and Iowa/Nebraska. Visiting these places will be costly and impractical as step one. Once a breed has been determined and I've chosen a breeder, then I'll absolutely visit them and pursue the next step, but doing this out of the gates seemed premature.

Again, thanks for the input from all - Mara and Cheri, thank you too!

You might consider an Italian Greyhound. I put a CD on one who had hi prey and food drive. One of her pups is currently doing narcotics work in Omaha, Nebraska.

You have to really select the line in this breed. Some are nervous hot house flowers afraid of everything, and some are so 'sight-houndy" that they are hard to reach. But they are a lovely dog, totally portable, incredibly athletic, 0 shed and they rarely rarely bark. They are heat seeking and want to sleep in your bed, though. Under the covers. They don't roam, especially if the weather is bad.

The manchester terriers that I have known were really yappy.

Of all the breeds you listed, I'd be inclined to pursue the Vizsla some more. It's a hunting breed and I'd look for a breeder who does more than conformation with their dogs (actual field trials would be great, but any sort of performance event will help you see how trainable/responsive their dogs are). Then go meet the dogs and see if they click with you.

We've owned Brussels Griffons for 10+ years and have thoroughly enjoyed this breed. Recently we lost a 3 year old to Lymphoma which leaves us with our elderly female. We know time is short and I've begun my search on the next breed that I think will be a great pet and worker (obedience training).

I do not train my dogs for competition but I do work with them firmly and fairly. There's no question that I'm the pack leader and they are my pack. I train and work with my dogs because this stimulates their minds, improves their health and makes them an overall better pet.

I've been to multiple dog shows after doing extensive research on what I think will be a wonderful breed that fits our active (NON couch potato) lifestyle. I want a little larger breed that has a great track record of good temperament, good health and of good intelligence.

The breeds that are at the forefront are the Standard Manchester Terrier, Whippet and the Pharaoh.

Each responsible and reputable breeder that I've spoken with about the possibility of purchasing a puppy will absolutely not allow their breed to go home to an owner without a 4' minimum fence. Due to two of these breeds being a sighthound and the other a strong terrier, I'm advised that even the best recall will be trumped by a stray cat or wild rabbit/squirrel. I'm told that these dogs will be in the next zip code before I know it and that they have very little sense of what's going on around them (cars/traffic) when on the trail.

I understand their concern, but my difficulty is believing that each one of these breeds live in a fenced environment. Surely there are some Manchester Terrier or Whippet owners that have had no problem with their well-mannered dog live a safe life with them, without the mandate of a 4' fence.

What options do I have or would you recommend looking for another breed? This hasn't been a problem with our Brussels, but they're not of the breed I'm looking at either.

Thank you

Would you consider a basenji? I've known a few people with them, and Id consider them middle of the pack as far as training, but for a hunting breed the ones I've known have been able to be off leash in areas with tons of distractions.

I don't have a fenced yard. My dogs get plenty of walks and runs without needing one. They are not left loose in the yard, though.

As far as breed choice, is there any reason not to adopt a one year old young dog from the shelter that meets your needs? I've adopted two dogs at about a year old, and they were/are both terrific. You can tell what the dog will be temperament/appearance at that point. Choose a dog that you like and fits what you need.

I always encourage people looking for a nice pet to adopt. I've had nothing but great dogs out of adoption from shelters/strays. Personally, I like a dog that cares and thinks- shepherds of all types are my thing. But, you can find what you need at the shelter.