Give Me The Bad Points!

[Aetherglow]

My golden does not shed throughout the year. She sheds twice a year and rest of the time it's minimal shedding though I do brush her everyday to keep her coat shiny and fluffy (but then I love grooming my dogs )

Goldens are lovely dogs. Extremely affectionate. But they can be quite a handful. They like to be close to the human family and require a lot of exercise. My goldy whines if she misses a walk and loves to do zoomies around the dog park or the backyard.

x 2

......... and after owning German Shepherds I have also found Goldies LOVE their food!!!!! We have worked with our Goldie and taught him manners when it comes to food/eating but the first time I gave him a chicken neck as a pup he literally sucked it up and it was gone . Exercise is very important or weight can easily become an issue.

I'll revise that to _many_ Goldies shed all the time! They do need a lot of exercise to stay fit though, and rather like labs, it's such a shame to see so many that are overweight. A fit goldie is a pleasure to see, and they are usually excellent active family dogs if cared for properly.

Smooth collies are wonderful. Still a bit concerned about the exercise factor for any of these breeds, though.

[aussielover]

The all-year round shedding is the only draw back to owning my Goldie. It is relentless & does my head in!

But she is worth it for her amazing temperament.

I talk about our next dog being short coated because of this, but I cant guarantee I wouldnt change my mind because I adore Goldies so much!

IF I did change to a short coated breed though, I'd like it to be a gun dog breed. I prefer their softer, more people focused personalities.

In which case it would be a toss up between a vizsla and a Pointer.... Or a Weimaraner and a GSP.

Have you considered any of these breeds? The shorter coats would suit a tick area better I would think.

These breeds are all more active and require more exercise than a golden retriever (except maybe pointer).

How about a smooth coated Saint Bernard or a Great Dane (if you like giant breeds)?

[GoldenGirl85]

My JRT sheds a lot more than my golden, apart from her twice yearly coat drop

[SparkyTansy]

what about a smooth collie?

[mumtoshelley]

AS much As I love my golden retrievers since getting Missy my whippet I much prefer Missy's coat over my goldens. Don't get me wrong I love grooming Shelley but the things that get caught in her coat is unbelievable. I often find sticks,leaves,burrs stuck in her coat. Missy my whippet coat is so much easier to maintain if she gets a little dirty instand of a full bath I just grab a damp cloth and rub it over her coat, Where if Shelley got a bit dirty she would require a bath. In training wise shelley is a bit easier to train but in saying that Missy is only a puppy but is coming along nicely.

[bossyboo]

Hi thanks for all the advice, I will definately look into a smooth collie. Although there dosen't seem to be many listings on Dogsonline. I still am interested in the Goldens we don't seem to have a problem with ticks here, but will have to think about the shedding!! Grooming dosen't bother me though.. Does anyone know much about English Setters?

[aussielover]

could you just clarify how much exercise will the dog get?

Most gundog breeds require at least an hour a day.

Goldens, Labs, spaniels, GSPS, vizslas and weims do best with at least 2 hrs a day.

Gundog can become very destructive if not given sufficient excercise and training.

Setters are also very energetic and more of a "free spirit" from what I've heard

[Clyde]

I don't think you can go past a Goldie for a larger family dog. They do need plenty of obedience training though. I know Goldies who rarely get walked and they cope fine, most people around my area are on acreage and the dogs just burn around on their properties. I think it just depends on the dog, some Goldies can be nutso active though it's just luck of the draw with some breeds and their activity levels.

[sandgrubber]

I think you need to be clear about what you want. The more coat, the more grooming . . . and the worse the mess if the dog goes in bush and picks up burrs etc. If you like combing out coat and find that a good way to bond with a dog, go for it. But otherwise, go for shorter coats. Eg., for the retriever, go for a Lab before a goldie (more color choice as well). If you really love grooming and want a big dog, you might want to look at Afghan hounds.

Giants have lots of appeal, but many of them have serious health problems and short lifespans. Vet expenses have a tendency to get more expensive as the dog gets heavier as well. You can find some not-so-nice temperaments in the giants who were originally bred for bull baiting and guard dogs, but in my experience, Newfies, Danes, and Saitnt, and some mastiffs are placid and more inclined to be friendly than aggressive. There's huge variation in temperament within most breeds, so make sure to ask breeders about temperament.

Hi

After my last post I had it narrowed down to a Whippet or a Shetland Sheepdog. But my husband has thought about maybe looking at a bit bigger dog. So I want opinions from the experts or people that have owned these breeds, whats the bad points or things I should know?

