Which Breed....

[Nadine83]

Wow, so many repsonses! Thankyou to all of you for making an effort to respond. It's much appreciated

I know that which ever breed we decide to go with that they will need to be trained etc from day 1. Luckily I grew up with dogs so I learnt a lot by watching my parents, and when older helped as well. My children will be taught to respect the dog and treat the dog gently as well. There will be no teasing the dog. I see this so often and think it is just cruel! You can clearly see the dog doesn't like it and the owners do nothing about it. Kids need to learn how to treat a dog just as much as a dog needs to learn it's place.

Our Shepherds were great dogs but Kim (the female) hated birds etc and Rex (the male) hated little dogs (with a passion) and he would bite (and probably even kill them) if you let him. But then kids could tug on their tails, look in their mouth, pull their ears, take toys away etc and they wouldn't be bothered by it. So I guess each dog is quite individual and alot is determined by their bloodline and then how they are treated once in your care. I think (and by what alot of you have said) the key is to do the research, find the breed my husband and I are happy with and find a good breeder! (which I have hopefully done).

Thankyou again everyone for all of your help and advice.

[GoldenGirl85]

Im saying Goldie...but just like every other Goldie owner Im biast

Both of the breeds you are considering are very different, you need to consider what you want to do with the dog as well, would the dog be ok with just a daily walk or are you planning on dog sports? something else to consider, and a lot of people will agree, that 'joe blow' thinks GSD's are vicious, while I know this isnt true of any breed you need to keep this in mind, I know a lady who has a Rotti pup, and she has had people take their SWFs out of the room when she was waiting at the vet with her 4 month old pup, she has also had people tell her that her dog will turn on her children which is a horrible thing to say...Goldies on the other hand...everyone loves them!!!

[poodlefan]

...Goldies on the other hand...everyone loves them!!!

Ah... . not everyone..

[raineth]

I really think either from the right breeder would be wonderful.

But I wanted to say that make sure you emphasise to the breeder that the dog is to be a family dog so that they can select the pup in the litter with the best temperament for that situation. As temperament still varies quite a bit within a litter and some puppies will be better for your circumstances than others, no matter the breed.

I would also specifically ask the breeders you're interested in, whether they think a pup from their lines would be do well as a family dog.

ETA:

Edited June 18, 2010 by raineth

[rubiton]

Our family had a Golden Retriever - wonderful dog but he didn't like young kids. Think its more the temperament of the animal than the breed between those two and if you prefer the type of dog they are. GR require a lot of grooming and then the undercoat comes out twice a year I assume GSD are like labradors in that they just shed throughout the year. They also had different medical conditions they are more prone to as well. Bolth are smart breeds and will respond to training quite well.

[chloeshepherd]

Hi,

I've owned both and they are wonderful breeds. I find that my shepherd was far easier to train then my golden. They both are prone to skin allergies, so I've had to use top quality foods and raw diet with them. Make sure you look at parents hip scores with both breeds. Either are great dogs but both will need training.

[Serket]

Another golden owner chiming in here, everyone else has said why they're good, and I agree, but...don't jump on the "perfect family pet" bandwagon thinking they just come programmed like that.

I've seen a few people with young children get golden retrievers recently, with the idea that they'll be the perfect family pet automatically, no effort required.

They can be, but it takes effort, and consistency, they don't come that way. They get big FAST, they run and jump, they like to put things in their mouths (not to bite so much as just to hold on to). I have a 1 year old now who still mouths my hands at times (gently) when we're playing (but that's ok by me, we don't have children, or have family or friends with young children). If our circumstances were different, we wouldn't have encouraged that behaviour at all.

The sad thing about the cases like I mention above, is that the dog is now banished outside, and not allowed in the house because it gets too excited, but of course, by limiting house access, the house becomes even more exciting, and a vicious cycle develops, ending up with a dog alone in the backyard and kids who are scared of it - not because it's vicious but because it just wants to play and hasn't been taught how to do it appropriately.

For us, the way we've trained our dog suits us perfectly. She might still jump up when she gets too excited or mouth us from time to time, but we're ok with that. More importantly, she doesn't resource guard food, she couldn't care less if I go and take a bone away from her or take any toys off her (she'll drop anything on command), she's friendly to anyone she meets on the street without being over the top, she's been a dream to train at obedience/basic agility, and she's loving and affectionate to us. We sat down at the beginning and thought about what things we'd encourage, tolerate, discourage, what kind of training we wanted her to have, etc, and I think that's really important otherwise what was cute at 8 weeks and 5kg is a nightmare at 8 months and almost 20kg.

