Help! I'm looking for a dog breed that....

[black_cat]

I haven't read through this whole thread, but has anyone said/have you thought about getting a Goldendoodle? A mini one, if they are too big.

My concern with doodles is that many reputable poodle breeders don't sell to doodle breeders, which means that they are getting puppies from puppy mills and the like. There are also just, so, many, breeders that it's difficult to find a reputable one.

 

[black_cat]

If you are concerned about energy level, perhaps look into adult purebred dogs who are "retiring." You can get greyhounds from racetracks who are a couple years old (total couch potatoes after they finish a few zoomzoom laps around the yard), police dogs, etc. There are also sometimes great dogs who failed their "final" to be a service dog - too distractable or something - but are fantastic for family pets.

Just an idea, since whatever breed you get, the puppy/teenager stage is challenging.

I like the idea of the 'failed service dog' ones, because they are usually labs or something of a similar temperament. I'll suggest it!

 

[VeryHappyHens]

***PSA: We are not adopting a shelter dog. While it is a wonderful thing to do, it is not the right choice for our family. If you do not have a suggestion of an actual dog breed that fits the criteria below (not just a breed that you like or you have) I would love to hear it, but we are not in the positon to adopt.***
My family is totally in the market for a dog. In the past, we've always had, and LOVEd, golden retrievers, but our current house and yard setup just,,,,,does not work for them. We can only sort of maybe fence our yard, and my parents are opposed to electric fences.
We've loved the temperament of goldens, if that gives you a good idea of what we're looking for. The ideal dog would:
-be smaller than a golden, but nothing excessively tiny (french bulldog, chihuahua)
-have fur that isn't much shorter than that of a labrador
-would not drool a lot
-NOT YIPPY. THIS IS A MUST.
-must be active enough to take on walks, hikes, etc (not excessively, but we don't want a couch potato)
-should not be any more active than a golden retriever, in fact, preferably would be less active
-nothing that would constantly chase a cat around
-nothing that would bond exclusively to one person and ignore everybody else
-nothing with excessive health problems (bulldog, pug, etc)
-preferably, but not necessarily, enjoys swimming
What I've come up with so far is:

-cardigan corgis
-pembroke welsh corgis
I'm not sure how much my parents like corgis, but they seem to be very good temperament-wise.
-eurasiers
The problems with these is that my dad doesn't like the spitz look, and they're very difficult to find breeders for.
Other, more common spitz breeds, are more energetic than we're looking for.
-cocker spaniels
I haven't pitched these to my parents yet.

Me

***PSA: We are not adopting a shelter dog. While it is a wonderful thing to do, it is not the right choice for our family. If you do not have a suggestion of an actual dog breed that fits the criteria below (not just a breed that you like or you have) I would love to hear it, but we are not in the positon to adopt.***
My family is totally in the market for a dog. In the past, we've always had, and LOVEd, golden retrievers, but our current house and yard setup just,,,,,does not work for them. We can only sort of maybe fence our yard, and my parents are opposed to electric fences.
We've loved the temperament of goldens, if that gives you a good idea of what we're looking for. The ideal dog would:
-be smaller than a golden, but nothing excessively tiny (french bulldog, chihuahua)
-have fur that isn't much shorter than that of a labrador
-would not drool a lot
-NOT YIPPY. THIS IS A MUST.
-must be active enough to take on walks, hikes, etc (not excessively, but we don't want a couch potato)
-should not be any more active than a golden retriever, in fact, preferably would be less active
-nothing that would constantly chase a cat around
-nothing that would bond exclusively to one person and ignore everybody else
-nothing with excessive health problems (bulldog, pug, etc)
-preferably, but not necessarily, enjoys swimming
What I've come up with so far is:

-cardigan corgis
-pembroke welsh corgis
I'm not sure how much my parents like corgis, but they seem to be very good temperament-wise.
-eurasiers
The problems with these is that my dad doesn't like the spitz look, and they're very difficult to find breeders for.
Other, more common spitz breeds, are more energetic than we're looking for.
-cocker spaniels
I haven't pitched these to my parents yet.

Merle shepherds. They get along with chickens nice to kids. Have really pretty Merel coloring almost like a wolf. Another breed is Kuvasz dogs also gets along with chickens and kids and other small pets. Other small dogs are usually sweet.

 

[HappyDuckie]

My concern with doodles is that many reputable poodle breeders don't sell to doodle breeders, which means that they are getting puppies from puppy mills and the like. There are also just, so, many, breeders that it's difficult to find a reputable one.

Yeah, I understand. If you can find a reputable breeder, I think a doodle would be a good breed for you.

 

[ShrekDawg]

True. Aussiedoodles might have too much energy, though.

No, no, not an Aussie doodle. Australian Labradoodle. Different thing. I don’t like Aussiedoodles but Australian Labradoodles are fantastic dogs.

 

[black_cat]

My parents don't even like regular pit bulls, and the terriers have weird shaped faces and are scary IMO.

 

[chickentrains]

My dog Is a rescue "pit bull" but he isn't a pit bull at all. Rescues label these dogs as pit bulls, but this is the real true pit bull (American Pit bull terrier) and they are high energy, high drive, working animals who need an extremely experienced owner, and they need a intense job

^^ Real APBT

My dog :

Another example of a "pit bull" that is really just a mutt

 

[HappyDuckie]

No, no, not an Aussie doodle. Australian Labradoodle. Different thing. I don’t like Aussiedoodles but Australian Labradoodles are fantastic dogs.

Ohhh, ok lmao. I was thinking you meant Australian shepherd poodle cross, lol.
I love Australian Labradoodles!

 

[black_cat]

Yeah, I understand. If you can find a reputable breeder, I think a doodle would be a good breed for you.

Our friends have one and she is my best friend and always gives me hugs, so I have nothing against them (aside from the curliness, but I don't mind it as much on doodles) I'll suggest it to my parents! They have even less of a yard than we do and they're fine.

 

[Araucana Nest]

The Corgis you mention are a good fit for your situation. I'd say a Collie or a Shetland Sheepdog if you are into brushing out often. They are smart, loyal and would take well to a smaller yard. Any herding breed that doesn't need a lot of exercise would be a good fit.