need input please about breeds

[LorraineO]

we are considering getting another dog in the next year or so,, but not before we get a larger home and totally fenced in yard.... BUT,, in the meantime,, I am wanting to think and research long and hard about breeds and thier traits,,,,
Can anyone tell me any sized dog,,, doesnt matter.. that is very laid back and a couch potato in nature as a whole? I realize just because the breed is supposed to be so,,, doesnt make a dog so,,,, but I really need help here!!!
Thanks!!!

[Kfamr]

You may want to look at older shelter dogs. Most of them are happy as a clam to just be a couch potato. :)

[LorraineO]

I do plan on getting a shelter dog,,,,I just need to know what breeds and or mix of breeds to look for!!

[beeniesmom]

If you want a lid back couch potato....
DON'T get a BOSTON TERRIER!

I agree with Kfamr, an older shelter dog would be great...

If you really want a pure breed, I'd say a poodle or poodle mix. They are usually laid back.

[robinh]

I have heard that retired greyhounds can really be couch potatos. They like to run (great for fenced yard), but love to lay around. If I get a bigger dog, that's what it'll be.

If you want a small dog, I have two dachshunds that are strictly couch/bed/footstool potatos. They don't get too excited about anything but food.

[aly]

As Kay said, an older shelter dog would be GREAT.

Some breeds/mixes to consider: Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, Newfoundland, Italian Greyhound (not always laid-black, but most of them I've met are).

[shutterbug0303]

GREAT DANES!!!! :D :D

Ooppss...clicked OK too soon....

Great Danes are notorious for being couch potatoes! That is their favorite past time! They are happy to just sit next to you...or on you...and hang out. They don't eat much more than our dobie, and definitely don't take up too much room :D In my opinion, the perfect dog! Just look at Skye and Sahara...how could you pass one up???

[cali]

I have also heard that retired greyhounds are VERY lazy, they do enjoy exersize but will gladly sleep 23 hours a day lol

[bckrazy]

Poodles are actually insane :p my friend has a standard poodle, OMG. crazy dog.

I would say English Bulldogs, because they're typically calm, but my sisters Bulldog never stops running. English Mastiffs, Neopolitan Mastiffs, Danes, American Bulldogs, and a lot of other Bully breeds tend to be lazy-er. :) I hope you find the perfect dog!!

[aly]

Originally posted by bckrazy
Poodles are actually insane :p my friend has a standard poodle, OMG. crazy dog.



I have always compared the Standard Poodle personality to that of a Lab, hehe... soo active.

My mini Poodle mix though is calm as can be.

[Chilli]

It seems like most of the larger dogs have the tendancy to be couch potatoes, like great danes, with the exception of my cousin's dane, that dog is extremely active!

Like some have said already, I say go for some of the older shelter dogs.

Or go for a pug/rat terrier!! :D All mine EVER does is lay around all day sleeping, right now he is sharing my chair, snoring like he hasn't slept in weeks. But that's just probably his own personality, I don't know what others of his mix would be like.

Good luck on your search :D

[beeniesmom]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by bckrazy
[B]Poodles are actually insane :p my friend has a standard poodle, OMG. crazy dog.

I don't know about the standard kind... I had several toys and they were very calm. They never wanted to play. They just wanted to be in your lap all the time.

As others have said Greyhounds are a great choice.

[IRescue452]

I don't know that you'd have to worry about a little dog being a couch potato as they can get most of their exercise running around the couch all day! For a smaller dog I'd get a basset hound or maybe a small spaniel and for a larger dog I'd try great dane and greyhound mixes. They still need plenty of exercise though because you don't want a dog that's obese and unhealthy.

[Suki Wingy]

Don't get a standard poodle! They can pe pretty high energy. I heard or read somewhere once that the most laid back couch potato breed of all is the bullmastiff. The terrier bully breeds have a bit more energy, so a pit might not be the one, I would say pretty much any of the mastiff or bulldog breeds.

[bckrazy]

Originally posted by aly
I have always compared the Standard Poodle personality to that of a Lab, hehe... soo active.

LOL.. yeah, I didn't mean they're actually insane. Just insanely active. My friends poodle, Moxie, literally runs circles around the house and in the yard for hours :p they're also VERY sweet.

I totally forgot about Greyhounds, Lorraine. I've heard they're really relaxed... unless you let them off-leash in an open area :eek:! Ask Giselle about that ^_~

[Pam]

Originally posted by bckrazy
Poodles are actually insane :p my friend has a standard poodle, OMG. crazy dog.



I am sure there are exceptions to the rule, but I have owned all three sizes of poodles. The standards (I have had two) are the most laid back dogs of the three sizes in my opinion. My Bella is a couch potato when I want her to be but will fetch in the yard until the cows come home. I wouldn't recommend a poodle for only one reason - there is a tremendous grooming commitment. Poodles must be groomed every 4-6 weeks. It is not optional. :) It can be expensive unless one learns to do their own grooming.

