Our foster dog Lenny is getting adopted on Monday and I have decided it is time to add to our family. The Baby will be one in a few weeks and I know the sadness of Murphy's passing will start all over again once Lenny is gone. I think with Summer coming it is the perfect time to add a puppy. I have thought long and hard about adding a newf -- but with our schedule I really feel there is more of a one year training requirement with newfs as opposed to a GR. Eventually another newf is in our future -- I just really feel like that dog will find us when the time is right. I am just starting to research them now and it is daunting. English, American -- what is the difference? I know some have a square head -- which I like and some have a pointed head -- which I do not like. We really just want a large square headed -- true golden. Not white and not red. Can anyone recommend a good quality golden retriever breeder -- close to California or willing to ship to California. As I do not want to break any rules -- please send all referrals via PM. Thank you!!
Wanted - Golden retriever Puppy
- Thread starter TinaM
- Start date
new_2_newf
New member
good luck! one of my best friends has a golden, and she's just an all around great dog! He got her from a donkey farm in Florida though, so I have no recommendations for you.
ardeagold
New member
You really need to join the Golden Retriever Forum. It's HUGE and you CAN ask about breeders, get referrals, get info on a breeder you've been in contact with, etc.
There are many discussions there about the different "types" of Golden Retrievers. The breed has been "split" between the show lines and the field lines. Some breeders are trying to pull it back together...however there's a lot of animosity between the two groups in the Golden Retriever world. You can learn all about the "type" of Golden you're interested in on the GRF. All are represented.
And there's no English Golden. They're all Goldens and they originated in England. It's a marketing ploy...and you'll PAY for the distinction. A lot of breeders of white Goldens market them as White English Goldens. gag Goldens come in many shades...from red/gold to light gold...but remember, they shouldn't be white.
There's a lot of info there for you to read, including some breeders to avoid....and why. (One discussion in particular is ongoing regarding a breeder who just got suspended by the AKC). Breeders are encouraged to join to tell "their side" if someone has a public gripe.
Interesting place (and often has a lot of controversy)...with a lot of good information (mixed with the normal chit chat) for you to "weed through".
I will PM you with the name of a good breeder that I know, but there are many out there, and because the Golden is a hugely popular breed...there are way too many bad ones. So be very careful about your choice. I don't know of any breeders in CA, but I do know there are plenty everywhere...too many IMO.
The same common sense decision making applies for Goldens that applies for Newfs....clearances recommended by the GRCA (Golden Retriever Club of America), breeders that show/work their dogs, breeders that will be there for you for your pup's life, etc.
Look up the clearances on OFA (www.offa.org). To do that you'll need the sire and dam's registered names once you pick a breeder, of course.
Look up lineages/longevity on K9 Data (www.k9data.com). There's a ton of information there.
You may also want to do some research through the GRCA:
http://www.grca.org/
And here's the GRF web address:
http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/
There are many discussions there about the different "types" of Golden Retrievers. The breed has been "split" between the show lines and the field lines. Some breeders are trying to pull it back together...however there's a lot of animosity between the two groups in the Golden Retriever world. You can learn all about the "type" of Golden you're interested in on the GRF. All are represented.
And there's no English Golden. They're all Goldens and they originated in England. It's a marketing ploy...and you'll PAY for the distinction. A lot of breeders of white Goldens market them as White English Goldens. gag Goldens come in many shades...from red/gold to light gold...but remember, they shouldn't be white.
There's a lot of info there for you to read, including some breeders to avoid....and why. (One discussion in particular is ongoing regarding a breeder who just got suspended by the AKC). Breeders are encouraged to join to tell "their side" if someone has a public gripe.
Interesting place (and often has a lot of controversy)...with a lot of good information (mixed with the normal chit chat) for you to "weed through".
I will PM you with the name of a good breeder that I know, but there are many out there, and because the Golden is a hugely popular breed...there are way too many bad ones. So be very careful about your choice. I don't know of any breeders in CA, but I do know there are plenty everywhere...too many IMO.
The same common sense decision making applies for Goldens that applies for Newfs....clearances recommended by the GRCA (Golden Retriever Club of America), breeders that show/work their dogs, breeders that will be there for you for your pup's life, etc.
Look up the clearances on OFA (www.offa.org). To do that you'll need the sire and dam's registered names once you pick a breeder, of course.
