First post after lurking for a while. I've read the past threads on this but am having trouble extrapolating the responses to my situation and was hoping for some help. My fiancee and I want very much to add a puppy to our family after we settle into a house with a fenced yard. She grew up with labs, and my cousins had labs, but neither of us have ever been the "primary parents," so to speak. We're trying to decide whether an English lab or a Golden would be a better fit with our lives -- we know they're similar, of course, but they're not identical.
My main concerns center around a few areas, and I know some of this is dog/training dependent, not breed dependent. First, energy levels. The labs I've known have been sweethearts, but also bouncing off the walls well into their adult lives. The Goldens I've known have been more mellow. Even as younger dogs, they seemed to have more of an off switch, and as adults, they were generally calmer and more laid back. I've heard some say that English labs are like this as well; I've heard/read others say that English labs are still higher energy dogs than Goldens. We're active, but all things being equal, I would prefer a mellower "baseline," if that makes sense, as it's a better fit with our personalities.
Second, it seems from reading this forum and the lab equivalents that Goldens tend to have more issues with resource guarding. This was a surprise to me, and I'm wondering if it is more of a Golden thing. If so, would choosing a reputable breeder focused on temperament help minimize the risks of this behavior from a "nature" standpoint, or is it a baked-in risk? As we might have kids later on, it's something I'm particularly concerned about.
Third, I'm reading completely contradictory things about trainability. My fiancee was young when her family dogs were trained, and I've never trained a dog. We're doing a lot of reading and research beforehand, and of course plan to do classes, but I'm confused because some say Goldens are more trainable because they're so human-oriented, sensitive, and eager to please; others say labs are because they're more food driven, less stubborn, and eager to please. I'm sure either breed will have its challenges, but I'm wondering if one is generally easier for first-timers.
I know these are both wonderful breeds and we can't really go wrong with either, but I'd like to go in with eyes open about any challenges associated with our pick. We both love Goldens' gentle, warm temperaments and their looks. Thanks so much in advance.
My main concerns center around a few areas, and I know some of this is dog/training dependent, not breed dependent. First, energy levels. The labs I've known have been sweethearts, but also bouncing off the walls well into their adult lives. The Goldens I've known have been more mellow. Even as younger dogs, they seemed to have more of an off switch, and as adults, they were generally calmer and more laid back. I've heard some say that English labs are like this as well; I've heard/read others say that English labs are still higher energy dogs than Goldens. We're active, but all things being equal, I would prefer a mellower "baseline," if that makes sense, as it's a better fit with our personalities.
Second, it seems from reading this forum and the lab equivalents that Goldens tend to have more issues with resource guarding. This was a surprise to me, and I'm wondering if it is more of a Golden thing. If so, would choosing a reputable breeder focused on temperament help minimize the risks of this behavior from a "nature" standpoint, or is it a baked-in risk? As we might have kids later on, it's something I'm particularly concerned about.
Third, I'm reading completely contradictory things about trainability. My fiancee was young when her family dogs were trained, and I've never trained a dog. We're doing a lot of reading and research beforehand, and of course plan to do classes, but I'm confused because some say Goldens are more trainable because they're so human-oriented, sensitive, and eager to please; others say labs are because they're more food driven, less stubborn, and eager to please. I'm sure either breed will have its challenges, but I'm wondering if one is generally easier for first-timers.
I know these are both wonderful breeds and we can't really go wrong with either, but I'd like to go in with eyes open about any challenges associated with our pick. We both love Goldens' gentle, warm temperaments and their looks. Thanks so much in advance.
