shelterdog
Posted : 4/30/2006 10:39:28 PM
No matter what breed you decide on, before brining one home-research, research, research!
Danes and Saints are laid back, yes, but one must also remember they grow to be over one hundred pounds, and are DROOLERS! I don't know about saints, but Danes will LEAN on you and if you aren't ready for it, can knock you off balance. Giant breeds also generally live shorter lives than small and medium breeds. Danes, as well as many other breeds, have a tendency to have various health problems related to size, breeding, etc...
Goldens, while many are laid back, many are also very energetic. They shed and are chow hounds, so if they aren't so active, you really have to watch their food intake or they will get FAT. I've seen way too many overweight (and obese) retrievers!
A greyhound would be a good choice, but you must remember, they are a sighthound, so when they are outside unfenced, they must not be allowed off leash or you may never see them again! When they see a squirrel or a rabbit, they will quickly forget about that comfy couch!
While some breeds are less energetic than others, I think it also depends on the particular dog. I've never met an English Setter as down right lazy as my Molly. Most I've met are just always going, going, going and are very high strung and driven. Molly is the laziest dog I've ever met.
I agree with the others,
most terriers and herding dogs that are laid back are on death's door. Well, they can be laid back after a long hard day of playing, herding, running, jumping, fetching, digging, bouncing, etc.... In other words, they need hard mental and physical stimulation to turn them into bearable couch potatoes when it is time to settle in.
I, too, want to stress, look into adopting a mature adult dog which ever breed you decide on, and don't over look mixed breeds, either (just avoid those that breed designer mutts...).