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Original poster

The most placid, easy going breeds

142 replies

WetRainbowRoses · 04/03/2022 13:27

In your experience?
Any size, colour, coat type, breed group, the only criteria is ‘generally placid and easy going’

We have two dogs already, two breeds known for being high strung and feisty!
They are both great dogs in their own ways but they are hard work.
One is quite old and I have commented to DH that I’m not sure I want another dog really when she passes, but DH pointed out that our younger one probably would not cope without a companion dog and will be absolutely devastated when the old girl goes so we probably should get him a companion when that happens.

I 100% do NOT want another ‘hard work’ breed with a reputation for being ‘challenging’, ‘feisty’, ‘headstrong’, ‘experienced owner’ etc.

I want something with a reputation for being laid back, relaxed and easy.
I don’t care about trainability/desire to please as long as they are friendly and relaxed in temperament.

Mulled over the possibility of a Leonberger for a big breed and a Shih Tzu or Tibetan Spaniel for a small breed.

OP posts:
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Original poster
WetRainbowRoses · 04/03/2022 20:10

The older one is a collie so poles apart.
I really have no criteria other than generally known to be easy going/placid. And low prey drive obviously considering my little one. But then that would be included under ‘placid’

OP posts:
wetotter · 04/03/2022 20:16

If you like the look of a Catarina, mentioned earlier in the thread, then also look at Norfolks and Norwiches. Amazingly good-natured dogs, variable prey drive, not too stubborn

Otherwise a goldie or a lab - their reputation for being good family dogs exists for a reason. They can be a bit bouncy, but they are very biddable and (usually) keen to please their humans.

PollyRoulllson · 04/03/2022 20:18

If you want another dog get one But I would not get one for your dog.

You could be surprised they may love to be the only dog in the house if that situation arises and then may appear to be more easy going themselves

wetotter · 04/03/2022 20:18

My autocorrect hates me!

No Catarina isn't a dog. It does show how rare a Cairns terrier must be (as it was not recognised as a word)

MrsColinRobinson · 04/03/2022 20:19

I've just got my first Spinone. At 8 weeks she's already an affectionate, easy going dog.

I also have a huge goldendoodle who's a soppy thing.

FindingMeno · 04/03/2022 20:21

The gentlest, easiest, cleverest dog I had was a GSD.

DoorWasAJar · 04/03/2022 20:24

Not a whippet 😭 All Staffies I’ve met were so sweet and docile, not like my bloody minded whippet.

OppsUpsSide · 04/03/2022 20:27

Lurcher/whippet - all of ours have been extremely laid back, and have all lived with many cats and never been a problem. Our collie is the worst with the cats. Lurchers are my favourite ❤️

Original poster
WetRainbowRoses · 04/03/2022 20:27

If you want another dog get one But I would not get one for your dog
You could be surprised they may love to be the only dog in the house if that situation arises and then may appear to be more easy going themselves
Perhaps, but I’d be surprised.
He is ridiculously bonded to her.

OP posts:
Shmithecat2 · 04/03/2022 20:28

@WetRainbowRoses

In your experience? Any size, colour, coat type, breed group, the only criteria is ‘generally placid and easy going’

We have two dogs already, two breeds known for being high strung and feisty!
They are both great dogs in their own ways but they are hard work.
One is quite old and I have commented to DH that I’m not sure I want another dog really when she passes, but DH pointed out that our younger one probably would not cope without a companion dog and will be absolutely devastated when the old girl goes so we probably should get him a companion when that happens.

I 100% do NOT want another ‘hard work’ breed with a reputation for being ‘challenging’, ‘feisty’, ‘headstrong’, ‘experienced owner’ etc.

I want something with a reputation for being laid back, relaxed and easy.
I don’t care about trainability/desire to please as long as they are friendly and relaxed in temperament.

Mulled over the possibility of a Leonberger for a big breed and a Shih Tzu or Tibetan Spaniel for a small breed.

Whippet.
Steelesauce · 04/03/2022 20:32

My Mums shitzu is completely nuts. You have to throw a ball all day long just to keep him calm.

Staffies are lovely and docile once they are older, staffie pups are mental.

Personally, I'd go for a giant breed (newfoundland, leonberger etc.) As they are all pretty calm.

Happenchance · 04/03/2022 20:59

My Mums shitzu is completely nuts. You have to throw a ball all day long just to keep him calm. Repetitive ball throwing is probably contributing to his hyperness.

wheresmymojo · 04/03/2022 21:05

@Annasgirl

Shih Tzu - mine is so chilled. Easy to manage, she is lying on my knee in the car now, while waiting for DS to leave school.

But if you want a larger dog, Golden Retriever can be easy going, as can a Labrador.

I thought Labs were total dickheads until they were 18 months old?

Newuser82 · 04/03/2022 21:07

Greyhound, pug, cavalier, whippet, wire haired daschund

RandomMess · 04/03/2022 21:21

Please consider the rare British breeds the ones out of fashion and at risk of dying out.

www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog/are-you-ready/vulnerable-native-breeds/

Original poster
WetRainbowRoses · 04/03/2022 21:26

Please consider the rare British breeds the ones out of fashion and at risk of dying out
I’m shocked to see the English Setter on there!
Beautiful dogs they are.

OP posts:
stargirl1701 · 04/03/2022 21:29

Lab.

I thought cats snoozed in the sun! 🙄

RandomMess · 04/03/2022 21:30

There is so the vulnerable list too.

Something on there must tick
The boxes, actually King Charles is. Just shows how fashions come and go.

Nomoreusernames1244 · 04/03/2022 21:34

I’m shocked to see the English Setter on there!
Beautiful dogs they are

I was suprised at some of the breeds too. Tbh i thought cairns may be on there, and even yorkies as they are the breed fastest decreasing in popularity. People are even asking me what breed he is now, whereas they used to be instantly recognisable.

I blame the rise of the poodlyoodleydoo and other designer crosses. No one wants a yorkie any more, they want a yorkipoo, a yorkieshit or a jackayorkie, or some other fluffy type. Many breeds will start dying out.

loislovesstewie · 04/03/2022 21:34

Bassets are very sweet natured, although they can have the occasional stubborn moment. I knew one who just decided that his morning walk was too long and just sat down. No amount of encouragement would move him. Have you ever tried to carry a basset home?

ABitBesotted · 04/03/2022 22:11

Please consider the rare British breeds the ones out of fashion and at risk of dying out

But why? Unless you intend to breed them.

Abra1d1 · 04/03/2022 22:16

@LaurieFairyCake

No idea why it wouldn't let me post my pretty girl
She’s lovely! So pretty.

Here’s my sixth Scottie (insanity). I love her but she can be a little madam. Very bossy with other dogs. Adores people.

The most placid, easy going breeds
Bibbitybobbityboo86 · 04/03/2022 22:20

20 years experience working with dogs

You can’t go wrong with a Labrador- brilliant family dogs

Branleuse · 04/03/2022 22:20

Have you considered adopting an older rescue dog. My dog was already 7 or 8 when I got her. Housetrained. Calm. Shes just been such a joy. Ive got a few friends that adopted older dogs and we all agree that we'd do it again.

gungemonster · 04/03/2022 22:44

My grey never raced. She has no prey drive. If you take your small dog to the rescue, they will find each other

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