Oh, and as for guarding - our dog has one hell of a loud, scary alert bark. People are often amazed when I open the door and they see her, because they're expecting something like a Rottie or GSD from the bark She only barks when there is something to bark at, as well. Strange people, strange noises, etc. She also won't stop until you go and look at the "problem" to make sure it's ok, which I think is good.

P.S I love GSDs too, I just don't have one to be able to talk about the specifics.

[sparkycat]

Forget both and get a Lappie

[ish]

Our family dog was a goldie (she's 15 now ) and when I moved out I got a GSD, with more following. Both breeds are intelligent, active and loyal - I find goldies more laid back and soft than GSDs. My GSDs want to be a part of everything I do, whereas our goldie would just be happy to be there and watch. There can be huge differences in temperamants and attitdues in different bloodlines - I've met some absolutely nutty goldies and couch potato GSDs!

Whichever breed you decide on, make sure the parents are both hip/elbow scored and have temperaments you're happy with, and work with the breeder to find a puppy in the litter that has the attributes you are looking for. Good luck

[freundhund]

As a GSD person, I have to honestly say GSD BUT I have to say that at this stage do you remember puppy teeth and the bouncy behaviour of your puppies when they were you.

Can I just remind and stress to you that GSD puppies mouth slightly harder that a Golden Retreiver, this can be off putting to young children. Also either breed will do zoomies and bounce on your children and possibly knock them over, you need to remember that this is why so many dogs end up locked in the backyard with the children staying in the house because they become afraid of the dog!

Can I suggest that you talk to some breeders, tell them you are looking at puppies, but you want to make sure that your children will cope with a puppy. Ask if you can bring your children over a few times if it is conveinent with the breeders, I have done this with families getting a young puppy, in fact one family waited 18 months after we started this process as one of their children needed to become more confident around dogs.

With my children, I had my GSD's before the children were born and then replaced them (they passed away with age) when the youngest child was 18 months old, I never had a problem but all my dogs had a lot of obedience training.

Good luck with which ever breed you decide.

[dee lee]

Another golden owner chiming in here, everyone else has said why they're good, and I agree, but...don't jump on the "perfect family pet" bandwagon thinking they just come programmed like that.

I've seen a few people with young children get golden retrievers recently, with the idea that they'll be the perfect family pet automatically, no effort required.

They can be, but it takes effort, and consistency, they don't come that way. They get big FAST, they run and jump, they like to put things in their mouths (not to bite so much as just to hold on to). I have a 1 year old now who still mouths my hands at times (gently) when we're playing (but that's ok by me, we don't have children, or have family or friends with young children). If our circumstances were different, we wouldn't have encouraged that behaviour at all.

The sad thing about the cases like I mention above, is that the dog is now banished outside, and not allowed in the house because it gets too excited, but of course, by limiting house access, the house becomes even more exciting, and a vicious cycle develops, ending up with a dog alone in the backyard and kids who are scared of it - not because it's vicious but because it just wants to play and hasn't been taught how to do it appropriately.

I agree with all you are saying Serket, but I just want to point out that most puppies, not just GRs, are like that.

I didnt have Honey as a pup its true, but a close friend did and seeing that pup and having experienced my dog, and having met other GRs, I would have to say that temperament wise Goldies are a lot "softer" than many breeds- even if they may be boisterous at times.

I think any breed with no effort put in will be a pain.

I had to laugh at your description about Gypsy's bark- this morning I was walking with Honey and OH and we heard a dog bark as we walked past a house. I commented on the scary bark- must be a BIG dog, then Honey barked back and it sounded identical!!

She is a great watch dog too.

[kezziahgsd]

We currently have both breeds, and both are fabulous with children. Having raised two kids with both Goldies and Shepherds, I can honestly say we have never had an issue with either breed. A firm, but kind hand with both breeds as puppies is necessary as they can both be very unruly (and very destructive!!) if allowed to run wild. We recommend basic obedience training for manners, but the sky is the limit for both breeds in regards to formal obedience. It goes without saying that children should also have some basic training as to how to interact with their new puppy! Kids and puppies are a great mix, as long as there is mutual respect.

