Which Breed....

[Nadine83]

Hi,

I am new to the forums so I am hoping I am posting this in the correct section.

I have a bit of a dilemma and am stuck on which of the 2 breeds to go with. My husband and I have 2 young daughters so the temperament of the dog is VERY important to us. I have done alot of researching and also looked into breeders and found a couple (one for each breed) that I like.

I grew up with 2 German Shepherds and they were just so loving, gentle, intelligent and gave us so much joy. But I know that you can get biters. How do you know that the dog comes from a bloodline of biters? Where do you get this sort of information from? The breeder I have found for this breed seems to be lovely and her dogs have grown up around children. She said in all her 36 years of owning and breeding shepherds, she has never had a biter. They have all had great temperaments.

I also love the Golden Retriever and have read they are great with kids and as a family pet. The breeder I liked for this breed seems very passionate but they don't have any children, so the dogs wouldn't get that contact with kids. I am not sure if this is important or not....

I am a stay at home mum, so the dog will mostly have company. We plan to go to dog training with it and it will get it's daily walks etc.

So I was wondering, would you personally choose the German Shepherd or the Golden Retriever? And why?

Thanks

[Sandra777]

Personally I would choose neither, but that's just me.

ANY dog can bite so you need to check just as carefully into the temperament traits of the relations of any Goldie litters you are considering just as much as GSD litters you may consider. Unfortunately because GRs have got the reputation for being "nice" dogs there are a lot of people breeding to cash in on this and not paying enough attention to temperament. GRs feature quite prominently in bite statistics in the USA especially but I'd put money on these mostly being puppy farmed Goldies - bred for money alone.

The temperaments of the GSD and Golden Retriever are very different so perhaps you need to do some more thinking about what you actually want in a dog?

Your personal experience with GSDs when growing up gives you an advantage because you know for yourself what the breed is really like, many people think they're "not nice" dogs because of their police/guard dog roles - you know better

I don't have children and not all my pups are exposed to a lot of children before they go to their new homes (I try, but sometimes friends with kids just aren't available for puppy play as much as I'd like). I have never found this to make a difference.

Edited June 18, 2010 by Sandra777

[First Time Puppy Owner]

I'm going to say Golden cause I love them

But I wouldn't stress about the breeder having or not having kids as the pup will come to your home at 8 wks and that's when you can socialise them with everything including kids. Also I am sure you would not be the only family visiting the litter before they go to their homes so I wouldn't stress about that.

So as long as both breeders have done the appropriate health testing on their breeding pair and the parents to you seem to have fantastic temperaments - I would go with either breed as the rest is up to in how you socialise them

[poodlefan]

Two different dogs bred for two different purposes and with quite different temperaments.

Which of the two temperaments do you prefer? I prefer gundog temperament over the working dogs.. but that's me.

A dog that is good with children is the product of careful selection, training and socialisation regardless of breed. Even then careful supervision is required.

No breed is "great with kids" unless the work is put into them.

Edited June 18, 2010 by poodlefan

[Bubitty]

Goldens are absolutely wonderful and I find them to be a very “forgiving” breed. In general I find my dogs fairly unreactive to things. For example on our walks sometimes children spring out from nowhere and throw their arms around the dogs. The dogs are fine with these sudden movements etc and don’t seem to mind at all.

Not specifically child related but I often have friends come over who yelp in high pitch voices, who cuddle/pat the dogs, look at their teeth, squish their faces, take toys from the dogs mouth to look at etc and the dogs don’t mind at all, even when its people they don’t know very well. My only criticism would be that my girl tends to be a bouncer so if you get someone very loud and bouncy she will take that as a cue to be extra bouncy herself but she is never cross or frightened.

Training wise, I find them extremely easy to train dogs. They love their walks and the little one MUST have her games and training but they are very easygoing and good natured. I’m not sure how to put it but I just find them to be very at ease with most things. They are never quarrelsome.

Hope that helps you more with the golden part of your question!

Edited June 18, 2010 by Bub

[fetchindawgs]

I have had both breeds, and have Goldens at the moment. As far as temperament goes, you can have bad in any breed, but careful selection by the breeder should ensure a puppy buyer that they have made the right selection.

Personally, I would stick with Goldens. My dogs get minimal contact with children, but absolutely adore them and have never shown the slightest aggression toward anyone, child or adult.

I have not been impressed with the GSD's I have seen at competitions and shows I'm afraid, both for their temperament and their conformation. (Nothing like the boy we had).

