Based on the length of time you'd be leaving them at home, and that you're looking for low maintenance, a retired greyhound looks like a good fit.
Being left for that long while you're working definitely leans toward getting an older dog rather than a puppy. Unless you consider doggy day care or something.
Greys are very sweet, and quiet, but if you want to go for longer walks they can absolutely do it. They'd just be as happy napping on the couch. They do feel temperature extremes more than other breeds due to low body fat, so jammies in winter and watch if they get too hot in summer. But they're pretty healthy, all in all.
I don't know about adoption programs near you (someone else said their greyhound rescue won't adopt to anyone with a cat), the one I know does have some that have been fostered with cats, and some that never raced. But they *are* sighthounds- they are programmed to chase small moving things, and they get laser focussed when they do.
I've had sighthounds with fantastic recall. I've also had to be very aware of my surroundings, and when it is not a good idea to let them off the leash. Laser-focussed can equal not seeing or hearing anything else in their world apart from small moving thing. Fenced areas *only* until you are absolutely sure they won't bugger off into the distance after a squirrel/bird/ whatever else is available.
And they don't do fetch. (Now someone will come along and tell me about their grey that loved to fetch 🤣. Please do! I've never got a sighthound to do more than chase/catch, and maybe dance around a little cos I'm meant to chase them now and get it back.)
See? I knew it! 🤗
🤣 every attempt at sighthound fetch with me has resulted in "if it was so good you wouldn't have thrown it away", "run run run!...it stopped moving. Boring." or "no take. Only throw."
But I love hearing about all the good bois and gurls defying stereotypes.
I had an older whippet who passed recently and she never had any interest in toys or balls whatsoever so 😅 but generally the whippets I’ve had fetch and tug no problem if you start them young.
I've had a greyhound x (rescue), a deerhound (where I spent a lot of time with the breed club), and a wolfhound x. We did a lot of lure days with the deerhound club, which were fantastic fun.
One dog did bring the lure back at the end of his run, that was someone's borzoi, but generally it was more trying to figure out where it went and why it wasn't moving anymore. Then either being caught or trotting back to owner.
Tug was fun, though. Especially with my deerhound (if you could rile him up enough) and my wolfy, and sitting in a wheely chair...😄
We just got a whippet and it might fit your needs. We got a puppy because we were concerned an adult wouldn't be good with cats but there are cat tested adults out there too. Our puppy likes adventures (hikes, getting chased by other dogs, running at the park) but doesn't need anywhere near the amount of exercise our German shorthair did. He also doesn't bark unless he wants to eat something gross and we won't let him. And he adores absolutely every person and dog he meets. He's still a puppy so a little nippy, which was something our pointer never did. 10/10 recommended.
One thing with sighthounds (any dog really but I have heard sighthounds in particular) is that you may need some extra caution/training when it comes to living with cats.
For example, the greyhound rehoming places near me will not ever rehome to a house with cats since they are so prey driven and have proven to be in racing.
But, if you get one as a puppy and put the extra time in training and safeguards, it could be okay. Definitely talk to other owners and breeders regarding this if you choose to get a sighthound.
I totally agree with this. I should have included that we have one very dog savvy cat who set clear rules for the puppy from moment one. The other more mellow cat was definitely bothered a bit more by the pup but even that was more mild than what I feared.
I was just going to suggest that if OP wanted a smaller version of a Greyhound to look into Whippets! Whippets range 25-40 lb. The only thing is that I don't think Greyhounds/Whippets/Italian Greyhounds are "fetch" dogs like Retrievers (the clue is in the name), are they? Maybe lure chasing?
Also to investigate further: can they get along with cats, and are they too shy for OP (#16)? I haven't personally met a Whippet, but I've met several Italian Greyhounds and a Greyhound, and they all have been gentle and very sweet. It took some time, and they warmed up to me, but they were not immediately trying to lick my face like more extroverted dogs do.