Good luck with whichever breed you finally choose!!

[Moselle]

We adopted a golen retriever when she was three years old from a family that was transferred overseas. I had a six month old, 2, 4 and 6 year old at the time. From the day she arrived she loved the kids. ( she had been brought up with kids). My little on learned to stand up holding onto our dog, always supervised of course. I haven't seen a goldie that wasn't the most loving dog. I wouldn't choose a german shepherd over one anyday. Here is a photo of our goldie when she was quite old. Over night a baby possum fell out of a tree and attached itself to our dog. She didn't try to do anything to it, she just kept it on her back until we got up in the morning. That's the temperment you want when you have young children!

WOWWWW...what a dog! What a touching story...that was one amazing dog.

[Serket]

IAG I already know what your big dogs look like, I wanted puppy pics

I need everyones advice/opinions please. One of my pups from laynee/kuga's litter has just turned 7 months old & she has posted on facebook a photo of him & said he weighs close to 40kg I might say they are quite proud of that fact. My heart has sunk & I politely replied saying that he's extremely heavy & to make sure he isn't overweight as it will put extra stress on joints etc at such a young age. She has replied with what she is feeding him (still 3 meals a day), in my puppy pack I suggest stopping the lunch meal at approx 3months, I also suggest they change to adult food at 5-6months, he's still on a very high protein puppy mix with added veg & eggs, yoghurt etc. She says he gets walked at least 5klm a day. Apparently the vet told them at 3months he had big paws and was going to be a big boy. Yes, I do expect a big boy out of him but not at 7months. Would you be offended if I as your breeder tell you to change his diet, exercise etc? I health guarantee my pups against hips/elbows etc but hold great fears for this boy if they keep going. I feel she may be offended if I say something but on the other hand I can't sit here and watch them destroy his life. How do you think i should approach it.

Another golden owner chiming in here, everyone else has said why they're good, and I agree, but...don't jump on the "perfect family pet" bandwagon thinking they just come programmed like that.

I've seen a few people with young children get golden retrievers recently, with the idea that they'll be the perfect family pet automatically, no effort required.

They can be, but it takes effort, and consistency, they don't come that way. They get big FAST, they run and jump, they like to put things in their mouths (not to bite so much as just to hold on to). I have a 1 year old now who still mouths my hands at times (gently) when we're playing (but that's ok by me, we don't have children, or have family or friends with young children). If our circumstances were different, we wouldn't have encouraged that behaviour at all.

The sad thing about the cases like I mention above, is that the dog is now banished outside, and not allowed in the house because it gets too excited, but of course, by limiting house access, the house becomes even more exciting, and a vicious cycle develops, ending up with a dog alone in the backyard and kids who are scared of it - not because it's vicious but because it just wants to play and hasn't been taught how to do it appropriately.

I agree with all you are saying Serket, but I just want to point out that most puppies, not just GRs, are like that.

I didnt have Honey as a pup its true, but a close friend did and seeing that pup and having experienced my dog, and having met other GRs, I would have to say that temperament wise Goldies are a lot "softer" than many breeds- even if they may be boisterous at times.

I think any breed with no effort put in will be a pain.

I had to laugh at your description about Gypsy's bark- this morning I was walking with Honey and OH and we heard a dog bark as we walked past a house. I commented on the scary bark- must be a BIG dog, then Honey barked back and it sounded identical!!

She is a great watch dog too.

Oh I know, but for some reason a lot of people think that golden retriever puppies WON'T be like that (like they're somehow differently programmed from birth), and they get a really rude awakening to reality, which is too bad for the puppy who is just being a typical puppy I just thought it was worth stressing the point, because it makes me really sad to see some of the dogs in that situation recently.

Oh, and I agree totally about the kid training...especially when kids squeal and flap their arms, the puppy goes awesome! let's play! jumps up...kid screams, parents scold dog, dog is banished, child is now potentially scared of dog....

Edited June 18, 2010 by Serket

[all that glitters]

...Goldies on the other hand...everyone loves them!!!

Ah... . not everyone..

Yes.... not everyone

As applies to all breeds!

I recommend Shepherd if you are prepared to put in the hard yards in training the puppy right and being firm but calm and consistant. Also need to be prepared to exercise the dog a lot and continue training as the puppy grows, you may end up with a very high energy shepherd! They are incredibly smart and as a result need a lot of stimulation.

