Easier to train breeds for me? Which breed for me?

I'm kind of struggling with my dog now, but I'm looking for a breed for the future who would also be a companion to my dog.

Whether you have had dogs previously

I've grown up with our Beagle/Springer Spaniel mix. I didn't raise or train him, but interacted with him a lot. He was very food motivated and easy to train that way. Was never aloud of leash though or he wouldn't come back unless you had food.

Right now I'm raising my own dog, a Husky/Lab/Hound mix who is not fun to work with. That's why I want to find a breed that would be a better fit in the future. She's very rough and hard to keep focused. She would rather do her own thing. Also not allowed of leash. She has a bit too much energy for me.

Your circumstances - do you work etc?

I do not work now, but in the future if/when I do the dog/puppy would not be left alone for long periods of time. Someone would always be there with them, especially when raising a puppy. An adult may be left alone for a couple hours or with another dog, but would still be checked up on.

How much time you have for exercise

I'm not a very active person. The exercise I'm willing to give would be a nice long walk or playtime in the yard or play with another dog.

Whether you have children, other pets etc

No children now(in the future though), but a lot of younger family members. So I would really like them to be able to be around children. They don't have to be willing to play with children, just tolerate them.

The breed must ABSOLUTELY get along with cats(I know this depends a lot on how you raise them though). I have seen a dog kill a cat and I don't want that to happen in my home. They would have to easily co-exist with each other. I love both dogs and cats so I'd like to keep both.

No dog aggression issues either.

What characteristics you are looking for

To put it simple:


-Easy to train

-Gets along well with dogs, cats and children

-Friendly to strangers but not willing to go along with any random person. A bit reserved but warms up once they know they're okay.

-Calm temperament. A breed that can easily relax in the house and not need to be constantly stimulated.

-Lower energy level. Not necessarily lazy, but a breed that can tire out easily or isn't crazy hyper.

-Short coat. Nothing long(Like a Rough Collie) or curly(like a Poodle). No long hair on the face either.

-A good watchdog would be a plus. Just barking, no aggression towards strangers.

-Medium sized would be ideal. Between 40-80 pounds. But I would consider something a little bigger or smaller.

-A longer lived breed would be good. Living into its teens.


What breeds you have already looked at and your thoughts on them

These are breeds I like, but I know probably aren't all a good fit.....

Akita - I love the way they look but worry they may be too much for me.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Love their look, but worry about the size.

German Shepherd - The two I have met were very calm, quiet and reserved. I really liked that, but worry about the reputation they get. I like the way they look and seem very smart.

American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, AmStaff - Big worry is their bad reputation, but I can't help but love the way they look, the way they seem so happy all the time and again I've seen a lot of calm ones. Plus I worry about the prey drive and dog aggression.

Bulldog - I like them, but hate all the health problems they come with.

Vizsla - Probably too much energy for me, but like them otherwise.

Tibetan Spaniel - A little too small, but I think they're cute and I've heard they're stubborn.

Smooth Collie - Love the way they look and what I've read, but worry about energy level and I think I read they have some special health problems.

I do love Hounds, but I'd like to have a breed this time around I can trust more.

Anything else you think might be relevant or important

I know no breed will fit this exactly, but I'm looking to a pure bred in hoping that the breeder would be able to match me with the right dog and I have a better idea of what I'm getting. A rescue dog isn't out of the question though. I'd just like your thoughts on some good matches.

Thanks for reading.

I am afraid I believe that some of your choices do not appear to match your requriements, eg Akitas, GSMD, GSD, HV and SC

Bulldog or SBT sounds more likely although SBTs are not famous for being totally laid back with other dogs.

What about a Cavalier King Charles King Spaniel I would have thought that would tick all the boxes for you.

Thank you for the response. I knew the breeds I listed weren't likely for me, but I thought I would list them anyway.

The CKCS is still too small and fragile, plus all the grooming. I don't like the big eyes either.

I forgot to mention I'd like a solid, sturdy dog. Thanks again.

You probably realise this but I'll say it anyway: do not get a German Shepherd or Akita or Visla. They need a LOT of exercise and also, Akitas are not the 'easiest' of dogs, and are better suited to someone who really will enjoy the challenges involved with dog training.

I think that what you like, and what you need, in a dog, may turn out to contradict each other. As you are very honest and admit to not being very 'active', then a retired Greyhound may suit - they are quite chilled around the house and a nice walk every day, with some off leash running in a park several times a week would probably work well.

Whichever breed you get:
how about getting a slightly older rescue dog? (by which I mean 4/5 years plus) It would need slightly less exercise than a younger dog AND you could try to find one that had basic commands in place - recall included.

Any puppy you get will need training, of course, as you already realise.

Staffies are fab around people - not always great around other dogs, though. This may not be ideal for you and can also be stressful.

I think I would definitely consider a retired Greyhound. They are very sweet and seem to meet some of your criteria. I do not think any ONE dog will tick all your boxes - though I may be wrong on this and will be happy to be proven wrong by others on this site

A show type Cocker Spaniel may be a good fit. They tick most of your boxes, although will require regular grooming. You will have to pick and choose a breeder (or older rescue) very carefully though, because based on my experience, a lot of show types from pet breedings are very nervous and barky. A good Cocker should be neither of those things.

A Minature Schnauzer may also be an ok fit. They are quite a popular breed around here and don't appear to be too demanding for exercise. They are rather vocal though.

Westies and Cairn Terriers may also fit. If raised with cats they should be ok together. They are a popular choice of breed for older people, so again shouldn't be too demanding for exercise. Their coats will demand some attention, Westies more so than Cairns.

