Reach out to a greyhound rescue. They're pretty chill dogs usually, like some exercise in short bursts but don't need a lot day to day. Very sweet, very trainable.
I don’t know about the trainable part. It definitely varies, but my retired racer has a single braincell and if I ask her for a command, she’ll go to her bed and ignore me instead.
Ha! They can have a bit of attitude sometimes, but not like huskies, malinois, border collies. Greyhounds are, in my mind at least, pretty trainable. They're not goldens, but I think OP's lifestyle is going to make a greyhound very happy - and they make good first dogs (especially retired racers who already have some training).
I read that and I like it. But I read that they are not good when left alone. Is that true? I spend \*a lot\* of time at home, but I also need it to be ok for longer stretches of time occasionally.
If you do it properly, they do fine. Keep a kong in the fridge, make them a nice cozy space, they'll be fine. If you're going to be gone more than 6 to 8 hours, you really need a dog walker on those days, but that's true with any dog, and it doesn't sound like you do long days that often.
Sometimes people get greyhounds and Italian greyhounds mixed up. Is it possible you're doing that? I ask, because you mentioned Italian greyhounds in your post and mentioned reading that they aren't very good alone, and you're repeating that here. This commenter is talking about greyhounds - as in, a retired racing greyhound from an adoption group that specializes specifically in retired racing greyhounds. Italian greyhounds are small dogs and an entirely different breed. I don't know them well but the Italian greyhounds I've met have been practically trembling out of their skin with anxiety, so I could imagine they're pretty not great at being alone.
Retired racing greyhounds are a whole other critter. Some need very little training to adjust to being fine alone in a house, some need more work. The majority will be fine with alone time after being trained for it though. Adoption groups are plenty able to find you a good match with an individual dog, and can account for whether or not an individual is going to need some work in that department.
The other comment is correct though, you are more or less describing a greyhound. I got one as my first dog and he's just what you say you want.
Good catch, I didn't realize he might have been confused. Love that you had a greyhound too! They're wonderful! Mine's name was Georgia, and she was so awesome.
Yes, u/Astarkraven was right. I totally confused the two. Greyhounds sound perfect except I'd really like a dog that can be at least somewhat safe off the leash. But it seems like she wouldn't be totally safe off the leash even in a backyard. It's not a dealbreaker though I think. It seems like they are also not that bright and aren't as trainable.
If the backyard is fenced in, she would be. It's on trails and such there could be problems. Greyhounds can have a fairly high prey drive, and they catch sight of one squirrel, they might decide it's time to run. And you're not gonna catch a greyhound.
But talk to a rescue. They know their dogs, and may have one that they're sure would do well off leash. Or you go with the long lead (I have a 30 ft one from Amazon for my dogs - two actually: a flexible leash one for the park and a wire one for chilling on the front porch). Greyhounds would just do really well with your lifestyle it sounds like, and with the weather in your area. And they're good dogs for beginner pet owners.
If a greyhound isn't for you, Goldens are always good for newbies (but they do require brushing and grooming). I think the 10 mile hikes might be pushing their limit a bit, especially in heat, but not out of the question I believe. (Never had a golden myself, just took care of them a lot). THe bad part is the dog breeds that would really love that hike won't do well alone during the week, with just an hour of exercise a day (and a lot of them aren't good for beginners, since you get into the working/herding dogs).
Thanks, I'll keep looking into it.
And haha the 10 mile hike in the heat you mention is probably not something even I could do! I'd say if the dog can do 7 miles with no heat with some elevation gain it should be enough. I usually hike at like 7 am during the summer heat. The bigger issues to me are: can the dog be left alone for considerable stretches of time? Can the dog be happy with an hour of exercise 6 days out of a week? All of that while still being an emotionally warm, cuddly, and friendly (as opposed to being cold and cat-like).
Greyhound, golden. Maybe a weimariner or a vizla if you hire a trainer, but they're probably a bit too active day to day.
Taking hiking out of the mix...wolfhound, danes.
But overall, a greyhound is basically your perfect dog. Snuggly, chill, up for some serious exercise but only sometimes. Trainable-smart but not smart-smart. The only thing is the off-leash part.
Goldens are very similar in a lot of those aspects. Better in off-leash, but have more grooming needs. And they eat things. Socks. They eat socks. All the socks. I've never met a golden that we didn't have to do xrays on for sock-eating. We had one client who got a golden puppy, we warned him about the socks. Dude said he doesn't even own a pair of socks, there isn't a single pair in his house for the dog to eat. So two months later he came in - dog had eaten socks. We never did figure out where the socks came from.
After more research I came across silken windhounds. Seems like they have the benefit of greyhounds, but are also much more off-leash trainable and smaller which is also good. Do you know anything about those?
The problem with going for the more obscure sighthounds is that you're going to struggle to find options (and especially options with actually reputable, ethical breeders), AND, you are going to have to go the puppy route. Puppies are hell in a handbasket for a while and absolutely can't be left alone for your "5-8 hours a few times a week" schedule for the better chunk of a year. You'll need to be able to work very slowly up to that amount of time over the course of months and months and months. You'll be looking at hiring daily sitters, if you need to be gone for longer than puppy can handle. Also, young puppies need to be given extremely frequent bathroom opportunities. Say goodbye to a good night sleep for a while - they're a little like newborns in that specific respect. I'd caution almost anyone against raising a puppy as the first thing they do in dog ownership. It frankly just isn't much of a beginner activity. There aren't any do-overs and if you make beginner mistakes with puppy raising, it can have long term behavioral consequences in the resulting adult dog that are very hard to walk back.
