Sorry, this has probably been asked before, but I need some input. Here's my background--have had dogs pretty much all my life. Had an American Water Spaniel while growing up and then later have owned 2 Border Collies, a Smooth Collie, a Rough Collie, and a Beagle. I have done some obedience training but only competed once at a match. Showed in conformation for about 20 years, showing my own dogs and helping a friend that breeds Collies.

I've always loved Golden Retrievers but was not crazy about all the shedding. But now I have finally decided that I am willing to put up with the hair because Goldens are just about perfect in every other way (preaching to the choir, huh?)

I thoughtI had made up my mind that I wanted a female--I have always wanted to name a dog Larue, Gidget's friend in the old Sally Fields sitcom. But then I got to thinking about it and I've heard about other breeds that male dogs tend to bond more with female owners and female dogs tend to bond more with male owners. I am female. The dog will be mainly a family pet, we have 2 teenage daughters. I will probably do some obedience but will not be looking for a topnotch OTCH type dog. Just a dog to go for walks with and hang out on the couch. The kids will both be off to college soon and this will end up being mainly my dog.

So, what's your opinion about the different sexes? Anything to the bonding theory? Is one more trainable? My first Border Collie was a male and I bonded very closely with him. He would do anything I asked--any difference in GR sexes in that respect?

Sorry to go on and on, but I wanted to give you some info on where I'm coming from. Plus, I am just so excited about getting a GR! Thanks for any info.

I always was owned by female dogs and found them to be loving and wonderful. When we went looking for a Golden, most females were already spoken for, so two Males own us. I love, love, love my boys!

__________________

I have had 2 male goldens. Each completely different in temperament. Sam, my first boy was so attached to me, he could have been one of my limbs. He was calm, not very high energy, and completely perfect. Ike, my new boy, is energetic, funny, much more outgoing than Sam, and equally attached to myself or my husband. Sam was my calm reassuring presence and Ike is my crazy, kooky, beautiful fun loving boy.

__________________

Miss You Sam...
Aug 1, '94 ~ Jan 8, '07
http://www.scrapblog.com/viewer/vw_f...px?sbid=483622

Well, I have one of each sex and I find that my sweet boy, Trooper is more of a mama's boy! He is a love bug. I adopted Trooper and fell in love with him on the internet and he is a lover. Belle, on the other hand is just a diva......she likes attention, but it has to be all her idea!!

__________________

I always knew I wanted a male dog for some reason. I got lucky since there was 7 boys in the litter and I got first pick of them all!
Bailey is really energetic but at the same time hes a big cuddly puppy. He hasn't bonded to anyone in the family more than anyone else. He likes whoevers walking or feeding him at the time the best!!

__________________

I"m not really sure it's a male or female thing, but more the personality of the dog. We have always had females and they have definatly bonded to me more than hubby. Shiloh loves to get petted and scratched but then likes to sleep and not be bothered. Spirit on the other hand is a real cuddler and wants to sit in my lap all the time! Either way, male or female, your getting the best breed ever!

__________________


Nancy, Shiloh, Spirit & Rookie
Missing Bailey 1993-2006

Shiloh & Spirit's web page

http://www.execulink.com/~bfrost/2Goldens/index.htm

We have a female and are very happy with her. We hadn't really heard any "stories", but we got a female because:

1.) I wanted another female in the house LOL, my husband and I have one son (non-furry child)

2.) Didn't care for the stuff that can go along in dealing with boy dogs (humping & showing their stuff LOL)

3.) Thought a female dog might be calmer etc. (boy was I wrong! )

All that said: I really think I am Sienna's favorite- she loves my husband, but I am the one she follows around the house and goes completely nuts over when I come home-my husband likes to think it's because he shows more dominance LOL, but, even though he shows her loves, plays with her etc. I am the one who cuddles.... maybe she thinks of me as a litter mate though, because she also mouths me a bit too much.

__________________

We have 2 female littermates (4 1/2 yrs ) that are as sweet as can be. They were easily trained and have never had "words" between them... which I found out is rare for two females. However, what I've heard said is that for typical goldens, the females say, "love me, love me, love me" while the males say," I love you, I love you, I love you". All in all, I think it depends on the individual pup .

__________________


Betty and the Dallas crew


“Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” A. France

My obedience instructor felt that opposites worked in the ring. That said you can do well with either sex. I like the girls better. My boy is the sweeter than his sister or great aunt. He'll work for praise the bitches work for food. Whatever you decide buy a good vacuum. Have fun. What a great choice to have to make!

i'd heard that males for female owners & viceversa before, too.
The guy dogs have been mine and the girls definitely my husbands. I'm guessing just coincidence.