I would suggest you talk to as many owners of the breeds as you can. Find out who people recommend. Visit reputable breeders and mingle with their dogs and get a feel for what is right for you and your family.

How you bring up that puppy will be the main factor in its behaviour, as you know, so go for the best you can get, be happy with your decision, then enjoy your puppy.

[GoldenWei]

How old are your children. Goldies, like any breed can jump up, and they can be very hyper-active as young dogs, so it is important that they are taught manners from day 1. My current goldies don't jump up and they would be fine with children, but my first one wouldn't of at a young age. She knocked my 60kg aunt for six once. I was young when I got her and didn't teach her manners at a young age. The internet was in it's infancy as well so access to the right way to raise a puppy was not as freely available as it is today. Not using this as an excuse, I didn't know much about goldies when I first got one, so I didn't raise her the right way from a puppy. I thought they were very calm and laid back, I chose the mischief maker because of this, she was definately a handful, but I don't regret it, I loved that dog! Personally if you have very young children, I would choose something that is easier to control. Goldies need the proper training, they will pull on lead if not taught correctly, they chew, god they can chew, and dig if bored, sometimes they can be barkers as well. Saying all that, I love the breed, they are gorgeous dogs and very intelligent, not to mention versatile. You can doing anything with them. They need some time inside, mine are in when I am home and sleep inside, but they will happily spend the day outside if you are at work. They do like to be part of the family though so if they are never allowed in they may become a bit depressed.

[SchnauzerBoy]

Having seen both breeds at dog sports, the goldens seem to behave and know the equipment better than the GSD.

As stated before, no dog is "great with kids" without lots of training, supervision and more training. Either breed can bite, react and harm, no matter what other people / websites tell you.

[Kavik]

As poodlefan said they are quite different.

And I prefer working dogs to gundogs

But it comes down to your expectations, the amount of work you are prepared to put in, and the type of temperament you like. A GSD shouldn't be bitey if you train it properly, just as a Golden may be mouthy if you don't train it properly. IMO Goldens should be a 'softer' temperament than a GSD. Both breeds should be good with kids if you train and supervise.

[indigirl]

A golden of course great family dogs but can be boisterous when young, so require training and comittment.

[Moselle]

I have had both GR and GSD. Both were intelligent, loving, doting and obedient dogs. It really depends on whether you are wanting a dog with a guarding instinct and if so obviously your choice would have to be the GSD. There can be biters in all breeds so selecting a breeder that is passionate about its breed and breeds primarily for temperament is the way to go. Spend time with the breeder's dogs and see how they interact with people. As for pups having to be raised with kids to make great pets - not necessarily. If you obtain a pup from the age of 8 weeks and raise it with kids they should become accustomed to children providing that the experience is a positive one. I know of 2 maremmas that ended up being shot by the owner simply because they started displaying aggressive tendencies towards the family children and I could see why. The kids were teasing the dogs and instilling fear into the dogs and unfortunately the dogs ended up paying the ultimate price; those dogs had a fabulous temperament to begin with but were ruined.

[mumof3]

Golden golden golden golden.

But, they are boisterous when young, and big so they can knock little kids over. They also can take a while to mature mentally and if not prevented, can be very destructive if they are allowed to be bored. They also shed quite a bit. I have never had a GSD. Perhaps an adult golden would fit the bill, rather than a pup, but they can be hard to find.

So far as knowing the temperament of specific lines, ring a few breeders and ask them if there are any lines that they would particularly reccommend or suggest you stay away from given your specific requirements. If you look through the breeder listings for a really small kennel, perhaps one with kids, then you have common ground and if they don't have pups to sell, then they might be prepared to make a reccommendation for you. There is no substitute for research, and this can take time and many phone calls. Not all breeders will be happy to discuss these things with you, but keep trying and you should find someone who is helpful. While I don't think the breeder having children is important, I do think it preferable that puppies are raised in the home, rather than in the kennel, for their first few weeks. If you are looking at an adult dog, I would choose one who had been raised in the home and permitted to live with the family, rather than one that was kenneled. Also, if you choose to look at an adult dog, definetely look for one which has been raised with children.

Read up about hip dysplasia with Goldens, and make sure you cover this, and other breed related health issues in your enquiry.

