So I've always had spaniels since being a kid, my girlfriend has experience with Belgian shepherds and staffs (negative with German pointer).
Myself and my girlfriend work, I work a variable shift pattern ( two early (7 to 1500) two late (1400 till 2300) and two night (2200 till 7) then four days off) which is pretty set in stone, the girlfriend works Monday to Friday 9-5. The only issue would be when I work earlies and the girlfriend is working, works out between 3 to 5 times a month which is when I would get a trusted dog walker in for an hour halfway through.
I would like a medium size, e.g. border collie, cocker spaniel, shibu inu. She would like large e.g. Rottweiler, German shepherd, golden retriever.
My main concerns are not being able to be left for up to 4 hours at a time (even after training), high levels of shedding, and aggressiveness towards other dogs and children. We go on hiking weekends so would love a dog which can participate then chill in a pub after without being an arse to other dogs/people.
I've done a ton of research and everyone is very negative, I've also spoke to loads of dog owners who say that any breed can be trained for what we need. Anyone have any suggestions or advice?
