You can generalise to some extent about breeds, but really each dog's got its own character, like people.

I have to say my jack russell's just the opposite. She trots up to every dog and or person and exudes calm, happy, friendliness at them. I've witnessed some real drooling, mad eyed, monstrous hounds of Dracula, snarling, with fangs bared & hackles up, and she just goes & gives them a nice snuggle, and their whole posture and demeanour changes instantly.

T'other fool of a dog of mine compensates for that, by charging at everything, screaming like a monkey, until all people & animals flee, staunching their bleeding lug holes on the way.

^ I saw this clip a bit back. Poor little darlings! Thank heavens they're out.

Beagles are so beautiful and nice natured, you can easily forgive them for their tendency to howl.

Me & Sarah were accosted by 3 of them on the park yesterday - 2 of them distracted us with cuddles, while the 3rd pinched my lunch - our dogs were too busy paddling in a stream nearby to notice at first. It was a Greek salad, so I was surprised it was interested in such fare, but its embarrassed owner said it would eat anything at all.

They were very gorgeous!

Any dog experts/experienced owners here?

I'm going to get a dog, and I'm looking for a rescue - ie older and calmer dog, and one that is a very placid and docile breed. I don't like hyper ones like collies and spaniels, they make me nervous. I don't like Rotties, German Sheppards and bull terriers either, because they make me nervous too.

Mr P has said that the only breed he objects to is a greyhound, because they are stupid, but I think intelligence in dogs is overrated and really like greyhounds (and might get one anyway and ignore the sulking).

So far I've narrowed it down to a rescue lab (but I'm a first time owner and I think labs are a little on the large side for me), or a basset hound. People say that basset hounds are very stubborn and not particularly obedient, but they are meant to be one of the most docile breeds. Has anyone owned a basset or do you know anything about them? Also, can you suggest any other really chilled, docile, affectionate and placid breeds (preferably not too large)?

Thanks.

I do dog boarding so I've had more than my fair share!

I wouldnt mind a presa canario.

Space Bandit wrote:
I've tried a bit of snow boarding and mountain boarding. Always been a bit too much of a wuss when it comes to dog boarding though.
Scary shit.

picha wrote: Why?
Is someone bullying you?

feather wrote:
Probably for scaring Muslims.

Are you still trying to build yourself up to look intimidating Picha?
Or did that fail so now you want an angry looking dog?

picha wrote: Why?
Is someone bullying you?

feather wrote:
No I just wouldn't mind one to help guard me when I'm living by myself.

You're not theabominablephenomenon from DIF are you?