Could anyone give me some advice please?. My partner and i are looking to buy a golden retriever puppy, but i have noticed the bitch seems to be more popular than the dog, is there any reason for this? We are a young couple with no children, i am at home all day and we dont know which sex to go for. Is there much difference?

Its all down to personal preference.I have 3 males.Why? I don't want to deal with seasons for one and the look of a male dog appeals more-I like that 'stallion' type look in my dogs(only way I can explain it).My mum only has bitches -says they're more loyal!However I think loyalty is a individual thing as I have 2 males of the same breed-one is very loyal and devoted to me ,the other would go with anyone for a stroke and a treat!!!
Archer

Thankyou for your reply Archer, so do you think both sexes would settle the same in a home environment. I would like a dog for the same reason you said seasons, but on the other hand my aunt has had two golden retrievers and both were bitches and she said they were more placid in nature. Then again i think i am biased i grew up with maddie, and i have been dogsitting for meg my aunts new pup. I suppose when we meet the pups there personalties will help us decide, i hope!!!!

Hi, I have 2 ESS bitches and 3 ESS dogs, I always went for bitches because I though they were easier but since getting my boys I have to say they are so lovely. They are more loyal than the bitches and also more placid, the bitches seem to have mood swings.The bitches have been easier to train though.
The boys are alot more playful and always bouncing around where as the girls tend to like being on their own more.

Hi, I have 4 dalmatians; 2 dogs and 2 bitches.
A bitch's seasons are certainly a nuisance - but they are only twice a year, whereas a dog is 'in season' all the time!!!;)
These are the first males I've kept since I was a child, and they are definitely different to bitches - but just that, not better, not worse. Both sexes have their good points and their bad ones. The boys are more bouncy - but they're the youngest, so you'd expect that. They are very loving...but so are the girls.

Basically, go for whichever pup you likethe best - there may be one who chooses you!
:)

Charlie 24,maybe thats a good idea-if you can't decide go with an open mind and see what happens.When I went to buy my first Elkhound I had booked a male for the reasons I've already stated.I went to see the litter at 5 weeks old and sat on the floor with all 8 of them.Unfortunately it was a little bitch that 'chose' me and I must say I almost changed my mind!!!You just can't believe how tempted I was to put my deposit down on her there and then.
Let us know how things go.
Archer

I am having the same dilemma, I already have a dog and a bitch, but due to them both being crossbreeds, I have no breed traits as such to judge how mad or laid back they are. I was planning to get a bitch for all the reasons stated above, seasons are a nuisance yes, but my male is neutered so no problems there. I have found my male more loyal and protective, and will work for love alone but my bitch is so much fun and has so much energy, but will only work for extortionate amount of liver cake or sausage!

So as every one says, let your heart rule, they will all be adorable, but one will single you out, good luck!!!

Hayley

Thank you for all your input i think i will take your advice and let the puppy choose me!!!!! As long as theres not more than one who take a liking to us.

It's good advice....both my dogs chose me, and they're great(both bitches). However there was 12 yrs between them :D

liberty

What kind of dog do you have Liberty and what is there temprement like?

Hi

I have a Golden Retreiver who's 14yr and a Flatcoat Retreiver who's 16 months :) They have wonderful temperaments, they love EVERYBODY, but they can be quite boistrous. I found them to be quite intelligent espescialy when food is offered, and rather greedy. :D

Oh and I'm always covered in dog hairs............they get everywhere.

Good luck with your new pup, whichever sex or breed you chose.

liberty