Small breeds vs. Golden Retrievers

[jtj0026]

Ever since my 10-year old son wrote a research paper about Golden Retriever last year, he started demanding that we adopt a Golden Retriever for its loving, gentle, and intelligent characteristics. On the other hand, his mom prefers a smaller breed. Is there any small breed of dogs that have the characteristics of a Golden Retriever. Both my wife and son like a cute and hairy type. Thanks a lot.

John

:)

[slleipnir]

You could prob find a mutt. My dog is Lab/Golden ret. and she is small for those breeds. Shes not tiny, but not big, the prefect size in my opionion..im sure you could find one like that to suit your needs, unless your looking for a purebred?

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Maybe you should listen to your son, those Goldens are wonderful dogs and very loyal, would probably protect your son with it's life. We have many golden people on here that can tell you all about them.
Personally I have small hairy dogs, Two Mini Schnauzers, we love them very much but they can be very independent, some like children and some don't and they don't always get along with other dogs. It depends on the personality of the Schnauzer, and you really can't tell that until you have one for a while. Of course we wouldn't trade them for anything.
I'm sure you will have plenty of people on here who will be glad to give you advice, but your son is right the Goldens are a wonderful dog.
Jackie

[Heather Wallace]

Yes I agree, you should maybe go for a half breed lab as you may find one smaller, which fits both you and your family.

[Logan]

I find your son to be a most intelligent boy!!! Can you tell why??

My 11 year old daughter and our two Golden Retrievers on a beach trip last fall.

http://www.photogra.com/galleries/34799/curr/5648646_20020308_215755_20020308215755.jpg

I could never suggest a better companion for a child, big or not. Just my two cents worth! Welcome to Pet Talk. :D

[slleipnir]

Logan: Your Goldies are beautys :D

[Taz's Mom]

They are fantastic dogs. I had two growing up, They are great with everyone, learn easily, and not to mention, BEAUTIFUL. You dont worry about having other animals, as long as they are taught that the other animal lives there as well, they will not bother them. When I had mine, we had horses, pigs, duclks, geese, cats and other dogs. They did not bother any of them.

[Logan]

Originally posted by slleipnir
Logan: Your Goldies are beautys :D

Thank you, Audrey. I am quite proud of them. And of course, we love them like they are our babies!!! :D

[RachelJ]

I think something to consider when choosing a large or smaller dog is the amount of outdoor space that you have for the dog to get some exercise. I know there are those who are able to accommodate the needs of big dogs without a good sized yard, but it does take extra determination. I think the one mistake I made early on in my living my life with dogs was underestimating the amount and type of exercise that dogs need. Romping and playing and letting them run on a daily basis is essential. The truth of the matter is that a bigger dog requires more space to do this.

Another factor to consider is that a bigger dog needs a bit more strength to a handle, especially while they are still in the training stage. Getting a reluctant small dog into the bath tub may be a struggle, but the bigger they are, the more effort it takes. I guess I'm just getting to an age where I notice these things more.

As those of us who have been around this board for a long time can attest to, some of the BEST dogs in the world are those who need a second chance at a home. Be it a puppy or grown dog, the dogs one can find at a shelter or rescue organizations are often the ones that have turned out to be the most appreciative of the new lives they are given. Please take a look under www.hua.org in the section called *Looking For Love* to see a wonderful variety of dogs that need homes. I think one of our members (Chuck help me out here) has also compiled a list of other sites to check out. The rewards of *adoption* are unlimited.

[lbaker]

go to your local rescue pound and look for the goldie mix that chooses you and your son. You will know he/she when he/she knows you. Nuf said. L

[Logan]

John,

Sorry if I didn't respond seriously enough to your question when I responded last night. I was ganging up on you in support of your son! But the kids aren't the ones who end up paying the bills, cleaning up the hair, buying the 40 pound bags of dog food, cleaning up the messes......so you have to do what is right for your family.

You've had some more serious responses to the question this morning. The only thing I would add is that Golden Retrievers are very much family dogs, as most dogs are. They are social, they want to be where you are, and sometimes that means on the couch, on the bed, etc. They are smart though and can be trained to behave appropriately.

You and your family will be able to settle on the perfect dog that each of you can love. It may be a Golden, a mix, a mutt......but it will be loved, and that is what is important.