Golden Retriever

Rough Collie

Welsh Springer

I have also thought about a Newfoundland but I have never owned a giant breed before so I thought it might be abit out of my depth.. Or any other suggestions of breeds that may suit. I may still go back to my first two choices, but you know it has too be a family decision Back track have 2 kids 3 and 6 have good sized yard walk every second day but exercise in back yard everyday with our Aussie Terrier Dusty!

Thanks Heaps

[dee lee]

Hi thanks for all the advice, I will definately look into a smooth collie. Although there dosen't seem to be many listings on Dogsonline. I still am interested in the Goldens we don't seem to have a problem with ticks here, but will have to think about the shedding!! Grooming dosen't bother me though..

My Goldie sheds like nothing else, but she is almost entirely an inside dog (we only have a small courtyard), I imagine that if more time was spent outside, the fur might not be as noticeable.

Grooming wise, I don't find mine needs much, she'd be fine with just a good brush once a week minimum, to make sure she doesnt matt.

I don't think you can go past a Goldie for a larger family dog. They do need plenty of obedience training though. I know Goldies who rarely get walked and they cope fine, most people around my area are on acreage and the dogs just burn around on their properties. I think it just depends on the dog, some Goldies can be nutso active though it's just luck of the draw with some breeds and their activity levels.

Couldn't agree more.

My Goldie gets a 5-6km run most mornings, and about a 45 min session of fetch on the days we don't go. Plus an additional incidental walking with me and the kids to do stuff. She is very fit.

Judging by the other gun breeds owned by people I know, this would be more than suitable for any of those I mentioned earlier.

Bossyboo, it sounds like you have more than enough space and time to play fetch, it's a great way to wear an active dog out if you have limited time, so I wouldn't rule out any breeds on exercise requirements. Kids love helping with it too. :D

[Purdie]

Here's a bit of info about English setters.

http://www.petplanet.co.uk/dog_breed_profile.asp?dbid=131

[bossyboo]

Hi thanks for all the advice, I will definately look into a smooth collie. Although there dosen't seem to be many listings on Dogsonline. I still am interested in the Goldens we don't seem to have a problem with ticks here, but will have to think about the shedding!! Grooming dosen't bother me though..

My Goldie sheds like nothing else, but she is almost entirely an inside dog (we only have a small courtyard), I imagine that if more time was spent outside, the fur might not be as noticeable.

Grooming wise, I don't find mine needs much, she'd be fine with just a good brush once a week minimum, to make sure she doesnt matt.

I don't think you can go past a Goldie for a larger family dog. They do need plenty of obedience training though. I know Goldies who rarely get walked and they cope fine, most people around my area are on acreage and the dogs just burn around on their properties. I think it just depends on the dog, some Goldies can be nutso active though it's just luck of the draw with some breeds and their activity levels.

Couldn't agree more.

My Goldie gets a 5-6km run most mornings, and about a 45 min session of fetch on the days we don't go. Plus an additional incidental walking with me and the kids to do stuff. She is very fit.

Judging by the other gun breeds owned by people I know, this would be more than suitable for any of those I mentioned earlier.

Bossyboo, it sounds like you have more than enough space and time to play fetch, it's a great way to wear an active dog out if you have limited time, so I wouldn't rule out any breeds on exercise requirements. Kids love helping with it too. :D

Hi thanks yes we spend a fair bit of time in the back yard, playing footy, trampoline and in the fort, so fetch everyday for 30 mins would be fine and running with the kids. I probably do two 6 k walks everyweek and then 2 little walks just down to the nature park which isn't that far..How old is your retriever?

[DAVERI]

are you hoping to get a pedigree dog or just a pet?

our local shelter have many coolie cross pups, dane cross pups and lab cross pups.

my coolie cross was 8 weeks when i got her and she was great with kids, very smart and was happy not to be walked every day as long as my daughter played with her. my daughter was only 5 but she had hers sitting, stay and jumping jumps she made in the back yard and i never had any problems with shedding hair.

my local shelter sell all pups desexed, with needles, vet checked, a years rego, free puppy classes and microchipped for $250. very cheap if you add up what that would normally cost. and you have saved a life!

[Clyde]

are you hoping to get a pedigree dog or just a pet?