An older, mature Lab or Lab mix would also suit your requirements well. My older male actually matches that description perfectly, as do many other older lazy Labs I know. It is not like there are not plenty of older Labs and Lab mixes in rescue in the USA, so I'm sure you could find one that is a great match.

Because dogs of any breed can be easy or challenging, I wonder if it would be better for you to get a Rehome or Shelter dog? Then you will have an idea of what the dog is like and also have him cat-tested?
Also, since you say you are not that active, a young dog may not be ideal.

Thank you for all the responses. I'm still open to adopting but I just wanted to get some ideas on specific breeds too.

I already know about finding a good breeder and what to look for.

I think you may be asking a lot if you want a dog that ticks ALL those boxes to be honest. Some of them are relative (easy to train, calmness, what one finds calm and easy another finds too much) which doesn't help. Would you be willing to compromise on any of the things you listed if the most important ones were there?

Personally I think you'd be better off looking for an adult rescue, I think you've got more chance of getting what you're looking for with an adult dog whose temperament, exercise needs etc are already known.

I'm very willing to compromise. I wasn't expecting a single breed to fit all of those. It's just what I would prefer. I would feel more comfortable raising a puppy so I know it better.

The only things I'm not really willing to change are:

-Lower to mid energy level. Not lazy, but a dog that can easily settle down in the house. Doesn't require a lot of hard exercise.

-Low prey drive and a good chance that it will get along with other dogs and cats if socialized well.

-They don't have to be super easy to train. I'm willing to work with them. I just don't want a dog that is going to constantly challenge or ignore me. I want one that is willing to learn, even if it takes a while.

-I don't think I could handle a really big dog and I'm afraid of hurting a small or more fragile dog, one that is sturdy.

-Can handle the heat and cold weather both well.

^ Those are really the main ones. The other things would be bonuses.

How about a Hovawart? The ones I know are intelligent (if a little stubborn) and quite low energy, they seem steady enough. The coat may be too much for you and they are a larger breed though.

My first dog was a rescue Akita, he was very easy to train, maybe we were lucky and he was already trained very well by somebody else! He has sound recall too, a bonus for a breed with a high prey drive.

Then we rescued another female, a pup, she was hard work! -as a pup - but intelligent and easily trainable once she got past 2 years old, she needs a lot of exercise, stimulation and training to keep her a good dog and happy - if that makes sense? I wouldn't recommend an Akita puppy.

I don't know what Akita rescues are like over there in the US? But here in the UK there's 3 dedicated Akita breed specific rescues and you can find mature (adult), socialised, friendly and sound Akitas very easily, will full histories who can slot very easily into a new family home. Please don't discount them because of their reputation, both of mine don't fit the bill, both very different dogs but by no means difficult, aggressive OR the average 'not suitable for first time owner' dogs now they are both over 4 years old lol. You can get a tried and tested rescue dog ;-)

Noticed you mentioned a greater swiss mountain dog ..
I think the fact they are SO big is good for you! I have a bernese - he is so chilled out, great with cats, super friendly with children and adults. He is now 9 and they are not a long lived breed but for the last few years has been happy with only about 30mins excersise a day. You will struggle to find a dog, except some toy breeds maybe that will be happy with only short walks/yard games without finding other ways to entertain themselves - usually not to your liking!!

Perhaps if you look in to some of the giant breeds you may find one that suits you. They tend to (not all - I am generalising!) be laid back, not too active, friendly and easy going. Great for relaxed owners who dont want to walk, train, agility etc on a daily basis. As much as I love them they are not the breed for me as they are not active enough, and a bit dopey but sounds like you are looking for a relaxing dog

Otherwise as others have said - older rescues can be great.

Admittedly what you want in a dog is exactly what I want too (including what you prioritize!) So with that in mind the breeds I am considering may help you.

Have you checked out the Berger Blanc Suisse (White Swiss Shepherd) They are supposedly a lot mellower and gentler than GSD while maintaining their trainability (for some great info on what separates them from GSD :http://www.trebonsbergerblancsuisse.com/english/ouraims.asp) But it is still a relatively 'active' breed (a sporting dog.)

Another breed to consider is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They are very smart and trainable and easy to tire out I figure (and in all honesty I prefer the bobtail to the Cardigan's full tail - but Cardigans work too!)

And last but not least ever think of a Bull Terrier? Whether Miniature or not I hear their levels of energy can vary from calm/lazy indoors to near constant bully runs whenever they've been bored for more than three hours. They are /not/ as biddable as say Dobermans or Corgis, but they make it up with their awesome personality and fantastic good looks. <3

I'd recommend an ex-racer who's proved cat and small dog friendly. Sounds like they'd fit your core requirements

An ex-racer greyhound would be good, or maybe even a greyhound pup (if you're lucky enough to find them!)
Corgis sound pretty good too, they're definitely sturdy!
Basset hound? Yes, health problems and stubborness, but they do have a short coat and the houndy look, plus they're sturdy.
Whippet maybe?
Sorry for not being more helpful.

Thank you for all the recommendations. They have been very helpful.

I would vote ex racer too...

Which breed did you settle on? Or still mulling over it?

ild go for a westie, my mum has 2 both of them fit your bill as did her last one, and although they are small they are chunky and my mums have big dog mentality. they happily live on 40 mins walk a day and sleep about 19 hours a day

After seeing your most desirable qualities I would have to say a greyhound or lurcher. Ex racer that is small dog/cat friendly sounds perfect, but if you want something chunkier I've seem some smashing lurchers around but typically they seem to run rings around the greyhounds I've met!