Look up lineages/longevity on K9 Data (www.k9data.com). There's a ton of information there.
You may also want to do some research through the GRCA:
http://www.grca.org/
And here's the GRF web address:
http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/
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victoria1140
Active member
how about the rescues, there are so many reasons people rehome and I'm sure there are ones out there that are being rehomed through home loss, etc and not through training or other issues
Thanks Donna. I will join the Golden forum to learn my way around. I agree there are way too many -- but they should not be white. Where I live I am really starting to see the white ones -- everywhere. I just cannot imagine it is healthy to breed for color rather than health and temperment. Our other dog is a rescued adult and the kids really want a puppy -- so we are looking into that. After going to the Pet Expo today the kids have expressed an interest in raising a dog for Canine Assistance League or Seeing Eye Dogs for the blind. Our kids are very use to fostering so this might be another route to go. It really depends on my daughter and her decision. Recently she wanted to keep our foster dog and ultimately decided against it because it was much nicer to help others find a forever dog. After the Murphy grieving she has done -- this is a huge step forward. I certainly do not want to re-traumatize her. The fostering has seemed to pull her out of it so we have lots of research and lots of decisions to make. Thanks everyone. I look forward to your PM Donna.
charlieinnj
New member
I've gotta ask......Why do you think the first year with a GR would be any different than a Newf? When I hear "...with our schedule", I can't help but be concerned that this may not be the best time for you to bring any puppy into your home right now.
PLEASE don't think I'm attacking you personally. It just breaks my heart to see all the dogs that end up in shelters and on Craig's list, etc., because of the demands of young children and people's "schedules".
I know you said you wanted a puppy but this is a rescue in northern CA (not sure where you are) and they often have puppies under 6 months old.
www.homewardboundgoldens.org
Good luck with your search.
www.homewardboundgoldens.org
Good luck with your search.
dannyra
New member
I love both breeds, but not sure what you mean by training time. I own both breeds and my Newf doesn't take anymore time than my golden to train. Actually a little less as my skills were better with the Newf.
The exercise requirement for a golden is going to be a lot more than a Newf. Generally I try to take both my girls for a walk. By the end of it, my Newf is ready to relax. My golden is just warmed up and is now ready to play 30 minutes of retriever games on top of the exercise the Newf had. The retriever games usually consist of throwing a frisbee or ball as far as I can. Which probably comes out to her sprinting for several miles over that 30 minute session.
Then my golden would be willing to do it all over again after about an hours rest.
The exercise requirement for a golden is going to be a lot more than a Newf. Generally I try to take both my girls for a walk. By the end of it, my Newf is ready to relax. My golden is just warmed up and is now ready to play 30 minutes of retriever games on top of the exercise the Newf had. The retriever games usually consist of throwing a frisbee or ball as far as I can. Which probably comes out to her sprinting for several miles over that 30 minute session.
Then my golden would be willing to do it all over again after about an hours rest.
new_2_newf
New member
that sounds like Sarah...she loves to chase her ball, and she's got a longer coat, so she requires a fair bit of grooming herself. She's a very mild dog period, but she would still play all day as long as someone was with her. Love her to bits, and she looks very pretty up on my new grooming table, but other than a few hours a week of grooming, I don't think she's any less demanding than the newfs I know.
Like, I said everyone I am in the beginning of the research process. I have recently learned the exercise level of a GR is much more than a Newf. (Thank you Donna -- your knowledge is both respected and invaluable to me). I don't consider any of your questions rude and I learn from many of them -- so thank you. I should clarify that in my opinion (which I say with much experience behind me) is that training a newf and training every single other kind of dog are two entirely different things. Size alone is an issue.
A puppy newf can easily get up on a counter and take things that a regular sized dog can not accomplish. However for all the things I know about a husky or lab (mainly exercise level) they also appear to be true of a golden as well. This was all new information to me. We are an active family with young kids always on the go. We do take our dog with us most of the time, like sporting events and children's activities. The shear size of a newf makes this harder for me right now with a 1 year old. In fact, I have often wondered if Murphy tore his ACL's from getting in and out of a car so many times.
