Even before we got Roxy,our first dog and a golden retriever, it was always given that we'd eventually have two dogs. Roxy's 7 1/2 months old, and since with some breeds you can expect to wait up to a year for the right pup to come along (plus), we've been having a think about breeds that would compliment golden retreivers. There's absolutely no question of getting one before Roxy is 18mths - 2yrs old so really this post is a preliminary enquiry to people who have experience of other breeds/recommendations of size of dog/experience of having GRs and other breeds. Just to narrow it down, we can excercise new/current dog as much or little as they need, we're about to start obedience with Roxy, and I have to say I love how responsive and easy to train GR's are so perhaps I'd like a similar nature. We've enough room for another medium/large dog and I'm not overly fussed about sheding, and I'd also consider a smaller dog - I love min schnauzers - would a terrier/retriever mix be a good/bad idea?

What would people suggest? Another GR (I just love them), a smaller/medium dog, a dog or a bitch? Any suggestions will be greatfully recieved.

Cheers

Karen

What about another retriever?

If it were me, I would go for the same breed, but one of a different colour. In your case, either a really light cream one or a really dark golden one :)

Thanks for the replies.....we're kind of going down the another golden route Or a cocker, or a......

Just as another thought, since Roxy adores other dogs how likely would it be that she'd bond with the other dog more than us? I'd be devastated if she went 'off' us...

And which would be best, a girl or boy? She's very confident and rarely shows any submissive behaviour - apart from with Max an absolute whopper, and beauty, of a GSD...

Thanks

If you have a dog which is very dog-orientated, it will be easier for the dog to bond with the new dog than with you, but there is plenty you can do between now and then to redress things.

Make sure you are doing some training with her every day, take her to classes and practise at home, develop games that involve you playing with each other like tuggy or fetch, and get her really excited when you play with her.  You need to try to be as exciting as another dog would be. 

If you wait until she's 2 yrs old, you'll hopefully have an excellent relationship with her by then and won't have the problem of her bonding with the pup.  (Although you'll have to do the hard work all over again with the pup, so it doesn't over bond with her!)

I'd suggest you get a boy, too.  Not because anything bad is likely to happen if you get another girl, but there is a very SLIGHT chance of inter-bitch rivalry.  Not enough to stop you getting a bitch if you want one for some reason, but if you really have absolutely no preference, get a boy.  (Assuming also Fluff is or will be spayed by the time you get the pup.)

Thanks for the advice.....I was hoping a boy would be suggested - and she'll definately neutered by then -  I'm keen have one of each ... I was actually looking up some of the lines in her pedgree again recently - might be worth going back to her breeder.... Although she's very pale, I really fancy a darker golden. I was actually looking for a darker one when I was looking for a pup, but you know, she just came up and chose me instead. Who was I to refuse ;)

I've met a few flat coats and consensus seems to be that they're a bit ker-razeeee Also, something I read on here was that there are illnesses for dogs, and then there are illnesses for flatcoats! I'd toyed with the idea as the breeder where I got roxy has working flatcoats as well - they're beautiful...

If you are comfortable with a Golden, my advice would be to have another one.I see someone suggested a Flatcoat-please don't make the mistake of thinking that a Flat-coat is just like a black version of the golden!
They are very different in temperament and I have shared my life with both breeds. If you are tempted to consider a Flat-coat go and meet some and talk to their people. They are a wonderful,loving, lively dog but not quite so easy to live with as most Goldens.Of course there are always temperament variations with-in every breed and one of my flat-coats, I am sure thinks she is a Golden ! ! Whatever lovely dog you decide on,you will find two a joy, it is so wonderful to see your dogs inter-acting with each other.

What about a lab?

Or a Flatcoated Retriever?  :D

I like to see dogs of the same groupings together, gundogs, herders etc, so would stick to another gundog of sorts, they will have more in common.  GR's go with pretty much anything I have seen many with Cocker's and labs, even a St. Bernard?? They are very social dogs, but I do love to see two GR's together sorry to be boring, but I just like to see two running and playing together.

Well having 4 Goldens myself, I would obviously recommend a Golden.  It is amazing how Goldens love playing with each other.  Mind you I have had a Lab whilst having a Golden and they were really good friends.  Goldens love company, but I really wouldn't get another one yet.  Give your puppy a chance to have its puppyhood first and enjoy having you to itself.  Once you have got this one trained up, then you could consider another, but personally I would wait until he/she is two years of age.

The poster has said that she intends to wait til her GR is 18 m to 2 years - very sensible.

What about an Aussie?  They are very responsive and trainable - and very pretty too!

Yep my Elkhounds longest standing friend is a Golden.

She is funny though as she was definitely under socialised and anti social until we met her.  I started taking her out with mine and she just loves the Elkhounds.  they are the only ones she is happy to have in her own home, and extends this to the whole breed, not just her particular friends.

I have taken both the rescues that I have been fostering to her house and she accepts them happily, yet does not like any of the dogs that have visited with other family or Friends of the owner.

