Moving to another breed

[Finlib]

People are always ready to call a certain breed mad or bonkers.I think with red Setters they are such beautiful handsome dogs that people get them and they really haven't got the experience or the life style that suits them .With the right training and exercise regime they settle down and are lovely dogs , yes they still have zoomies still run joyously but with enough exercise and stimulation and training they are not mad or bonkers.
I agree they need training stimulation and consistency but if you but in the time the reward is amazing .

 

[P3LH]

My suggestion will be perhaps a little left field.

Old fashioned rough collie (good breeders are still about) - I’ve had two, have one left. There is a pronounced split in the breed in type, and id always recommend the old fashioned ‘classic’ rough that still looks and acts like ‘lassie’

I would say they are actually very similar to golden retrievers (which is probably why I really like GR too) but perhaps a little more sensitive.

A well bred one will be as easy going as a sight hound with all the trainability of a gun dog.

I understand the different breed rationale - when I lost my last rough I couldn’t imagine having another. I genuinely don’t know if I will again, despite them being my favourite breed.

 

[splashgirl45]

Does it have to be a gun dog? What about a long haired German shepherd if you want a long coated breed , or a Briard or Leonberger if you want a very big dog

 

[Spotherisk]

Flat coat. I remember watching a class of them at Crufts and without exception every dog was waving it’s tail and looking happy.

 

[J&T]

Does it have to be a gun dog? What about a long haired German shepherd if you want a long coated breed , or a Briard or Leonberger if you want a very big dog

No it doesn't have to be a Gundog but leonbergers are too big I couldn't handle a giant or anything bigger than a Golden retriever size.

Briards and German shepherds are both known to be aloof and not really what I'm looking for they are nothing like Golden retrievers and I'm looking for a breed who still is happy go lucky like Goldens and loves people so I can take him anywhere.

 

[J&T]

My suggestion will be perhaps a little left field.

Old fashioned rough collie (good breeders are still about) - I’ve had two, have one left. There is a pronounced split in the breed in type, and id always recommend the old fashioned ‘classic’ rough that still looks and acts like ‘lassie’

I would say they are actually very similar to golden retrievers (which is probably why I really like GR too) but perhaps a little more sensitive.

A well bred one will be as easy going as a sight hound with all the trainability of a gun dog.

I understand the different breed rationale - when I lost my last rough I couldn’t imagine having another. I genuinely don’t know if I will again, despite them being my favourite breed.

Really good suggestion and another breed I really like especially the old fashioned lassie type but rough collies again may be to vocal for my neighbours and I need a dog who is fairly quiet like Goldens so I don't get complaints.

 

[Clodagh]

People are always ready to call a certain breed mad or bonkers.I think with red Setters they are such beautiful handsome dogs that people get them and they really haven't got the experience or the life style that suits them .With the right training and exercise regime they settle down and are lovely dogs , yes they still have zoomies still run joyously but with enough exercise and stimulation and training they are not mad or bonkers.
I agree they need training stimulation and consistency but if you but in the time the reward is amazing .

Perhaps rather than bonkers I should have said will require significantly (as in enormous) amounts more training and stimulation than a show bred goldie. It seemed to me that OP did not want a dog that was going to be a lot of work, but a gentle and calm companion.

 

[J&T]

Perhaps rather than bonkers I should have said will require significantly (as in enormous) amounts more training and stimulation than a show bred goldie. It seemed to me that OP did not want a dog that was going to be a lot of work, but a gentle and calm companion.

Spot on @Clodagh on what I want which is why I specifically said something similar to Goldens as in mellow and yes your right I don't want anything that's more work than a Golden in terms of exercise that's why I'm looking for a Medium energy dog who is laid back and mellow.

I'd happily put Show line English springers on my list but they seem more work than a Golden my sister doesn't think so though but she's only ever had springers her English ones have all been show lines so she's never experienced a Show Golden.

I know she told me that show line ESS are a complete different breed to even a Working ESS

 

[P3LH]

Really good suggestion and another breed I really like especially the old fashioned lassie type but rough collies again may be to vocal for my neighbours and I need a dog who is fairly quiet like Goldens so I don't get complaints.

One of mine was almost mute, the other liked the sound of his own voice at the door etc but I wouldn’t describe it as incessant etc. From experience and knowing lots of them and mixing with lots of breeders - the less highly strung lines are quieter. Wiccani, Ingledene etc

 

[blackcob]

It's the coat that puts me off as it looks like it'll be more work than a Golden

Just to say that show type cocker coats can be high maintenance - I showed one for a couple of years and keeping him in full coat was a PITA, it's profuse, soft, porous and prone to matting. Unless freshly bathed, dried and trimmed for a show he was often a bit damp and stinky. He's now shaved down to the wood but that's a commitment in itself every few weeks.

They are thick as mince but in the best possible way if that makes sense, sort of relentlessly cheerful and dippy with people and dogs. I do think there are or have been temperament issues in some lines however, resource guarding isn't uncommon.

 

[splashgirl45]

It sounds like nothing will match up to a golden , so couldn’t you consider another one? When I lost my last lurcher i went for something completely different as I couldn’t face getting another lurcher. Lurcher was fawn and white bitch so I got a black tiny terrier dog who makes me laugh everyday. I now have a black lurcher dog who actually is very different to my old lurcher so you may find that another golden of different sex may be very different to your old one . Good luck in your search

 

[JJS]

It seems to me that all you really want is another GR. I don’t mean that as any kind of criticism - it’s just clear that you found your perfect dog breed and nothing else will quite compare

The only breed that sounds anywhere near similar enough in terms of personality is a Labrador (although I know you’d like a bit more hair ideally). That said, some are slightly longer coated, and oddly enough, my little yellow girl is always being mistaken for a GR, even by people who own them.