I've a pup on order for my family, (a different breed though, a Brittany) and I can't stress how important I think it is that you really take your time and do your research and make a careful and well informed decision for your family. REad about what is important in raising a puppy to be a well loved part of the family (www.dogstardaily has some great info). Think seriously about wether you have the time to invest in a puppy - they can only ever be as good as you make them. If people think you are being too fussy - stuff them. You are a Mum, and you have the right to look for the PERFECT family pet, for the PERFECT forever home. You want the right fit, for the sake of your children, the dog and your self. Buying a pup is a big investment, but more important is the emotional investment your family will make in this new family member - you really do have to get it right, first time, particularly if your kids are quite young.

all the best

[spoilt lab lives here]

In my opinion, Goldie- hands down.

Goldie and GSD are very different temprament wise. I would go for a Goldie any day

[poodlefan]

Having seen both breeds at dog sports, the goldens seem to behave and know the equipment better than the GSD.

As stated before, no dog is "great with kids" without lots of training, supervision and more training. Either breed can bite, react and harm, no matter what other people / websites tell you.

I'd say that's got more to do with the trainer than the dog.

[Aidan]

Either will make you happy for about 10-14 years, then inconsolable when gone. GSDs take a bit more effort and shed more, but if you love 'em, you love 'em.

[mumsy]

We adopted a golen retriever when she was three years old from a family that was transferred overseas. I had a six month old, 2, 4 and 6 year old at the time. From the day she arrived she loved the kids. ( she had been brought up with kids). My little on learned to stand up holding onto our dog, always supervised of course. I haven't seen a goldie that wasn't the most loving dog. I wouldn't choose a german shepherd over one anyday. Here is a photo of our goldie when she was quite old. Over night a baby possum fell out of a tree and attached itself to our dog. She didn't try to do anything to it, she just kept it on her back until we got up in the morning. That's the temperment you want when you have young children!

[Guest]

Nadine, In my oppinion only I think both breeds are great, and I really think it depends on how you treat the dog to start with, our 10 year old shepherd was great with our grand children even with one that has Aspergers, he used to constantly be annoying her and I was allways worried that she mite bite him, but all she used to do was growl at him to let him know when she had had enough of him, we got her from someone who just wanted to part with her. at 10 months of age so didn't know any of her traits, but she still turned out to be a lovely companion, the only thng was she didn't like grey haired men, so we think she may have been hurt by one.

We have just bought a 9 month old Lab so far he is very good and likes all the family, and I can take things out of his mouth without him being agressive, we don't know who his breeder is either, I personally would not let any dog around small children unsupervised, no matter what breed of dog.

We have had Poodles from pups and they have made beautiful family pets as well, and if you don't like cleaning up dog hair all the time, then they are the way to go.

I have also heard that Schnauzers are a great family dog as well.

Lablove

[Whipitgood]

Over night a baby possum fell out of a tree and attached itself to our dog. She didn't try to do anything to it, she just kept it on her back until we got up in the morning. That's the temperment you want when you have young children!

That is quite possibly the cutest heartwarming story ive heard all week - brought tears to my eyes! ... must be the pregnancy hormones!!

Ive always preferred Goldies to Shepherds and ive grown up with them, but that is purely based on my own personal opinion and through meeting many of both breeds. I have children and would definately own a Retriever with them, never a shepherd - again, i stress, this is personal opinion of which is based on the breed i like in terms of temperament.

Having said that, both are large breeds and a Goldie can be boisterous and energetic. Hence why i now have Whippets, medium, quiet, calm, gentle and perfect for young families.

Edited June 18, 2010 by Whipitgood

[Earthdog]

And this debate can to and fro till the cows come home.

I had Shepherds when my kids were little. Their temperaments were nothing short of outstanding.

I have a photo (of the old style) of my Shepherd bitch with a kitten riding like a rajah on her back. Also the bitch and dog cuddled up with the cat asleep between them.

[dee lee]

I feel like a broken record- Goldies!!

We adopted our 3 year old girl last year from Golden Retriever Rescue and she is an absolute joy!!!!

I have 2 young daughters (6 and 7) and the eldest was nervous of dogs - she absolutely adores Honey.

Goldies were on my wish list because of their reputation as being sweet and gentle. Honey has not disappointed.

The kids walk her to school every morning (with me close enough to grab the lead ) and when we get there she has a fan club of children that clamour for a pat or a cuddle. She happily laps it up. ;)

With training, while she is not as quick as my past dogs, she is enthusiastic, soft in temperament and eager to please me.

We did get a very calm adult Goldie (exactly what we wanted) but she can also be very playful, bouncy and is very fit.

Aside from the copious amount of fur she sheds at times (but I hear GSDs are as bad?) she is the perfect dog. Well for our family anyway. As a neighbour who is on her 2nd Goldie says- "they are just so... trustworthy".