What AKC recognized breed would you get if you had to pick?

[Kaitee and Orwell]

I know we all love our doodles, but it occurred to me that I think I'm actually different than most of you. Getting a labradoodle was NOT my first choice. Heck, it didn't really even register on my top choices. Since I still live at home with my parents, I had a size requirement (which didn't really work out anyway, lol) and had to compromise. Needless to say, I absolute LOVE and adore Orwell and wouldn't trade him for anything. I just know that I probably won't get another doodle. Most of them that I've met seem pretty independent and headstrong. Orwell is not. He can be an independent thinker, but I know how to get him to do whatever I want because I know I'm at the top of his priority list. I love my velcro dog.

If Orwell wasn't in his litter, I can honestly say that I would not have a labradoodle right now. I did not particularly like his brothers and sisters. I'm sure I would have come love them eventually, but Orwell was special. I even met his new brothers and sisters and didn't really like them either. While I thought it would be pretty cool to have a girl the same color as Orwell, none of them really connected with me.

If things were entirely up to me, I would have gotten an Irish Wolfhound. I have loved those dogs ever since I met one when I was 7 years old. I was scared at first because this dog who was almost as tall as me at the time came lumbering up to say hi, but he was the sweetest thing ever. All Irish Wolfhounds I've met are like that. I must say that I don't have any allergies to dogs, and I know some of you might, which would influence your decision on a breed.

However, let's all pretend that we don't have allergies for a moment. Let's also exclude poodles, labs, goldens, bernes, and any other breeds that might make up your doodle. Under these constraints, what AKC recognized breed of dog would you get, and why?

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

I love this!

[BG and Gavin]

If they had a longer life span and I could stand them allergy and shedding wise it would be a Newfoundland or a Bermise Mountain Dog or a Great Pyrnese. Love those big lugs.

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

I love the big lugs!

[Kaitee and Orwell]

I second this motion.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

I think I will always have an ALD.  But if I had to choose an AKC breed and could not choose the Standard Poodle, I would probably consider Soft-coated Wheaton or a Havanese. I think English Bulldogs are so cute, but have heard they are not too bright and difficult to train - and they shed.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

English Bulldogs also have respiratory and other health issues. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I think friendly, calm and confident temperament, 25-35 pounds (in deference to my age), low to non shedding, and little to no barking would be my beginning criteria. Then I would begin adding fluffy, long ears, not white. . . . .

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Lmao I love that you said Velcro dog! Berner's are my favorite AKC breed (despite all of the breeds health problems which make me want to cry) and why I ended up with bernedoodles, I just couldn't handle the shedding. I have always loved the giant breed dogs. If I didn't have my boys and doodles were off the table (and anything that you mentioned above) I would either have Irish Wolfhounds, Great Danes or Leonbergers. Odd mix I know, but for some reason those breeds just speak to me. Part of my liking of those breeds might be that the only dogs of those breeds I have met have been fantastic dogs and since I was a child I have always been obsessed with giant dogs. Also my mom tells me that since I was 8 years old I have wanted a black Great Dane named Bruce! I still would love a "Bruce" by the way! Unfortunately the giant breeds have so many health issues and such short life spans :/

[Kaitee and Orwell]

I stole that term from you, actually, lol. 

I hear you. Giant dogs have been my obsession ever since I was exposed to them. Which is why I'm secretly pleased with the size Orwell is, and my parents don't really care anymore because he's a good and lovey boy. 

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Glad that worked out! I love big dogs, more to snuggle with :)

[Camilla and Darwin]

It's hard to narrow down, but a Bernese Mountain Dog, a Golden Retriever, a Newfoundland or a St. Bernard. :-)