Best dog breed for the 'outdoors'? (For new dog owner too)

[200xth]

the more I learned about the health BENEFITS of delayed neuter, the more my thinking on that has changed. It also allows healthier joint growth - golden retrievers neutered by 6 months are taller than breed standard and double their chances of devoloping hip and/or elboy dysplasia than those that are delayed until 18 months to 2 years old. Also, the shorter goldens (delayed neuter) are living on average 2 years loinger than their early neutered counterparts. My vet gave me a high 5 when I told him that we were choosing delayed neuter, and may not neuter at all when Noah gets to 2 years old. He said it was so refreshing to have a client that didn't drink the spay/neuter kool-aid, and was concerned for the long term health implications for their animal instead.

In any case, I now advocate that if you feel you will spend the time training your dog, and managing him, that delayed spay and neuter are absolutely essential in large breed dogs for healthy joint development and not accelerating bone growth when hormones are removed, and in some cases, for delaying the onset of pre-dispositioned cancers. You can google "delayed neuter" to read more about UC Davis' findings on delayed neuter.

The breeder I bought my puppy from a few months ago said basically the same thing. There's a number of health and development benefits for the dog, and to delay neutering if at all possible. Two years will be the earliest I will think about neutering him, and I may decide to just forego it altogether.

To address the original question in the thread, I would say go with a German Shepherd. Smart, loyal, very trainable, protective, rugged and durable, they meet all of your requirements except the shedding one. Brush them once a day. It keeps their fur under control and it gives you a few minutes each day to bond with your dog.