What do you think makes a good cross for someone who wants a mellow low activity doggie who’ll look and sound menacing when necessary?
Any size is fine, short hair preferred and must be good with cats. Also prefer short tails and less slobber/droopy eyes too.
I don’t know much about low activity dogs so I’m stumped.
What about a corgi? My aunt and uncle had one and so do my cousins, I knew many corgis who were chill. Hmm what other breeds…I’ll do some more thinking and see if I can find my dog books for ideas!
Bullmastiff? https://www.akc.org/breeds/bullmastiff/index.cfm
I would avoid a cross unless you don’t mind being wrong. The problem with cross-bred dogs is that you may end up with none of the desired traits being passed on. You can’t really take a Cavalier and cross it with a Pit Bull and expect a powerfully built dog that has the temperament of a Cavalier. It’s possible…or not.
If you’re looking for a mutt, than just keep checking what’s available at local shelters. Breed wouldn’t matter as long as the dog has the desired traits you want.
Now if you’re asking about purebred breeds that fit your criteria, than breed would matter.
ok, let me re phrase this—
what are some medium to large breeds which prefer the couch potato lifestyle?
I’m just wondering what breeds are thought to have this trait more than say, a border collie from working lines!
Great Dane?
Greyhound?
Doberman Pinscher…
Of course, a mature, doberman pinscher. Any puppy is going to have insatiable energy level.
Been a lifelong dog owner and the 2 dogs that fit your criteria in my experience…Chow Chow and Greyhound. I owned two different Chow dogs who were excellent watch dogs, but really had low exercise requirements. Caveat, if you are a cat person, you will like Chows…well bred, well socialized recommended. My Greyhound had the most impressive bark, surprised me every time! Her exercise requirements were also easily met.
Just my experience, good luck with your search!!
English Mastiff…I had one. He was the sweetest dog ever…not the brightest bulb in the chandelier, but super sweet and a total couch potato.
The dog would be adopted from a shelter or rescue and would be at least middle-aged. Ideally the dog’s temperment would be well established and known by adoption time.
Thanks for the suggestions, I like learning about breeds which are new to me.
[QUOTE=asb2517;7794657]
English Mastiff…I had one. He was the sweetest dog ever…not the brightest bulb in the chandelier, but super sweet and a total couch potato.[/QUOTE]
Aren’t they pretty drooly?
Greyhound is likely to be a good fit. some of the hounds I meet are good at being couch potatoes, Bassett Hounds being one of them.
First you have to find a greyhound that barks - we have had two, and their reputation is generally that they do not bark, and are quiet to have around.
However - you can’t go wrong for a beautiful, elegant companion that just wants to give you the same love ns you give it…and it gets a new lease on life, since a greyhound that cannot make money is a dead one.
I was asked if I knew anybody that wanted a trained Caine Corso! The family needs to find a new home for it because it is possessive of its bones and they have kids, duh. It is a huge dog, and would need that special place.
I would also suggest a Greyhound. Best thing is if you get one from a reputable Greyhound rescue, they are usually middle aged & have started on their social skills & re-training(if ex-racers). Best of luck 
ummmm every greyhound i have ever been near has eaten cats
For you or for someone else?
Houston Collie Rescue rescued over 130 collies from a hoarding situation 2 months ago. A tri color smooth collie is large (65-80 lbs), has a gentle protective instinct so will bark/alert at strangers, and will spend his indoor time on the couch. They do need 2 good walks a day, but they really are Lassie and will be nannies and friends and protectors and helpmeets. I say tri color because most people do not identify them as collies/“Lassie dogs” and so you have a little more intimidation factor even though they are as gentle as the sable and white collies or blue merles.
Houston Collie Rescue
http://www.houstoncollierescue.org/
good idea about the greyhounds—and scruffy it is something we’ve been talking about for me if necessary.
FWIW, I got my first collie when my DH was traveling a lot for work and I needed a protector at home.
I had the perfect foster that would have fit the bill! He is a mastiff/pit bull mix, loving dog with a HUGE bark and at 83 lbs looked very intimidating. He now lives in TN with 3 cats. The mastiff while adding size also ads in big goof ball and not the bravest dog on the planet. First time he met my cat he belly crawled to him.
For whatever reason, people tend to find a black dog with pointy ears more intimidating. My sister did well in a bad neighborhood with a black husky mix. Her dog had a sweet temperament, but was very energetic.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
