To ask you to select my dog breed?

[Pikaso]

I just can’t decide on what breed of dog I want! (Please don’t suggest cross breeds, I want to be involved in showing and breed specific activities as well as meets for social reasons).

Ok so I want a big dog, one that is not predisposed to aggressive or reactive behaviour. A friendly breed. An intelligent breed that could take part in obedience. Not a massively energetic breed (like a Dobermann) but one than I can enjoy a decent walk with (2 hours) and not have it still bouncing off the walls when I get home. A breed that is generally fine off lead with the correct training (so no high prey/hounds I’m assuming).

My ideal dog would be one I could walk off lead, take to the pub, engage in sports (water sports/agility etc) and generally enjoy. My dog is my only form of socialising.

My current ideas are:
Newfoundland
Great Dane
Irish Wolfhound (but not sure with it being a hound and short life span)
Golden Retriever
German Shepherd
Standard Poodle

Any other suggestions?! I love giant Schnauzers but I don’t want another high risk breed.

I may be biased though @Pikaso

English Shepherd

livelyredjellybean

Our girl can be a little sensitive 😄, but through our experience and research we've found the opposite! Both girls and boys are beautiful looking though ☺️

Another vote for Leonbergers ...

Smooth Collie would fit your requirements, as others have said, but perhaps not your preferences. Ditto to Australian Shepherd.

If you want to show, I would also go and spend some time at a breed club show (i.e. just the breeds you are most interested in at their single breed show) and see how much fun the people showing that breed are. Not all breeds are as welcoming as they should be.

Bernese or Leonberger?

Both beautiful dogs with amazing temperaments.

Wirehaired Hungarian vizsla

Another vote for flat coated retriever. If I was having a bigger dog, it would be my choice. Or English/Gordon setter? So beautiful, or pointer maybe? So elegant. Just going for the aesthetic really, which is a bit naughty! I’m a cocker spaniel owner through and through so I’ve never investigated the temperament of these other breeds - just admired them from afar.

Have you tried the annual Discover Dogs event in Earls Court?

Why not "rescue" a failed police dog/guide dog puppy?

Golden retriever every time! Our boys are so loving with the kids. Lots of fur though so get a good hoover!

That’s a sad looking guilty face if ever I saw one whatfreshheck.

We used to have a golden retriever. Lovely girl. She lived to 15.

@BestIsWest

That’s a sad looking guilty face if ever I saw one whatfreshheck.

We used to have a golden retriever. Lovely girl. She lived to 15.

He has probably chewed something!

@RunningFromInsanity

Any type of collie fits all your needs. Border, smooth, rough etc

This. If you go for a rough some types are more suited to agility than others.

St Bernard.

@blowupthehouseandmove

Wirehaired Hungarian vizsla

Seconded. My parents have one and he would tick all your boxes. He's athletic and intelligent and can walk for miles, but walks with you rather than rushing off by himself. And he is so calm and gentle and affectionate. I have never met a better natured animal.

A golden retriever (or pointer). None of the giant breeds you mentioned, due to health issues and short life expectancy.

If you like setters, have a look at the Irish Red and White setter. Not only are they beautiful, they seem to be a bit livelier than the English but not quite as bonkers as the solid red Irish.

They're also a numerically small breed (may even be on the register of vulnerable breeds), so the showing world is more close-knit and the people I've known who are in the breed have all been really friendly; they don't seem cliquey.

And every IRWS I've ever met has been an absolute sweetheart, they seem to have a lovely temperament.

Flat coated retriever :)

What about a Scottish Deerhound? Not quite as insanely big as a Wolfhound and the lifespan is a bit better as well.

Standard poodle ticks every single one of your boxes fabulous dogs devoted to their people.

OP, I'm from the US and maybe the rules are different over there but you most certainly can (while they may not be the most obvious choice ) compete in agility with an Irish Wolfhound!

Anyway, a clumber spaniel may also work well for you!!

Flat coated retriever. I don’t own one but think they’re wonderful, always look like they’re smiling.

My in laws wanted a big dog of several of the breeds you listed, and their vet (who is a close family friend) said "Please get a Great Dane! I really want a boat, and that will pay for it in 5 years." They settled for a dalmatian who is actually great. He was shown as a young dog but now retired.

I have wolfhounds, I wouldn’t advise taking them to the pub though. They are the most gorgeous dogs but all of mine have been a bit clumsy in confined spaces. My first pair were Rudolph (Nureyev) and Margot (Fonteyn) because I thought they would be graceful and elegant.
Turned out they were as graceful as a one legged donkey.
Not the easiest dogs to train, they are really good at pretending not to understand what you need but they are so worth it.

@2bazookas

I want to be involved in showing and breed specific activities as well as meets for social reasons

Don't get a dog. Get a classic car or a model train or take up quilting.
They all have showing opportunities, and social meets and activities specific to the interest.

I mean this in all seriousness for your own sake.

Your notion of dog ownership is so far off beam, you and the dog would be sadly disappointed.

I suggest you contact a local dog rescue and offer yourself as a volunteer. More experience around dogs will help you at least get more clue about breeds matched to your needs.

What a ridiculously unhelpful response!!

Why should the OP not find a dog that she can show and also take out for a walk!!!