Goldendoodle vs. Golden Retriever

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Well...as many of you probably have read, I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of a goldendoodle sister for Bexter (a guardian pup).  Turns out, the mom wasn't pregnant as we were hoping for (according to the ultrasound).  I am soo disappointed.  The breeder will be having the mommy dog spayed and retire her.  So...I could wait longer for another opportunity with this breeder, which she is willing to do.  There are other opportunities to be had later on, dogs that she is wanting to keep a girl dog baby of, so she will still need a guardian eventually.  However, my impatient self is now thinking...what about the retired mom?  The breeder is going to be looking for a home for her she said.  This is obviously a VERY health tested & approved golden.  She is beautiful and is an excellent house dog.  I have been talking with this breeder for over a year now, and also have met this wonderful momma dog.  I thought it might be cute to see Bexter & her together because she looks a LOT like his mom (a reddish/golden retriever).  She might think he looks a LOT like her babies (because he does look a lot like the babies she's had in the past).  She is 5 years old, so about 4 years older than Bexter.  I know that being a golden she sheds.  I also know that she is already 5, so I won't be looking at having as much time with her as I would have a new baby goldendoodle.  However, escaping the puppy stage & all that is sounding more appealing.  Plus, the price is very reasonable, especially considering all the health testing that has been done on her.  What would you guys do?  I know lots of you have owned golden retrievers before.  Would you wait for a goldendoodle pup (then I'd have the 2 doods) OR have a doodle & a golden retriever?  Thanks for any advice.  I'm so torn!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

We had a Golden Retriever when the kids were growing up.  He was just an amazing family dog.  He adored the kids and was kind of a "Nanny" to our youngest son who is handicapped.  I've told the story of how we lived next to a State Forest, and once my young son wandered into the woods....our Golden never left his side.  My son lost one of his little shoes, and this dog carried the shoe in his mouth....following my DS through the woods.  When he was found, they were both sitting on the ground with the Golden huddled right next to him.  He was a smart, calm, amazing dog.  The reason we didn't get another one and went the "Doodle route" is because I got really tired of all the shedding.  My Golden shed like crazy.  Also, we wanted a smaller dog this time....we had no idea that Murph would get as large as he has.  So, bottom line this dog sounds just wonderful to me as long as you can live with the shedding.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

wow Jane. That is an amazing story. Dogs are so wonderful!

[Linda and Murphy]

Wonderful story, Jane.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

That's a hard one Traci. I really think this is a decision you will have to make alone as there are no right answers.  Personally the only factor that would put me off is the less time bit.  I constantly think about how short their lives are at best.  The shedding is another thing to factor in.  I suspect that your heart will have to be the decider on this.  Can you spend some time with her?  Take her on your own for a bit. See how she gets on with Bexter.  He is still a puppy and she may not be in the mood for young stuff?  I think checking those things out may help you to decide.  Good luck with this whatever your decision be sure it will be the right one.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

I agree with Nicky that you should take her for a "try" and see how she is with Bexter.  If she is the right dog for you - you will feel it!

Also about the shedding... Luna is a micro version of a Golden in terms of coat and we find "tumbleweeds" all over the house.  I can also tell you that the seasonal shedding is ridiculous even with her being pint sized.  To be honest though we hardly notice it because she is so wonderful and loving - there is a reason Goldens are so popular!  I just have lint rollers in my closet and in my drawer at work haha.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

im currently living with my inlaws and their dog sheds like crazy. we cant take her anywhere without the car being covered. we vacume every few days but really should vacume every day. And thats even after using a furminator!!! I certainly will never get a shedding dog, no matter how cute they are! But its all down to personal preference, and personality of the dogs should be important too

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Jane,

What a story.  I am practically crying ( I know, what's new, right?).  I just watched Marley & Me last night & have been emotional basket-case ever since.  Geez.

Nicky - I also did think about what you suggested - asking the breeder for a week with her to make sure the dogs are a good fit.  I did think about the age difference, too.  I can't explain it, but for some reason, my heart is really pulling me in this direction.  I feel like Bexter and Gracie would make a great team.  She is older, wiser, and more experienced (and has been a mom to pups just like him!)  I know she is used to being around other dogs, both her age and younger due to the breeding program.  Plenty of doodles running around there!  When I decided on a doodle, it was mostly because of the shedding issue, but also because of the size.  Now, for some reason, those things just don't seem to matter so much to me.  There is no guarantee anyway that a doodle won't shed if I should get another doodle anyway.  I realize a great dog is a wonderful thing & size should not matter.  I actually (instead of getting Bexter) was going to get a puppy from Gracie the first time around, but the timing wasn't right.  Then, I was supposed to get my guardian dog from her, which she didn't get pregnant.  It just seems like this might have been what was meant to be.  I don't know.  I am a sap, but I'm trying to be smart.  The shedding will probably drive me nuts & I'll hate it, but the awesome dog will make up for it.  I'll keep you all posted.  Thanks so much for your responses!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Follow your heart....it has always worked for me.

[Katie and Sophie]

the heart knows what the heart wants. Listen to it and never look back.

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

My husband grew up with a GR, the sun rose and set on Molly. They got her when she was two and she lived till she was 15. The amazing part to me is she was 15 when my DH's mom passed away when he was 18 from ovarian cancer. She was home until the end and if my DH was home from school he was next to his mom doing everything for her. Before this Molly would sleep in his room while he was at school. Then after she got sick Molly would go into her room as soon as he left for school and didn't leave until he came home. Sadly he had to have Molly put to sleep 3 weeks after his mom passed and the vet said he was amazed that lived as long as she had since she had a brain tumor they had no idea she had. Molly is the reason we got Hunter, her mom looked exactly like Molly :-)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I wouldn't let the fact that the dog is 5 years old influence me. 5 year old dogs are terrific dogs, and have many good years left. Plus, any of the diseases for which there is no testing (and there are many) would have already shown up by 5 years of age, unlike a puppy or even a 2 year old, so you would know that you had a very healthy dog.

5 year old dogs are adopted every day. Sherri's Winston is 5 years old, and many other dogs of 5 years and more have made their families very happy. I personally fostered two 5 five year olds who were the best dogs I ever saw.

As far as having less time, you never know. Any dog can die young, and any dog can live to the oldest age possible for his breed. And let's face it, it's never any easier to lose them, no matter how much time you have with them. I was just as sad when my 16 year old dog died as I would have been if she'd died younger.  

So to me, her age is a non-issue.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I think the sleepover is a good solution also.   I used to babysit a yellow lab who was my dog's mother. 

Just because it was mother and adult son, often times there were problems with bones, guarding, etc.  But she was an only dog and both of my labs didn't mind her and much as she minded them.

You will know in time.  Goldens are great dogs   :)