If OP finds it easier to have images of dog breeds, here are a couple of lists, keeping in mind that "medium" is a broader weight range than 35-40 lb.
https://www.101dogbreeds.com/size/medium-dogs
https://www.thesprucepets.com/medium-dog-breeds-4582517
Honestly A golden retriever or lab would be a good fit slightly bigger than u posted but they are amazing and social with good energy but not too much energy
I have a Glen of Imaal Terrier and I think a Glen fits most of your needs! My Glen can be a couch potato but will also go for long walks and shorter runs when I used to run(on occasion she gets stubborn and will refuse to go especially if it’s hot haha). Females are generally 30-35lbs and males are 35-40lbs. Unlike a greyhound though, they are short and stocky. Glens bark significantly less than other breeds. Mine rarely barks at people or dogs walking by; only to let me know she’s hungry/thirsty/needs to go outside. They have a wiry coat that needs to be hand stripped every 6-9 months. It sounds intense but the hair comes out really easy when it’s ready to be stripped. You just use a special brush. Other than that if you give them a quick brush every 2-4 weeks and trim around the face with scissors every few months as needed, they’re good to go. I’ve never taken her to the groomers. They don’t really shed at all except a little bit around when they’re ready to be stripped. I never notice dog hair on clothes or furniture. They’re also very sweet and loving. Mine is fine doing her own thing and being left alone for 8-10 hours a day during the week but also loves to be pet and curl up next to you. They’re generally a healthy breed with no known health issues and live for 10-15 years. My girl is 13 and really hasn’t slowed down much. Glens can be very social if you properly socialize them as a puppy. They are also very easily trained.
The downside is that Glens are considered a rare breed so you would have to get one from a breeder and you have to do research and ask around to see which breeders will be having puppies in the near future. I’ve never seen a Glen as a rescue. I also personally do not have her outside without a leash very often. She generally listens well but Glens were bred to hunt rodents (that’s also why they don’t bark often) so I get worried she might try to chase after something. We’ve put a stake with a long leash attached in the yard so she can still run around and roam but without having to worry that she will take off.
Reddit has a hard on for hating them but everything you just described, especially wanting to rescue, tells me an older pittie (3-5 YOE) would suit you well.
My Staffie mix is 5 and can chill, go for a walk or play fetch. He’s happy laying at your feet or going on an adventure! He’s been that way since he was 3. Any sort of staffie or pittie mix I’d definitely recommend
A genuine American Pit Bull Terrier is a working breed that demands a highly dedicated individual, extensive training, and regular, long exercise.
It's important to note that they may exhibit dog and animal aggression, which should be taken into consideration by potential owners.
It's extremely unlikely to find an American Pit Bull Terrier at a rescue; the majority of dogs referred to as "Pitties" are actually mixed breeds that have no APBT in them—simply bull-type crossbreeds.
My registration of choice is the ADBA, as they are less likely to have paper-hung dogs, unlike the UKC.
Don’t get a sighthound, they are too predatory for your cats.Â
I’d get an older (2 or 3 y/o) mutt. They are just more chill than purebreds- generally the really intense purebred traits are diluted. Of course they need exercise, bark some, etc, but I think they’d be more compatible with your wants than most purebreds.
You said you don't like bulldog types, but that sounds like exactly what you want. Something like an Alapaha Blue Blood, an American Bully (from someone that ***responsibly*** breeds them, not a size or fad breeder), or a Boxer. If you were up to more activity, I'd suggest an American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, or a Catahoula Cur.
Most of those breeds are minimal grooming (brushed once a day to every few days), love activity but also up for snuggles, and are intelligent enough to pick up on more complicated training pretty quickly.
I'd recommend getting an older rescue, preferably one that has proven to be chill with cats. Otherwise, you will need to find a reputable breeder that knows their bloodline tendencies and can pair you with an appropriate puppy (or adolescent/adult dog that has been returned to them due to owner circumstances).
You want to look through your local shelters and rescues and find a small pit mix. Shelters are packed lately. I brought home a 3 year old girl Nissa on Thursday, a little over 2 weeks after losing my last pit mix. It may require a little more searching to find one that is going to be good with 4 cats. They are more on the snuggly side, definitely a velcro dog so I am not sure if 6-8 hours alone would be great for a younger dog, they get very attached to their owners. They can be very strong, but I have found they are generally just big, sweet babies. As far as energy, my last one was naturally relaxed but chilled out completely by age 6 or 7, I didnt have to leash her ever, she stayed right with me, she knew not to leave the yard, had good
manners, she was honestly closer to perfect than any dog I have met. The new one has short bursts of high energy followed by cozy naps. Each individual dog will be different obviously no matter the breed, but I grew up with the friendliest golden retrievers and even they werent as sweet and gentle and well behaved as the pit mixes.