Anyway I would have another Golden retriever when she is two to Three years old, as I don't believe she will be mature enough at 18 months from the ones I know and see at training class.

Thank you Karen. I've been thinking of asking the same question myself. Blame Goldmali, she told me to! :-D Well that's what I'm telling the OH anyway. When I decide what breed I think I will get an adult from a breed rescue. I can't quite talk him into thinking midnight poo watch for the second time around is a great idea.

sending chocolates to Marianne for providing the excuse

Schnauzers arent terriers! :)

Ah ha, what you need is a toller, smaller than a golden, and darker in colour, but similar kind temperament. ALternatively if you want about the same size i would definately say a flat coated retriever.

When the time is right another Golden!! but i am biased by my own Goldie.

Oh go for a golden, 2 goldens together just wonderful. We got our female golden at the end of last year, our male was 3yrs,he was nuetered,trained, and our girl has slotted in wonderfully.When we decided to get another he was around 2yrs old rang the same breeder, and he put us on the waiting list,we waited nearly 12 months before we got her but the wait was worth it.
If you do decide Golden, then I would contact a breeder asap tell them your position, and then go on a list.I love the breed,and my two are half sister/brother, same father, and in some ways completment one another...
Good luck...

another golden - they are so GORGEOUS!

I've got 2 Goldies (both boys), 2 Dobermanns (both girls) and a Sussex Spaniel (a girl, small in size but big in attitude - the boss). Years ago I had a Goldie and a Westie. So I think, with 1 Goldie already, go with what you fancy, a Goldie will get on with most breeds as they are so easy going and friendly, a great breed.

Have you thought about visiting a rescue centre. There are hundred's of dogs looking for homes. You can even look at a lot of them on the internet before you even visit. I have owned dogs for 30 years, I have done the 'showing' bit, but I care passionately about all the poor creatures which end up on the streets. There are too many breeders out there (making a lot of money), most of the rescue centres are full of pedigree dogs, bought on a whim & then abandoned. If you go to a reputable rescue centre, in the worst case scenario the dog can (at the last resort) go back. Give it a go, I would not buy from a breeder, give a desperate dog a home. My rescue dogs over the years have been fantastic, they will give you so much love back. My dogs may not be designer, I can't show them, but I go to obedience & do agility. If you are not looking for a 'show' dog give it a go.

My experience is that rescue centres are largely full of crossbreeds or poor examples and crosses of the most popular breeds and types beloved of the puppy producer.

Rarely have a I sen one that looked as if it were well bred.

Decent breeders take back their own breeding, and also the breed rescues home any where the breeder isn't known, or is genuinely unable to help.

Unfortunately the country is not full of decent breeders. If that was the case the rescue centres would be empty. Rescue dogs make wonderful, loving, pets, or perhaps I have been lucky. I did wonder at the response I would get, after all this is a 'Champ' dogs forum. There are too many irresponsible breeders, who are just out to make money. They sell puppies to homes which in some cases are not suitable, as long as they get paid, that is all they are interested in. I know that all breeders are not like that, but you only have to look at the pedigree puppies/dogs in the centres to know there is some truth in what I say. My point is, if you are not in to showing, does it have to be a pedigree, with papers? I have a rescue GSD & a rescue terrierX, who are both wonderful dogs, they just needed a chance & I was willing to give them one. Actually the GSD needed more than 1 chance, he has been hard work, but I have seen GSD'S at my obedience class which cost a lot of money & came from 'reputable' breeders who have many more problems than he has. I think some people feel the need to spend lots of money on a pedigree dog, just as some people have to have expensive designer clothes etc. All I say, is think about it?

>My point is, if you are not in to showing, does it have to be a pedigree, with papers?

That's what the puppy farmers hope people say. That registration is unnecessary, and that the crop of crosses they produce at alternate seasons from the poor overworked bitches are just as good as the pups from any other breeder. :(

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a 'crossbreed'! You should see my little 'Tilly', unfortunately she is a 'crossbreed terrier', but everyone we meet adores her!! She is unique, she also has a bad hip, but I gave her a home because she needed one, she is fantastic. Unlike many 'show' dogs she has the run of the house (downstairs) anyway. She get's 2 good runs/walks a day, she does a bit of agility (badly because she likes to nip off & have sniff round), but we have fun! She has a 'GSD' for company as well as the human sort, & she isn't shut in a cage all day, just to be got out when there is a show! I am not getting at you personally, but I know from 'doing' the show scene for a few years that this does happen. Some pedigree dogs are not loved pets, they are exhibits who have to win at shows. Even 'poor' examples & 'crosses' are dogs who need homes.

Beardy, you seem to have a very blinkered view of show dogs, and if you believe the restricted lifestyle you describe is the norm for showdogs I'm afraid you were mixing with the wrong people. At a rough guess I'd say that less than 1% are kept as badly as you describe.

I agree there's nothing wrong with crossbreeds. But don't damn pedigrees in your efforts to boost the crosses. To suggest that all showdogs have restricted lives is as false as claiming that all crossbreeds are ill-treated. There are good and bad owners of each.