I chose my Goldens for pure love of the breed and I just wanted to share a little of my happiness with you when I posted the picture of Honey and Lilly with my daughter at the beach.
Good luck, whatever your decision. :)

[tatsxxx11]

Everyone else has responded so well, that I might just add that whatever breed you choose, there is a rescue group or shelter out there that, after a little searching perhaps, is holding the dog of your dreams!! Just about every "pure breed" has a rescue group as well, if you are set on a Golden or other pedigreed dog!

Very often becoming a guardian to one of these "rescued" angels is an excellent choice for a first dog....many are adults, and pose few of the "issues" and hours of hard work required in the raising of a puppy!:D Also, their mature personalities and sizes, their likes and dislikes, are very apparent...Are you looking for a dog that is laid back, or higher energy,?? Good with kids/pets, loves adventure and sports, or long naps!! And of course the "seniors" are magnificent !!!!!!!

As has been said already, PLEASE consider the amt. of time you and your family have/are willing to commit to such things as grooming, vaccuming up shedding fur, exercise needs, the size of your yard, amt. of time you can devote to group playtime, etc. Of course, larger breeds require more exercise, more food, and couch space! LOL!! Again, some of the most loving, loyal, devoted and gentle dogs can be found at your local shelter! My Dog of a Lifetime, my Lab Jingles (Rainbow Bridge) was a rescue!!! Please consider adopting, whatever breed you choose!! (P.S.....Labs and lab mixes are GREA family dogs!!;)

[RachelJ]

Whatever you finally decide, please come back to let us know as once we get involved in your life ;) , we need to know the *rest of the story*. And there is no better story than that of a boy and his first dog.

[Cincy'sMom]

My parents have a golden mixed with ??? (humane society said dauschound, vet said cocker), but she is about 25-30 lbs and a very good dog. She listens well, plays well with Sadie and Cincy, and loves to go for car rides. They were really happy to get her

[Angels3]

John, I'm going to suggest a Tibetan Spaniel, a small but sturdy breed that's described as a big dog in a small dog's body.
We've always owned working-type dogs...border collies & shelties but for 4 years we've had our first Tibetan Spaniel. And we're delighted with the breed's compact size, beautiful but wash 'n wear coat, & intelligent charming temperament.
I've attached a picture of our Tibbie, Angel, who'll be 8 yrs old this year. She's golden but Tibs come in many colours.
Tibetan Spaniels were bred for centuries in the Buddhist monasteries of Tibet where they were companions to the monks & alert watchdogs. In the harsh conditions of Tibet, humans & animals had to think quickly to survive...so Tibetan Spaniels have a characteristic intelligent independence of mind. They're also warmly responsive to their owners & are often used as therapy dogs.
Our Angel does pet therapy work. She was also nominated for a Canine Hero Award for saving the life of a tiny child by alerting people when she'd wandered onto a busy road. So our little Tibbie was up there with the big, brave dogs. Our city's Tibbie owners have their own website, where you can see more pics of Angel & Brock her black Tib cousin & other Tibbie pets.
http://www.home.gil.com.au/~kmorcom
There's also lots of information about Tibetan Spaniels on their Global Village site. You'll find links to the North American Tibetan Spaniel Rescue (which may have tibs available) & to lists of breeders.
http://www.tibbies.net

Marie
Here's a pic of our Angel.

[Angels3]

John, I'm going to suggest a Tibetan Spaniel, a small but sturdy breed that's described as a big dog in a small dog's body.
We've always owned working-type dogs...border collies & shelties but for 4 years we've had our first Tibetan Spaniel. And we're delighted with the breed's compact size, beautiful but wash 'n wear coat, & intelligent charming temperament.
I've attached a picture of our Tibbie, Angel, who'll be 8 yrs old this year. She's golden but Tibs come in many colours.
Tibetan Spaniels were bred for centuries in the Buddhist monasteries of Tibet where they were companions to the monks & alert watchdogs. In the harsh conditions of Tibet, humans & animals had to think quickly to survive...so Tibetan Spaniels have a characteristic intelligent independence of mind. They're also warmly responsive to their owners & are often used as therapy dogs.
Our Angel does pet therapy work. She was also nominated for a Canine Hero Award for saving the life of a tiny child by alerting people when she'd wandered onto a busy road. So our little Tibbie was up there with the big, brave dogs. Our city's Tibbie owners have their own website, where you can see more pics of Angel & Brock her black Tib cousin & other Tibbie pets.
http://www.home.gil.com.au/~kmorcom
There's also lots of information about Tibetan Spaniels on their Global Village site. You'll find links to the North American Tibetan Spaniel Rescue (which may have tibs available) & to lists of breeders.
http://www.tibbies.net

Marie
Here's a pic of our Angel.