A pedigree is often 'just a pet' for many of us

But yes a rescue dog is always an option. I'm guessing a puppy appeals for the kids but Goldie Rescue take on lots of dogs if you prefer a dog out of the puppy terrors (like I do). Remembering that puppies jump and knock kids over, mouth them and so on. I'm get the shudders just thinking about puppies

[DAVERI]

are you hoping to get a pedigree dog or just a pet?

our local shelter have many coolie cross pups, dane cross pups and lab cross pups.

my coolie cross was 8 weeks when i got her and she was great with kids, very smart and was happy not to be walked every day as long as my daughter played with her. my daughter was only 5 but she had hers sitting, stay and jumping jumps she made in the back yard and i never had any problems with shedding hair.

my local shelter sell all pups desexed, with needles, vet checked, a years rego, free puppy classes and microchipped for $250. very cheap if you add up what that would normally cost. and you have saved a life!

[dee lee]

Hi thanks for all the advice, I will definately look into a smooth collie. Although there dosen't seem to be many listings on Dogsonline. I still am interested in the Goldens we don't seem to have a problem with ticks here, but will have to think about the shedding!! Grooming dosen't bother me though..

My Goldie sheds like nothing else, but she is almost entirely an inside dog (we only have a small courtyard), I imagine that if more time was spent outside, the fur might not be as noticeable.

Grooming wise, I don't find mine needs much, she'd be fine with just a good brush once a week minimum, to make sure she doesnt matt.

I don't think you can go past a Goldie for a larger family dog. They do need plenty of obedience training though. I know Goldies who rarely get walked and they cope fine, most people around my area are on acreage and the dogs just burn around on their properties. I think it just depends on the dog, some Goldies can be nutso active though it's just luck of the draw with some breeds and their activity levels.

Couldn't agree more.

My Goldie gets a 5-6km run most mornings, and about a 45 min session of fetch on the days we don't go. Plus an additional incidental walking with me and the kids to do stuff. She is very fit.

Judging by the other gun breeds owned by people I know, this would be more than suitable for any of those I mentioned earlier.

Bossyboo, it sounds like you have more than enough space and time to play fetch, it's a great way to wear an active dog out if you have limited time, so I wouldn't rule out any breeds on exercise requirements. Kids love helping with it too. :D

Hi thanks yes we spend a fair bit of time in the back yard, playing footy, trampoline and in the fort, so fetch everyday for 30 mins would be fine and running with the kids. I probably do two 6 k walks everyweek and then 2 little walks just down to the nature park which isn't that far..How old is your retriever?

My Goldie is 4 and a half. She is divine and wonderful with my children.

We adopted her at 2 years old from a Golden Retriever breed rescue organisation, always another option if you'd rather not have to start out with a puppy. We were matched with a dog that suited our family requirements. We could not be happier.

*(just noticed Clyde has suggested something similar )

Edited November 8, 2011 by dee lee

[newfsie]

Newfies are a great dog to own and from good breeders can lead a good healthy life, but they do require a lot of grooming.......

There are newfies in Rescue too, especially NSW. They love kids and would simply love the beach. Mine are very active, but are happy when we have inactive days. Overall a very easy dog to get along with, especailly if you have done some early training

[pebbles]

Of the Setters, I would suggest a Gordon Setter. More laid back than the Irish and English, love excercise but are also happy to miss a day or two as long as they have human interaction. Coat is medium care, a good brushing after any bush walking is great otherwise a couple of times a week will keep them looking good.

[aussielover]

are you hoping to get a pedigree dog or just a pet?

our local shelter have many coolie cross pups, dane cross pups and lab cross pups.

my coolie cross was 8 weeks when i got her and she was great with kids, very smart and was happy not to be walked every day as long as my daughter played with her. my daughter was only 5 but she had hers sitting, stay and jumping jumps she made in the back yard and i never had any problems with shedding hair.

my local shelter sell all pups desexed, with needles, vet checked, a years rego, free puppy classes and microchipped for $250. very cheap if you add up what that would normally cost. and you have saved a life!

what a beautiful puppy!

[dee lee]

Of the Setters, I would suggest a Gordon Setter. More laid back than the Irish and English, love excercise but are also happy to miss a day or two as long as they have human interaction. Coat is medium care, a good brushing after any bush walking is great otherwise a couple of times a week will keep them looking good.

Really? There was a thread in here a couple of weeks ago about Gordon Setters and the general consensus was that they were a very full-on, headstrong breed. The owner was really struggling & got a few "should have done your research" comments.

I had been told that English were the calmest when I was looking for breeds.

Not that I am an expert- I've only ever known Irish setters (GORGEOUS!!), seen one Gordon in passing & never met an English.