What dogs are as friendly, biddable and solid as a lab?

[RonaCor]

... but doesn't shed loads?

I know there will always be exceptions, but what are the most affable medium/large breeds?

@Pikachubaby that’s what I was saying about the individual, mix and background though, because mine is biddable. All he wants to do is please his people and he’s whistle trained so recall has never been an issue.

My other Lurcher was also whistle trained and had excellent recall, but both were trained from pups, so that helped. He was also fantastic, gentle, wanted to please and was well trained, but was far from calm and had some issues, due to his background and bad start in life.

Another vote for staffie, they tick all your boxes.

Poodles are gorgeous.
So clever, and friendly, the ones I know arent aloof at all.

I think poodles are smart and can be lovely. But they are very smart. I know labs are clever too. Very clever...,but they do just seem a bit more, well, stupid, in the sweetest possible way. And a piece of sausage and you have full control. Like you say - biddable.

But a poodle could be a great choice (minus silly haircut) if you are willing to do the training and understand how their brains tick. Probably less of a starter dog and one that needs a good amount of mental stimulation and attention. Like a collie I think.

This is quite a good article. He stresses you need to choose bloodlines carefully but I think that's good advice for any dog. The cheapest is not the best.

www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/standardpoodles.html

My terrier is a family bred pedigree with excellent pedigrees and dad was from Scottish stock mum from English. I could see right back and see there was no interbreeding at all. Even good dogs like spaniels can be ruined by stupid owners breeding the wrong way. I found the breeder on the RKC site and drove several hours to see her with other pups and mum then again to pick her up.

Going to see mum and pups when they are all very young means you can see what she's like. Mine had a very laid back mum and the house had another dog, cats and chickens. She's been a solid little dog.

But apparently poodles need a lot of exercise! Mind you so do labs. If you ever fancy taking up agility training though they are great dogs.

100% staffy.

Goldendoodle. Still got the houndy look (well ykwim) of the poodle but have a more barrelly look as they mature. We are 8 weeks in and she's a perfect balance of chilled and energetic, and very very trainable (so far).

A thread full of shouty staffie owners and owners of dogs attacked by Staffies. Mine included. Great with people .., can turn on other dogs and when they do the consequences are severe.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4052242-Not-to-of-ripped-this-random-lady-a-new-one-when-she-bad-mouthed-my-dog-because-of-her-breed

Shout out here for the Boxer. We had one when the children were little and he was just the best family dog and didn’t shed too much, it’s a short coat so wasn’t really visible.
Husbands family have all had Boxers so I’ve known a few and they have all been lovely dogs.

Australian Labradoodle - Ours has many of the breeds mentioned above in her genes.

I have a cocker cross poodle, and he’s everything you want and more. I am, however, conscious of the fact that certainly not all cocker/poodles are of the same nature and he may well be an exception rather than a rule.

He’s perfect tho.

I do think though that if I had my time again I'd go short hair - shedding or not. Just been for a walk, and the mud. From now till after least April. 😮

A thread full of shouty staffie owners and owners of dogs attacked by Staffies. Mine included. Great with people .., can turn on other dogs and when they do the consequences are severe
I think that while it is wise to be aware that dog aggression is indeed a known issue in the breed (amongst many others) and care needs to be taken with bloodlines, socialisation, training etc I have to say I have only ever encountered 1 (mildly) dog aggressive staffy (and I have met many staffies/staffy crosses!)

I agree. I've encountered many that are fine. But of the dogs I've encountered that are not fine they are 95% of them. It's all about the dog. Most are perfectly ok. But the ones that arent all have owners that blame the attacked dog or pretend it never happens.

I've met lots of rather aggressive dachshunds too (short haired full size for some strange reason the long haired ones are poppets and the mini ones so sweet) and their aggression tends to go no further than growling or snapping, and they can do little damage. Arsey little things though sometimes.

I don’t know if we’re just lucky or great trainers ( almost certainly the former) but 5 months in I can certainly recommend a greyhound. Ours is very amiable, great with other dogs on walks - plays with labs etc and ignores small dogs - and is great off lead (not tried him near roads tbf) with the added amusement of watching him roar round a field at speed. And he does sleep a lot.