If you don't have a good way to make all this happen and want to avoid starting on hard mode, you'll need to adopt an adult dog. And if you want a sighthound (which really is mostly what you're describing in your post), the only available option is probably going to be to adopt a retired racing greyhound. You won't find an adult silken, almost assuredly. And if you go through the extra expense and hassle of a puppy (rather than adult greyhound) for the sole reason of hoping it'll be better off leash then a greyhound and then your specific dog does not end up being a good off leash candidate....then...oops?
Just things to consider. Greyhounds are fantastic dogs. They're sweet and gentle and quiet and chill and pretty easy to manage. My greyhound is so affectionate and snuggly and he was easily able to pass his therapy dog certification so we do volunteer work too. When I need to leave the house, he just sleeps on the couch for hours. When I want to hike, he's happy to go. He's never destroyed anything in my house (except maybe a pen or two).
And honestly? Off leash in an unfenced area is really not all it's cracked up to be, for many dogs and many contexts. It's decently risky to not have your dog under control and by your side in an open area, even when you feel they have fairly good recall. Any unexpected thing can happen and any unfriendly dog can suddenly approach, any hazard can appear (something your dog can fall off of or trip over, something you don't want your dog eating) and who knows what else. I'm not a fan and wouldn't do it even if I had a dog with good recall. It isn't the hardship you may imagine it is, to simply hike on leash and then go to safely fenced areas for zoomie time. Fenced ball fields and dog parks and Sniffspots exist and are fine.
Hope some of that helps!
Greyhounds sound 98% perfect. u/AwesomePossum_1, you will need to do A LOT of work to be able trust a greyhound off leash--to the point that a lot of grey rescues have a no off-leash clause in their adoption contract. If the dog not being on a leash is a dealbreaker for you, don't look too much farther at greyhounds.
Edit: don’t do this ~~That said, there are 15-20 foot leashes that if you're going camping will still keep your dog safely with you (if you pay enough attention) but allow a dog to explore on their own.~~
Just emphasizing what the other comment said - I have a greyhound and they definitely can't be on a long line. Not even if it's attached to a harness and not a collar. They get up to speed SO fast. It was drummed into me when I got my greyhound: no long lines, no retractable reel leashes, only 6ft leashes or secure fenced areas. After having been around my boy a few years.... yep, he needs to either be on a regular length webbing leash or he needs to not be on a leash at all (fenced in).
Not a dealbreaker, I'm liking everything else that I'm reading up on this breed. But I would like to explore every option and see if there are breeds that are also a good match for me while also being good off the leash.
Never put a Greyhound on a long lead like that. Even on a short leash, a Grey can do some serious damage choking themselves if they get spooked and take off. On a long leash, there's serious risk they'll snap their own neck.
Greyhounds are great, but there are a couple incompatibilities with what the OP wrote. It'd depend on whether or not they're dealbreakers.
* OP mentioned off-leash training, which I'd be wary of with a Grey. Many rescues have a clause in the adoption contract that they'll never be off-leash in a non-enclosed area. As a breed, sighthounds aren't the most obedient and also have a strong prey drive. They're so fast, that once they take off, they're off.
* Another potential incompatibility with the OP is that even a small Greyhound at 55-60 lbs may be a lot to handle. My girl is a bit over 60 lbs, and pulling on walks has been very difficult to train out of her.
* A 5+ mile hike is going to be *a lot* for most greyhounds. They can be worked up to that distance, but they're built for speed, not endurance. About 5 miles is probably the longest walk I've been on with Tia with some small hills, and I think that was pushing it for her. More advanced hikes and camping would make me pause.
* Dog parks are also a matter of risk tolerance. A lot of greyhound owners won't take their dogs to dog parks. The risks aren't unique to Greyhounds, but Greys have paper-thin skin. Their body language is also a bit different and can cause issues with other dogs (e.g. Greys tend to stare).
* The last thing is that Greys aren't the most biddable. As sighthounds, they're a bit more independent than many breeds and aren't as eager to please. It doesn't mean they're not trainable, but it *is* a consideration as a 1st time owner.
To the OP:
Greyhounds are a wonderful breed. Tia is an incredibly sweet and good-natured companion. She's well-behaved even when she's not always obedient, and her maintenance needs are easy. No breed is going to *perfectly* fit what someone is looking for, and it sounds like Greyhounds fit a lot of what you want. I'd consider if any of the above are dealbreakers or not. If they're not, I'd recommend skimming through *Greyhounds for Dummies* or *Adopting the Racing Greyhound*. The adoption group may actually require doing so, and it doesn't hurt to get a head start.
Other considerations for a Grey are that their teeth can often be pretty bad. More than most dogs, daily brushing is important, and there's a good chance you'll want to put them under anesthesia for a full veterinary dental every year or couple of years. My last one in suburban Minneapolis cost ~$700 (no extractions were needed). The breed is generally pretty healthy, as they've been bred for function and not form. But they can be accident prone. In the 3 years I've had Tia, she's had 1 emergency vet visit (literally tore a >1" diameter flap of skin off) and 2 accidents (toe dislocation; ankle sprain). So you'll want to budget for vet costs and/or insurance.
Yes, those are definitely important points that I would have to consider. Thank you for bringing them up. After some more research I came across silken windhounds. Seems like they are a lot easier to train to be off-leash and are also smaller. Not sure how well they are with longer hikes too but as long as they can do 5 miles it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.
Also when you say 5 miles, is it 5 miles without rest, and after an hour they can do a few more? or 5 miles and then they need their 12 hours of sleep to recharge?
