If my ideal dog is a Rottie or Mastiff but I live in a London flat...

[EssentialHummus]

... what might suit me?

We have a large flat with a garden, though garden is not direct access. I WFH, am fairly sedentary (can walk an hour-ish a day), happy to invest time in training.

If space wasn't an issue, I'd be after a Rottweiler or Mastiff, after a lot of experience housesitting with them. I love large, loyal, calm dogs that want a good amount of human affection.

Obviously neither of these breeds works in my circumstances, in terms of either space or exercise needs. What would? I'm thinking an adult Staffie?

I have the additional problem of a mildly averse husband, but I think we can work on that.

If your open to the idea of an older dog then a staffy could be ideal. I have an 8 year old rescue staff, she's fine with half an hour mooch around the park and staying in on rainy days. She loves her bed and has a mad 5 minutes in the evening where she empties her toy box and runs about throwing things in the air, the rest of the time she's usually snoozing at my feet.

I second lurcher/greyhound/whippet x

Plus there are hundreds of rescue staffs looking for homes. The older ones get overlooked all the time.

I was going to suggest greyhound/sighthound but if you like bull breeds they may not be your bag. I think going to a rescue centre with an open mind is a great idea OP

Many greyhounds aren't nervy. My foster was as friendly and tail saggy as a Labrador

Also agree that with the amount of staffers in rescue the ideal one for you is probably out there.

Tail waggy, not saggy!

Bulldogs were mentioned upthread and I LOVE bulldogs but if you're having children, I wouldn't rescue one. The ones in rescue are often the ones who have either health issues or are no good with kids. But a well bred bulldog can be as healthy as any other dog. Mine can hike up hills with no problems whatsoever.

I thought tail saggy was quite a good term. Suggests it's completely out of control, which my labs tail certainly is!

I agree with an older staff. Or just the right mongral that will win your DH's heart.

I've got a rescue American bulldog who is the most placid loving easy to train dog in the world. He's fairly stubborn though if he doesn't see the point in what you're asking him! Fab with kids and if more than 1hour walks a day he turns for home!

neville that's exactly my concern with bulldogs. I love their temperament (which is like mine!), DH willingly approaches them, which is saying something, but I think a rescue is a gamble ito suitability, and I wouldn't be happy to go to a breeder.

I think staying open as to breed is probably best, while secretly hoping that someone finds me a lazy mastiff that doesn't need much space.

The other problem is DH declaring that some breeds are dangerous without having seen or met one. We were on the Overground the other day. Got chatting with a young guy about his dog, gave it a cuddle, played with it for a few minutes. Calm, placid, lovely dog. When the guy got off DH asked me why the dog was muzzled. I explained that it was a (banned) pit bull. DH mumbled about "killing machines". A minute before the killing machine had been sat on his lap.