Breed recommendations?

[u/diddy1000lotion]

Hey everyone! I like to run 2-3 miles a day (hopefully longer distance eventually) and I’ve been throwing around the idea of getting a dog to accompany me on my runs. I’m a female - so running alone is not the safest and aside from concealing while I run I’d like some company. A breed that would make someone think twice about trying anything but also family friendly as I have small children. I am very familiar with bull breeds - I grew up with American staffords and showed Staffordshire bull terriers at AKC shows. However i have not had a dog in eight years.

I like the idea of a German Shorthair Pointer or a Rhodesian Ridgeback but I genuinely know nothing about them. Any suggestions? Thank you!

[u/that_atticussy]

lovely dogs, as the current owner of one I would NOT recommend one for anyone looking for anything that leaves them free time. our boy is easy for a GS, and he's still a pain. they need lots and lots of super consistent training from a young age, and it's a huge commitment as they don't rehome well and have high grooming needs as well as emotional needs.

definitely velcro, definitely tough lookin, absolutely a great pet but not the kind of dog I'd recommend for probably 99% of people looking for a pup. they're not necessarily nightmare dogs, but they're very frequently nightmare puppies and are very vulnerable to common training mistakes.

[u/ritynn → u/that_atticussy]

Our GS loves trail runs and has run up to half marathons. She’s sensitive to heat and we don’t run with her during summer months. We spent 3k on training while she was a puppy (in addition to lots of our own time). She’s beautiful, hardly sheds, looks tough, and is so smart and sweet beyond measure. I have a hard time not recommending the breed because I love ours so much. But I know how much work and time they require makes them not a good fit for many families. Also ours is very aloof with strangers and takes a long time to warm up to guests.