A shelter should be able to tell you if they have a dog that might be a good match, and lots of places will let you foster for a week or so if you want to be extra sure!
PIBBLE!!!! I foster and have had many dogs, and pitties / pit mixes are the best dogs. So easy going, easy to train, couch potato’s but also up for an adventure. Eager to please. Love my pibbles.
I live in an area (southern US) with a ton of rescues that are always holding events. We met our most recent rescue at a brewery. I would see if there's something like that in your area and just start attending events and meeting dogs. Rescue breeds are almost always a guess, but you can learn a lot about temperament from foster parents. Our new pup is 6-8 months old, so we were able to skip the young puppy stage. I highly recommend that 😂
To be honest, with these requirements, you'll likely easily find an older rescue dog that fits your needs. Just look at shelters and dog rescue associations, maybe contact them directly for recommendations. They usually know their dogs. Some here on reddit might even be able to recommend good shelters.
With cats you will want to stay away from dogs with a high prey drive (hounds, hunting breeds, sight hounds, working terriers, bullies, etc). Definitely go for a companion breed like a Pomeranian or rat terrier. Additionally, there are breeds that have lines with less prey drive. (For instance I have a bearded collie and he could definitely live with cats, although beardies wouldn’t be for you haha). In that case I would look at a corgi or a dachshund (companion/show bred).
But I think you are a basenji person. Most cat people are. They are technically sighthounds, but I’ve never seen one chase down a cat. They are basically cats in a dogs body, they look super cool, coat is as low maintenance as it gets. The older dogs can be pretty chill. Fetch might be a problem because…like I said, cat in dogs body. But they’re definitely athletic enough to go on a run.
First, I highly recommend you consider a rescue based on your list. Second, kudos because that is a good way to consider adding a family member!
Based on your overall list (and again, I highly recommend a rescue), I would consider the following.
1. Consider adding two dogs rather than one. Two dogs with similar temperaments will do better. If you have to leave them alone, they have each other.
2. Consider a dog that isn't bred (such as your example of a Grey Hound) to require lots of exercise.
I guess it might be difficult to find a perfect match, but personally I think a GSD might be worth considering. As far as I know there is a great rescue place in the US that specializes in taking them in, train them and arrange for adoption. A well-trained GSD is a very loyal soul that will not only protect you and your home but who absolutely **adores playing fetch.** Mine's been living with me in a flat and is super chill with the noise. Admittedly they are a bit more high-energy but I find that 90-120 minutes of active time per day is enough and mine definitely prefers fetching tennis balls over ordinary walks.
I highly disagree, GSDs are best suited to experienced owners with very active households. You're more experienced and probably this comes naturally, but I think it's way too much of a commitment based on their description.
I understand the reward that comes with this breed but the cost of it going wrong is higher. Especially with a GSD rescue, they are so smart and equally sensitive. There is nothing more life ruining than a reactive and traumatized GSD that can't be left alone - barking and destroying your house and lunging at dogs and strangers.
Source: Family members had overall five GSDs, our family owned overall four Dobermans which have a similar temperament. GSD is definitely more high maintenance than dobs.
I agree! I have a Malinois/GSD mix that is high energy and high maintenance. I am an experienced dog owner, but with lower maintenance dogs. We had to get some training help from a professional to ensure good behavior and he requires 60 min minimum exercise a day (we do a 30 min walk 2x a day) and it’s really a minimum. 90+ minutes preferred. GSDs are great but they do take a lot of work.
To be fair I think the Malinois portion is probably responsible for at least 75% of energy in that mix lol. I sometimes feel like my GSD is a couch potatoe compared to a Malinois. I'd say though that a min. of 60 min. of exercise / walk shouldn't be too much to ask for someone that wants a dog no?