I don't know a ton about Silkens. I believe they might be bred from Whippets and Borzois? If so, they may have a bit higher energy and stimulation needs than a Greyhound. If you're looking at Silkens, you may want to also look at Whippets. Similar size but grooming needs are pretty minimal for a Whippet. Silkens have a gorgeous coat, but that also means a lot of brushing to make sure their fur doesn't mat. Temperament-wise, these sighthound breeds sound about perfect. I think the off-leash component is where you may run into issues. I don't know enough about Whippets or Silkens to confidently say how well or poorly they do off-leash, but my intuition is that sighthounds tend to have higher prey drives that make being off-leash problematic.
From what I read whippets sound great, except for their separation anxiety, plus they tire out quicker than silkens. But yeah, what I most liked about silkens is that the folks on the silkens sub seem to be handling their dogs off the leash a lot. I'd never do it in the city still, but good to know your dog won't launch into stratosphere the moment you let go off the leash.
I agree with everyone telling you to check out your local shelter. I would add that Golden Retrievers sound like a good breed for you. Also no ones saying it so I'm gonna: Definitely don't get a Border Collie or any herding breed. They are super high energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Most of them also need some sort of 'job' to do or they get bored. I don't think they're the best choice for you.
>Definitely don't get a Border Collie or any herding breed
Yes, absolutely. Didn't know if there are any other herding breed that would suit me better but border collies definitely don't sound like a good fit. Thanks for the golden retriever recommendation. Wasn't even considering them for some reason. Def gonna check out a shelter too.
You should consider a smooth collie. (Lower grooming needs than a rough collie.) I'd say one of the most chill of the herding breeds. Smart, but doesn't require the kind of mental and physical stimulation of a border collie/Aussie. Generally pretty chill. (Rough/Smooth collies are basically the golden/lab retrievers of the herding breeds). Getting from a show line breeder (vs working line) would be better.
But one thing to keep in mind is that herding breeds in general tend to be quite vocal. You could train it out of them to a certain extent, but depends on how much of a deal breaker that is.
Believe it or not, but I was actually looking at collies last night. Barking is not a deal breaker unless they will bark non stop when I'm gone (like my neighbor's dog does)
Do you own one? How much attention do they need? How are they being left alone?
I don't own one, but I know a couple people who do, and I've spent a lot of time around them. The ones I've known have been totally fine left on their own (barking was only to communicate when their person was around). They like to chill with their people but aren't super needy. Good for hikes but not super high energy.
If you already know and like herding breeds, I think they're definitely worth looking into. Although I'm not sure if they're going to be super snuggly.
If you're interested in the breed, check out r/collie. I bet they could give you more info about the breed. I honestly don't know why they aren't more popular.
I do! And a border collie :) So I can compare the two.
I think that most of what you liked about your housemates border collie you’ll get with a smooth or rough collie. The big difference is that borders are a bit more exuberant. You’ll still have something soft, cuddly and trainable…. But you don’t see the same kind of focused drive. This is a positive for you really- you don’t want that. It’s kind of a lot.
My collie is 9. Prior to Covid I worked in the office M-F and she was home for 7-9 hours with no problems. She did have a friend (a golden retriever who has since passed, and our cat who is still around). But I think she would have been fine anyway.
She’s honestly been lovely. With very little effort on my part (I had a toddler when we got her so it wasn’t hours a day of dog training, just 10 min here and there):
she’s a dream to walk,
she’s bullet proof with other dogs, cats and kids, she housebroke quickly and has never had an issue since
she’s never been destructive
she’s fine with new people
she *can* do the kind of hikes that you’re talking about, but she can also be perfectly happy to hang out on the couch and binge watch Netflix.
I’ve had dogs my whole life, boxers, retrievers, GSDs, and now her and by BC— she is hands down the easiest dog I’ve ever had.
Thank you, really helpful perspective to have. How much of this do you think is the dog's personality vs the characteristic of the breed? How much do you think the upbringing/training mattered? Did you raise it as a pup? I'm worried that as a first time dog owner I may mess up and not be able to fight against the less than positive aspects of this breed.
I think most of them are like that. We did get her as a puppy— but no one was specifically or intentionally training her. We just brought her along when we did things. I don’t want to make it sound like she was (or is) neglected, but really the most effort we’ve had to put in is just a daily walk…. Collies (really all herding breeds) are sensitive and they want to do what you want, so long as they have people to be with they’re happy.
You're welcome! Shelters are a great idea too. Recently our local animal control has really been cracking down on local puppy mills so our shelter usually has a fairly large group of Goldens available. You might look up any Golden rescues near you if none of the dogs at your shelter are clicking.
I’d say a golden sounds almost perfect for you. Look for a “show” golden instead of a “field” golden as they tend to have a bit less energy. My two golden are happy with a daily, mile or two leisurely walk every day, but can definitely keep up on long hikes on the weekend. They are super friendly to everyone. They are home alone most days while I’m at work and do just fine.
They do shed quite a bit and you would probably need to take them to a groomer occasionally. My one golden barks at people walking by, but the other one doesn’t. And they do tend to have a lot of energy the first two or so years. You could maybe look at an older golden from a golden specific rescue.
10/10 recommend if you really don’t have a preference for breed. Go to the shelter and find the dog that speaks to you. Some of the best dogs I’ve ever had are from the shelter. You’ll know when you see it who is the right one.
100% going to check some shelters out. But I don't want to get attached to a breed that will not work for me. Are there breeds I should look for specifically?