We go on a long walk twice a day and need this to be enough exercise for a dog. We are smart enough to know that a lab, husky, vizsla and many others, including a now a Golden are not going to be happy with a walk twice a day. I foster puppies regularly from German Shepherd Rescue and have for over a decade. I KNOW what time goes into a puppy. I also know that for all the puppies I have had, none have required 1/10th of the time a newf required. They are large, large, large babies for a long, long, long time with a stubborn factor not often seen in other dogs. I didn't mean to insinuate that other kinds of puppies do not require time and energy -- they certainly do. In fact, (from experience) I know we have the time, schedule and energy level for a puppy. I have potty trained and taught basic obedience to our current foster dog in the last 8 weeks. I know Murphy was not like all newfs, and in fact, I am not sure his alpha temperment was the best for our family. Our breeder was more interested in our check than whether this dog was right for us. I will have to rely on the knowledge of a breeder to match us with a dog with a mellow temperment. Murphy was very obstinate often refusing to go outside or even get up for a walk. In hindsight I am still not sure if that was temperment or orthopedic issues. It is difficult to potty train a dog that is hard to lift when they refuse to go outside. Foster dogs are just not like this. I assumed with the "willing to please attitude" of a GR these types of issues would not arise for us. And I still believe things like potty training and basic obedience would be much easier with other types of dogs -- again only from my experience with Murphy. He was a lot of hard work for a long time. After the one year mark, IMO he because the sweet, gentle natured and loving dog I wanted. He still had a mind of his own and did not like to submit to mine or anyone's authority.
I deal with GSD's regularly and certainly know how to get my point across to a puppy. In Murphy's case, shortly after the year from hell he became immobile for an entire year while we went through surgeries and therapy. All of this was before I was pregnant and had a newborn. Now that the baby is one -- and summer is coming we have the time to devote to a puppy. I am still trying to decide if it should be another type of dog or if we should just wait another year for the newf of our dreams. Thanks everyone for giving us something to think about. I would be interested to know if any of you have had trouble from day 1 in getting a 40+ pound puppy to obey your commands or go outside on demand. It is this issue alone that has me second guessing adding another newf right now. Thanks again for all your thoughtful questions, comments and responses.
A puppy newf can easily get up on a counter and take things that a regular sized dog can not accomplish. However for all the things I know about a husky or lab (mainly exercise level) they also appear to be true of a golden as well. This was all new information to me. We are an active family with young kids always on the go. We do take our dog with us most of the time, like sporting events and children's activities. The shear size of a newf makes this harder for me right now with a 1 year old. In fact, I have often wondered if Murphy tore his ACL's from getting in and out of a car so many times.
We go on a long walk twice a day and need this to be enough exercise for a dog. We are smart enough to know that a lab, husky, vizsla and many others, including a now a Golden are not going to be happy with a walk twice a day. I foster puppies regularly from German Shepherd Rescue and have for over a decade. I KNOW what time goes into a puppy. I also know that for all the puppies I have had, none have required 1/10th of the time a newf required. They are large, large, large babies for a long, long, long time with a stubborn factor not often seen in other dogs. I didn't mean to insinuate that other kinds of puppies do not require time and energy -- they certainly do. In fact, (from experience) I know we have the time, schedule and energy level for a puppy. I have potty trained and taught basic obedience to our current foster dog in the last 8 weeks. I know Murphy was not like all newfs, and in fact, I am not sure his alpha temperment was the best for our family. Our breeder was more interested in our check than whether this dog was right for us. I will have to rely on the knowledge of a breeder to match us with a dog with a mellow temperment. Murphy was very obstinate often refusing to go outside or even get up for a walk. In hindsight I am still not sure if that was temperment or orthopedic issues. It is difficult to potty train a dog that is hard to lift when they refuse to go outside. Foster dogs are just not like this. I assumed with the "willing to please attitude" of a GR these types of issues would not arise for us. And I still believe things like potty training and basic obedience would be much easier with other types of dogs -- again only from my experience with Murphy. He was a lot of hard work for a long time. After the one year mark, IMO he because the sweet, gentle natured and loving dog I wanted. He still had a mind of his own and did not like to submit to mine or anyone's authority.
I deal with GSD's regularly and certainly know how to get my point across to a puppy. In Murphy's case, shortly after the year from hell he became immobile for an entire year while we went through surgeries and therapy. All of this was before I was pregnant and had a newborn. Now that the baby is one -- and summer is coming we have the time to devote to a puppy. I am still trying to decide if it should be another type of dog or if we should just wait another year for the newf of our dreams. Thanks everyone for giving us something to think about. I would be interested to know if any of you have had trouble from day 1 in getting a 40+ pound puppy to obey your commands or go outside on demand. It is this issue alone that has me second guessing adding another newf right now. Thanks again for all your thoughtful questions, comments and responses.
