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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask you to select my dog breed?

176 replies

Pikaso · 15/01/2022 15:02

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.

OP posts:
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8
downbythewoods · 15/01/2022 21:10

FFS. You're opening your heart to a living thing. Not a shopping for an accessory. What happens if you choose a dog based on your tick list but - heaven forbid - it dares to have a personality of its own, with quirks and preferences that don't fit the list?! This is why rescue homes are packed. Because people approach getting a dog like they would getting a new car. HmmAngry

downbythewoods · 15/01/2022 21:12

@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.

This. 👆🏻. I'm angry just reading the OPs post.
Newuser82 · 15/01/2022 21:14

A Labrador, flat coated retriever, Irish wolfhound.

Ellmau · 15/01/2022 21:20

A few PP have suggested Bernese. Lovely dogs, but I'm laughing hysterically at the idea of one doing agility. Also, you're not supposed to take them on long walks for at least the first year to protect their joints.

I suspect a German Shepherd is what you want, especially as you already have experience of the breed.

3ormoredogs · 15/01/2022 21:21

Leonberger fits all of your criteria.

Loving, friendly to all, no prey drive, no drool, mine don’t bark ever, love nothing more than sleeping under a pub table. They will walk all day (slowly mind) but are equally happy pottering around a shorter walk and then or sleeping the day away.
They are nicknamed lean-on-bergers because they want to be touching you all the time.
I have done competitive obedience with mine. They were all incredibly easy to train, they aren’t going to go to the top at crufts but could keep up at lower levels. Mine are also registered therapy dogs as well as show dogs. They also love to swim.
They are generally thought of as the most active of the giants but the brain is certainly a slower pace than that of most dogs to be honest Grin

The breed is incredibly friendly as a whole. Even as a newbie I found everyone helpful and willing to give advice, it’s a small circle but everyone tends to be welcoming. There are often breed meets and I found everyone at shows is willing to talk leo Grin

Prepared to be mobbed everywhere you go though…

LittleMissTeacup · 15/01/2022 21:21

A setter or retriever IMO - both lovely breeds with good temperaments

Boopeedoop · 15/01/2022 21:46

Leonberger
Boerbel
Setter

nalabae · 15/01/2022 21:48

Golden retriever. I have two American bullies but they take a lot of work, I wanted a GR they are lovely always play with my dogs such a calm nature to them just hairy little buggers

Zuma76 · 15/01/2022 21:53

Airedale is a good shout. We’ve had giant and standard schnauzers and I adore them but they are stubborn and very energetic. Our standard stayed puppy giddy til he was about 4

TremendouslyJolly · 15/01/2022 21:53

Golden retrievers are just lovely. Mine has been an absolute joy to have, she’s my best buddy.

candle18 · 15/01/2022 22:02

My friend has an Italian sip one and she is big but the most loving dog I’ve seen. Rarely barks as well!

candle18 · 15/01/2022 22:03

Spinone, that’s meant to be!

HippeePrincess · 15/01/2022 22:16

One of the larger working spaniels - best dogs in the world if you put in the training.
Flat coated retriever
Working lab
Pointer
Setter
Vilzla

None of the dogs in your list seem to suit your requirements except for size.

Original poster
Pikaso · 15/01/2022 22:20

I’m liking the look of Leonbergers now and have joined a few Leo groups

OP posts:
FlasherMcGruff · 15/01/2022 22:21

It’s interesting that a few people have given you snarky replies about you knowing nothing about dogs, when it’s pretty clear that you are doing the knowledgeable and responsible thing by carefully considering breed traits and your lifestyle / ownership style. I think a golden retriever sounds great.

KarmaStar · 15/01/2022 22:23

Don't get a dog.
You clearly have no idea about how much work a dog entails just the companionship,grooming,exercising,feeding and general care is a lot of work.
As someone who has no experience you are looking to show?
And a Newfoundland?they were bred to swim and run free not spend hours and hours being bubble washed and continually groomed.what are you thinking?
Dogs have mental health too,are you intent on doing whatever you like for your amusement?
I'd suggest you get a dog(rescue obvs) only once you know you have the time and commitment to caring for one and have started learning about the dog world,read some good books,talked to responsible dog owners,then look at possibly adopting.
Yes all breeds of dog are shown but it doesn't mean they SHOULD be.It's humans get again picking their own ego before the dog.Some say their dog loves standing like a statue for hours.bxxxxxit,the dog would rather be out for a walk.
Think of everything from a dogs point of view for a day,we how much your ideas change.
Or get a doll and play with that.

EerieSilence · 15/01/2022 22:24

If you don't want an action maniac like Dobermann, maybe high energy dogs aren't your cup of tea, in that case a GS wouldn't be a good choice either.
A Bernese, St. Bernard or similar would be ideal, love walks but not high energy, usually very social and friendly.

Original poster
Pikaso · 15/01/2022 22:30

For those telling me I have no idea about what having a dog entails, read my previous posts 🙄 I’ve had dogs all my life, currently have 2. This is purely forward planning. I won’t be responding to anymore daft comments on that.

OP posts:
BurntO · 15/01/2022 22:33

Poodle. Lots of good breeds mentioned here but if you want breed meets a poodle or golden is best bet.

I wouldn’t recommend showing personally and I have many issues with KC standards but that’s up to you

ImJustMum · 15/01/2022 22:40

Weve had standard poodles all our lives, they can partake in agility as ours does but my sister and mum are groomers and her show coat was ALOT of work. But if it wasnt for her extremely high prey drive and the fact she would eat my cats in a second, id love her. She gives the best cuddles and she actually tucks her head in to snuggle in, shes glorious with my kids. I prefer large bull breeds personally as that's what ive always had and i enjoy the challenge and their personalities, and id consider a Bull mastiff if we had more room, lovely dogs and meet our needs perfectly.

Cherrysoup · 15/01/2022 23:07

@Veetfan

Wow this thread is an eye opener. At the risk of being slated as a virtue signaller blah blah. I have had pedigrees for ten years but the best, most rewarding and amazing dogs have been tricky rescues. I don’t know why I click on these threads, it makes me so sad that people are wedded to a specific breed. Long love the breeders (and puppy farmers which everyone denies buying from) I guess…
Why does it make you sad? I’m very wedded to my breed, why should I change? I love the breed characteristics, I want them because of the breed description, why on earth would I then choose a random rescue? If I did rescue, I’d go to my breed’s specific rescue. My current dog is from a first time breeder, all health tests in place and history traceable via the KC. I’m interested in checking health and history. For me, that’s important.
damnthisvirusandmarriage · 15/01/2022 23:42

A pointer 🥰

SewingBees · 15/01/2022 23:57

My Airedale Terrier is exactly as you describe except he doesn't like swimming. And loads of people stop to chat and tell me they had one or knew one when they were younger and have a lot of affection for the breed.

SunflowerSmith · 15/01/2022 23:59

Definitely German shepherd, you've owned one before so know how intelligent they are and there is no other breed on earth as loyal, they are utterly devoted to their owners.

I've had them for 30 years and along the way had other breeds alongside and although the others were lovely I always go back to the shepherd's.

I currently have a beautiful 2 year old, long coated girl who is wonderful, there's rarely a walk when we don't get stopped by people admiring her and asking if they can stroke her.
She's currently covered in paint where she's been following me around while I decorated the hall!

LadyinRead · 16/01/2022 00:02

Lab