What big dog breed should I get??

[YoMrWhiteYall]

I’m looking into getting a dog but it must be a big dog. I want a big safe friendly breed. Something with enough energy to go on a 4 hour walk but not so much energy that it can’t settle after a 1 hour walk (long walks will be weekends).

I want something that can be let off lead (with training!) in the woods/on the beach so no greyhound types.

I don’t care about hair, I love grooming.

what breed would you recommend?

I had two in the past with small children. They're very gentle, protective. Exactly as op asked, very resilient and can go on for long walks, but equally happy to slob around and left alone if necessary on a particular day. Chilled, easygoing lovable giants. Such a noble, knowing air about them.

The right sort of greyhound - ours loves offlead walks and runs and in particular enjoys a good mooch in the woods. He's big, as well.

Why do you want a big dog? What is it about the size which attracts you?

More important than size really is the characteristics and personality of the breed. For example, I have a sprocker spaniel (springer x cocker). He’s a medium-sized but has much higher exercise requirements than a lot of large breeds and loads more energy. I would say working spaniels are not for first-time dog owners unless they’re happy to do a lot of reading about training and stimulation as they are incredibly full-on.

I would identify first whether you want a high-energy dog which needs mental stimulation like mine, or something a lot more laid back. You also need to factor in if it’s important that the dog is likely to be good with other dogs, good with children, other pets etc. And it’s important to be realistic about how much time you’ll spend training and playing with it. If I don’t do scent games and mental stimulation with mine he turns into a pain in the arse as he’s bored. I wouldn’t need to do the same with a shih tzu, for example. Get your non-negotiables in terms of temperament and then it’s easier to pick a breed.

Cardigan corgis have remained unfashionable and are classed as a vulnerable native by the Kennel club and are only bred by a small number of exceeding dedicated breeders so I hope there should be few if any with temperament/health problems.

Why are people recommending corgi’s and shit when the OP has specifically stated she wants a big dog? 🤦‍♀️

Golden Retriever

if you read their reasons why it should make sense

Samoyed, but prepare yourself for being stopped and told how beautiful your doggie is 🥰

We have a Rough Collie (Lassie dog) and she is fantastic, very trainable and eager to please, has masses of energy when out and yet it relaxed and mellow at home. Great with kids and other dogs. They are actually a very clean breed and if spade only molt once a year. They are also great watch dogs and will let you know immediately if someone is near your property (not guard dogs, won't attack)

Their temperament is so sweet and loving, they are very intelligent and sensitive so you need to be very loving in return.

Fantastic breed and very glam and beautiful.

You can’t go wrong with a Labrador 🥰.

How big are you thinking? If you don’t mean massive, what you’ve described is essentially a Labrador/retriever. Get a working type and it will have the energy you’re looking for out of the house.

Labrador. We have two Lab crosses (rescue dogs), one crossed with a greyhound and one with a terrier type dog (possibly Jack Russell). The terrier cross is a bit barky, but they are both great for long walks or lazy days, have great recall and no interest in running away from us (we could and have left the gate open all day and they wouldn't escape). Plus they are friendly family dogs who are great with kids. We adore them.

Rotties can be quite lazy so one hour a day is more than enough. They are fantastic dogs but if you're not an experienced dog owner, you need a good trainer.

Just to reiterate the importance of what PPs have said, large dogs suffer with joint issues. You don't want to walk them to death and 4 hours in a day could be an issue. I have an Akita (do not recommend) and if he is walked for more than 1/2 hours then he really struggles. For example, he came with us on holiday and had to walk the beaches and a town each day and now he has a big limp. Both his parents are healthy and fine so it's just one of those things but means I can't go jogging with him.

Because this is the doghouse!

Every single large dog or giant breed thread goes the same way…

-Why do you want a giant/large dog they drop dead the moment you get them.
-My cousins friends auntie had a giant and it died aged 0.
-How will you carry said dog home when it inevitable dies on a walk.
-Big dogs stink
-You need a chihuahua instead.
-Loads of posters recommending spaniels that need hours and hours of exercise when the op wants to do an hour a day which isn’t sufficient for any of the working breeds.

Thread concludes with get a greyhound/staffy.

Its the same every single time 😂

Us corgi owners are pretty rare so I couldn’t resist responding to the recommendation although I’m forced to agree that for someone wanting a “big dog breed” a corgi isn’t the first dog that springs to mind 😄

We have a Labrador- she is very cuddly, loves a walk but sleeps loads.

Thread concludes with get a greyhound/staffy.

Tbf, a large recall trainable greyhound (which many are) would absolutely fit the spec. A couple of short/one longer walks a day and happy for longer walks at the weekend. Can't complain about that!

Thanks for the recommendations everyone.

I wouldn’t get anything smaller than a golden retriever, definitely no spaniels as the ones I’ve met are constantly climbing the walls with excitement 😂

A bit of clarity … the 4 mile walk … this was probably over exagurated in my op (unintentionally) … what I meant was every now and again I’d like to take the dog out for the day to the forest, along the coast etc and very occasionally on holiday to the lakes etc, the “4 mile walk” would basically be a day out with pub garden stops inbetween, lounging on the grass, fish and chips on a bench … I don’t have the energy myself to walk for 4 hours straight 😂

The one hour walks in the week was underestimated - as in worst case scenario but most likely would be 30 minutes in a morning, 50 minutes at lunch and 30 minutes on a night with longer walks on my days off.

I don’t have a social life so all my time when I’m not working would be spent with the dog on training, playing etc.

I’m liking the sound of a Leonberger and a golden retriever at the minute but leaning more towards Leonberger simply because of the size. Only thing putting me off is if you happen to get a dodgy one that’s a hell of a lot of dog to control ?

A working lines lab
GErman Shephard dog
Newfoundland
Springer spaniel

The most chilled dog I know is a Newfie, have to say

Newfoundland! I always loved them, totally forgot they existed 😬 would they want to walk though? 😂

Any dog you get that needs that much e cercis will,be a dog that likes to be on the go all the time, always need something to do, so lots of brain work.
How much time can you realistically spend with the dog?
OST dogs require more than just endless walks, you will have to put in a lot of training. You can't just attach a lead and then go, and expect the dog to be able to chill around the house. Dogs have to be taught how to relax, especially a large dog with a lot of energy
Would you consider something like agility work with a collie. It could be a nice active hobby for you, and the dog would be very happy

I have a gsd, and mine at 10 months likes an hour walk, but won't be doing very long hikes etc. until around 18 months old and all the growth plates have closed.
It is similar for most other breeds, especially large dogs

As you say you are happy to groom- an Afghan hound. Mine was the most fantastic family pet. I’d highly recommend- but the grooming is real. Weekly baths and blow dries

Only problem is he literally stopped traffic when going for a walk 🥰

We have Newfie friends. Lovely dogs, walk about an hour a day but do get tired (well compared to my bouncy lab!).
Have had a few health conditions too though. Not expected to live past 10ish.