[Dixieland Dancer]

John,
I responded to the thread in Dog Breeds kind of the same way as Logan did here in her first post. Basically it was if you want a dog that acts like a Golden then get a Golden! I am a Golden owner who loves the breed deeply and would never own anything but a Golden but that does not answer your question.

I think Rachel's advice was very good and worth it's weight in Gold. Only you know what is best for your family and the size of dog you can handle. But if you have the space and are willing to train the dog, then I still recommend getting the real thing, Pure Gold!

[jtj0026]

Wow, that's a lot of information. Thank you all for your help. Once we bring in our pet dog I will post to this board. Thanks again.

John:)

[Angels3]

John, I look forward to hearing that you've found the dog that's right for you & your family.
Best wishes,
Marie :)

[Daisymay_09]

shelties are great for kids they are like mini collies so they are very hairy but dont shed much. they get really protective of there humans so they are very good watch dogs. they learn very easy my youngest sheltie won 2nd place in a dog show with only one week of training.

[Google]

The Golden retriever is such a lovely breed, with so much to give and so little to ask in return, it seems. They are very similar in many respects to the Lab. I have had labs and dachshunds for many years, but have many friends with goldens.

Marie, your little Angel reminds me of a dwarf golden! Just precious! All the wonderful attributes of the Golden packed in a little power-house body!

As far as considering space for exercise, I suppose that's an important thing in some respect. However, I have had labs for the past 20 years... I'm sight impaired and partnered with a guide dog, Gwendy, who is a very high energy girl. I've also had pet labs and retired guides who were labs. I live in an apartment in the middle of a small city, busy nonetheless. I have no area where my labs can run and romp, but they get plenty of exercise on a daily basis. It's not so much a matter of "space" to run, but rather considering time constraints and the level of motivation/willingness to make the effort to get the big dogs out and walk them.

Gwendy works every day, and is under stress that a pet would not be. She needs some "down" time to unwind, just like we humans do after a long day of work. I make it a habit to get her out for a nice leisurely walk in the evenings and on weekends, even if it's just a walk around the block, where she is out of harness and able to just "be a dog". I'm quite familiar and comfortable iwth my neighborhood, so am "ok" with getting around a couple blocks with Gwen on leash alone. I also take her across the street to the parking lot which has a grassy border all around. There she's on a flexi-lead, and can kick up her heels a bit, as is the case with my pet labs.

I'm not saying that a nice big yard isn't a wonerful thing to have when considering a larger breed, but it's not a totally necessary thing when you get right down to it.

Google & Gang

[Angels3]

"Marie, your little Angel reminds me of a dwarf golden! Just precious! All the wonderful attributes of the Golden packed in a little power-house body!"

Google, you're absolutely right. We people who own Tibetan Spaniels believe they are the best kept secret in the dog world...because they pack so many features into their little bodies. Even their magnificent coats are wash 'n wear.
In one way, we hope that Tibetan Spaniels don't get too well known & popular....because then those who want to just make money out of breeding dogs will take them up. Like puppy-millers (we call them puppy-farmers, here).
I take that as a huge compliment for our Tibbie, Angel, that you would call her a dwarf golden retriever....because goldens are one of the loveliest & sweetest of all dog breeds.
Thanks for telling us about Gwendy...what wonderful work she does! Can you post some pictures of her?
Marie
:)

[Logan]

Wasn't Gwendy our Dog of the Day once, Google?? I think so!! I didn't do enough research to figure out exactly what day, but I know she was.

I'm seeing you all over the internet, as I am a frequent visitor to For the Love of Dogs, and I think you posted there.

Hug Gwendy for us, and let her know we think she is terrific!! :D Honey and Lilly Golden Retrievers say a huge hello to her too!!! :)

[Angels3]

Is this Gwendy?
Marie


http://PetoftheDay.com/search/search.cgi?q=Gwendy&sk=Dogs&mr=10&pr=ON