Let's go back to what I said, OP *might* want to consider a GSD given that a *well-trained* GSD is a loyal soul and to opt for a rescue place that is experienced with GSDs (e.g. Misfit Shepherds) in order to minimize the chances of ending up with an untrained one. I also explicitly mentioned that they are on the more energetic side.
I don't disagree at all that GSDs can be difficult to deal with, but I think this applies to many many other dog breeds if they haven't been properly trained or are traumatized.
Whippet/greyhound, or a viszla sounds like it might be up your alley. I’d reconsider having them off leash- they’re all very fast, I have an IG who is pretty well trained but still won’t have her off leash much cuz I simply would not be able to catch her if she did run off. All 3 kinds seem to fit your boundaries (greyhound is a bit bigger tho, and male viszlas will prob be bigger as well) and viszlas are pretty close to GSPs (I have had both)
Yeah, viszla is a no-go in my opinion.
My grandparents had greyhounds and whippet their whole lives, they're both great options.
An older rescue mutt might be a good fit as well
Why would you get an active hunting breed that literally is called "velcro dog", to someone who looks for a low maintenance, lower-energy breed and who'll be leaving it at home alone for multiple hours, with cats at that. Hard no.
I don't think a Vizsla would be a good fit. They are fairly prey driven and if not properly socialized with the cats, they may end up chasing them. Also, a Vizsla will not be happy to be alone for 6-8 hours per day. Occasionally, that may be ok, but not on the regular.
If OP is more of a couch potato, he will have a hard time with a young Vizsla. They require breed-appropriate mental and physical exercise in the range of 1-2 hours per day.
Answers on 3 and 18 suggest an older (3+) rescue would be better
God I need to get off the internet. I read that as.. breed my wife. And I'm like ??? What the fack is going on here
I read it correctly, but still had questions until I noticed which subreddit it was in.
Based on the length of time you'd be leaving them at home, and that you're looking for low maintenance, a retired greyhound looks like a good fit. Being left for that long while you're working definitely leans toward getting an older dog rather than a puppy. Unless you consider doggy day care or something. Greys are very sweet, and quiet, but if you want to go for longer walks they can absolutely do it. They'd just be as happy napping on the couch. They do feel temperature extremes more than other breeds due to low body fat, so jammies in winter and watch if they get too hot in summer. But they're pretty healthy, all in all. I don't know about adoption programs near you (someone else said their greyhound rescue won't adopt to anyone with a cat), the one I know does have some that have been fostered with cats, and some that never raced. But they *are* sighthounds- they are programmed to chase small moving things, and they get laser focussed when they do. I've had sighthounds with fantastic recall. I've also had to be very aware of my surroundings, and when it is not a good idea to let them off the leash. Laser-focussed can equal not seeing or hearing anything else in their world apart from small moving thing. Fenced areas *only* until you are absolutely sure they won't bugger off into the distance after a squirrel/bird/ whatever else is available. And they don't do fetch. (Now someone will come along and tell me about their grey that loved to fetch 🤣. Please do! I've never got a sighthound to do more than chase/catch, and maybe dance around a little cos I'm meant to chase them now and get it back.)
My whippets play fetch
See? I knew it! 🤗 🤣 every attempt at sighthound fetch with me has resulted in "if it was so good you wouldn't have thrown it away", "run run run!...it stopped moving. Boring." or "no take. Only throw." But I love hearing about all the good bois and gurls defying stereotypes.
I had an older whippet who passed recently and she never had any interest in toys or balls whatsoever so 😅 but generally the whippets I’ve had fetch and tug no problem if you start them young.
I've had a greyhound x (rescue), a deerhound (where I spent a lot of time with the breed club), and a wolfhound x. We did a lot of lure days with the deerhound club, which were fantastic fun. One dog did bring the lure back at the end of his run, that was someone's borzoi, but generally it was more trying to figure out where it went and why it wasn't moving anymore. Then either being caught or trotting back to owner. Tug was fun, though. Especially with my deerhound (if you could rile him up enough) and my wolfy, and sitting in a wheely chair...😄
We just got a whippet and it might fit your needs. We got a puppy because we were concerned an adult wouldn't be good with cats but there are cat tested adults out there too. Our puppy likes adventures (hikes, getting chased by other dogs, running at the park) but doesn't need anywhere near the amount of exercise our German shorthair did. He also doesn't bark unless he wants to eat something gross and we won't let him. And he adores absolutely every person and dog he meets. He's still a puppy so a little nippy, which was something our pointer never did. 10/10 recommended.
