We are wanting to purchase a puppy. Of key importance is temperament. We have two children - 6 and 3 - and want a dog who is fun, fetches (though nothing too "bowl-you-over-boisterous), loving, gentle,great company, but we want to avoid dominance problems, aggression of any type. We would like to do basic training, but really we just want a loving addition to the family. I am aware Golden Retreivers have great reputations, but have been told that Goldens crossed with Labs are the perfect dogs. Can anyone give me some advice. Whilst cross breds seem to be cheaper, I don't want to pay for a bad choice in the long run. Also, I would appreciate any advice on whether a male or female puppy is more likely to meet my needs.

Unless you are prepared to put some work into your puppy then keep away from gundogs! Both Goldens and Labradors are not ornaments to sit around all day. They were bred to spend their time in the field working and without something to occupy their minds they will quietly eat your house! There is no reason why a Lab/Golden cross should be any different to either a Lab or a Golden but several reasons why it could be worst! Both Labs and Goldens can be very boisterous as a trip to any rescue will show.

My own feeling is that you would do better with something smaller and quieter than these breeds.

John

HI Bronlou,

John is right. Unfortunately alot of people think the Lab is the ideal family pet and will just sit around looking pretty.

Taylor

I have goldens and they do have a wonderful temperement and are great with kids, grannies etc but they need lots of exercise and are very hairy and moult terribly. I know a couple of golden/lab crosses who are lovely dogs and less hairy but still need lots of exercise and stimulation. I think any dog could be aggresive/dominant under the right(or should I say wrong) conditions. I would think a smaller dog would be more appropriate with children the age of yours unless you are prepared to put in a lot of time and effort with training, grooming, exercise etc.

Jane

Hi,

Just thought I would post to say I have a friend who has a Yellow Lab ( Cherry)....and she has a son who is 2 1/2 years old and quite inquisitive and very heavy handed...i.e pulls at Cherry's fur tries to get on her back...rolls around on the floor with her.... and she is absolutely fantastic with him. She tolerates everything and anything from him.

Thought this might be of interest in helping with your decision.

But again there is the hair issue....it gets everywhere...they even got new carpets and suite in cream...!!!! so they didn't have to hoover twice aday...!!!!

Just to add Cherry is a pet only... not shown or worked....they have never had any trouble with her regards wrecking the house when left or being boisterous with other children. She is very placid.

Hope you get sorted soon....

Regards Vicki

I think an older placid lab would be fine for you but we have just got a labrador puppy and I would not reccommend one around such young children, whereas my 8 year old would be as gentle as a lamb.

They are very excitable and can be quite boisterous. Biting would also be a problem while teething although I think this would be the case with any puppy.
While she was really young my puppy hurt me with her biting so I imagine it would be much worse for a 3 year old.

Also young children tend to be very bad examples on puppies. When the neighbours children are around it is almost impossible to control her because she gets so excited. I cant begin to imagine what it would be like if they lived with us!!!!

Hi there,

Just to mix it up a little, Have you thought about a king charles spaniel? I ask, because if you are looking for a genuniely bombproof family dog, you really could do not better.

My children are seven and four, so very similar ages to yours :), and we bought our pup before we had our first child as obviously we wanted a good natured addition to the family.

We have not had one day of worry from her, and I could hand on heart say that she has not growled at one member of our family in nine years, yet she still loves a good run with lots of excersize and is good at retrieving.

Just something to think about, you really can't go wrong with this breed if you would prefer a smaller dog. Best of luck in your search

Hi Bronlou,
I think there is little to choose between the temperments of Labs and Goldies, they are both renowned for their loving nature.
But please be aware that the purchase of one of these breed does not 'automatically' guarantee all of the qualities which you have listed. You only get out of your dog what you put into it. And that means a 'LOT' of time spent training, playing, loving, grooming and bonding with the dog. If you arn't prepared or don't have the time to put in the work with the dog, then my advice would be to wait 2 or 3 more years until your younger child is a bit older and maybe able to understand that a puppy is not a toy.
Sorry, I am not trying to put you off getting a dog, but young children can be quite a handful, and having a young pup around as well can sometimes be just too much. And usually when this happens it is the poor dog that comes off worst.
:)
Regards,
Harry C.