Yet another help with breeds

Hmm... Well, do you want a dog that at home remains (for the most part) calm? That's a good sized walk, but a dog with too much energy could wnat to go for more, even when you don't.

Yes I suppose I'd like a dog thats as mellow as possible around the house.

A rhodesian ridgeback would be a great suggestion!! They are very athletic and have a lot of stamina, but in the house they are the laziest. Mine will run and play in the house sometimes, but usually he wants to lie around iwth his head in my lap. The longest i;ve ever walked my german shepherd was 7 miles, and he did it with ease. He's not so calm in the house though. He'll nap occassionally but prefers to watch tv or play with a toy.

Thanks so much for the input!  I grew up with a ridgeback so its funny you should suggest it!
 
We've ruled out most of the crazy herders (like border collies and such).  Two dogs we noticed in rescue are a smaller (45 lb) GSD mix and then one that is labeled a dobie/lab mix (but it is only 35-40 fully grown, which doesnt sound right for that mix). 

How about a rescued Greyhound?  They are couch potatos at home and can go the long distances with you when you're out and about.

I concur with the sighthound suggestions (and not just because I have ridgebacks). They are versatile, short coated(generally), generally good natured, couch potatoes indoors and energizer bunnies outdoors. The only CAVEAT is that most sighthounds are not generally trustworthy off lead because they have very high prey drives. This same concern exists if you have cats. Other working type dogs like the American Bulldog would also suit your needs. You're right about not going the herding dog route - they need MENTAL as well as physical stimulation.

Paula

I would tend to disagree with the rescue greyhound suggestion slightly, yes they are definitely couch potatoes in the home but also dont like to walk very long distances, they are built and trained for quick bursts of speed.  They can be acclimatised to longer distances but it would take some time.  In all other ways of course they are the most perfect dogs in the world!

i lean alittle toward this breed but labs aer great dogs for the outdoors. My dog she is only 8 months old and goes trail walking with me and a friend of mine we 3-4 miles in then 3-4 miles out and she is just as happy as she can be just carry water for the dog and dont forget some for urself

How about a Akita? They are great dogs for hiking and being outdoors..I have a female names zoe and she can turn herself on and off..When I'm at home she is a real lazy girl but when I get the leash she is ready for action..Akitas are not for everyone but if you can handle them they are great dogs..I know they can be agressive towards other dogs. Zoe loves cats people and other dogs..its just the way you bring them up...

How about a pit bull mix? They have stamina like you cant beleive, youd be paying a great favor to the misunderstood breed, they are smart as hell, and are great family dogs. My pittie will run, walk, or hike anywhere I go and is the biggest cuddle bug at home!

How experienced are you with dog training?  That may be a question to examine.  Although I personally like and respect RRs they can be a BIG handful.  Temperment (dog personality essentially) can be as much an issue of which dog as breed can.   Have you considered taking the breed selector surveys available on the web.  Although many times folks disagree with the list provided, it can be one way to get a list of breeds to look at more closely.  As to herding dogs, wouldnt, couldnt live without them []

I don't know how likely you are to find a RR unless you go to a breed specific rescue.... If you're going to look at shelters, I think a Lab or Lab mix would fit the bill nicely and you should have plenty to choose from.

Thanks again for all the input.
 
We hadn't been considering akitas and chows, because I'd thought they can get uppity.  I also hadn't been considering pitts because I would be too paranoid to get a pit with an unknown background, if you know what I mean.  The RR I had as a child was not exactly the most stable.  He had very little stimulation beyond me, and spent most of his life in a dog run.  I know now that most of his wackyness came from that, and my parents were to blame.  I'm confident I could do better than they did, but not confident I could do well enough with a dog like that.  I'd probably err on the side of caution and aim for something less of a handful (or a less challenging mix).
 
Doing breed surveys has been a challenge because I saying that I'll be walking it for at least an hour each day tends to cause all the border collies etc. to show up on the list.  I plan on exercise but I'm pretty sure I couldnt satisfy those kinds of dogs!  Other dogs showing up on the list include spaniels, hounds, and setters.

I would suggest you look at the hounds or the sporting dog.  have you considered a saluki, smaller size, couch potato in the house, very athletic, different types of coats,  ALWAYS on leash unless in a confined fenced area.  I think you might find what you are looking for with a whippet too.  Just an idea.