[Uabassoon]

I don't really know what breeds would be great for you, but I know which ones wouldn't seeing as how we are currently looking for a dog similar to what you described. I've learned that a good majority of terriers are high energy, simply because that is what they were ment to be a high energy dog that would work great as a hunter. I've also ruled out most of the herding breeds seeing as how in their minds they are ment to work so they do have a good amount of energy.

Also keep in mind that there are exceptions to every rule! If you are looking to rescue send all your local rescue groups an email and let them know what you are looking for. They might be able to match you up with the perfect dog!

[LorraineO]

thanks for all the replies and suggestions,,,, for sure our next dog will be a rescue/SPCa doggie,,,, I wouldnt dream if getting one thru a breeder just because of all the dogs who need homes as it ..... nothing against breeders,,, of GOOD REPUTE of course... as for those BYB,,, they can all go t o youknowwhere!!!

[Giselle]

Whenever I'm finding a good breed for someone, I usually go by eliminating Groups.

In your case, you want a laidback dog who generally does not require a lod of exercise. Immediately, I'd cross off the Sporting Group. Sporting dogs, as a whole, were created with strength and energy to run all day and not tire out. Today, these dogs are usually not used for field work, but they still maintain that sense of drive. So, now we have Hound, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Working, and Herding. Honestly, I'd cross off Herding Group as well. Most herding dogs have a high energy and intelligence level. Case in point, Aussie Cattle Dogs. Though these dogs are very small (18" at the withers), they're very driven and intelligent. The average home is not suitable for these guys. I'd also cross off the Terrier Group. Incredibly vivacious and bold, Terriers are prey-driven dogs with a fair amount of energy. An active home is best for Terriers, Sporting dogs, and Herding dogs.

So, we are left with the Toy, Non-Sporting, Working, and Hound.

Out of these AKC groups, I'd recommend most of the Toy group, many of the larger Working dogs, and a retired racing Greyhound.

Out of the Toy group, I admit I'm biased towards the Pekingese. These dogs have a very low exercise requirement, but are full of character. They're bold and do require a firm loving hand, but once you earn your way as Alpha, they'll stay loyal and obedient until the end. Amazingly stubborn and aloof, these dogs are VERY wary of strangers. However, they never sound the alarm unless there is an extremely good reason (doorbell ringing). However, if you cannot devote an hour each week to grooming a Pekingese, you can clip the coat down. The only thing that I would warn you against is their high maintenance. You need to pluck the dog's ears twice a month, and clean it diligently with storebought ear cleaner/powder. As well, you should wipe down the facial wrinkles to avoid skin irritation.

As for a retired racing Greyhound, these guys are generally laidback, though many a young 2-4 year olds have proven this statement wrong. In the house, most ex-racing Greys are couch potatoes. As we speak/type, my girl is sleeping soundly in her bed. I'd say the only time she isn't sleeping is when we walk her for 20-30 minutes each day and when she's eating. But if you let her loose in a dog park/dog trail, she lets it all come out. She'll run like there was no tomorrow. So, in the house= calm dog. Out of the house= powerhorse (most of the time). Good Luck!

[MsMini]

Go for the Retired Racer Lorraine. That is something I hope to do one day.

[BitsyNaceyDog]

Originally posted by Chilli
Or go for a pug/rat terrier!! :D All mine EVER does is lay around all day sleeping, right now he is sharing my chair, snoring like he hasn't slept in weeks. But that's just probably his own personality, I don't know what others of his mix would be like.

I would have said the exact opposite- lol. My pug is C-R-A-Z-Y!! Most terriers are on the wild side too.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

my Patterdale terrier is a nutter so avoid them if you want peace and quiet!

[Neo_lover]

If you want a big lazy dog get a mastiff! My neopolitan mastiff sleeps like 20 hours a day!(not really, but he sleeps A LOT!) Also my sister's basste hound sleeps a lot, but she does have this funny habit of getting a big burst of energy at about 8-9:00pm and runs all over the house driving me crazy for about a half an hour then calms back down and goes to sleep. Wierdo I'm tellen' ya!

Here ia a picture of my baby neo because i have to put a picture on all my posts! :D
http://files.dogster.com/pix/dogs/67/170367/170367_1125901900.jpg

If you were just thinking about a mastiff i bet your sold now!!!Look at that face!!!!!

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

lol I know thise thread is a few months old but it's the first time I've seen it...

I think a retired racing Grey would be great for your family aswell or another Dobie (lol You've already got one, why not another? plus, they have some Greyhound in them...);)