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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

What big dog?

59 replies

Lambanddog · 12/03/2022 22:22

Please help me choose!

Non-shedding (I know, I know)
Big but not so big it has a much shorter life span
Intelligent and biddable
Not hound type that I'll struggle to recall - I know recall has to be trained but we aren't rural enough for a dog that can disappear for a couple of hours safely.

We have room/garden/nice walks/experience a few years ago.

OP posts:
playingdevilsavocado · 13/03/2022 07:31

Viszlas? They don’t have an undercoat as such so whilst they do shed, it’s not on the same scale as many dogs. Amazing dogs but quite high maintenance in other ways though, so not for everyone.

playingdevilsavocado · 13/03/2022 07:36

Actually scratch that about Vizslas, they are in the pointer family and very intelligent but the ones I know have needed a ton of training to get recall secure, and are adolescent/test boundaries for a long time (intelligence high, but being biddable takes a long time and a lot of work)

Netaporter · 13/03/2022 07:46

@InkySquid definitely not a Leonberger then as I both hoover every day and pick twigs out of his coat 😂

coloradoqueen · 13/03/2022 07:49

Wire haired vizla. They do shed but not as much as other breeds.

QueenofLouisiana · 13/03/2022 07:53

I know you said not a hound with no recall....retired greyhounds are never off lead in an open area. It’s written into the contract we signed when we adopted ours.
No recall issues as he’s always on a lead. Low shedding, very affectionate and they love a garden for zoomies. Walking is easy and there is a large hound community as the dogs like to hang out with other hounds.
Many have never raced as they don’t have a prey drive- mine did and does so no small furries allowed.

Leonberger · 13/03/2022 08:25

Just invest in a pair of clippers and clip off yourself if your not bothered about how fancy it looks.
A basic shave off is very simple to do.

Grasping · 13/03/2022 08:30

Weimaraner.
Minimal shedding and beautiful.

playingdevilsavocado · 13/03/2022 09:22

I see others have thought along similar lines - Vizsla, Wire haired Vizsla and Weimeraner. Def worth researching these breeds and see if you think their temperament and energy would suit your family.

Whatevertheweather · 13/03/2022 16:50

Boxers are fab….if you’re prepared for the v excitable end of friendly! Doesn’t shed at all, recall is brilliant (he’s 14 months) and is v happy to be left alone to snooze for 3-4 hours!

What big dog?
pud1 · 13/03/2022 16:59

Another vote for a boxer. Loving, entertaining, brilliant with children.

What big dog?
PestorPeston · 13/03/2022 17:07

Vizsla, Wire haired Vizsla and Weimeraner are just pointers in fancy colours with extra separation anxiety.

All non shedders need grooming. Have you ever seen a schnauzer who missed a groom? They skate around wooden floors like they have Mr Sheen polishing socks on.

rumred · 13/03/2022 17:11

Staffordshire bull Terrier. Just fabulous dogs. And they don't shed.

Nelliephant1 · 13/03/2022 17:15

@rumred

Staffordshire bull Terrier. Just fabulous dogs. And they don't shed.
I look after three staffies from different families and each one of them would win an Olympic gold for shedding, they barely stop from one years end to the next. Fabulous dogs though but definitely hairy despite the smooth coat
fairylightsandwaxmelts · 13/03/2022 17:18

@rumred

Staffordshire bull Terrier. Just fabulous dogs. And they don't shed.
They're not big dogs though, which is what OP is after.

I love staffies but pure-bred ones are more medium-sized.

Original poster
Lambanddog · 13/03/2022 17:42

@NoSquirrels

The only real non-shedding big dogs will be standard poodles or giant schnauzers.

I agree with this. Is non-shedding a nice-to-have or a non-negotiable health/allergies issue?

I am mildy allergic but fine with non or very low shedders.
OP posts:
Original poster
Lambanddog · 13/03/2022 17:43

Hmm, hadn't thought of boxers ...

OP posts:
spotcheck · 13/03/2022 17:46

OP
Are you sure you want a dog?

BalladOfBarryAndFreda · 13/03/2022 17:47

I’m with everyone else with std poodle or schnauzer.

I’ve got a lab who fulfils your every criteria but the shedding one, he’s a hairy fkr

isthismylifenow · 13/03/2022 18:03

I have a Labrador and Ridgeback. The Lab sheds enough for both of them.

My Ridgeback is the most gentle natured dog, proabably on par with the Lab nature wise. And she doesn't shed at all. But she is bloody quick and needs to let off a bit of steam quite regularly.

She is not great with recall though Confused

nancy75 · 13/03/2022 18:04

@Lambanddog

Hmm, hadn't thought of boxers ...
Even after I posted the cutest dog in the world! Grin
Original poster
Lambanddog · 13/03/2022 18:08

@nancy75 I didn't realise he was a baby boxer Blush he's gorgeous!

OP posts:
LizzoBorden · 13/03/2022 18:14

Christ alive, don’t get a Weimaraner, they are a nightmare 😂 absolutely adore mine but biddable - no.

daffodilsbluebells · 13/03/2022 18:25

I'm wondering if there is a biddable big dog? I used to think labs were but I hear that they can be tricky for the first two years too.

Petalpup · 13/03/2022 18:28

Standard poodle or Golden doodle

AbbieLexie · 13/03/2022 18:32

We have a rehomed giant schnauzer. Previously had standards and learned how to groom them because of the cost. We spend about an hour a week grooming the giant - head and back one week and body legs and paws alternate week.