Friends,

I am looking for a new 4 legged buddy, and preferrably one whom I can use for hunting. I hope to hunt waterfowl and some upland game on private property. I have a small condo - just 1200 square feet - but we have a 12 acre open area attached to the place where we can exercise dogs and there are several lovely parks within a short walk from my place to exercise the new dog. I also have an old friend, a Tibetan Terrier who came with us to the USA from India and is a senior citizen now, 10 years old. The new dog will have to get along with him.

My wife wants a Labrador Retriever but I have always had a desire to own a Weimaraner - don't ask me why. An irrational desire that I cannot explain. However, people I have talked to tell me that Weimaraners are difficult dogs to keep with other smaller breeds around. I have no experience of having had a Weimaraner, nor do I know anyone who has one. Please suggest a breed - it need not be these two alone.

The dog breeds I have had in the past were a Dalmatian, an Airedale Terrier, a Rough Coated Collie, a Rottweiler mix and a Cocker Spaniel. I have trained dogs as an amateur mainly as guard dogs for private residences including Alsatians, Dobermanns and Bull Terriers. I have never trained a dog to flush birds or retrieve them though I shall be doing that with my new dog, whatever breed it is, with advice from experienced hunters and trainers.

Thanks for all suggestions in advance and best wishes,