I just wanted to address the rescue post above. We did think about rescuing a dog -- especially since we foster regularly and know the reward and love that comes from rescuing a dog. We really just wanted to find an experienced breeder that would match a healthy, sound temperment dog with a personality to match our family. As someone who has been in rescue for 15 years I can tell you by the time we get a puppy it has usually had 3 different homes, from less than desirable intentions with regard to breeding and a myriad of health and temperment issues. It is for this reason we foster puppies only. I do not want to risk one of my children being bitten or hurt by a large out of control dog with temperment and unknown health issues.
Four years ago I began what I thought was the proper amount of time and research necessary to pick a newfie and a breeder. I wish I had known about Newf Net back then. Reading about drool, shedding and red flags regarding breeders was clearly insufficient. I have rescued my entire life and honestly thought based on the amount of money I was paying and the list of Champions on the Breeder's website I had found my match. Instead we received an Alpha male with severe orthopedic issues that we paid top dollar for. Even with all my experience and knowledge I wound up with a dog with severe othopedic issues and a temperment that was probably not the perfect match for us. Honestly, once I saw Murphy's face there was little I could do but write the check. Four years and almost $20,000 later I became a cautionary tale. I probably would much of it all over again if I thought I would still have Murphy today. I respect the knowledge and opinions on this board and am thankful for all that I have learned as a result.
Four years ago I began what I thought was the proper amount of time and research necessary to pick a newfie and a breeder. I wish I had known about Newf Net back then. Reading about drool, shedding and red flags regarding breeders was clearly insufficient. I have rescued my entire life and honestly thought based on the amount of money I was paying and the list of Champions on the Breeder's website I had found my match. Instead we received an Alpha male with severe orthopedic issues that we paid top dollar for. Even with all my experience and knowledge I wound up with a dog with severe othopedic issues and a temperment that was probably not the perfect match for us. Honestly, once I saw Murphy's face there was little I could do but write the check. Four years and almost $20,000 later I became a cautionary tale. I probably would much of it all over again if I thought I would still have Murphy today. I respect the knowledge and opinions on this board and am thankful for all that I have learned as a result.
newflizzie
New member
I've had goldens - I love them! I've only had 1 newf which I've owned for 2 months (she's 6 mos) so I can't really compare, but I have found this particular newf thus far to be easier than my goldens were at this stage. I also will say that I have rescued my entire life and the newf is my first purchase from a breeder. Most of the past 12 years I dealt with and fostered rescue basenjis-very difficult breed-but it gave me a huge amount of training experience. I now have 3 young kids (8, 5 and 2) and I also opted out of rescue this particular time and I felt more comfortable going to a breeder. Though there are never any guarantees, it was just the right choice for our family set up right now (whether it was a newf or another breed). I actually chose the newf over a golden because of golden puppyhood. In researching it just seemed I would be able to train the newfs easier, faster and better (for me at least). I could have been dead wrong, but luckily so far so good. I'm not saying she's perfect, but all is going well. I wish you luck on finding that next addition to your family!
MsHarrysMom
New member
Just wanted to add that not all goldens need a lot of exercise. My golden who is just over 3 is the laziest, most laid back, did I mention lazy dog ever and she has been that way her entire life! Super easy to train, eager to please, but in her own way. To me she is just perfect.
Now Phineas is pretty laid back & lazy too, although he was a lot harder to train. Now I don't know if it was because we got him when he was 5 months old and already had developed some bad habits or just because he is a boy, lol. Not to mention he's a newf and much too smart for me most days. Good thing he is sooooo cute & loveable.
Good luck, I'm sure you will find the perfect pup.
Now Phineas is pretty laid back & lazy too, although he was a lot harder to train. Now I don't know if it was because we got him when he was 5 months old and already had developed some bad habits or just because he is a boy, lol. Not to mention he's a newf and much too smart for me most days. Good thing he is sooooo cute & loveable.
