Small breeds vs. Golden Retrievers

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.

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!

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:)

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

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.

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

"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
:)

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!!! :)

Is this Gwendy?
Marie


http://PetoftheDay.com/search/search...gs&mr=10&pr=ON