i wonder how a weimaraner? arent these dogs all around hunters, and are about mid sized. seem they could tolerate heat pretty good probably too. The more I think about it, i think the biggest benefit a dog could give you in a situation like this, (ie. catching, guarding, etc. ) would be the nose. a dog with a good nose able to find and track game would probably be the biggest advantage. more so over a sighthound i think. looks like some staghounds are bred to have some scenting ability too. sounds like a good match for the job. how about the weimaraner though?