For a family with older children who want a GSD but are not really ready or committed to go through all the necessary training, socialization and exercise for the dog?

These are their requirements - medium to large size (40 lbs +), social as opposed to aloof, moderate exercise needs, and "easier." By easier I think they mean they don't plan on doing obedience classes, don't want to spend a lot of time and energy on socialization (at least not what's necessary for a GSD), and don't want to spend 2+ hours on exercise/training a day. I think they are in love with the looks and temperament of a GSD, but when I told them how much dedication and interaction raising a GSD requires, they started looking kind of worried and asked me if there was another breed that might be better.

I know a lot of people are going to say, if you don't want to put in work then you shouldn't get a dog at all, and I agree. But I think this family is willing to put in time and energy for exercise, just not what is necessary for a GSD.

I can think of some small breed dogs that might be a good match (like a pug) but I'm drawing a blank for larger breed dogs. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Is going to a rescue or shelter an option? I have a dog that meets all their criteria, but he's a mutt from a rescue. 65lbs (though in profile is bigger than my GSDs), social, easy going, loves kids, zero drive, needs very little exercise (a short walk a few times a week and some yard time during the day).

How about a life size stuffed GSD from Toy'R Us?



I'm kidding. Let me think about this one.

get 'em a Lab or Golden Retriever.

Top 10 Dogs for Lazy Owners

If they want a social family dog, I would recommend a Siberian Husky. As long as they don't want a dog with protective instincts, because a Sibe would open the door to an intruder. On average, they're wonderful with kids and dogs and they don't tend to have many health problems. And they're very clean dogs and easy to maintain, despite the appearance of all that fur. Of course, they do have some faults, like their desire to run, so owners must be careful about fencing and not leaving them to their own devices. Here's the good and the bad from the Siberian Husky Club of America:

http://www.shca.org/shcahp2a.htm

http://www.shca.org/shcahp2b.htm

Seriously??

I don't know any retrievers that were born laid back. High energy until at 3 years old in most cases and they like to work.

ugliest stuffed gsd i have ever seen!! LOVE LOVE LOVE the REAL mutt, though!!

Some of the hunting breeds, sighthounds and setters mainly, can be pretty laid back. With most sighthounds they need a few minutes a day running like crazy full bore, and they're on the couch the rest of the time. Retired racing greyhounds can be great pets for lazy owners so long as they have a fenced yard or nearby park where the dog can run for a few minutes.

Bulldogs are about as lazy as it gets, but loads of health problems.

Getting into the really big breeds, Danes and most of the mastiffs are very laid back and lazy too. Most American line Dobermans I've met are as well.

As long as it's not a Gordon Setter. Mine is almost 4 years old and still bouncing off the walls. And she's all showlines. Had a field Gordon before and he didn't start settling down until he was 8!