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!

[ERIC A. NATER]

I had Golden Retrievesr for over thirty years, and always had two at a time.  They are the most wonderful Dogs, and I can't walk by one without asking the owner if i can pet them.  My Goldens  were the dark Goldens almost as red as an Irish Setter, and I was asked may times if they were Setters.  Maybe the Darker ones don't shed as much, I don't know, but with regular brushings, the shedding was never really bad.  My labradoodle, and my Foster Labradoodle both shed more than my retrievers ever did!  I got my GoldenDoodle Cooper (red) while I still had my last Retriever after losing my second Retriever. I hoped to have both of them together for about three years, and then rescue another Doodle.  It didn't work out that way because I lost my Retiever to Cancer a little over a year after I got Cooper.  They were extremely close, and Dexter made raising a Puppy a cinch. I researched for a long time before I got my Goldendoodle because I wanted a Dog very much like a Golden Retiever, but maybe not as likely to develop Cancer as a lot of lines of Pure Bred retrievers.  That remains to be seen, but if I love just about any dog, but the only one I could compare to my Doodle would be a Golden Retriever.  I would definitely consider getting that Retriever if you can do a trial week first.  My two were wonderful together.

[Leslie J]

What a sweet picture!!!

[Bonnie and Kona]

What a sweet photo. love this. We had one GR and one doodle for 3 years. 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

My niece, with her very old and healthy Golden

He has his own couch too  :)

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Such a sweet picture!

[Jess and Pippin]

I personally wouldn't focus as much on the age.  We adopted a 7 year old Maltese cross from a rescue group (I know that smaller breeds generally live longer, but there are never guarantees).  Kylie has been with us just over a year and is almost 8.  I can't imagine our lives without her.  She has been a wonderful addition to the family.  She just gets a bit fed up with Pippin's puppy business at times, but overall they are a good pair together.  I agree with some of the other comments.  See if you can bring her home for a few days to see how her personality fits with Bexter, as well as the rest of your family.  I think it will help you figure out if the love for the dog is stronger than the dislike of the shedding.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

OMD!  These pictures are melting my heart!  I am DEFINITELY considering this.

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

I've never met a golden I didn't like...just saying...

[Charlotte and Bo]

My guess is-- you will try her for a few days and keep her forever. :-)

[Bonnie and Kona]

We have had two Goldens and loved them both devotedly. The reason we went for a Goldendoodle is because of the shedding but temperament trumps shedding every single time. I would not hesitate to get a GR. They are magnificent creatures in beauty and personality. We were greatly blessed to have lived with our two. Their passing was wrenching for all of us. Now, after the mourning period, we remember the joy they brought into our lives. I hope you are led to the best decision for you and Bexter whichever way you choose.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I think that sounds like a really great situation. If you are prepared to deal with shedding I then perfect! I agree with the others about the trial. She sounds like a really wonderful dog!

[Lynda Kamrath]

I would say try her with Bexter and if they are a good match, go for it.  Of course shedding can be a problem, but if you are prepared for it and no allergies, then this dog could be an answer to your problem of needing another dog.  The age is not a problem as no dogs come with a guarantee.  They may be around for years, or they may have a shorter life.  If she is healthy now, hope for a long life.  And this dog is not in a guardian home, she is yours.  I'm not so hot on the guardian homes anyway, the dog is yours or it is the other persons?  Guess I don't share that well.