Breed ideas?

Joined
May 2, 2011
Messages
597
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Ithaca, NY
#1
I have an aunt and uncle that are kind of the stereotypical suburban family with Golden Retrievers - their past five or so dogs have all been Goldens. However, they've lost their past few dogs pretty young due to cancer and other health problems, and have told me they've been considering a different breed for their next puppy. I should say that they've always bought pet-bred BYB dogs in the past, but I think the health thing will convince them to go to a better breeder this time around.

What they're looking for:
- Medium to large (~40-90 pounds)
- Tolerant, outgoing, friendly with strangers
- Not prone to DA
- Relatively easy to train
- Low to medium energy, needs to be fine with a few walks a day
- Ability to be off-leash a plus

Personally, I think they'd be best simply going to an actual responsible Golden breeder, but it seems like they've been kind of turned off of the breed. I've given them a few suggestions but I'd love to hear what you think.
 

FG167

Active Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2012
Messages
2,709
Likes
0
Points
36
Location
Jefferson, GA
#2
Personally, I think they'd be best simply going to an actual responsible Golden breeder, but it seems like they've been kind of turned off of the breed. I've given them a few suggestions but I'd love to hear what you think.
I would also suggest that. A well bred dog can make such a difference. Or perhaps a Lab? I'd say a showline.
 

Cold

New Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2014
Messages
4
Likes
0
Points
0
#3
Keeshond? Pretty high maintenance in the grooming and shedding department though, but they're probably used to it since they've had goldens.
 

Dizzy

Sit! Good dog.
Joined
Sep 14, 2005
Messages
17,761
Likes
1
Points
38
Location
Wales
#8
Eh maybe a show bred or pet bred one?
Show lab? I don't really know but most labs I've met are quite full on as young dogs. Even the more rotund type!!

Gsp are very much dual purpose, not many full show lines, most breeders show and work, and those that just show interbreed with work lines.
 

*blackrose

"I'm kupo for kupo nuts!"
Joined
May 11, 2010
Messages
7,065
Likes
3
Points
38
Age
33
Location
WI
#10
Would they be open to any of the spaniel breeds? Welshie, Springer, Field, etc. They would be on the low end of the weight range, but potentially a good fit.

I, too, think going with a reputable Golden breeder would be the way to go, though, honestly. Or a good Labrador would fit the bill, too.

When you say low-medium energy...what do you mean? In my experience, the energy level of dogs is often overrated. A LOT of people are able to handle moderate/high energy breeds of dogs, as long as the dog has a good off switch. I use myself as an example. I don't like "high energy dogs". I don't want a dog that I have to exercise X amount a day or it will eat my walls or bark non stop. That being said, I consider "retriever energy" (Lab, Chessie, Golden) to be normal, because that's what I've been exposed too. And unless you are purchasing a field trial dog, I would imagine daily walks (not strolls around the neighborhood, mind you, but WALKS) and playtime would be enough to keep the dog happy.
And, of course, puppies are always insane and require a great deal more mental and physical stimulation than their adult counterparts. Blackie as a pup was very, VERY active (but also never had structured exercise) and Sadie as a pup needed at least a 45 minute/2 mile walk a day or she'd get antsy and steal things for attention. If Abrams doesn't get a good romp/walk during the day, he just plays non-stop in the evening, but he's fine after a good run in the yard or a long walk with training spurts.

If none of those breeds do it for them...maybe a Standard Poodle? Or, maybe steer them to a good Goldendoodle breeder? The well bred ones I've met have been absolutely lovely.
 

Romy

Taxiderpy
Joined
Dec 2, 2006
Messages
10,233
Likes
1
Points
38
Location
Olympia, WA
#11
Gordon setter or spinone italiano. In my mind, those are the two next closest things out there to what most people love about goldens.
 

Members online

No members online now.
Top