Anyone With Experience Owning Both a Labrador Retriever AND a Golden Retriever?

[poohandwendy]

In my experience, they are such similar breeds that if you really like goldens personalities, you will like labs too. I have owned both, but at different times. As far as high strung, I think you can find that with either...depending on their individual personality and breeding. With ours, neither were dogs that I would consider high strung, but both had really long puppyhoods (2 years). The best difference is that I think the lab hair was easier to manage.

I think the critical thing here would be to go with a really great breeder.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

My sister has a golden retriever and a chocolate lab. She got the golden, Ginger, first, and was given the Chocolate as a Mother's Day present from her daughter. Her first thought was, "not another puppy!", but quickly grew to love her and obviously is so crazy about her. I've only seen the dogs once, but they both seem like good dogs. Chocolate barks at other dogs more, but that could have more to do with that dog in particular than with labs in general. Well, except my lab cross barks at any and everything, too.

 

[Little Miss Liberty]

I would just encourage you to go the rescue root. Please help a dog that needs a home.

 

[Val]

For many, many years we have had a black lab (or lab mix) and a golden....we are known for our yellow/black dogs. The two breeds are quite a bit alike with great individual differences. Goldens tend to be a bit "dumber" in my opinion, but much more eager to please and thus slightly easier to train. Our goldens have always been big sweet hearts- eager to lead the burglar right to the expensive stuff in return for a treat or a ball throw....our labs have been a bit smarter- which gets them into more trouble, and are ever so slightly more protective. Our old female lab was the most protective of all- we lost her a year and a half ago, but I never worried when the kids were little and out in the yard. NOTHING would get by Merry Puppy (yes, that was her name, long story).....both breeds are great dogs. They both shed....goldens shed large fluffs of hair all over the house; labs shed little tiny penetrating hairs that get into clothes, upolstery, etc. Both stay puppies for a long time- 2 to even 3 years. Both chew terribly (our goldens have tended to be a little worse). Our 18 month old golden, Seamus, ALWAYS has to have something in his mouth- a toy, a cat, an escaped pet rat (last week- amazingly the rat was more pissed off than hurt)....he carries around his toys incessantly. Our current "black" dog, a lab/hound/rottie mix (a rescue, another long story) named Lilly, is more anxious but I swear that is the hound and rottie in her along with her history of terrible abuse. She was a special placement with us and has 'special needs' due to her early abuse history. Our first black lab Charlie was a ball dog- even experienced heat stroke when we didn't realize exactly HOW long he had been running after the ball. Our first golden, Butchie, was our oldest daughter's best friend during her preschool years- the two were inseperable and it hit all of us really hard when we lost him to cancer at age 11. I can't imagine life without a yellow or black dog under my feet!

Bottom line- you can't go wrong with either IF you can deal with the shedding, the high need for human contact (ours are "velcro dogs), the need for exercise (even just throwing the ball down the hall in bad weather) and the chewing. On the other hand, you will get lots of kisses, incredible and noncontingent love and adoration, and a pal for life (especially if you slip a little ice cream their way once in a while!).

We love our guys. They entertain us and make us feel better after a really crappy day. Our 4 kids always have a friend! Even though our car windows are slimy, some furniture has teeth marks, and we are always vacuuming and tripping over beasts who seem to lay in the middle of everything....we couldn't live without them!!!!

 

[mog]

You are talking about a subject near and dear to my heart! We had a Golden Retriever and a Chocolate Lab together for years. We got the Chocolate, "Chip", when the Golden, "Jake" was just under a year old. It was great! The Golden was just a big dumb lovable guy who refused to learn any tricks - he thought he should just get biscuits for being cute and adorable. The Chocolate was very smart and just wanted to please us - he also had major separation anxiety. This was before we learned about crate training and every time we left the house we knew he would be getting into something. We had them before we had kids and they were our babies. After the kids were born, they were great with them, too. I miss them horribly still, even after years without them.
We have another Golden now - have had him about 5 years. I would love to get another chocolate lab, but we just can't have 2 dogs again right now.

