Are there ANY breeds that match what I'm looking for?

Whether it's from a rescue, breeder, shelter or rehome, I'd like to have an idea of what dogs would match what I'm looking for.

I'm just looking for a companion. I'm not interested in agility, hunting, etc.


My criteria:

Size: Anywhere from 40 to 100 pounds. It has to be a medium/large dog.

Coat: The shorter and less maintenance, the better. I don't mind shedding, but I really don't like dealing with longer coats.

Exercise/Energy: Moderate. I'd like a breed that's fairly mellow indoors and doesn't need a job or 4 hours straight of exercise. They don't have to be lazy, just manageable energy as an adult.

I have no problem with puppy energy though.

Temperament/Personality: A cat like personality would kind of be nice. I don't want a dog that's super affectionate or needs to follow me everywhere and wants to climb all over me. If they're in the mood for a little cuddling or affection that's fine, but not all the time. I'd still like some goofiness though.

I don't want them to happily walk away with any stranger either, a little aloofness is good, but I still want them to warm up to strangers.

A breed that's alert. I'd like a good watch dog, mainly barking. I don't want them to go any further than that.

Living Conditions: A small/medium house with a medium sized yard. Weather would both be hot and cold, so they'd have to do well with both.

Other:

- It'd be nice if they could be trusted off leash, but I'm used to dealing with both our dogs who are a beagle mix and husky/hound mix. I'm used to all the hound issues and don't mind barking at all.

- Being easy to train would be nice, but I don't mind dealing with some stubbornness.

- Getting along well with other dogs and cats is something I'd like, small animals I don't mind so much, but other dogs and cats is almost a must.

- Sturdy/hardy built. I don't want to worry about them getting hurt/sick easily.


They don't have to match everything exactly, of course. I'd just like some ideas. Thanks!

To be that sounds like it has adult rehome all over it or a good rescue. Not a specific breed. Can you contact rescues in your area? Preferably ones that use foster homes so they know the dog?

The right lurcher might be the ticket.

I think a Lab might fit the bill. Yes, before they mature into sane adults their energy level is quite a bit, but as adults they are just fine. All of the Labs I've had (so...two LOL, and a Lab mix) were also not "ZOMG, I will be your best friend, TAKE ME HOME WITH YOU" to every person they met. At the house they would alert bark, then politely greet the visitor. In public they were happy to meet people, but just as happy to ignore them. Blackie (and Sadie) had a protective streak and if they saw someone/something suspicious around the house they would not tolerate it.

So the right Lab from the right breeder (or an adult rescue) would work, I think. Maybe a Chessie, but I tend to think of them as more energetic and less dog friendly - but they are also more reserved with people and much more protective. You'd have to make sure their energy level would be something you could handle, but I think they're worth a look.

ETA: I was also going to suggest a German Shepherd, but I really don't know what their energy level is like. Obviously a working line GSD wouldn't be what you'd want, and I'm not sure if there are really any "pet" lines out there breeding structurally sound dogs so...
A Shiloh Shepherd also came to mind, but they mainly come in plush coat, I think. I'm not sure if there are any smooth coated Shiloh's...but if you wouldn't mind the coat, I'd suggest looking in to them as well.

My walker hound might not be a bad type for you. He's affectionate, but willing to go relax in his bed. He's got energy and wants a nice run, but isn't nuts or unwilling to settle. He's super smart, will bark at people coming in but is completely non-aggressive, and honestly is a really fun boy. Because of his past he's a bit shy of strangers, and certainly wouldn't walk off with one. The shelters are full of these guys and I'm amazed how nice he is. Also the other walker I fostered before him was very similar. He was from a better background, but also was sensible about strangers - not likely to just walk off with one, but not fearful either.

Other than the alert barking and off leash, a greyhound might be a good fit. A Treeing Walker Coonhound might also be a good fit.

I was thinking a TWC myself.

A rhodesian ridgeback could be a really good fit with pretty much all of your requirements.

An older lab-say, 3-4 years old would fit.
I have 2 girls-neither would go with a stranger. Moka wouldn't go because she is too attached to me. She even hates leaving the house with Brian (BF) without me. She runs back and sits next to me.
Java does not like strangers and will not run up to greet them, much less leave with them. She alerts on strangers in our driveway, etc. She is actually a great watchdog, considering she's a lab. She alerted me to a black bear out our window the other day.

As for personality-female labs tend to be much less up your butt than males. Females are more independent, standoffish to a point and less cuddly.
Males labs can be very in your face, up your ass and obnoxious about attention.

Have you ever thought of a Hunting Type. I do English Pointer Rescue and your description fits most pointers. Take a look at www.pointerrescue.org

I have had pointers for more than 20 years. Love them and if they get enough excercise then they can be quite content to sit at your feet or in your lap as my boy Tyler does.

Pfffft - don't get a walker, get a Plott

Seriously though, if I could just clone Liz & send you a copy I would.

I don't know where you guys are finding your walkers, but I'd love to meet them - the ones I've been well-acquainted with are Crazy. People. I will never have another of the 5 "related" coonhound breeds again! Lol

A smooth collie could be a good fit depending on the lines. Maybe even a BYB rescue/rehome or something. They don't have all the hair like a rough collie, but it's not super short like a hound. You want barking? You got barking! Great with other animals, great with other people. Logan would probably happily go with anyone, but not all collies are like that. He's fine ignoring people when he's working, but if he's allowed to say hi, he LOOOOOOOVES everyone. Logan was high energy when he was younger but has calmed down A LOT in the last 2 years. The BYB rough collies I dogsat were much lower energy. They could get ramped up, but it took a lot to get there and they calmed down quickly - not enough drive for me, but it's perfect for their owners - that being said, from what I hear smoothies are higher energy and more sharp-minded than roughs. Logan can be a lover and has gotten more cuddly the last few months, but he's fine on his own too. He'll follow around whoever's up and doing something, but he's content to nap alone as well. He usually sleeps with me until I fall asleep, then jumps down at some point at night, though sometimes he'll stay on the bed all night. He does have a limit for cudding (Gavroche, my boxer, has NO cuddling limits. He's really prefer to be touching someone at all times). Easy to train, very smart, and quite rugged.

And of course, you can probably find some random dog (mutt or purebred) in a shelter - bonus is that you get to meet the dog all grown up and see at least a glimpse of their real personality. Maybe even foster for a bit and see when the right dog falls into your lap.

A cat friendly greyhound or Lurcher would be good in my opinion, they seem to tick your boxes. Don't be put off by the need for them to run, they have short bursts of energy rather than needing hours or exercise, and if you can get them out for a walk one day, time in the garden works just as good.

Plus, there are thousands and thousands waiting for homes, through no fault of their own other than they are 'too old' (around 2-4 usually), you're bound to be able to find one that is a perfect match.