Have to agree, as I attend at most 20 shows a year, what do you think the dogs and I are doing the other 345?

I agree JG - my 'show' dogs have the run of the downstairs when we are home, and often nip upstairs to say good morning to me, though they're not supposed to! They sleep in my bed when my husband's away on business, and of course they own the best sofas and chairs in the house. (Cavaliers of course, with that attitude!!). I walk them virtually every day and they also go on long walks in the Lakes in the summer. My friend has 7 and they all sleep in the bed with her, and get lovely long walks through all sorts of country. Most show dogs I know are pampered pets most of the time! :-)

On the original subject, I agree that 2 different colour Goldies would make a lovely sight!

I would never damn the responsible breeders & I do know that there are lots of loved pedigree dogs. I just wanted to state my point that there is nothing wrong with crossbreeds. I just feel so sorry for all the poor dogs who are in rescue centres, be it pedigree or not & feel that we as dog lovers have to give them a chance.

Nothing wrong with the dogs themselves, but you have to admit they are the product of someones lack of responsibility and chances are they were not reared in the best way and to find them selves in a rescue centre they were either not homed well, or have a breeder that doesn't take responsibility for them.  So for this reason it would be better if they were never born in the first place.

The over production of puppies for the wrong reasons is the main problem, easy come easy go is often the mongrels, and poorly bred pedigrees fate.

Of course the dogs deserve new homes, but while someone is wiling to pick up the pieces the problem of these dogs being bred in the first place with no willingness to take responsibility for them by their breeders and fickle owners continues.

>Unlike many 'show' dogs she has the run of the house (downstairs) anyway.<

My show dogs get the run of the whole house during the day while someone is at home (restricted to hall, stairs and landing when we are out or asleep although puppy is caged for her own safety)

Apart from when we are out and puppy is in the cage they have access to two cages which are open, aswell as the sofa :rolleyes:

I know of many "just pets" who don't get this lifestyle my 5 showdogs/pets have :)

During the summer the back doors are open and so while someone is at home they have free run of the garden aswell :) During winter they can go out if they ask! :)

My puppy is currently doing some pet obedience classes, she's useless (being a setter) unless food is involved but we have fun.  She goes to training now and again and at newmarket she had her first time in a junior handling ring with my brother where she was allowed to play up.  (He went in jeans, t-shirt and trainners :rolleyes: ) just to let the puppy have a fun time in the ring before she went into the group!

I'm sorry but show dogs are normally kept in the best of conditions.  Even those kenneld, the kennels are in a better state then the house normally!!!

I have been debating whether to go for a breed rescue or a puppy. Thing about getting a puppy is you are the one who raises them and makes sure they get a proper start in life. Almost every rescue owner at our training club comments on how nice my dog's temperament is and says they wish their rescue was the same. The trainers that currently have rescues are all saying never again because they have had to live with aggression problems for the last ten years. ducks the first toss

Let me also say that the most fantastic dogs in my family (other than current boy of course :-D) have all been rescues. More lovable, enjoyable and nicer dogs you won't find anywhere. It's just more hit and miss. So I can't agree with the opinion that you should never buy a pedigree puppy. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. As long as the breeder is reputable and breeding dogs of wonderful qualities that further the breed I can't see any reason not to buy a puppy. I am deciding on a breed now, and will probably contact breed rescue to give a mature dog a home rather than get a puppy but that is due to a number of reasons.

What needs to happen is that people should not buy from the bad breeders so they stop breeding, then the only dogs would be genuine accidents and well bred ones.

It is very interesting that in Scandinavian countries there are very few unregistered crosses and mongrels.

I was looking at the Finnish Kennel club website and the canine population of that country is 600,000 of which 75% are pedigree.

Is breeding teated with much more seriousness than it is among many people here who think that just because their dog can bred it should and don't think of their responsibilities to the resulting pups.

Maybe all puppies should have to be permanently identified before sale/adoption and if the dog ends up in rescue the breeder is made to take responsibility.  Wonder how may would continue to produce litter after litter and sell to anyone with the money?

I'm afraid I have a huge soft spot for Aussies...if my heart wasn't occupied by 2 spitz breeds then I would be looking for an Australian shepherd.Think if you want something trainable /medium sized then why not have a look at them?
Archer

My friends have 7 goldies and they get on fine, they decided that they wanted a newfie, so they had one of my pups and i was a match made in heaven.
But it depends on if you fancy a larger dog

Peanuts

Hiya Fluff
Have you decided yet? Sounds like you hanker for another Goldie ... they are beautiful of course ... but have you SEEN a Goldie & a Flattie playing together? Delightful ebony'n'ivory opportunity for you!
Whadyya'mean are they a bit crazy how dare you?!?! Um, ok then YES, insane for a few months but so loving, & such a delight with other dogs. I am no expert but at least with a flatcoat you know it would adore your Roxy & fit in with her ...
So says me, my flattie is 19 months old, his master wants a 2nd dog - I wouldn't DARE til The StinkerMink is at least 3 years! Good luck whatever you choose & all the best