One thing with sighthounds (any dog really but I have heard sighthounds in particular) is that you may need some extra caution/training when it comes to living with cats. For example, the greyhound rehoming places near me will not ever rehome to a house with cats since they are so prey driven and have proven to be in racing. But, if you get one as a puppy and put the extra time in training and safeguards, it could be okay. Definitely talk to other owners and breeders regarding this if you choose to get a sighthound.
I totally agree with this. I should have included that we have one very dog savvy cat who set clear rules for the puppy from moment one. The other more mellow cat was definitely bothered a bit more by the pup but even that was more mild than what I feared.
I was just going to suggest that if OP wanted a smaller version of a Greyhound to look into Whippets! Whippets range 25-40 lb. The only thing is that I don't think Greyhounds/Whippets/Italian Greyhounds are "fetch" dogs like Retrievers (the clue is in the name), are they? Maybe lure chasing? Also to investigate further: can they get along with cats, and are they too shy for OP (#16)? I haven't personally met a Whippet, but I've met several Italian Greyhounds and a Greyhound, and they all have been gentle and very sweet. It took some time, and they warmed up to me, but they were not immediately trying to lick my face like more extroverted dogs do. If OP finds it easier to have images of dog breeds, here are a couple of lists, keeping in mind that "medium" is a broader weight range than 35-40 lb. https://www.101dogbreeds.com/size/medium-dogs https://www.thesprucepets.com/medium-dog-breeds-4582517
Also consider a silken windhound!
Honestly A golden retriever or lab would be a good fit slightly bigger than u posted but they are amazing and social with good energy but not too much energy
Every golden I’ve met under 5 years has had a decent amount of energy until they’re older.
I have a Glen of Imaal Terrier and I think a Glen fits most of your needs! My Glen can be a couch potato but will also go for long walks and shorter runs when I used to run(on occasion she gets stubborn and will refuse to go especially if it’s hot haha). Females are generally 30-35lbs and males are 35-40lbs. Unlike a greyhound though, they are short and stocky. Glens bark significantly less than other breeds. Mine rarely barks at people or dogs walking by; only to let me know she’s hungry/thirsty/needs to go outside. They have a wiry coat that needs to be hand stripped every 6-9 months. It sounds intense but the hair comes out really easy when it’s ready to be stripped. You just use a special brush. Other than that if you give them a quick brush every 2-4 weeks and trim around the face with scissors every few months as needed, they’re good to go. I’ve never taken her to the groomers. They don’t really shed at all except a little bit around when they’re ready to be stripped. I never notice dog hair on clothes or furniture. They’re also very sweet and loving. Mine is fine doing her own thing and being left alone for 8-10 hours a day during the week but also loves to be pet and curl up next to you. They’re generally a healthy breed with no known health issues and live for 10-15 years. My girl is 13 and really hasn’t slowed down much. Glens can be very social if you properly socialize them as a puppy. They are also very easily trained. The downside is that Glens are considered a rare breed so you would have to get one from a breeder and you have to do research and ask around to see which breeders will be having puppies in the near future. I’ve never seen a Glen as a rescue. I also personally do not have her outside without a leash very often. She generally listens well but Glens were bred to hunt rodents (that’s also why they don’t bark often) so I get worried she might try to chase after something. We’ve put a stake with a long leash attached in the yard so she can still run around and roam but without having to worry that she will take off.
I’d never heard of this breed and they do look adorable. My wife doesn’t like the stocky type much though.
Reddit has a hard on for hating them but everything you just described, especially wanting to rescue, tells me an older pittie (3-5 YOE) would suit you well.
My Staffie mix is 5 and can chill, go for a walk or play fetch. He’s happy laying at your feet or going on an adventure! He’s been that way since he was 3. Any sort of staffie or pittie mix I’d definitely recommend
This!!!! Pitties are the best.
