I’m an experienced dog owner and, after the passing of our dog at a ripe old age a while ago, I’m beginning to start thinking about adding a new pooch to the family. Currently we have no dogs, for the first time in my life.
Our last dog was very clingy and didn’t like other dogs around and I don’t want to go through that again so the plan is to get a dog at some stage, and then add another after maybe a year. She wasn’t reactive, but just didn’t interact with other dogs at all and just wanted to be glued to us every time another dog was near her.
I’ve always had pedigree dogs and wouldn’t rule out a rescue at all, but would prefer a clear mix rather than a Heinz 57 so that I have some idea of what to expect. Realistically though, I think it’s likely we’ll look at a puppy from a breeder. I’ve bought from breeders before, know how to do my homework, and am prepared to wait for a puppy. That said, if there was a rescue that was quite young and a known cross, I’d very happily consider it.
My past dogs have been German Shepherds, Old English Sheepdogs, Border Collies, Cocker Spaniels, and Cavalier King Charles. To be fair, I’ve been lucky with all of them and haven’t lost any to anything other than old age- one had cancer but surgery was successful. Bloat was always a risk with the OES but raised bowls and limiting drinks appropriately meant we didn’t have any issues.
The GS, Cocker, and Collie needed a lot of exercise but I’m not in a position to give a dog that must activity these days.
I would love a giant breed but don’t think I could face getting something like a Newfie or St. Bernard that has such a short life expectancy.
We live in a large house with a very large, secure garden. Our dogs have always lived indoors but there’s lots of outdoor space. We both work from home full time, but would need a breed that’s happy to be alone for up to four hours twice a week, once it’s past the puppy stage.
We don’t have any children in the house, but have a cat.
We live close to a primary school. There’s a high wall and electric gates at the front of the house that’s additionally secured with wire between the bars etc so I’m not concerned about a dog getting out, or little hands getting in, but I am concerned about the perception of certain breeds and drawing any trouble given that there’s a school so close.
Our lifestyle is pretty sedentary. Plenty of time for playing, grooming, and training, but exercise is likely to be 2 x gentle 30min walks each day, plus as many garden zoomies as they fancy.
Not bothered by drool.
Have the ability to manage high costs- food, insurance, vet care, grooming etc.
My husband and I are both very tall and sturdy 
so wouldn’t be concerned about a well-behaved large dog being too much for us to handle.
We tend to bring our dogs out and about with us a lot- village strolls, local cafe, occasional pub, weekend trips away. I don’t want to be in a position where I’m scaring people. Would also like something that’s happy to be in the car.
Breeds I’ve considers are-
Old English Sheepdog- again. I just love them. The last one absolutely broke my heart, though.
Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, Irish Wolfhound or Newfie- gorgeous but too short-lived
Leonberger- beautiful, but the only one I knew was horrendously stubborn.
Pyrenean Mastiff- have never met one but they sound interesting. But I am concerned about their guarding instinct so close to a school.
Outside of large/giant, a medium or small is also a consideration.
Thinking maybe a Corgi but have never met one, just like the look of the breed and what I’ve read about the temperament.
Australian Shepherd- don’t think I’d be able to offer it enough in terms of exercise.
So, if you were me, and wanted another great big ball of a fluffy couch-potato to love with the lifestyle above, what would you consider?