golden retriever or labrador

[meatismurder]

cant decide which dog to get.
Which would be better with children? Any advice would be apprieciated,never had a dog before. Thanks

[andrea81]

Can I ask why you have narrowed it down to these two breeds? Only reason is that they are large dogs and if you haven't had a dog before it might be a bit of a shock for you to have such large dogs in your home. (amount they eat and space they need)

I have a Retriever, he's a bit demanding but wonderful around children. I think labs are good too, but not really sure!

[lankeela]

Either breed is generally good with children, what you must do is ensure you only buy from a reputable breeder who has done all the necessary health checks as both breeds can suffer from various health problems. The Kennel Club has a list of Accredited Breeders who have puppies available and to be a member of that scheme they have to have done certain health checks and lots of other criteria have to be met. Make sure you visit several breeders before deciding on buying a puppy. A good breeder will welcome this, rather than try to sell you the first one you see. Let me know which area you are in and I might be able to put you in touch with someone who can advise you, or give you the name of a local club secretary who can offer guidance.

[lankeela]

Have a look here for some advice, then click on finding a pedigree dog in the menu.

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/buying/index.h tml

[horselady]

My daughter has 2 children aged 18 months and 4 years. They have a 1 year old golden retriever and she is brilliant with the children.

[meatismurder]

Im in bristol. Dont mind travelling a bit though,somerset,devon,wales,but not london dont like the drive. Thanks any info on breeders will be great.

I have a large garden,large house,just moved house you see,I dont work,got a woodland area 2 mins down the road which we frequent,have done me homework,the time is right now. i think labrador is the one for me.

[lankeela]

This lady is in the Cheltenham area. She has a litter of Labradors (blacks) due mid April. Does all health checks etc. and shows and works her dogs, the father of the puppies is a champion. They will not be the cheapest but you get what you pay for.

Mrs Lynne Minchella 01242 620635

[meatismurder]

Ok thanks for that. Its a yellow one we want,thanks for taking the time though.
What are your thoughts on the dog crates? my friend had one for her german shep and she got on fine with it. Not sure wether to get one or not.
Hoping to have a look at some at the weekend,will check the kc website,Will defo look at a few litters before I make a desicion. Want to get one within the next month really,in time for the summer anyway.

[Postdog]

As a postie, I meet a lot of family dogs. I have found labs, though affectionate etc, more boisterous when compared to golden retrievers. If I had hids, I'd go for one of these every time.

[Postdog]

Oh, and can I suggest a rescue dog. Believe me, you won't be dissapointed.

[annavc]

I'd recommend a Retreiver simply because we had one when I was a child. She was the most gentle, wonderful dog. I remember being little and lying on the floor watching tv resting my head on her stomach while she snored! She was great fun and intelligent and beautiful. I would recommend Retrievers to anyone!

[heathfield]

Retrievers shed hair like mad, 365 days a year!

[knobbynonuty]

Your telling me heathfield but they are worth it.

[lankeela]

Wendy Bebb and Kath Sutton, Cochen Labradors are in Glamorgan Vale, they have yellows. If they don't have any puppies due, they will be able to recommend a breeder.

http://cochen.co.uk/index.htm

[lankeela]

Don't know how I would survive without my dog crates! They are essential for travelling, and for giving a puppy/dog somewhere of its own where it feels safe. Helps with house training and stops them chewing things up or getting into mischief if they have to be left for a short time.

[Snappy]

Im biased as im owned by labs! I've always found Goldies to be a bit hyper? Well the ones i've met and looked after etc. And aren't the most number of bites each year carried out by Goldies? They never mention that when talking about dangerous dogs.

I favour blacks, i just love them! Here's the love of my life
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/Foxisle _crazy/thPhoto-0057.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/Foxisle _crazy/IMGP0187.jpg

The Abbeystead labs lankeela posted about are gorgeous, im planning on another puppy after may. I've narrowed it down to Brigburn, Mardas and Rocheby, or maybe one from each! LOL!

[bigmamma]

Oh snappy , that's the spitting image of my dog ...lol....I also have a black labrador and she is wonderful. ;-) x

[bigmamma]

[IMG]http://i32.tinypic.com/2yngy8n.jpg[/IMG]

[JonnyBoy12]

I would personally choose a Goldie, but that is because that is the only breed my family have ever had. Also because there are often chosen to be Guide Dogs for the blind, and that is a clever enough dog for me.

[scorpious123]

i personaly think both dogs score the same, I have a labrador and he is no trouble hes loyal great with kids loves his cuddles, but he loves his food and thats labrador for you.

[meatismurder]

What lovely dogs. I am thinking black now. I found a breeder 10 minutes up the road from me,but it said that the mother is small. Would that mean the pupps would also be small,when fully grown?
Theres so many to choose from. I spose the best thing to do is go for through the kc club,look at a few litters and go from there. Going out on saturday for a look round,I will let you know how i get on!