What breed for us?

[OofyProsser2]

A couple about to take early retirement, mid 50s. Children around but grown up.

We walk at least 2 hours a day and also do walking holidays (6+ hours a day walking) so would like a dog who would enjoy that. Live near the sea so plenty of beach walks and swimming.

Happy with any size, some shedding is fine. Would prefer a dog that is not very vocal. Calm in the house ideally.

What breed would you go for? .

I love a lab or a lab x retriever tbh. I’ve met many through my guide dogs connection and friends and there’s not many I wouldn’t take home!
They love a good walk (and a swim) , are usually easy to train as they’re so food focussed and very loving…but they do moult.
I’d suggest getting in touch with a breed club if you want to get a puppy, rather than go down the pets4homes/puppy farming route.

Labradors would love your lifestyle

Well bred retriever or spaniel. Heavy emphasis on the well bred - generational health testing, if you plan on doing decent exercise with it (particularly during its first two years) and/or 6hrs + frequently.

But if your children plan in having their own kids soon, I would wait. Dogs and babies don’t mix and too many people are far too blasé about introducing babies to adult dogs (YouTube has so much to answer for when it comes to this)

Labrador!

You just described the perfect life for my Labradors. Golden Retrievers too, but they are even hairier.

If labs are too much, look at Schnauzers. Will walk for miles, don’t shed but need clipping, and come in three sizes. Not sure they like swimming though.

In agreement with previous posters, I'd definitely say your perfect match is likely to be in the Gundog group and that's where you should look.

Please heed advice of @smallstitch , go via breed club recommendations and buy from a good breeder who carries out the relevant health checks for your chosen breed.

Also, if opting for a puppy rather than an adult, you need to bear in mind that larger dog breeds should not be given too much exercise early on, so you will have quite a wait before your dog can do two hours a day. You may well be better going via breed club rescue to find an older puppy/adolescent or young adult that can already cope with the amount of exercise you want to give.

If you don't want vocal, stay away from the hunt-point-retrieve breed group (Vizslas, Weimaraners, German pointers etc). They're not especially barky (though they do enjoy letting passers-by know they're in the garden and on guard), but they whine, sing, wail, and generally communicate. Mine get a lot of exercise and other input and settle really well in the house, but they make a LOT of noise when they're excited - when playing, when one of the DC comes home, when they hear us get up in the morning.

Also, most of them (esp from the work-focused lines) have epic amounts of prey drive, which might not be ideal if you're walking through sheep in the Peak District, as they're strong dogs and can have the lead out of your hand in a split second. You can train them not to chase, but you have to be prepared to put the effort in and be willing to follow through.

So yes, a Lab would be a better fit. Show x working might do well for you. Just be sure that you have solid evidence for a history of good hip scores on both sides of the family, and run the dog lean for the good of its joints (and its overall life expectancy).

Edited for typo.

Not too vocal? Probably stay away from cocker spaniels then, or is that just mine? She's not exactly barky in the home but she's very very chatty.

Anything tooooo hairy is going to need all that sand and salt water hosing out of its fur after every lovely beach walk.

Welsh springer spaniel? Beautiful but quite rare.

Or, actually, what about a standard poodle, in a sensible clip?

A lab would suit you, although as a pup they can be hard work (and not calm). Also, they can be quite strong.

Another alternative is a sheltie, lovely little dogs, although some can yap, others don’t.

Maybe a cairn terrier or westie if you want a smaller breed?

Din’t know where you live, but if you’re in touching distant of Windsor, then this may interest you, as there’s a ‘meet the breed’ section.

windsordogshow.com/public-admission/

A lab would be great, however if that's too big/energetic for you look into a staffordshire bull terrier. Mine don't bark at all, they do chat to me if I'm late with dinner but that's fine, the breed will go for miles and miles one day but if I'm in bed all day the next they're perfectly happy with that too. Essentially they just want to do whatever their person is doing.

Short coat, low shedding, and easy to clean.

What about a collie? All the people I see long distance walking with dogs have a lab or a border collie. So obedient when trained, bred to work all day and I think fairly quiet. I think being obedient and good with new environments is important for long distance walks. My dog is up for walking a long way and enjoys it but his temperament means I could never take him on a multi day hike sadly as that was always a dream. He gets anxious and guardy in new places and I could not take him to a pub or a B&B on my own. He is not a dog who will lie quietly under a pub table unlike all the many labs and collies I see. I guess I would worry about joint issues with labs. You are so many of them suffering in that way in middle age.

Collies aren’t usually recommended as first time dogs. They’re working dogs so need a lot of mental and physical enrichment.

Same is true of all pastoral breeds, including the livestock protection dogs. They are a lot of work.

Golden retriever. Can't recommend enough!

A Springer Spaniel.

Well exercised and stimulated Springers (and well exercised = a good hour offlead) are calm and chilled at home. And not very vocal at all ime.

The walking, walking holidays and beaches sound perfect for a SS.

Have a look at vulnerable native breeds like a smooth Fox Terrier, Beaded Collie or a Welsh Springer Spaniel.

Spaniels!! There is not a bad bone in their happy body. They are delighted to see you even if you’ve just been to put the bin to the top of the drive. Very little shedding. Goofy. Loopy. Silly. Gentle. Loving. Very food oriented so easy to train. Eager to please. Marginally deaf in the presence of hares (occasionally). Like a roll or to eat unsavoury items. One is half dog/half fish, the other hates water!! Both nestle next to you in the house and chill. No one has mentioned to mine they are 12/13 so still delighted to be having 2 hours plus off lead exercise a day.

we got them when the DC were pre/early teen and we are now your age. They have added joy and happiness the teen years as it’s more fun walking a dog then just with the parents!

I adore my silly goof-ball spaniels.

Airedale.

Register with Dogs Trust (or another reputable rescue) and they will have an initial call to discuss your circumstances. Then they will find a dog that meets your requirements. We have adopted an 18 month old Staffie cross in the last 6 months from DT and she has been fantastic. We also adopted our previous dog from there and he lived with us happily for 13 years.

At least have a look at and a chat to some reputable rescues. They’re not all “problem dogs” and you sound like you’d be a lovely home.

How about a retired Greyhound?

Thanks very much everyone. Lot of love for labs ❤️

To clarify, we’re not first time dog owners- we’ve always had whippets before (I love whippets) but we’re thinking of a different breed for a better lifestyle fit.

Love collies too- that’s a good idea.

Cavalier King Charles spaniel is such a lovely dog.

But not really the obvious choice for a 6 hour walk, surely...?

Bedlington Whippet would be ideal.