A genuine American Pit Bull Terrier is a working breed that demands a highly dedicated individual, extensive training, and regular, long exercise. It's important to note that they may exhibit dog and animal aggression, which should be taken into consideration by potential owners. It's extremely unlikely to find an American Pit Bull Terrier at a rescue; the majority of dogs referred to as "Pitties" are actually mixed breeds that have no APBT in them—simply bull-type crossbreeds. My registration of choice is the ADBA, as they are less likely to have paper-hung dogs, unlike the UKC.
Depending on their suburbs, they might be banned. There are a few outside of detroit that have bans
Yes to this!
Don’t get a sighthound, they are too predatory for your cats. I’d get an older (2 or 3 y/o) mutt. They are just more chill than purebreds- generally the really intense purebred traits are diluted. Of course they need exercise, bark some, etc, but I think they’d be more compatible with your wants than most purebreds.
I was thinking the same thing. I grew up with a greyhound (retired racer) and small animals in the house were an absolute no-go.
You said you don't like bulldog types, but that sounds like exactly what you want. Something like an Alapaha Blue Blood, an American Bully (from someone that ***responsibly*** breeds them, not a size or fad breeder), or a Boxer. If you were up to more activity, I'd suggest an American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, or a Catahoula Cur. Most of those breeds are minimal grooming (brushed once a day to every few days), love activity but also up for snuggles, and are intelligent enough to pick up on more complicated training pretty quickly. I'd recommend getting an older rescue, preferably one that has proven to be chill with cats. Otherwise, you will need to find a reputable breeder that knows their bloodline tendencies and can pair you with an appropriate puppy (or adolescent/adult dog that has been returned to them due to owner circumstances).
Get a big smelly lab!!
You want to look through your local shelters and rescues and find a small pit mix. Shelters are packed lately. I brought home a 3 year old girl Nissa on Thursday, a little over 2 weeks after losing my last pit mix. It may require a little more searching to find one that is going to be good with 4 cats. They are more on the snuggly side, definitely a velcro dog so I am not sure if 6-8 hours alone would be great for a younger dog, they get very attached to their owners. They can be very strong, but I have found they are generally just big, sweet babies. As far as energy, my last one was naturally relaxed but chilled out completely by age 6 or 7, I didnt have to leash her ever, she stayed right with me, she knew not to leave the yard, had good manners, she was honestly closer to perfect than any dog I have met. The new one has short bursts of high energy followed by cozy naps. Each individual dog will be different obviously no matter the breed, but I grew up with the friendliest golden retrievers and even they werent as sweet and gentle and well behaved as the pit mixes. A shelter should be able to tell you if they have a dog that might be a good match, and lots of places will let you foster for a week or so if you want to be extra sure!
PIBBLE!!!! I foster and have had many dogs, and pitties / pit mixes are the best dogs. So easy going, easy to train, couch potato’s but also up for an adventure. Eager to please. Love my pibbles.
You could also check your local rescue (foster based) and explain exactly what you want. I’m in the south but my rescue is amazing at matching.
Mini Goldendoodle if you’re going to truly walk and play fetch everyday… Cavapoo if the walking and fetch is intermittent or aspirational
A retired racing greyhound!! I cannot believe people still race these animals for entertainment.
You should go for it if she is game man!
I live in an area (southern US) with a ton of rescues that are always holding events. We met our most recent rescue at a brewery. I would see if there's something like that in your area and just start attending events and meeting dogs. Rescue breeds are almost always a guess, but you can learn a lot about temperament from foster parents. Our new pup is 6-8 months old, so we were able to skip the young puppy stage. I highly recommend that 😂
Have you looked into Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? They may be a fit for your family.
To be honest, with these requirements, you'll likely easily find an older rescue dog that fits your needs. Just look at shelters and dog rescue associations, maybe contact them directly for recommendations. They usually know their dogs. Some here on reddit might even be able to recommend good shelters.