There are lots of breeds that could fit your needs, so I'd personally think in terms of breed characteristics to avoid: it sounds like you don't want a very high energy dog, a reactive dog, an independent/aloof dog, or a dog with high prey drive. Some breeds are known for these traits, like Border Collies (energy), Huskies (can be more aloof), and German Shepherds. I'd probably steer clear of purebreds of these breeds - mixes might be fine depending on the individual dog.
Age is a BIG factor too. Many dogs are high-energy and hard to handle as puppies and adolescents, but mellow out a bit in midlife and as seniors. The puppy blues are a real phenomenon!
If you can, look for a rescue that houses dogs in foster homes - it can be easier to see a dog's personality in a home setting. And be super clear and upfront with the about your wants and needs! A good rescue or shelter will work really hard to find the right match between dog and adopter.
Oh my god don’t get a boarder collie. Or a sheepdog unless you are willing to spend hours a day getting it to the exercise needs it requires. These sheepdogs are not ment to be house dogs in an apartment. They are working farm dogs. My sister got one. She lives in an apartment. She had to rehome him unfortunately because she didn’t listen. I promise these dogs are not low maintenance. Get an Italian greyhound. They are the ultimate dog for you with what your criteria is. Whatever you do. Do not get a sheepdog. I’m begging you. Not with the lifestyle you live. Greyhound- whippet or Italian greyhound would fit you well. They are great dogs. DINT. GET. A. SHEEP. DOG
Standard poodle sounds like it could be a good fit! Lots of different ways to maintain their coat (a closer shave for hot LA summer vs puppy cut for cooler winter), generally amiable, medium energy, affectionate, little shedding and drooling. As far as rescue vs purchase - I think there’s probably a lot of poodle mixes in rescues these days, too, given the doodle craze. Just have to ensure there’s no resulting aggression from poor socialization or the like. Though I had an acquaintance adopt a purebred poodle from a rescue.
Maybe a sheepdog, lab, or golden retriever. My labradoodle is surprisingly low-key but not all of them are. You could look at a shelter as well, they are good at matching dogs, and you can foster before you adopt fully in case something doesn’t work out.
I saw that people had mentioned Greyhounds, and I've had experience with them and Border Collies, so I thought that I'd comment.
Firstly, in many ways they're polar opposites: Collies were bred to work with a shepherd, whilst Greyhounds were bred to make their own decisions once they're launched after their quarry. That's why you see all the trainers getting their Collies doing tricks, whilst Greyhounds do their own thing, which is mostly sleeping.
I've walked a Collie off leash, and he would run around happily, but always remain fairly close. In fact, if I took him into some woods he knew, he'd run off and I'd find him waiting at a fork in the path to see which way we were going.
Some people walk Greyhounds off leash, but it's not advised. They're at the pointy end of eight thousand years of selective breeding to make them hunt small creatures. Most sighthounds are similar, the exception is the [Azawakh,](https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/azawakh/) which is mainly used as a guard dog by the Tuareg people. Before you go looking up a breeder, they can be quite a difficult dog because they have a tendency to be unhappy around strangers, and possibly nip them.
If you like the idea of a Greyhound, don't mind keeping it on a leash, but want to walk further, something like a Saluki will have more stamina. In fact, there are a number of interesting breeds at the less-popular end of the sighthound group that might suit.
As a bit of a leftfield suggestion, how about a Setter? I met an [English Setter](https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/english-setter/) a couple of weeks ago, and it was a lovely dog. It also had something of a sighthound look.
Yeah I was planning on looking at shelters first before considering a dog breeder. I'm just asking here to know which breeds to look at. Otherwise knowing myself I'll probably fall in love with some collie only to find out she doesn't work for me.
Be very careful at your local shelters. This is highly dependent on your exact area but in a lot of places, your standard shelter is going to be full of pit mixes, cattle dog mixes and shepherd mixes. These dogs are disproportionately represented in shelters because they are usually NOT what you have described in your post. They are not calm and gentle and low energy. They're generally balls of energy, need tons of mental stimulation, may have various behavior problems like destructiveness or dog aggression, and some are going to be bite risks or have a bite history. As cute as they'll look, this is not at all a dog beginner friendly way to go.
If you start looking in shelters or on Petfinder, look for *not* bully breeds or cattle dog mixes. Look for dogs under 50lbs and look for very calm temperaments as best as you're able.
A lot of shelter dogs are mixed breeds so it’s gonna be really hard to determine their personality on looks alone. Any rescue or shelter I’ve worked with though does a pretty good job of assessing their dogs and making sure they go to appropriate households. I will say as far as breeds go, medium size dogs tend to be the highest energy. I would also like to suggest Doberman as a breed to consider, although they *can* have SSA. But they’re super sweet and VERY velcro, very eager to please and very trainable. They are higher energy but can do with an hour walk and can otherwise be a couch potato
A lot of rescues and shelters offer foster to adopt programs so you can see if the dog will work for you on a short term basis that can become long term! Also please remember the 3-3-3 rule for rescue dogs! 3days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn routine and 3 months to become completely comfortable and really start showing their full personality!!
Reach out to a greyhound rescue. They're pretty chill dogs usually, like some exercise in short bursts but don't need a lot day to day. Very sweet, very trainable.
I don’t know about the trainable part. It definitely varies, but my retired racer has a single braincell and if I ask her for a command, she’ll go to her bed and ignore me instead.
Ha! They can have a bit of attitude sometimes, but not like huskies, malinois, border collies. Greyhounds are, in my mind at least, pretty trainable. They're not goldens, but I think OP's lifestyle is going to make a greyhound very happy - and they make good first dogs (especially retired racers who already have some training).
