Hi,

We are in the middle of sorting out rehoming a 5yr old male and just wondered if anyone had any advice or things to look out for. He is coming from the GR rescue so I am sure they check them over but I have never had a male one before. Are they really more lively than females? Would they have calmed down by this point? Do they howl whenever a female nearby is in season? You can see I have heard all the tales about them! If anyone has got one and can offer any thoughts or experience that would be great. We have 2 children, 20mths and 3.5.
Many thanks
Julie

Hi!
I've had Goldens for over 20 years and had both sexes and I must admit I prefer the boys. :) No I don't think they are more lively, and usually IF they get upset by bitches in season nearby all that happens is that they will go off their food for a few days and maybe whine a little, but with age this tends to disappear as well, so a dog aged 5 is probably just fine. :) Of course with a rescue you could have had all sorts of things happen to him in the past, so try to find out as much as possible from rescue on why he was re-homed, if he has any particular habits etc. But I'm sure you'll be fine. Just watch the kids if he isn't used to kids, as Goldens can be over friendly sometimes and knock little ones over without meaning to.

As for calming down with age -yes usually around 8! :D They are forever puppies, big clowns. :)

Marianne