We currently have our names down for a Golden Retriever puppy, but are unsure of which sex to get. We would like a "dog", but we keep getting conflicting messages from friends and other dog owners, saying that a bitch would be better. Does any one have any thoughts on this matter!

Personally speaking I've found bitches easier to live with and easier to train. Usually they're slightly smaller than Dogs, and can be less dominant. On the down side they come into season twice a year, which can be a messy business so you'll need to decide if you want to have her speyed.

I'm sure someone with more experience of male dogs will be along with their advice :)

liberty

(owner of Golden and Flatcoat bitches)

hi,
i have 6 dogs that are dogs and bitches that live together happily (some say bitches tend to be more faithful than a dog but i disagree) bitches are sometimes more dominant than males when living together.
i have found seasons to be messy as sometimes some bitches dont clean themselves.but i have found owning dogs of both sexes there is no difference between the two,each dog has there own individual personality and mine are all different.
hope that helps a little:)
jane.

Hi there,
I have a 6yr old male golden retriever, Baillie.
I have had him since he was 8wks old, and he is the nicest natured dog ever :) :)
He is very much my baby, however, I don't have any experience of bitches, but I have heard people say that bitches are more loyal, but I can't imagine any dog being more loyal than Baillie!
He was very easy to train, and as he was home reared, toilet training was really easy, within about 3 or 4 days he was clean.
They are absolutely brilliant dogs and I wish you lots of luck with your puppy, as for the sex, only you can make that decision, after you have read everyone's advice. Whatever you decide, you'll have a great mate!!!!
Sharon

Liberty, Bulldogowner & Bailliesmum,

Thanks for the info, it all helps towards making our choice, its just that you hear so many different stories!