Not sure what larger dog breed would suit our family

[Ihavepixies]

We are looking for the right breed of dog to replace our whippet who passed away recently, she was a very old girl and the children are heartbroken.

I am toying with the idea of a bigger dog this time, partly because I usually walk the dog alone in remote areas with youngish children and have had one or two worrying instances that have ruined my enjoyment as I am always on my guard. I am thinking that a larger dog (provided it isn't a labrador or other obviously incredibly friendly breed) may make a potential threat look for an easier target. Perhaps a dog that doesn't instantly greet strangers or could be trained to give a warning growl or a friendly dog that looks a little bit more intimidating than a whippet (same with a labrador/springer which would otherwise be perfect). However I am also worried a larger dog could potentially harm one of the children? I think a small dog can do damage with a bite but typically less so because of the size and bite strength being less. My children are excellent with dogs, very gentle, but you never know.
I'm also keen on a dog that is fairly obedient and easy to train as my whippet had a tendency to forget everything including her name when she caught a scent. My eldest is also keen to train the dog to do agility or similar.

And a dog that would happily go for a fairly long jog a few times a week.

Ideally we want a dog that is affectionate, not aloof with its family. One that is not too much of a one person dog and has love for everyone.

Also not a shy and retiring breed of dog that is going to be stressed out by our noisy house. Children can make lots of noise. We'd like a dog that wants to join in and play and fetch a ball.

I just wondered if anyone could advise on a breed or a cross between breeds that might fit some of these.

A friend suggested a poodle cross rottweiler but I think they were joking!!

We thought some of these might be possibilities:
Weimaraner (a one person dog?)
German shepherd (a one person dog and not very cuddly/affectionate?)
Hungarian viszla
Standard poodle
Dalmation
Border Collie
Rhodesian ridgeback (apparantly hard to train and potentially aggressive? Same thought with dobermans etc! Plus my children's friends may be scared to come round!)

Any advice appreciated!

None of your original list is suitable, apart from the standard poodle in my opinion.
But I can see why you chose them, they are stunning looking dogs.

Along with everything else that people have mentioned, the breed can impact upon family days out and holidays - some venues and accommodation will allow medium dogs only or one large dog (obv not a problem if you have one dog!). Also common in my experience is lists of breeds that are not welcome - usually GSD, Doberman, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier. I have one of those breeds so am used to reading the small print before I book anything!!

Reconsider the black lab, specifically more working lines or dual purpose. Keen to learn, easy to train (ours have all barked/growled on command) and despite being incredibly friendly ours have all been quick to let you know someone is at the door etc.

The number of people who dont recognize a tallish black lab from working lines as being a labrador is amazing. Plenty of people steer away...one well timed bark and a reflective collar for walking in the dark had the local rowdy yoof convinced he was a security/ guard dog.

Another vote for Doberman here! They are the most loveliest, playful, soppiest dogs around family and friends they know, but will bark at strangers coming to the house. Obviously the sight of a Doberman is usually enough to put any potential intruder off, and you are very unlikely to get unwanted attention when on walks. They are very trainable as are intelligent, and I cannot stress how lovely they actually are

I live the black lab idea.

Do you really want a protection type breed with children? Dogs like German shepherds and Dobermans are really for very experienced owners.

Like not live ...

Irish wolfhound or similar hound would do the trick (loves family, aloof and terrifying to strangers). You will get knocked over a lot though, no concept of size/ stopping distance 😁

Another vote for a big black lab. Nobody comes near mine.... He doesn't like strangers either

Consider a Rottweiler. Seriously, hear me out...

"Ideally we want a dog that is affectionate, not aloof with its family. One that is not too much of a one person dog and has love for everyone" - check

"Not a shy and retiring breed" - check

Medium/large. Big enough to look "big" but not giant

Coat doesn't get matted

Looks intimidating to potential ne'er do wells (although mine were very people friendly so just as well they looked the part!)

Friendly and not overprotective. Personally I'd be wary of the naturally "aloof with strangers" breeds. I've had one and I had to be careful how people interacted with him, whereas I could relax with my Rotties.

"A dog that would happily go for a fairly long jog a few times a week" - check

Downside is that they may not be suitable for agility as breeds such as GSDs or collies. Would suit obedience though. Saying that, look at this one !

For more info about the breed take a look at the UK breed club site

I agree that the big black lab is a good idea.

I have a golden retriever. He’s huge but I’m not convinced he’d protect me! He is however, incredible with my dc.

I was going to say an Irish Setter until I saw you wanted to our people off.. gorgeous dogs but liable to lick strangers enthusiastically rather than give off a forbidding air 😃

A standard or giant schnauzer is worth a shout - definitely worth looking at.

Pointers are great too, though tbh you could go to a rescuers and find a large mixed breed who could tick all your boxes.

I'm pleased someone suggested a Gordon Setter. We just lost ours. She was a lovely dog, fabulous with children. But she was a big dog and had the same colouring as a dob/rot so people who didn't know dogs were very wary. She had a good deep bark too.

Grew up with a black lab, he's soft as shit at home but always out the window barking at any sound/movement and has a very deep loud growl. He is also bloody massive. He's more bear than dog