Expert: Doepiddle (Terry) - 10/24/2004

Question
Thanks so much for responding to my question. I did find it helpful, although I am curious as to what characteristics of the other two dogs mentioned (English Springer Spaniel and the chocolate lab)concern you or lead you to believe they are not the best family dogs?  Much of the info you sent me was technical and I had read in many books and online. I was hoping you could draw from your personal experience with these dogs. For example:  I heard the other day from a friend that the English Springer Spaniel tends to bark a lot and the lab is hyper and tough to train.  These traits would certainly make me reconsider adopting these breed of dogs.  Can you give me some further insight? Also, the shedding situation with the Goldens besides continuous brushing are there vitamins one could give the dog to decrease the amount of shedding?


Liz

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Followup To
Question -
Dear Terry:

I have two small children (2 and 4) and live in Armonk, NY on 3 acres.My husband and I would like to get a dog within the next year & have been researchng different breeds.We have narrowed it down to 3 - Golden Retriever, Chocolate Lab and English Springer Spaniel....all sporting dogs (my husband is a runner & would love to run with the dog).  We are immediately drawn to the Goldens for their temperment and beauty, but have concerns about the shedding.  Although I do own a vacuum right?  Just recently I came across the English Springer Spaniel which I never really see around and thought she was beautiful.  Everything I have read about them suggests that they are also smart, good with kids and have a good temperment.  Labs seem to have the same traits but I have heard that they can be very hyper - which worries me because I have small children.  I have alot of property and we love to run around and be outdoors and I have small kids.  I can't seem to make a clear decision on which dog to get.....can you give me some guidance?

Liz
Answer -
Liz,

My preference in your circumstance would be the Golden. Here is more info on the dog:

The Golden Retriever is a beautiful, sturdy, well-proportioned dog with a feathered, medium-length, cream to golden-colored coat. (The coat is not suppose to be red.) The outer coat is water-repellent and the undercoat is dense. The head is broad, with a tapering, but wide, powerful muzzle. It has a scissors bite and a clear frontal stop. The nose is black and the kindly eyes are brown with dark rims. The ears are medium-sized and pendant. Its neck and thighs are muscular and the chest is broad. The tail is long, but never curled.

These are lovable, well-mannered, intelligent dogs with a great charm. They are easily trained, and always patient and gentle with children. Loyal, confident, sweet and eager to please. It is active, loving and an outstanding family dog. Golden Retrievers enjoy pleasing their masters, so obedience training can be fun. They excel in obedience competitions. Friendly with everyone, including other dogs, the Golden Retriever has very little, if any, guarding instincts. While unlikely to attack, Goldens make good watchdogs, loudly signaling a stranger's approach. This breed needs to be around people to be happy. If isolated from human contact, or left alone for long periods of time, the Golden Retriever may become mischievous. They can be over-exuberant and distractible. Some of the Golden's talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. These dogs also love to swim.

Height: Dogs 22-24 inches (56-61cm.) Bitches 20-22 inches (51-56cm.)
Weight: Dogs 60-80 pounds (27-36kg.) Bitches 55-70 pounds (25-32kg.)

Prone to hip dysplasia and congenital eye defects. OFA and CERF certification are important from both parents. Parents should also be checked for Von Willebrand's disease and heart problems. Skin allergies are common in Golden Retrievers and require immediate veterinary attention.

This breed will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a medium to large yard.

The Golden Retriever needs daily exercise, but likes to retrieve balls and other toys, so exercising is fairly easy. Be sure to exercise this dog well and do not overfeed, as he tends to put on weight.
Life Expectancy is about 10-12 years.

The smooth, medium-haired double coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, paying particular attention to the dense undercoat. Dry shampoo regularly, but bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

The Golden Retriever was first developed in the British Isles, probably from crosses between a yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, light-coated Tweed Water Spaniels, other spaniels, setters and even the Newfoundland and possibly the Bloodhound. In fact the breed was first shown as a Golden Flat-Coat. The Golden is one of the world's foremost family companion dogs. Many of the top obedience competition dogs in the country are Golden retrievers. The Golden is also a fine bird dog on both land and in the water. He has an excellent nose and has been used not only for hunting and tracking, but also for narcotics detection. Because of his great desire to please and capacity for love and learning, the Golden Retriever is also used as a guide for the blind, therapy dog, and service dog for the disabled.

I hope this helps! Send a pic of your new family member and I will put it on my web page!
www.doepiddle.isonfire.com

Doe

Answer
Liz,

In my personal experience I find that Goldens are much more gentle and much more "kid friendly".
Labs are very hyper and can be quite stubborn. While they are very loyal dogs, they require SPACE.
Springers tend to be a bit snappish around younger children. It seems to be a Spaniel trait.
All in all, considering your circumstances, I would go with the Golden. All three breeds shed about the same amount, and to be honest, Labs shed quite a bit since they have 2 seperate coats.

I hope you find this information helpful!

Doe