By the way, my family has a term "second dog syndrome" because everyone in my family who has had 2 dogs - the second one has the same personality traits. They tend to be greedy, pushy, and dominant over the other dog....and somewhat neurotic. It's kind of funny, but we just all started calling it "second dog syndrome"!

 

[txaggiemomof3]

You know which breed I'm going to suggest

I wanted to add that our second Golden is less excitable/hyper than our first. We noticed that from day one. She is actually a pretty laid back puppy which has been great. We mentioned it to the breeder and she said that a friend of hers had a litter of field line (field trial/hunting) Golden puppies that were very excitable, more high energy dogs - that is desirable in field line dogs. She said that show line dogs tend to be calmer and that is definately the case with Libby. If your dh is looking for a hunting companion and you go through a breeder who is breeding from field lines, you might get a more high energy dog. I think both are terrific breeds. Just make sure you go through a reputable breeder, meet the parents and ask LOTS of questions!

We went to my son's Boy Scout pack meeting tonight and the special guest speaker was a Search and Rescue officer who brough along her two Goldens. One of the dogs actually helped at the World Trade Center site after 9/11. They were both incredible dogs. As soon as I got home I give Libby a huge hug

 

[PrincessTiff]

I didn't know that. Another rescue currently has a six month old male that was found almost starved to death, and he's very white too. He's in horrible shape. I started crying last night when I saw his picture. If we weren't leaving in June, he'd be one that I would be interested in rescuing.

You can see him on www.goldenbeginnings.org.

Here's a pic of the rescue that I was referring to. I posted it on here a few months ago for some reason.

Where is he located at? My puppy needs a friend.

 

[nhrenee]

Here's our chocolate lab. He's a big dufus (my dh calls him Jethro) and the sweetest dog I've ever known. I don't think you can go wrong with either!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Our Lab (black) is always hungry, and her tail goes a mile a minute.
Our Golden was more reserved, but more sneaky, she would jump fences to go for walks, and catch skunks, for instance.

They lived together for 5 years and were very good friends. Lab would wash the Golden, she doesn't do that to our mixed breed.

Bobbi

 

[cme]

I love all retrievers in general....currently we have 3! Have had golden's in the past and currently have one that's 4-months old and is just recovering from a severe case of puppy strangles and also two flat-coated retrievers. Never had a lab, but hear alot of good things about them! Have you ever considered a flat-coat? They are considered the "Peter Pan's" of the dog world because they never grow up. I just love them!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I love all retrievers in general....currently we have 3! Have had golden's in the past and currently have one that's 4-months old and is just recovering from a severe case of puppy strangles and also two flat-coated retrievers. Never had a lab, but hear alot of good things about them! Have you ever considered a flat-coat? They are considered the "Peter Pan's" of the dog world because they never grow up. I just love them!

I have to ask - what are puppy strangles? Is that when you get so mad at them, "you wanna strangle 'em?"

I LOVE flat coat retrievers! I think they're beautiful, but I know someone who use to do flyball with them and she told me that they need a lot of exercise; on par with an Aussie. I need something a little more laid back, since I work so much.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Where is he located at? My puppy needs a friend.

He was in Houston. His photo is gone all of the sudden. I don't know if someone claimed him, or he was adopted out. Usually it'll say that there is an adoption pending, but in this case it didn't.

I know this is hard to look at, but this guy needs a home too. It just breaks my heart. We had to nix looking into getting him for several reasons. I sure wish I could have him though. http://www.wcnet.net/golden-beginnings-of-texas/06-116 Pilgrim.htm

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

You know which breed I'm going to suggest

I wanted to add that our second Golden is less excitable/hyper than our first. We noticed that from day one. She is actually a pretty laid back puppy which has been great. We mentioned it to the breeder and she said that a friend of hers had a litter of field line (field trial/hunting) Golden puppies that were very excitable, more high energy dogs - that is desirable in field line dogs. She said that show line dogs tend to be calmer and that is definately the case with Libby. If your dh is looking for a hunting companion and you go through a breeder who is breeding from field lines, you might get a more high energy dog. I think both are terrific breeds. Just make sure you go through a reputable breeder, meet the parents and ask LOTS of questions!

