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 Id 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 didnt shed so much might be nice. I couldnt fault his comment about hair over the years got used to having a perm 2nd carpet. Besides I didnt 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 doesnt 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 dont get her own way but is quickly learning that we wont 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 havent 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.
