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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask you to help me choose a dog breed?

246 replies

Landseer · 19/01/2023 19:03

I’m so conflicted!

We’re in the position now to get a dog but we don’t know what breed to get.

It most be a big dog but with not too much energy, friendly and trustworthy with other animals (such as other dogs and in the countryside) One that will happily stroll for a couple of hours but isn’t climbing the walls wanting to be exercised for hours on end

Any ideas?? Please don’t recommend a Jack Russell - it has to be a big dog

OP posts:
Thread gallery
18
Original poster
Landseer · 21/01/2023 16:49

jetadore · 21/01/2023 16:45

Fair enough, just didn’t come across that way in your posts and reactions to people who disagree with you. People who know what they’re talking about usually aren’t so thin skinned.

Show quote history

When have I disagreed with anyone?!

OP posts:
mayana23 · 21/01/2023 16:57

Greyhound? Only issues with Greyhounds is their prey drive and speed. I know people who have let their greyhounds off the leash and they've disappeared at 30mph, never to be seen again.

Golden Retrievers are lovely but still fairly energetic. Can you commit to 1 hour walk daily? Or 2 x 30 mins. I've found this better for energy levels.

Some mastiffs can have less energy. But drool. St. Bernards don't need too much exercise, but sadly they don't live long.

What breeds have you had before, OP? What did you like/dislike?

dogdaydown · 21/01/2023 17:02

@jetadore stop talking rubbish! You've not even read OPs posts!

What's your theory based on? How many people have you based it on?

dogdaydown · 21/01/2023 17:03

Landseer · 21/01/2023 15:49

I think I’m going to go for a show line golden retriever guys. Love the giant breeds but there is just something putting me off and I can’t quite put my finger on it.

I keep coming back to the retriever after looking up other breeds so I think it’s meant to be

We will need photos (lots of them) and updates at least weekly.

XenoBitch · 21/01/2023 19:57

CohenTree · 21/01/2023 12:24

@CheshireDing Just out of interest... being hounds, do greyhounds howl?
We had a daschund when I was a child and I loved her "singing" voice.

Mine doesn't howl or bark. She barks about twice a year. When we first got her, the neighbour asked if she was ok as she was so quiet. She does chatter her teeth though

RealBecca · 21/01/2023 20:29

oakleaffy · 19/01/2023 20:31

There are many, many problem dogs especially from overseas “ Rescue “ places.
It is well known, hence UK rescues being incredibly selective about potential homes- they match the dog with the home, and often won’t rehome where there are young children visiting. Yes

The last thing they want is a “ Bounceback”.
A lot of East European dogs imported in lockdown have just disappeared locally
Either returned or PTS .
So many were problematic- people were turned down by UK rescues, so paid to import from overseas where it’s much easier, less questions asked, and ended up with a problem dog.

Just Google to see the extent of problem orlf overseas dogs or Facebook group “rescues “ sold to inexperienced but well meaning people .
Deaths of humans have occurred.

Show quote history

I didnt advocate for overseas so not sure why my post is quoted, especially as I dont logistically see how a bounce back would work in that scenario.

purplehair1 · 22/01/2023 11:00

I have a tri colour Sheltie who is a gentle softie and very fluffy! He’s adorable, very loving, always up for a cuddle or a country walk but happy to crash out and doze when I’m working. Highly recommend.

chronictonic · 22/01/2023 12:28

Landseer · 21/01/2023 15:49

I think I’m going to go for a show line golden retriever guys. Love the giant breeds but there is just something putting me off and I can’t quite put my finger on it.

I keep coming back to the retriever after looking up other breeds so I think it’s meant to be

One the very best dogs I know is Show
Line Goldie. He's so cuddly, playful, chilled, generally just agreeable, friendly & a good balance of everything at all times.
I think it's a no brainer

Whatagreytdoggo · 22/01/2023 12:32

Have you thought along the lines of bernese Mountain dog/leonberger/newfoundland.

Greyhounds are big and lazy. Not great with small animals mostly.

Standard poodles need a lot of exercise.

CohenTree · 22/01/2023 13:13

Landseer · 21/01/2023 15:49

I think I’m going to go for a show line golden retriever guys. Love the giant breeds but there is just something putting me off and I can’t quite put my finger on it.

I keep coming back to the retriever after looking up other breeds so I think it’s meant to be

Great choice! We have had two in our family. They were quite energetic as pups but settled down after a few years.

erikbloodaxe · 22/01/2023 15:21

A lurcher. Greyhound/Collie/Bedlington or Whippet.

WineDup · 22/01/2023 15:27

erikbloodaxe · 22/01/2023 15:21

A lurcher. Greyhound/Collie/Bedlington or Whippet.

In what world is a collie low energy?

ThinWomansBrain · 22/01/2023 15:28

Weimeraner beautiful dogs - my sister has had a couple.
SHort hair - so no grooming bills

OvertiredAndUnderwhelmed · 22/01/2023 15:33

We have a retired Greyhound (very high prey drive, very successful racer) - we also have an 8 month old. She doesn’t bat an eyelid at him and spent all of last bonfire night checking in on him every time a firework went off!
They honestly make the best pets and any Greyhound Trust should be able to match you with one with the temperament etc you are looking for!

erikbloodaxe · 23/01/2023 17:21

@WineDup

I've had a few greyhound/collie/whippets

The most laid back low energy dogs. Zoomies around the field twice a day. Asleep the rest of the time. Slept with cats on them. Had Greyhound/Beflingtons too. A little more needy/excitable.

Liz1tummypain · 23/01/2023 18:39

Just wanted to add a pic of our greyhound. So laidback. Least demanding dog I've ever known..

To ask you to help me choose a dog breed?
Figmentofmyimagination · 23/01/2023 18:47

I always wanted a flat coated retriever. They seem so wonderful. Lifetime of cocker spaniels though, so no experience to offer!

Also Always love to see an English setter out and about!

RumNotRun · 23/01/2023 20:28

Figmentofmyimagination · 23/01/2023 18:47

I always wanted a flat coated retriever. They seem so wonderful. Lifetime of cocker spaniels though, so no experience to offer!

Also Always love to see an English setter out and about!

I am very definitely a cat person, but my dad's flat coated retrievers have all been very close to converting me. They have all been so playful, no matter what their age, but have been equally happy to just chill and snooze in the same room as their people. Gorgeous dogs 🥰

CheshireCat1 · 23/01/2023 20:33

Why not try a rescue dog, go to Dogs Trust and explain the type of dog you would like to fit your lifestyle. They are very helpful. In my opinion there are too many dogs being bred when there are lots of lovely pets that need rescuing. We have two rescue border collies and two rescue cats, they’ve made our family complete.

KarmaStar · 09/05/2023 09:21

Yes it's very unfair on the dog this is their time to enjoy sniffing and mulching and playing and this adds up to the mental stimulation they need.
I detest people running dragging a dog along who just wants to be free to enjoy his walk.very selfish thing to do.

EdithStourton · 09/05/2023 11:36

ThinWomansBrain · 22/01/2023 15:28

Weimeraner beautiful dogs - my sister has had a couple.
SHort hair - so no grooming bills

Wonderful dogs, but any show line/working line split will be very recent. Any Weim with recent working ancestry is highly likely to be very energetic and full on, and in need of a lot of training and mental stimulation. OP wants 'not too much energy' so a Weim would be a gamble.

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