Golden Retriever or Cavalier?

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superpony

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I was wondering if you could help? I did post a thread about golden retrievers a few months ago but now coming to making a decision soon between 2 breeds!! As hoping to get a puppy in the next few months (when I finish uni) however the decision is currently between a golden or cavalier? Our house already has a cavalier.. (who thinks she rules the place!) and obviously the most important factor is to get a dog which she will like and get along with.

I really want a golden but my mum would like another cavalier but shes fine with a golden too.

I love cavaliers but I am not sure if one would suit my lifestyle? I am quite outdoorsey and have horses so would be hoping to take my dog to the stables with me and competitions etc! Also our cavalier is very delicate and has run up lots of vet bills!! When I move out will also be taking the dog with me and as I am a wimp I think I would feel safer with a bigger dog rather than a smaller one!!

I would obviously get one from a proper breeder with health checks etc (hips and eyes I've read are the important ones?). I am hoping to contact the G.R Club nearer the time and get a recommendation (thats how we got our cav). I am also going to go to Crufts and hopefully speak to the people at Discover Dogs. Also any opinions on a working bred golden or a showing one?

Anyone who owns goldens... I would appreciate stories/pictures etc!

Thanks!
 
This is Bruce, my partners GR. He's a beautiful dog, well trained and a nice dog to have around. He's not actually my cup of tea, however you can't deny he's lovely. He's great with my two jacks and a good guard dog (he sounds mean but is a right coward!)

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Why limit yourself to just those two breeds when there are a whole range that fall between.
Of the gundogs I've always fancied a Sussex spaniel and know some lovely Clumbers.
 
I've had cavaliers, goldens and now a cocker spaniel. I know its hard while you're still very young and at uni, but picture what life you want or need (financially) to have after you graduate. What type of work are you going to be doing, is it a field where overtime/work at home is expected regularly, will it be irregular hours, will you still be local to home or will you need to move away, and not just for your first post uni job, but how do you want/expect your life to be for the next 10 years or more? I would base your decision on breed on your prospective lifestyle.

My favourite of the lot is a golden (and I can recommend some very good breeders if you decide to go that way) and I would have another in a heart beat, but they demand a lot of input from you in terms of time that you need to dedicate to them - walking a golden is a lot different to walking a cavie! I have the (show type) cocker now because she fitted into my lifestyle, will walk a lot or a little depending on my day and the weather and doesn't mind either way most of the time (goldens go out for very long walks regardless of the weather), she's quiet in the house, generally healthy and undemanding. Mum has a 1 year old golden in Sheffield who might be up for a meet if you want to find out what a typical walk/day is like.
 
Thank you everyone for your help. :) bethie that is really kind with pm you. Ironically someone suggested a cocker spaniel to me!! They seem pretty perfect for what I am looking for (probably looking at the working type). But going to go to discover dogs and meet and ask questions.

And s4sugar your right it's so difficult to narrow it down! Hoping by going to cruftsi will help!!
 
Get a Goldie - they're fab! My 22 year old daughter moved in with her gorgeous farmer boyfriend today (fairly locally) and has taken her Goldie and Springador with her:( (although I'll see them most days;)). They're loyal, faithful, trainable, brilliant gun dogs and basically SO easy (oh, and twice round the garden and they're knackered!:D). My remaining three springers and Large Munsterlander appear to know that two of their "pack" are missing tonight even though they'll be meeting up most days! :D Goldies are lovely, easy dogs - get one!:D
 
I am extremely biased in that I have my little Cav and love her to bits but I'd be the first to admit that they are rather plagued by health problems. That said when my girl was younger (she's knocking on 13 now) she used to enjoy going on walks that lasted several hours when time allowed and had my yard allowed it I'm sure she'd've been thrilled at the prospect of having a yard to run around (all that nice yummy horse poo to eat, disgusting creature!). I think from your post though you are quite set on getting a Golden and you know the questions you need to ask and the people you need to speak to. Good luck with whatever you do decide on be it one of those breeds or something totally different!
 
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