[net.pets] golden retrievers?

murphy@hou2a.UUCP (09/29/83)

          I have known several golden and several black Labrador
          retrievers; the goldens are pretty, affectionate, and playful,
          but compared to the blacks, they seem a little short on brains.
          I suspect that the goldens, being prettier than the blacks,
          have been bred more for show traits (to the detriment of 
          brains and hardiness). the blacks I knew were "working dogs"
          bred mainly for duck hunting but they had very gentle and
          affectionate personalities, and I believe (but not sure) that
          they would be very good with kids; they would certainly make
          good protectors. You might do well to consider this breed over
          the goldens.


                                                     Rich Ganns
                                                     HO x0315

halle1@houxz.UUCP (09/30/83)

Goldens and Labs are both very trainable dogs.  These two breeds are
perpetually among the top 3 or 4 breeds at obedience trials.  However,
if you want a noisy dog, you're out of luck.  They are usually very
quiet.  I dont think they have been grossly overbred, even though they
are both very popular.  They are good with kids.
As sporting dogs, they do need room.  A large yard and frequent field
trips are necessary.  If yard space is limited, perhaps a hound is
better.  Even the large ones don't need much space.

braddy@houxl.UUCP (09/30/83)

I have heard that they are a bit stupid, altho I've never owned one.