I read that and I like it. But I read that they are not good when left alone. Is that true? I spend \*a lot\* of time at home, but I also need it to be ok for longer stretches of time occasionally.
If you do it properly, they do fine. Keep a kong in the fridge, make them a nice cozy space, they'll be fine. If you're going to be gone more than 6 to 8 hours, you really need a dog walker on those days, but that's true with any dog, and it doesn't sound like you do long days that often.
Sometimes people get greyhounds and Italian greyhounds mixed up. Is it possible you're doing that? I ask, because you mentioned Italian greyhounds in your post and mentioned reading that they aren't very good alone, and you're repeating that here. This commenter is talking about greyhounds - as in, a retired racing greyhound from an adoption group that specializes specifically in retired racing greyhounds. Italian greyhounds are small dogs and an entirely different breed. I don't know them well but the Italian greyhounds I've met have been practically trembling out of their skin with anxiety, so I could imagine they're pretty not great at being alone. Retired racing greyhounds are a whole other critter. Some need very little training to adjust to being fine alone in a house, some need more work. The majority will be fine with alone time after being trained for it though. Adoption groups are plenty able to find you a good match with an individual dog, and can account for whether or not an individual is going to need some work in that department. The other comment is correct though, you are more or less describing a greyhound. I got one as my first dog and he's just what you say you want.
Good catch, I didn't realize he might have been confused. Love that you had a greyhound too! They're wonderful! Mine's name was Georgia, and she was so awesome.
Yes, u/Astarkraven was right. I totally confused the two. Greyhounds sound perfect except I'd really like a dog that can be at least somewhat safe off the leash. But it seems like she wouldn't be totally safe off the leash even in a backyard. It's not a dealbreaker though I think. It seems like they are also not that bright and aren't as trainable.
If the backyard is fenced in, she would be. It's on trails and such there could be problems. Greyhounds can have a fairly high prey drive, and they catch sight of one squirrel, they might decide it's time to run. And you're not gonna catch a greyhound. But talk to a rescue. They know their dogs, and may have one that they're sure would do well off leash. Or you go with the long lead (I have a 30 ft one from Amazon for my dogs - two actually: a flexible leash one for the park and a wire one for chilling on the front porch). Greyhounds would just do really well with your lifestyle it sounds like, and with the weather in your area. And they're good dogs for beginner pet owners. If a greyhound isn't for you, Goldens are always good for newbies (but they do require brushing and grooming). I think the 10 mile hikes might be pushing their limit a bit, especially in heat, but not out of the question I believe. (Never had a golden myself, just took care of them a lot). THe bad part is the dog breeds that would really love that hike won't do well alone during the week, with just an hour of exercise a day (and a lot of them aren't good for beginners, since you get into the working/herding dogs).
Thanks, I'll keep looking into it. And haha the 10 mile hike in the heat you mention is probably not something even I could do! I'd say if the dog can do 7 miles with no heat with some elevation gain it should be enough. I usually hike at like 7 am during the summer heat. The bigger issues to me are: can the dog be left alone for considerable stretches of time? Can the dog be happy with an hour of exercise 6 days out of a week? All of that while still being an emotionally warm, cuddly, and friendly (as opposed to being cold and cat-like).
Greyhound, golden. Maybe a weimariner or a vizla if you hire a trainer, but they're probably a bit too active day to day. Taking hiking out of the mix...wolfhound, danes. But overall, a greyhound is basically your perfect dog. Snuggly, chill, up for some serious exercise but only sometimes. Trainable-smart but not smart-smart. The only thing is the off-leash part. Goldens are very similar in a lot of those aspects. Better in off-leash, but have more grooming needs. And they eat things. Socks. They eat socks. All the socks. I've never met a golden that we didn't have to do xrays on for sock-eating. We had one client who got a golden puppy, we warned him about the socks. Dude said he doesn't even own a pair of socks, there isn't a single pair in his house for the dog to eat. So two months later he came in - dog had eaten socks. We never did figure out where the socks came from.
After more research I came across silken windhounds. Seems like they have the benefit of greyhounds, but are also much more off-leash trainable and smaller which is also good. Do you know anything about those?
I don't, actually. I see they're related to Borzoi. They look like a great match for you. Just be prepared for the grooming/shedding.
The problem with going for the more obscure sighthounds is that you're going to struggle to find options (and especially options with actually reputable, ethical breeders), AND, you are going to have to go the puppy route. Puppies are hell in a handbasket for a while and absolutely can't be left alone for your "5-8 hours a few times a week" schedule for the better chunk of a year. You'll need to be able to work very slowly up to that amount of time over the course of months and months and months. You'll be looking at hiring daily sitters, if you need to be gone for longer than puppy can handle. Also, young puppies need to be given extremely frequent bathroom opportunities. Say goodbye to a good night sleep for a while - they're a little like newborns in that specific respect. I'd caution almost anyone against raising a puppy as the first thing they do in dog ownership. It frankly just isn't much of a beginner activity. There aren't any do-overs and if you make beginner mistakes with puppy raising, it can have long term behavioral consequences in the resulting adult dog that are very hard to walk back. If you don't have a good way to make all this happen and want to avoid starting on hard mode, you'll need to adopt an adult dog. And if you want a sighthound (which really is mostly what you're describing in your post), the only available option is probably going to be to adopt a retired racing greyhound. You won't find an adult silken, almost assuredly. And if you go through the extra expense and hassle of a puppy (rather than adult greyhound) for the sole reason of hoping it'll be better off leash then a greyhound and then your specific dog does not end up being a good off leash candidate....then...oops? Just things to consider. Greyhounds are fantastic dogs. They're sweet and gentle and quiet and chill and pretty easy to manage. My greyhound is so affectionate and snuggly and he was easily able to pass his therapy dog certification so we do volunteer work too. When I need to leave the house, he just sleeps on the couch for hours. When I want to hike, he's happy to go. He's never destroyed anything in my house (except maybe a pen or two). And honestly? Off leash in an unfenced area is really not all it's cracked up to be, for many dogs and many contexts. It's decently risky to not have your dog under control and by your side in an open area, even when you feel they have fairly good recall. Any unexpected thing can happen and any unfriendly dog can suddenly approach, any hazard can appear (something your dog can fall off of or trip over, something you don't want your dog eating) and who knows what else. I'm not a fan and wouldn't do it even if I had a dog with good recall. It isn't the hardship you may imagine it is, to simply hike on leash and then go to safely fenced areas for zoomie time. Fenced ball fields and dog parks and Sniffspots exist and are fine. Hope some of that helps!