Good luck, I'm sure you will find the perfect pup.
ardeagold
New member
You already know what I think Tina. LOL
Amy, apparently, has one of those calm Goldens. And they DO exist, as I said. Finding one, however, isn't always the easiest thing. Goldens are a Sporting breed, and they're hard wired to run run run. They're smart...quick...and LOVE to please. They do train easily, but stay very active for many many years (at least 8, maybe 10 or more).
A couple of walks a day won't do it for the majority of them and if you don't give them the proper exercise, you have chaos, and destruction.
I also believe that Goldens are wonderful family pets. They're wonderful with children...but...I don't believe they're ideal with very young children/toddlers. I wouldn't place any of our pups with a family with children under the age of 8...except once. And they were very experienced Golden owners. The child was 6.
Goldens aren't "Nannies" ... they want to PLAY. I think they're perfect for children to grow up with...children who can fully understand what it means to be gentle, yet firm with a dog. Children who are old enough to not be bowled over by an over-enthusiastic Golden puppy. Goldens don't "stop' for toddlers...they just roll right over them. And teethe on them...and eat their toys, etc. Not always the best match for a family who hasn't been long-time Golden owners.
I think that a Newf is the "perfect" dog for families with young children, as long as the pup's temperament good, and it's not a rambunctious, active type Newf. They are out there, but communication with the breeder is a MUST, and knowing what their lines historically produce is also a must. Some Newf lines are calm...others, not so much.
I think Tina needs a Newf from a calm line, with a history of excellent temperaments behind him/her (and of course the clearances, etc).
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it! :lol:
Amy, apparently, has one of those calm Goldens. And they DO exist, as I said. Finding one, however, isn't always the easiest thing. Goldens are a Sporting breed, and they're hard wired to run run run. They're smart...quick...and LOVE to please. They do train easily, but stay very active for many many years (at least 8, maybe 10 or more).
A couple of walks a day won't do it for the majority of them and if you don't give them the proper exercise, you have chaos, and destruction.
I also believe that Goldens are wonderful family pets. They're wonderful with children...but...I don't believe they're ideal with very young children/toddlers. I wouldn't place any of our pups with a family with children under the age of 8...except once. And they were very experienced Golden owners. The child was 6.
Goldens aren't "Nannies" ... they want to PLAY. I think they're perfect for children to grow up with...children who can fully understand what it means to be gentle, yet firm with a dog. Children who are old enough to not be bowled over by an over-enthusiastic Golden puppy. Goldens don't "stop' for toddlers...they just roll right over them. And teethe on them...and eat their toys, etc. Not always the best match for a family who hasn't been long-time Golden owners.
I think that a Newf is the "perfect" dog for families with young children, as long as the pup's temperament good, and it's not a rambunctious, active type Newf. They are out there, but communication with the breeder is a MUST, and knowing what their lines historically produce is also a must. Some Newf lines are calm...others, not so much.
I think Tina needs a Newf from a calm line, with a history of excellent temperaments behind him/her (and of course the clearances, etc).
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it! :lol:
Angela
Super Moderator
I think you are right Donna, you should know, probably having had more Goldens than the others here put together.
I see lots of Goldens at the Obedience trials here and most are "trained for the 7-8 minutes in the ring" to be calm!!!!!
I also see a lot with Cancer in their lines, is this prevalent Donna?
I see lots of Goldens at the Obedience trials here and most are "trained for the 7-8 minutes in the ring" to be calm!!!!!
I also see a lot with Cancer in their lines, is this prevalent Donna?
ardeagold
New member
Yes, after Boxers, Goldens have the most cancer. The GRCA has several cancer research foundations set up.
We just lost our Lucy to Hemangiosarcoma last week. She was almost 9.
The other Golden we lost to cancer was Murphy, several years ago from Fibrosarcoma of his nose/mouth. He was 10 when he died.
Other than that, we've been very lucky so far. No ortho problems (which is very prevalent in the breed as well), and they've been fairly long lived. Sasha died in January at 14 yrs, and DD died last year at almost 13 (neither died of cancer).
We just lost our Lucy to Hemangiosarcoma last week. She was almost 9.
The other Golden we lost to cancer was Murphy, several years ago from Fibrosarcoma of his nose/mouth. He was 10 when he died.
Other than that, we've been very lucky so far. No ortho problems (which is very prevalent in the breed as well), and they've been fairly long lived. Sasha died in January at 14 yrs, and DD died last year at almost 13 (neither died of cancer).
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