After our last Shepherd passed away we began discussing about getting another pup. I grew up with German shepherd and they were the only dog I’d ever owned. My partner suggested we go for a different breed this time round – one that would be more of a family dog rather than a one person companion – although good with the whole family our sheps all wanted to be only with me and this showed. Also he suggested a shorter haired dog that didn’t shed so much might be nice. I couldn’t fault his comment about hair – over the years got used to having a perm 2nd carpet. Besides I didn’t want to even look at GSD puppies after losing Chewy.

Deciding to narrow down our search to short haired, large working dog types. Active – intelligent types at the top of our list. After reading up on many different ones narrowed down to 3; these were – Doberman, Vizsla and Weimaraner.

We tracked down some Doberman pups – but after speaking to the breeder and being appraised of their ultra sensitive tummies felt this was not the right breed for us. I cannot count the many times when I have walked in to lots of guilty faces (including dogs faces) on guys feeding a digestive biscuit or two on occasion. Tit bits were also a big no no – as were dog treats brought from pet shop. We quickly re-evaluated and looked at the others on our list.

Finding Vizsla pups or even crosses at price we could afford was an absolutely no go.

Leaving Weimaraner – maybe last on our list at beginning of search – but not in our hearts – we instantly knew this was the pup for us the moment we saw Chi-Anna. She and her sister had been returned to breeder and was 12wks old when we got her. If i had not done research before going might have been tempted to take both.

Chi-Anna was the dominant one in litter and breeder called her feisty – doesn’t surprise me at all – bold and unfazed by anything or anyone we have had to take a real firm hand – none of our GSD pups at same age showed such confidence. So saying, she is great with children – cats – ferrets – and shows no food aggression - all positive signs. She still tries to throw wobbles when don’t get her own way – but is quickly learning that we won’t entertain this behaviour.

I am finding her to be ultra intelligent – learning to sit and wait – walk to heal and sit when i stop and retrieve a ball. Having a few problems with lie down command but hoping puppy training will help with this. She is also learning many things I haven’t taught – like using chair to jump on table (thanks to cat) open doors and also my bin.

All in all she is a real sweetie and am even considering getting another in 9months to a years time.