We went to my son's Boy Scout pack meeting tonight and the special guest speaker was a Search and Rescue officer who brough along her two Goldens. One of the dogs actually helped at the World Trade Center site after 9/11. They were both incredible dogs. As soon as I got home I give Libby a huge hug

Lemme guess... a Golden???

I still have your PM and I told my DH all about you! Always remember... you have a friend in Spring if those allergies get too bad...

I would have loved to have heard the guest speaker! I remember watching those dogs in action and it would just bring tears to my eyes. They're so tireless and such incredible animals.

There is a dog show coming to Houston, December 1st through the 3rd, I believe. I volunteered for GRRH at the last big one, so I didn't really get to enjoy any of the activities. DH had a blast though!

I think we're going to go to this one. Let me know if you want the info and I'll dig it up.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I wanted to say a big THANKS to everyone who told their dog stories! A double thanks for the pictures!

I can never get enough of those!

DH and I have a lot to discuss!

 

[cme]

LOL! I know what you mean with puppies and wanting to strangle them sometimes...but actually it's a weakness in their immune systems and it's a little scary. It's very rare and my baby, Emma, came down with them after her second set of shots. If you can picture the white spots someone would get on their throat when they get strep, on the outside and inside of the puppies muzzle. She had sores like that around her eyes, in and around her mouth and in her ears. She's doing better now, but was very sick. We are going into our 7th week of steroids and have 2.5 to go! At that point, we will try to give her the vaccinations again and keep our fingers crossed. Other than that, she's a very sweet little girl. Not your typical golden puppy though and I attribute that to the steroids and other drugs she's had to have in her system. She's not chewing, she's not biting, she's not digging!! All the things I'm used to with a retriever. We also have to keep an eye on her that she develops and grows properly. Right now, she's a little bit on the small side and the vet thinks it could be because of the steroids.

Anyway, let me tell you about my flat-coats!!! Not too many people have heard of them and I have to tell you I am totally smitten with this breed. My oldest one, Indigo (she's 7) is my wild child! She loves to run in the yard and looks like a gazelle. She's happy, friendly, laid back and makes me smile just to think about her. My youngest, Savannah (she's 2) is the most calm, sweet, laid back dog you've ever met. Now add in a golden puppy and I think we have the best of the retriever world under our roof!

So, while they do need exercise, I don't feel it's anymore than you would need to give to any other type of retriever.

Okay, I've rambled enough ...... good luck making your decision! And, P.S. - I love the pictures of your dog!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

LOL! I know what you mean with puppies and wanting to strangle them sometimes...but actually it's a weakness in their immune systems and it's a little scary. It's very rare and my baby, Emma, came down with them after her second set of shots. If you can picture the white spots someone would get on their throat when they get strep, on the outside and inside of the puppies muzzle. She had sores like that around her eyes, in and around her mouth and in her ears. She's doing better now, but was very sick. We are going into our 7th week of steroids and have 2.5 to go! At that point, we will try to give her the vaccinations again and keep our fingers crossed. Other than that, she's a very sweet little girl. Not your typical golden puppy though and I attribute that to the steroids and other drugs she's had to have in her system. She's not chewing, she's not biting, she's not digging!! All the things I'm used to with a retriever. We also have to keep an eye on her that she develops and grows properly. Right now, she's a little bit on the small side and the vet thinks it could be because of the steroids.

Oh wow. I've never heard of that before! Fingers crossed that all goes well!

Anyway, let me tell you about my flat-coats!!! Not too many people have heard of them and I have to tell you I am totally smitten with this breed. My oldest one, Indigo (she's 7) is my wild child! She loves to run in the yard and looks like a gazelle. She's happy, friendly, laid back and makes me smile just to think about her. My youngest, Savannah (she's 2) is the most calm, sweet, laid back dog you've ever met. Now add in a golden puppy and I think we have the best of the retriever world under our roof!

