Retrievers often die at early age because of the problems most golden retrivers have. They tend to have athritis easier than any other dog.. but im not sayying not to get this dog because ive had one myself that died at early age becuase of athritis.. But this may be the dog for you if u really like it.. But what pecific things are you looking fo in a dog? Mixed dogs are great.. I have a Corgi Eskimo mix.. She is the sweetest cutest lil thing ever!!! I love her so much so it really depends on what tyoe of dog your looking for! Sorry if i didnt help but...