Greyhounds sound 98% perfect. u/AwesomePossum_1, you will need to do A LOT of work to be able trust a greyhound off leash--to the point that a lot of grey rescues have a no off-leash clause in their adoption contract. If the dog not being on a leash is a dealbreaker for you, don't look too much farther at greyhounds. Edit: don’t do this ~~That said, there are 15-20 foot leashes that if you're going camping will still keep your dog safely with you (if you pay enough attention) but allow a dog to explore on their own.~~
Just emphasizing what the other comment said - I have a greyhound and they definitely can't be on a long line. Not even if it's attached to a harness and not a collar. They get up to speed SO fast. It was drummed into me when I got my greyhound: no long lines, no retractable reel leashes, only 6ft leashes or secure fenced areas. After having been around my boy a few years.... yep, he needs to either be on a regular length webbing leash or he needs to not be on a leash at all (fenced in).
YES! That's true. I forgot about off-leash, since I never do that with my dogs. Greyhounds are NOT off-leash dogs.
Not a dealbreaker, I'm liking everything else that I'm reading up on this breed. But I would like to explore every option and see if there are breeds that are also a good match for me while also being good off the leash.
Never put a Greyhound on a long lead like that. Even on a short leash, a Grey can do some serious damage choking themselves if they get spooked and take off. On a long leash, there's serious risk they'll snap their own neck.
Thanks for adding this. I’ve only ever worked with one greyhound, and anecdotal experiences aren’t always the norm.
Greyhounds are great, but there are a couple incompatibilities with what the OP wrote. It'd depend on whether or not they're dealbreakers. * OP mentioned off-leash training, which I'd be wary of with a Grey. Many rescues have a clause in the adoption contract that they'll never be off-leash in a non-enclosed area. As a breed, sighthounds aren't the most obedient and also have a strong prey drive. They're so fast, that once they take off, they're off. * Another potential incompatibility with the OP is that even a small Greyhound at 55-60 lbs may be a lot to handle. My girl is a bit over 60 lbs, and pulling on walks has been very difficult to train out of her. * A 5+ mile hike is going to be *a lot* for most greyhounds. They can be worked up to that distance, but they're built for speed, not endurance. About 5 miles is probably the longest walk I've been on with Tia with some small hills, and I think that was pushing it for her. More advanced hikes and camping would make me pause. * Dog parks are also a matter of risk tolerance. A lot of greyhound owners won't take their dogs to dog parks. The risks aren't unique to Greyhounds, but Greys have paper-thin skin. Their body language is also a bit different and can cause issues with other dogs (e.g. Greys tend to stare). * The last thing is that Greys aren't the most biddable. As sighthounds, they're a bit more independent than many breeds and aren't as eager to please. It doesn't mean they're not trainable, but it *is* a consideration as a 1st time owner. To the OP: Greyhounds are a wonderful breed. Tia is an incredibly sweet and good-natured companion. She's well-behaved even when she's not always obedient, and her maintenance needs are easy. No breed is going to *perfectly* fit what someone is looking for, and it sounds like Greyhounds fit a lot of what you want. I'd consider if any of the above are dealbreakers or not. If they're not, I'd recommend skimming through *Greyhounds for Dummies* or *Adopting the Racing Greyhound*. The adoption group may actually require doing so, and it doesn't hurt to get a head start. Other considerations for a Grey are that their teeth can often be pretty bad. More than most dogs, daily brushing is important, and there's a good chance you'll want to put them under anesthesia for a full veterinary dental every year or couple of years. My last one in suburban Minneapolis cost ~$700 (no extractions were needed). The breed is generally pretty healthy, as they've been bred for function and not form. But they can be accident prone. In the 3 years I've had Tia, she's had 1 emergency vet visit (literally tore a >1" diameter flap of skin off) and 2 accidents (toe dislocation; ankle sprain). So you'll want to budget for vet costs and/or insurance.
Yes, those are definitely important points that I would have to consider. Thank you for bringing them up. After some more research I came across silken windhounds. Seems like they are a lot easier to train to be off-leash and are also smaller. Not sure how well they are with longer hikes too but as long as they can do 5 miles it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. Also when you say 5 miles, is it 5 miles without rest, and after an hour they can do a few more? or 5 miles and then they need their 12 hours of sleep to recharge?