My mum has a golden, she is VERY different as in she is more laid back, happy to just sit there wagging her tail and just wants a pat. She didn't even really get any solid training and was just a good dog.

They are all different though, regardless of breed

[~Shepherd~]

I have had both, with newborns and toddlers.

GSD a whole lot easier to train, wont steal food off the kids, knows when to back off etc.

Have you investigated a White Swiss Shepherd or a White GSD? I know a few breeders that have had excellent bombproof lines.

[GoldenWei]

I wouldn't necessarily say a GSD is easier to train then a golden. I haven't had a GSD, but Phoenix wasn't very hard at all to train. I have just started him on agility, and he is picking up things very easily. 1st week he wouldn't go across the dog walk at full height, 2nd week he went straight up and over when I lined him up, 3rd week, which was this week he went up and over before I even lined him up, took me by surprise because I wasn't ready for it. He will do anything for food, and as such, picks things up easily. By contrast, there was only two of us on Thursday, the second dog was a GSD. He hadn't been socialised at all and as such he just wanted to play with Phoenix. His owner couldn't get him focused on the obstacles AT ALL, even with food. Granted these are extreme cases, in the GSD had of been socialised properly he would of responded, but if the situation was reversed, I'm pretty sure I could of got Phoenix focusing on the obstacles with the lure of food. When I first started training my first goldie, she was 6 months and hadn't seen another dog, she was very interested in the other dogs, could not get her to focus on me with praise only. These were the days of check chains and no food. One week I decided, stuff it, I'm taking food, and she was instantly focused on me.

[~Archie~]

. Over night a baby possum fell out of a tree and attached itself to our dog. She didn't try to do anything to it, she just kept it on her back until we got up in the morning. That's the temperment you want when you have young children!

[/img]

As a vet nurse I remember a Golden coming in that had done the exact same thing!!!

As someone who has had Goldens since I was 5 years old, we have been blessed with some wonderful Goldens over the years.

We have raised them as family dogs and they have adapted really well into our family.

My husband & I bought our first Golden together (his first) to be a family dog and he is turning into the most wonderful member of our family (we have no children), extremely loyal, friendly, loves to please us, gentle (with a hint of boisterous puppy play!), intellegent and just loves people.

Putting my vet nurses hat on, I have seen more narky GSDs than I have Golden Retrievers

[GoldenGirl85]

...Goldies on the other hand...everyone loves them!!!

Ah... . not everyone..

Yes.... not everyone

As applies to all breeds!

I recommend Shepherd if you are prepared to put in the hard yards in training the puppy right and being firm but calm and consistant. Also need to be prepared to exercise the dog a lot and continue training as the puppy grows, you may end up with a very high energy shepherd! They are incredibly smart and as a result need a lot of stimulation.

My mum has a golden, she is VERY different as in she is more laid back, happy to just sit there wagging her tail and just wants a pat. She didn't even really get any solid training and was just a good dog.

They are all different though, regardless of breed

I meant Joe Blow lol, I can walk my dog and people invite themselves up for a pat and comment on how beautiful she is etc etc, the same friend I mentioned earlier can walk her Rotti pup and people cross the road to avoid her, unfortunately GSD's often fall into the second category, when they are fluffy pups its all good, but once they start go grow up and look more like GSD's then people automatically think the dog will turn on them, Im only saying this because the OP has young children and she may find that certain mums wont let their kids come to play if they have a 'vicious' dog in the yard...obviously those people arent worth knowing in the first place, but Im thinking of the effect on the kids if nobody wants to play... I know that scenario is unlikely, I think GSDs are awesome dogs and like most other people on here believe its more to do with the breeding and training rather than the breed itself

[Crazy Daisy]

I've had both and love both breeds. I have three kids 22 month, 4 and 6. I lost my last Golden just over two years ago and the house just didn't feel the same without one. I went back to the breeder I got our original boy from because they breed for great temperament as well as doing all the health checks. They are fantastic dogs. Make sure you meet these breeders and have a good talk to them. If they show or trial, ask when their next outing is and if you can go and meet them and their dogs.

Do you know the only thing that would sway me between the two is the sound of their bark? I can't stand the GSD bark, it radiates through me. Though all my dogs are trained to only give warning barks, I still cringe when I hear a GSD bark. Strange I know.