mama_mojo
Posted : 8/8/2007 12:37:59 PM
I really appreciate the list of negatives from people with experience. These are the things I have to think about.
On the grooming- I brush my boxer daily because she is old and it's something to do together. I've realized I LIKE our daily grooming sessions which made me less worried about a dog with a coat.
On the stubborn streak- I'll have to think about that. I had the impression goldens were USUALLY easy to train.
On training- Well, we did 4 years of intermittent training classes with our boxer as we waited for puppyhood to pass. I have the idea that a golden might not require more than this, but we enjoy the classes all the same.
On the breeders- We liked our the breeders we got Astryd from because we could see their devotion to the breed; it's a sore point among some people, but we will go with a show breeder again whatever breed we decide on.
Breeds- I worry a spaniel might be too sensitive??? My reading and the brittanys I know (very limited experience here) lead me to think they are less resilient and a bit more skittish than Golden retrievers. Also, I want a dog I can find somewhat locally. I would like to visit a breeder a few times, feel like I have "technical" support relatively near, feel like we can visit the puppy once or twice, at least, before it comes to live with us, etc. I know I can find good breeders for goldens or labs relatively close (2 hours). I have reservations about labs in a biased, illogical way. My experience is with seeing them stray quite often. (higher chance because popular breed, etc.) As strays, they have been a little scary to me. This is so hard to put a finger on, so please do not get upset. A stray golden, in my limited experience, seems to say, "Can you help me?" and the stray labs seem to say, "Who are you?"
I know next to nothing about Irish setters, so that is an avenue for me to explore. There are some size limitations, and I thought goldens were at least a little smaller than setters. (very funny to be discussing size when I'm already thinking about a golden.)
Our dog will probably get wet every day as where we walk and where we recreate offer water. I LIKE the idea of a dog swimming, and I know a wet dog smells... wet and dog. This will in turn tie into grooming.
Thanks for all the replies. I want a dog who will be happy with us, and this is the best step I know of for helping that happen.