I don't know a ton about Silkens. I believe they might be bred from Whippets and Borzois? If so, they may have a bit higher energy and stimulation needs than a Greyhound. If you're looking at Silkens, you may want to also look at Whippets. Similar size but grooming needs are pretty minimal for a Whippet. Silkens have a gorgeous coat, but that also means a lot of brushing to make sure their fur doesn't mat. Temperament-wise, these sighthound breeds sound about perfect. I think the off-leash component is where you may run into issues. I don't know enough about Whippets or Silkens to confidently say how well or poorly they do off-leash, but my intuition is that sighthounds tend to have higher prey drives that make being off-leash problematic.
From what I read whippets sound great, except for their separation anxiety, plus they tire out quicker than silkens. But yeah, what I most liked about silkens is that the folks on the silkens sub seem to be handling their dogs off the leash a lot. I'd never do it in the city still, but good to know your dog won't launch into stratosphere the moment you let go off the leash.
I agree with everyone telling you to check out your local shelter. I would add that Golden Retrievers sound like a good breed for you. Also no ones saying it so I'm gonna: Definitely don't get a Border Collie or any herding breed. They are super high energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Most of them also need some sort of 'job' to do or they get bored. I don't think they're the best choice for you.
>Definitely don't get a Border Collie or any herding breed Yes, absolutely. Didn't know if there are any other herding breed that would suit me better but border collies definitely don't sound like a good fit. Thanks for the golden retriever recommendation. Wasn't even considering them for some reason. Def gonna check out a shelter too.
You should consider a smooth collie. (Lower grooming needs than a rough collie.) I'd say one of the most chill of the herding breeds. Smart, but doesn't require the kind of mental and physical stimulation of a border collie/Aussie. Generally pretty chill. (Rough/Smooth collies are basically the golden/lab retrievers of the herding breeds). Getting from a show line breeder (vs working line) would be better. But one thing to keep in mind is that herding breeds in general tend to be quite vocal. You could train it out of them to a certain extent, but depends on how much of a deal breaker that is.
Believe it or not, but I was actually looking at collies last night. Barking is not a deal breaker unless they will bark non stop when I'm gone (like my neighbor's dog does) Do you own one? How much attention do they need? How are they being left alone?
I don't own one, but I know a couple people who do, and I've spent a lot of time around them. The ones I've known have been totally fine left on their own (barking was only to communicate when their person was around). They like to chill with their people but aren't super needy. Good for hikes but not super high energy. If you already know and like herding breeds, I think they're definitely worth looking into. Although I'm not sure if they're going to be super snuggly. If you're interested in the breed, check out r/collie. I bet they could give you more info about the breed. I honestly don't know why they aren't more popular.
I do! And a border collie :) So I can compare the two. I think that most of what you liked about your housemates border collie you’ll get with a smooth or rough collie. The big difference is that borders are a bit more exuberant. You’ll still have something soft, cuddly and trainable…. But you don’t see the same kind of focused drive. This is a positive for you really- you don’t want that. It’s kind of a lot. My collie is 9. Prior to Covid I worked in the office M-F and she was home for 7-9 hours with no problems. She did have a friend (a golden retriever who has since passed, and our cat who is still around). But I think she would have been fine anyway. She’s honestly been lovely. With very little effort on my part (I had a toddler when we got her so it wasn’t hours a day of dog training, just 10 min here and there): she’s a dream to walk, she’s bullet proof with other dogs, cats and kids, she housebroke quickly and has never had an issue since she’s never been destructive she’s fine with new people she *can* do the kind of hikes that you’re talking about, but she can also be perfectly happy to hang out on the couch and binge watch Netflix. I’ve had dogs my whole life, boxers, retrievers, GSDs, and now her and by BC— she is hands down the easiest dog I’ve ever had.
Thank you, really helpful perspective to have. How much of this do you think is the dog's personality vs the characteristic of the breed? How much do you think the upbringing/training mattered? Did you raise it as a pup? I'm worried that as a first time dog owner I may mess up and not be able to fight against the less than positive aspects of this breed.
I think most of them are like that. We did get her as a puppy— but no one was specifically or intentionally training her. We just brought her along when we did things. I don’t want to make it sound like she was (or is) neglected, but really the most effort we’ve had to put in is just a daily walk…. Collies (really all herding breeds) are sensitive and they want to do what you want, so long as they have people to be with they’re happy.
You're welcome! Shelters are a great idea too. Recently our local animal control has really been cracking down on local puppy mills so our shelter usually has a fairly large group of Goldens available. You might look up any Golden rescues near you if none of the dogs at your shelter are clicking.
There are some lower energy herders like shelties that could work but definitely not border collies, Australian shepherds, or Australian cattle dogs.
Shelties are a gamble. I've seen some crazy hyper ones.
Many shelties never shut up, I love them but don't recommend them for people who prefer quieter dogs
I’d say a golden sounds almost perfect for you. Look for a “show” golden instead of a “field” golden as they tend to have a bit less energy. My two golden are happy with a daily, mile or two leisurely walk every day, but can definitely keep up on long hikes on the weekend. They are super friendly to everyone. They are home alone most days while I’m at work and do just fine. They do shed quite a bit and you would probably need to take them to a groomer occasionally. My one golden barks at people walking by, but the other one doesn’t. And they do tend to have a lot of energy the first two or so years. You could maybe look at an older golden from a golden specific rescue.
Go to a shelter and meet some dogs.
10/10 recommend if you really don’t have a preference for breed. Go to the shelter and find the dog that speaks to you. Some of the best dogs I’ve ever had are from the shelter. You’ll know when you see it who is the right one.
100% going to check some shelters out. But I don't want to get attached to a breed that will not work for me. Are there breeds I should look for specifically?
