What will your retirement dog be?

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OK, over-planning a bit! I'm wondering what dog we will have when we are older - something smaller than now, low exercise needs, amiable but not a lap-dog (and good with any grandchildren). What will you have and what would be good?

Ooh good question.

More whippets

Nicely sized (small enough to pick up when necessary, big enough to avoid tripping over), easy going, gentle, no ridiculous exercise requirements. Perfect.

French Bulldog

But will have to divorce DH first 'cos he says never

English bull terrier - must be white with a black eye-patch.

Just think I will be the coolest pensioner around with that on the end of a lead

More Caucasian Ovcharkas, having owned them I would never consider another breed or cross breed again, I've owned a lot of breeds previously too. They are amazing, so gentle and careful with DH, DS and I (and our cats) no large dog/small child skittles or bowling down everything in their path, and the most patient, calm and loyal breed I have even known. Until one of us is threatened that is . Ours have protected us from all sorts of predators, I can't rave about them enough, they are currently snuggled around my feet.

good question. I'm waiting about 5 more years before getting my retirement dog as I've worked out i will have about 15 more good dog years to go by then. It'll definitely be a cavalier for me again. Best dogs ever. Can't wait! At least its something to look forward to other than arthritis and dementia

Ah. Just read that you said smaller, Caucasians probably won't fit the bill then!

Stars I'd never even heard of that breed before - they look beautiful

Thanks Belinda they are stunning (I'm shamefully biased!) ours are both fawn with black masks. I luff them so much.

Ok been thinking about this I would love either Great Dane or English bull terrier.

An import Cane corso and a Tibetan Mastiff

Working on our theory, 'if you're going to get a dog, get a big one', we've decided we're not having any when we retire.

We currently have a boxer mastiff cross and he's going to be our last dog

would love a giant schnauzer or german shepherd

Thanks all -lots of ideas. stars I can see my riding one of those lovely dogs, with my zimmer-frame slung over one shoulder!

Staffies all the way!!! always have, always will

My first ever pet of any sort was my retirement dog - a beagle. Love, love love him. He is a very high energy dog but he keeps me fit with lots of walks, lovely temperament, not too big, good with grandchildren. Fits my life brilliantly.

I would get another Bedlington for my retirement. Wonderful dogs. Calm but still up for a good game if you want to play.

The total opposite of your wants OP but more Siberian Huskies. Like star I've owned lots of different breeds too and these for us, are by far the best.

DP wants a GSD though.

Something little and gorgeous that the grand kids and I can dress up, I'm thinking jiggy out of real housewives. It will be spoilt rotten and live in my handbag, with it's own dressing room obvs. My DH will be frightfully embarrassed of course but will secretly adore it and allow it to bed share. a girl can dream

I think I may end up with one of each of every dog mentioned so far. Would love to be an experienced enough owner for a husky panda.

Maybe a Chinese crested as my knees will be too bad to sit on the floor and groom!

Not two spaniels!!!

I've had staffies/bull terriers all my life. Got a puppy recently and I'm 53. If she lived as long as our last bullie, I'll be 67 when she goes! Hopefully walking her will keep us young... and at least a bit more active than if we weren't dog owners. Right? ;o)

I've already decided, if circs permit, I will then help a rescue (either Dogs Trust, Northern Staffie Rescue or similar) by having an elderly dog as some rescue will often cover vet fees if you can give a last home to an oldie. And that would be ideal as I could still have a dog, and also give a safe haven to one who needed it, but without the full expense/responsibility.

I'm with you GemmaTeller, our current DDog, a 1 yr old boxer, is our last dog. Will probably help a rescue when he goes.

It'd be a papillon for me - they're such funny little dogs and so easy to live with.

Hopefully retirement is a fair while off yet but I can't imagine ever having another breed.