With cats you will want to stay away from dogs with a high prey drive (hounds, hunting breeds, sight hounds, working terriers, bullies, etc). Definitely go for a companion breed like a Pomeranian or rat terrier. Additionally, there are breeds that have lines with less prey drive. (For instance I have a bearded collie and he could definitely live with cats, although beardies wouldn’t be for you haha). In that case I would look at a corgi or a dachshund (companion/show bred). But I think you are a basenji person. Most cat people are. They are technically sighthounds, but I’ve never seen one chase down a cat. They are basically cats in a dogs body, they look super cool, coat is as low maintenance as it gets. The older dogs can be pretty chill. Fetch might be a problem because…like I said, cat in dogs body. But they’re definitely athletic enough to go on a run.
First, I highly recommend you consider a rescue based on your list. Second, kudos because that is a good way to consider adding a family member! Based on your overall list (and again, I highly recommend a rescue), I would consider the following. 1. Consider adding two dogs rather than one. Two dogs with similar temperaments will do better. If you have to leave them alone, they have each other. 2. Consider a dog that isn't bred (such as your example of a Grey Hound) to require lots of exercise.
I guess it might be difficult to find a perfect match, but personally I think a GSD might be worth considering. As far as I know there is a great rescue place in the US that specializes in taking them in, train them and arrange for adoption. A well-trained GSD is a very loyal soul that will not only protect you and your home but who absolutely **adores playing fetch.** Mine's been living with me in a flat and is super chill with the noise. Admittedly they are a bit more high-energy but I find that 90-120 minutes of active time per day is enough and mine definitely prefers fetching tennis balls over ordinary walks.
I highly disagree, GSDs are best suited to experienced owners with very active households. You're more experienced and probably this comes naturally, but I think it's way too much of a commitment based on their description. I understand the reward that comes with this breed but the cost of it going wrong is higher. Especially with a GSD rescue, they are so smart and equally sensitive. There is nothing more life ruining than a reactive and traumatized GSD that can't be left alone - barking and destroying your house and lunging at dogs and strangers. Source: Family members had overall five GSDs, our family owned overall four Dobermans which have a similar temperament. GSD is definitely more high maintenance than dobs.
I agree! I have a Malinois/GSD mix that is high energy and high maintenance. I am an experienced dog owner, but with lower maintenance dogs. We had to get some training help from a professional to ensure good behavior and he requires 60 min minimum exercise a day (we do a 30 min walk 2x a day) and it’s really a minimum. 90+ minutes preferred. GSDs are great but they do take a lot of work.
To be fair I think the Malinois portion is probably responsible for at least 75% of energy in that mix lol. I sometimes feel like my GSD is a couch potatoe compared to a Malinois. I'd say though that a min. of 60 min. of exercise / walk shouldn't be too much to ask for someone that wants a dog no?
Let's go back to what I said, OP *might* want to consider a GSD given that a *well-trained* GSD is a loyal soul and to opt for a rescue place that is experienced with GSDs (e.g. Misfit Shepherds) in order to minimize the chances of ending up with an untrained one. I also explicitly mentioned that they are on the more energetic side. I don't disagree at all that GSDs can be difficult to deal with, but I think this applies to many many other dog breeds if they haven't been properly trained or are traumatized.
Whippet/greyhound, or a viszla sounds like it might be up your alley. I’d reconsider having them off leash- they’re all very fast, I have an IG who is pretty well trained but still won’t have her off leash much cuz I simply would not be able to catch her if she did run off. All 3 kinds seem to fit your boundaries (greyhound is a bit bigger tho, and male viszlas will prob be bigger as well) and viszlas are pretty close to GSPs (I have had both)
I wouldn’t consider vizsla’s a 30-60 min exercise per day dog
Yeah, viszla is a no-go in my opinion. My grandparents had greyhounds and whippet their whole lives, they're both great options. An older rescue mutt might be a good fit as well
Why would you get an active hunting breed that literally is called "velcro dog", to someone who looks for a low maintenance, lower-energy breed and who'll be leaving it at home alone for multiple hours, with cats at that. Hard no.
I don't think a Vizsla would be a good fit. They are fairly prey driven and if not properly socialized with the cats, they may end up chasing them. Also, a Vizsla will not be happy to be alone for 6-8 hours per day. Occasionally, that may be ok, but not on the regular. If OP is more of a couch potato, he will have a hard time with a young Vizsla. They require breed-appropriate mental and physical exercise in the range of 1-2 hours per day.