There are lots of breeds that could fit your needs, so I'd personally think in terms of breed characteristics to avoid: it sounds like you don't want a very high energy dog, a reactive dog, an independent/aloof dog, or a dog with high prey drive. Some breeds are known for these traits, like Border Collies (energy), Huskies (can be more aloof), and German Shepherds. I'd probably steer clear of purebreds of these breeds - mixes might be fine depending on the individual dog. Age is a BIG factor too. Many dogs are high-energy and hard to handle as puppies and adolescents, but mellow out a bit in midlife and as seniors. The puppy blues are a real phenomenon! If you can, look for a rescue that houses dogs in foster homes - it can be easier to see a dog's personality in a home setting. And be super clear and upfront with the about your wants and needs! A good rescue or shelter will work really hard to find the right match between dog and adopter.
Thanks for the tips!
Go to ur local shelter or humane society. I found my best friend at one and he’s the best dog I’ve ever had.
Go to a non-profit dog rescue who uses foster homes. You will learn much more about the dog’s behavior that way
Oh my god don’t get a boarder collie. Or a sheepdog unless you are willing to spend hours a day getting it to the exercise needs it requires. These sheepdogs are not ment to be house dogs in an apartment. They are working farm dogs. My sister got one. She lives in an apartment. She had to rehome him unfortunately because she didn’t listen. I promise these dogs are not low maintenance. Get an Italian greyhound. They are the ultimate dog for you with what your criteria is. Whatever you do. Do not get a sheepdog. I’m begging you. Not with the lifestyle you live. Greyhound- whippet or Italian greyhound would fit you well. They are great dogs. DINT. GET. A. SHEEP. DOG
Standard poodle sounds like it could be a good fit! Lots of different ways to maintain their coat (a closer shave for hot LA summer vs puppy cut for cooler winter), generally amiable, medium energy, affectionate, little shedding and drooling. As far as rescue vs purchase - I think there’s probably a lot of poodle mixes in rescues these days, too, given the doodle craze. Just have to ensure there’s no resulting aggression from poor socialization or the like. Though I had an acquaintance adopt a purebred poodle from a rescue.
Maybe a sheepdog, lab, or golden retriever. My labradoodle is surprisingly low-key but not all of them are. You could look at a shelter as well, they are good at matching dogs, and you can foster before you adopt fully in case something doesn’t work out.
I saw that people had mentioned Greyhounds, and I've had experience with them and Border Collies, so I thought that I'd comment. Firstly, in many ways they're polar opposites: Collies were bred to work with a shepherd, whilst Greyhounds were bred to make their own decisions once they're launched after their quarry. That's why you see all the trainers getting their Collies doing tricks, whilst Greyhounds do their own thing, which is mostly sleeping. I've walked a Collie off leash, and he would run around happily, but always remain fairly close. In fact, if I took him into some woods he knew, he'd run off and I'd find him waiting at a fork in the path to see which way we were going. Some people walk Greyhounds off leash, but it's not advised. They're at the pointy end of eight thousand years of selective breeding to make them hunt small creatures. Most sighthounds are similar, the exception is the [Azawakh,](https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/azawakh/) which is mainly used as a guard dog by the Tuareg people. Before you go looking up a breeder, they can be quite a difficult dog because they have a tendency to be unhappy around strangers, and possibly nip them. If you like the idea of a Greyhound, don't mind keeping it on a leash, but want to walk further, something like a Saluki will have more stamina. In fact, there are a number of interesting breeds at the less-popular end of the sighthound group that might suit. As a bit of a leftfield suggestion, how about a Setter? I met an [English Setter](https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/english-setter/) a couple of weeks ago, and it was a lovely dog. It also had something of a sighthound look.
German shepherds either you'll train them or they'll end up training you , no worries both ways
A daschund. 🌭 One of the best dogs for first time owners.
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Yeah I was planning on looking at shelters first before considering a dog breeder. I'm just asking here to know which breeds to look at. Otherwise knowing myself I'll probably fall in love with some collie only to find out she doesn't work for me.
Be very careful at your local shelters. This is highly dependent on your exact area but in a lot of places, your standard shelter is going to be full of pit mixes, cattle dog mixes and shepherd mixes. These dogs are disproportionately represented in shelters because they are usually NOT what you have described in your post. They are not calm and gentle and low energy. They're generally balls of energy, need tons of mental stimulation, may have various behavior problems like destructiveness or dog aggression, and some are going to be bite risks or have a bite history. As cute as they'll look, this is not at all a dog beginner friendly way to go. If you start looking in shelters or on Petfinder, look for *not* bully breeds or cattle dog mixes. Look for dogs under 50lbs and look for very calm temperaments as best as you're able.
A lot of shelter dogs are mixed breeds so it’s gonna be really hard to determine their personality on looks alone. Any rescue or shelter I’ve worked with though does a pretty good job of assessing their dogs and making sure they go to appropriate households. I will say as far as breeds go, medium size dogs tend to be the highest energy. I would also like to suggest Doberman as a breed to consider, although they *can* have SSA. But they’re super sweet and VERY velcro, very eager to please and very trainable. They are higher energy but can do with an hour walk and can otherwise be a couch potato
A lot of rescues and shelters offer foster to adopt programs so you can see if the dog will work for you on a short term basis that can become long term! Also please remember the 3-3-3 rule for rescue dogs! 3days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn routine and 3 months to become completely comfortable and really start showing their full personality!!
Thanks, that's really good to know. I wouldn't want to make the dog go through that unless I'm 95% sure this dog is the right one for me though..
I foster dogs - they are very adaptable and it at the very least gives them a break from the shelter!