However, if you’re convinced a Lab wouldn’t be the right fit, have you thought about a Golden cross? They wouldn’t be the same but perhaps similar enough to have lots of the traits you love.

 

[NinjaPony]

Agree that a Golden is what you really want but I do get it, I’ve said I’ll never have another Connemara because my boy was just perfect. Could you get a female instead, in a different shade, eg dark gold rather than cream? Otherwise based on your responses I’d say get a Labrador, as they are most similar.

 

[J&T]

I appreciate those of you suggesting another Golden but my heart really isn't ready even a female I'm just not ready to open my heart to another Golden , I know when I see them at crufts I'll be in tears but I know a lot who are going and they knew Henry.

As much as I'd love to have another Golden I just can't for now but can't wait for my heart to be ready because I hate being alone and having no dog in my house.

I know their will be nothing like my Goldens and that's fine I'd rather have a breed who is different but I just wanted some of the things I loved about goldens in my next dog such as mellow, friendly to all, laid back , easy to train ect.

It does seem like a Show springer may suit and I can be shown how to handle the coat.

I have been thinking a lot about a suggestion @Smitty made in the cavalier king Charles spaniel, I know a lot of cavaliers who live with Goldens and I do find them to be very similar in temperament to Goldens they do take longer to train but I'm ok with this , I've always found them to be a small version of Goldens my only problem which is a Huge one is the health it's such a shame a wonderful breed has such serious health problems.

I am always amazed too at how great the 2 breeds get on since the cavalier is so small compared to the Golden but they do.

I would be very happy with a Cavalier but the health issues worry me a lot even though I know their owners would tell me that their treatable issues they are still their.

One of my friends who had a cavalier and couldn't have one again after seeing first hand how serious their heart issue can be got a Cocker spaniel after and she's the one who suggested a Cocker and knowing me very well we have known each other for over 20yrs and she thinks a cavalier is not active enough and a Cocker would suit my long walks and days out.

I did speak with her and she told me that yes cockers can have temperament issues but so do most breeds like any breed it's about finding a good show breeder and then how you raise him. She knows many who are PAT dogs but she said funny enough their all show types.

 

[SO1]

What about a standard poodle. One of my friends from the yards has poodles and they are really nice.

My grandparents had golden retrievers they had spaniels before retrievers. I don't ever remember the spaniels but they had retrievers all the time I knew them.

My grandparents on the other side had a Sheltie a bit like a mini Lassie.

 

[splashgirl45]

I had forgotten shelties, my friend had one, he was a lovely dog and very sociable but his coat needed quite a bit of looking after

 

[J&T]

I wanted to let you all know I incredibly have found my next dog and I'm not moving breed after all.

I had a call from Henry's breeder asking if I would be interested in rehoming an adult female that has come back to her after her owners no longer have time for her now they have a baby.

I told her I was unsure on another Golden because of Henry and she had a lot of good advice but she told me she is related to Henry her mom is Henry's sister so she's Henry's niece.

I agreed to meet her at least and I met her today and I knew the instant I saw her I'd forever have Goldens and how silly I've been all this time , I said yes Id love to take her.

I'm picking her up on Friday as she has to finalize some thing's paper work wise.

Thank you all for still taking the time to advice I really do appreciate it.

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

I wanted to let you all know I incredibly have found my next dog and I'm not moving breed after all.

I had a call from Henry's breeder asking if I would be interested in rehoming an adult female that has come back to her after her owners no longer have time for her now they have a baby.

I told her I was unsure on another Golden because of Henry and she had a lot of good advice but she told me she is related to Henry her mom is Henry's sister so she's Henry's niece.

I agreed to meet her at least and I met her today and I knew the instant I saw her I'd forever have Goldens and how silly I've been all this time , I said yes Id love to take her.

I'm picking her up on Friday as she has to finalize some thing's paper work wise.

Thank you all for still taking the time to advice I really do appreciate it.

fabulous news! Pics are a must when she’s home

 

[NinjaPony]

That sounds absolutely perfect and meant to be. So pleased for you!

 

[SO1]

That is wonderful happy news for you and the dog.

 

[DressageCob]

Clumber spaniel

Ooops just seen you have a new dog! Congratulations; sounds meant to be

 

[Asha]

Fabulous news . Please post photos when you get her home x

 

[TPO]

Amazing result foe you both.



Pictures are a must when she arrives

 

[Cinnamontoast]

I'm absolutely delighted for you!

 

[MurphysMinder]

I’m so pleased . I haven’t suggested a breed because it was clear to me that nothing would match up to Goldies for you , enjoy your new girl .

 

[Errin Paddywack]

Fate takes a hand, lovely result.

 

[Shady]

Wonderful news . I am so pleased for you. I didn't comment as I have Weims and nobody ever recommends them to anybody wanting a mellow, easy dog . My two are related in the same way as yours and the girl shares many of her uncles best traits and interestingly none of his worst!

 

[splashgirl45]

Great news !!! I thought you would end up with a golden , I am really pleased for you, and yes pics please

 

[Bellasophia]

Congrats on your decision.I’m sure you made the right choice.The fact she’s related to Henry will be very comforting to you both,I’m sure of that.
When you are ready post a pic ,I bet she’s lovely and will help you move ahead.

 

[JoannaC]

Oh how lovely that you have Henry's niece, I must say as I read through the thread I was hoping you would find another Golden as it was clear they were what you really needed.