Is there a breed I'm missing?

[undermycatsthumb]

We are hoping to get a dog in the next one or two years. At the moment our first choice is a golden retriever, and I've contacted lots of breeders of goldens. We've also considered a cocker, but the show types aren't for me and I've read so much conflicting information about whether the working types are suitable for a family pet i.e. not actually worked. We've ruled out labs and flatcoats. So my question is, is there another breed outside those 4 that I should be considering? I just want to make sure we get this decision absolutely right.
Our requirements are - good with kids and a cat; up for long, mountainous hikes; trainable; gentle.
Thankyou!

Stunning 🥰

Staffordshire bull terrier, absolutely the best dogs with kids , very gentle and can walk for miles and miles.

Just get a golden I’m similar to you in that I like a medium-largish size dog that is family friendly but chilled out but can also do long hikes seems impossible doesn’t it! We got a collie but I would get a working cocker next time. A few friends have them and they are nuts but are actually pretty placid in the house . I would love a golden too

I’m sure all of us are biased, so I’ll throw mine into the mix!

Leonberger. I’d definitely go for a bitch, slightly smaller in size. They have a really low propensity for barking (was a consideration of mine, am not a fan of dogs that constantly bark). Very low prey drive - important as I had cats.

They were bred as a companion dog, so don’t really have a “purpose” unlike sight hounds, gun dogs, pointers etc. I don’t have kids, but when I was working I had amazing doggy day are - my girl grew up with her kids in the 3 days a week I was at the office. She’s also always been great around other dogs no matter their size.

They look big, but they are actually really easy! I’d say my cats make their presence known more! I love big dogs like Newfies, but couldn’t handle the drool. Leo’s don’t drool.

Definitely regular brushing (they have double coats, so summer shedding is fun!).

Having been originally bred by crossing newfies and St Bernards, they are supposed to love water. Most of the ones I’ve met do. I’ve ended up with a weirdo who would rather walk round puddles! But lots of Leo owners do waterworks with their pets which they seem to really enjoy.

[quote waitingforsun]@cupsofcoffee phew!

Our girl is 9 months now. She is most definitely in the teenage phase! Haha. [/quote]
Ooh I don't miss that @waitingforsun 🤣

He's such a fab adult dog though and although he tested my patience constantly a lot as a teenager he's great now and I can't imagine my life without him.

He comes to work with me everyday and he's like my little sidekick ❤️

These dogs are all so beautiful! You lot aren't making it any easier for me

Saint Bernard? Fluffy, cuddly and great with children. Just don't take them up mountains.

Border collies. Can exercise for hours. Pick up training super quick. Gentle and loving dogs

We had a similar list and eventually just got on waiting lists for a few breeds and ended up with a gsd who is wonderful! Bloody hard work until recently (now 9 months) but worth it even if there is work still to be done. She's a big girl and sheds a tonne though

We were on lists for a couple of retriever breeders (Chesapeake, labs and goldie), a gsd breeder (though ended up getting our girl from a family) and I think there was another but can't remember now.

Don’t overlook Staffies. Great with kids, so patient. Always cheerful. Adapt to long walks or a quick trot round the block. Give the best cuddles.

My grand dogs are quite sweet. The pure cocker works hard, but is hard work. He usually smells because he festers around in rivers and ponds.

The cockertriever mongrel is still at cite stage, but growing rapidly and an unknown quantity, as yet. Suspect he’ll be quite bouncy, quite large and very fluffy.

Lovely dog suggestions and pictures. Can I suggest White Swiss Shepherd? Less drive than a German Shepherd, brilliant with kids, easy peasy to train and house train, super smart and will keep up with you on the hike - never run off (I have kids so that was a priority for me as my kids can be - shall we say a bit unruly!). On walks the dog rounds up the kids and checks on the slowest walker. Stable temperament and beautiful looking - supposed to be highly adaptable which I think is true. Happy to flop out when needed and not ‘fritzy’.