So, while they do need exercise, I don't feel it's anymore than you would need to give to any other type of retriever.

Okay, I've rambled enough ...... good luck making your decision! And, P.S. - I love the pictures of your dog!

They are beautiful retrievers! Our rescue had some Golden/Black Lab mixes not too long ago (some loser dumped the Golden mom outside of the SPCA while she was in labor) and they looked just like flat-coat pups!

Do you have any pictures of your brood? I love to see them!

 

[cme]

Thanks for the good thoughts for my little pup...she's so sweet and doing much better. Anyway, if I can figure out how, I'll post some photos of the group....I forgot to mention we also have 4 cats (of various ages!). Kind of crazy, I know, but we have our own little "Animal Kingdom" at our house!!

 

[txaggiemomof3]

Lemme guess... a Golden???

I still have your PM and I told my DH all about you! Always remember... you have a friend in Spring if those allergies get too bad...

I would have loved to have heard the guest speaker! I remember watching those dogs in action and it would just bring tears to my eyes. They're so tireless and such incredible animals.

There is a dog show coming to Houston, December 1st through the 3rd, I believe. I volunteered for GRRH at the last big one, so I didn't really get to enjoy any of the activities. DH had a blast though!

I think we're going to go to this one. Let me know if you want the info and I'll dig it up.

I saw Pilgrim on the Golden Beginnings site. Poor guy I'm sure GB will find him a great home. We had actually looked into getting a rescue Golden a few years ago but many of the rescue organizations (including Golden Beginnings) will not adopt to families with children under age 5 .

We might check out the dog show. My kids would probably love it! Is there info. about it on the internet anywhere?

I can't wait to hear what y'all decide on. Any dog that comes your way will get a great home

 

[MouseJunkie]

I have a golden (Elvis) and my friend has a yellow lab (Jersey). This is my 2nd golden. I can tell you my first one (Bear) was adorable, but arnerier than cat poo. He was the family dog. My mom always says she could write a book about all the things he did. He ate our driveway, entire trees, shoes. You name it he ate it. Let's put it this way we got him a bowling ball to play with because it was the only thing he didn't eat.

My golden is much more laid back at least once we got out of the puppy phase. He is definately the Walmart greeter and Mr. Congeniality all wrapped up into one. I swear though I could make a fortune selling dog hair rugs if they were the in thing.

My friends lab is just as goofy as ever. She is very happy to see me when I come in the door. She jumps all over me. Bad manners I know, but she's cute. They say I'm the only one she does that for. AHHHHH...I'm special. ha ha. The joke is we have joint custody. She's also very arnery, but she is also still very puppy. About the only difference besides looks is she's just less hairy although she still sheds a lot.

Between the two breeds I think they act a lot alike down to the way they always have to be near you, will put there head under your arm to make you pet them, and put there paw in your hand.

I see a lot of similarities....They're both great dogs!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I saw Pilgrim on the Golden Beginnings site. Poor guy I'm sure GB will find him a great home. We had actually looked into getting a rescue Golden a few years ago but many of the rescue organizations (including Golden Beginnings) will not adopt to families with children under age 5 .

We might check out the dog show. My kids would probably love it! Is there info. about it on the internet anywhere?

I can't wait to hear what y'all decide on. Any dog that comes your way will get a great home

Awww, thanks!

There are several things going on during that timeframe.

This is in The Woodlands: http://www.thewoodlandsdogparkclub.org/PWCposter1.pdf

In Conroe, there will be an all breed dog show and there will be a "Parade of Rescues & Honor Dogs". Sort of fits into what you posted about earlier! Here's their website: www.conroekennelclub.com

I picked up a (free) magazine at my vet, called "Houston Pet Talk" and there are some pretty good articles in there. It gives a list of December events.

You should also look at this link: www.abundanceretreat.com. It's in Wimberley and looks gorgeous and best yet, they're pet friendly! It's not cheap though.