Phil, My question evolved as time went on. JW and birddog3412 got me pointed in the direction of a wirehaired breed. Then I started doing my research. Which narrowed my focus down to what I was looking for and what was available to me in my general area. This narrowed my view down to the VDD due to the combination of desirable qualities and proximity of breeders. Which I stated in a previous post. Then I followed up with a question of choosing gender which I am still pondering on.
I know Maine has deep snow. Sleddogs rarely race in deep powder snow. Backcountry skiing is very different than mushing. No groomed trails for the dogs to run on.
Thanks very much for your time.