Golden Retriever

[michika]

Relatively nice dogs, dumb as previously pointed out. Most of the retrievers I know or have known have all had issues with their tails being complete and utter tools of destruction. I've also known a lot (~5 dogs) who've been put down early in their lives years 6 and under. Not sure if its a breed thing or not, but worth checking into.

You could try the golden retriever club, http://www.grcab.com/ for more info. Granted I haven't lived in Edmonton for around 5 years, but I think there used to be a breed specific rescue in the area as I often saw volunteers walking retrievers of all ages in the off leash parks. Might want to check them out too, or maybe the humane society as well.

Good luck, hope you find the right dog for you.

[StirCrazy]

Not sure where the previous posters are getting there info from, but

Golden retreverses rank up in the top for smarts. In no way are they a dumb dog, but one issue you do need to be prepared for is they develop later. By this I don't mean physically but mentally as in maturity. You basically end up with a 60 something lb puppy for 3 to 5 years . In my case a 72 lb 3 year old puppy.

Very easy to train till they Figure out how to play you

But even then they learn new tricks and such very quickly. Very good with other dogs, did I mention all they want to do is play for 3 to 5 years.... very good with kids. Like being active but happy to lay around when they get older... mine isn't there yet....

You do need to be very picky where you buy them from as improper breeding brings out a few issues with them like hip problems, alergys, etc... as for breeders I don't know any in Edmonton but the one I got mine from in kamloops here has people coming from the US and all over to buy puppies when she has them. She won't breed a girl till she is over 2 and she limits litters. Not in it to get rich but rather because she shows and loves the dogs.

I have three friends that live in my area that have golden and know 4 other people in town that have them. All have experienced the same things I have.

Take your time research breeders, go visit the kennels and see how the dogs are kept. If they won't give you a tour take them off your list. Also you want to see both parents. When I went to look at mine the grandma, great grandma, and mom lived there ans dad was 1 mile away with a friend that helps he with her boarding business and is a breeder himself. I also got full pedigrees of both parents and such. Now you may ask why when your just looking for a pet. I also signed an agreement that I can't breed my guy, but the pedigrees and family trees tells you how long the ancestors lived and if there were any genetic issues in the lines. So when your looking registration numbers of both parents are important. A good breeder will have the family tree printed out for you to view or show you on the computer. If not ask about it.

Steve

[marie]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

Not sure where the previous posters are getting there info from, but



Steve

..........experience, 35 yrs of grooming them and 30 yrs of training.
All the so called top ten smart breeds are based on how easy the breed is to train and just because a breed is eager to please humans doesn't necessarily make it intelligent. It's a sad fact that a lot of truely intelligent dogs end up being put down because of "problem" behaviour

[axe_man16]

Reguardless of what people think of the breed I like them and I am still on my search for a breeder.

[marie]

Originally Posted by axe_man16

Reguardless of what people think of the breed I like them and I am still on my search for a breeder.

They are a wonderful dog and I would recommend them to anyone with a young and active family.......I was just defending my opinion

[axe_man16]

No problem at all, i do always appreciate peoples opinions, and we are a fairly active couple and young couple. I wouldnt mind a running partner either.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by marie

..........experience, 35 yrs of grooming them and 30 yrs of training.
All the so called top ten smart breeds are based on how easy the breed is to train and just because a breed is eager to please humans doesn't necessarily make it intelligent. It's a sad fact that a lot of truely intelligent dogs end up being put down because of "problem" behaviour

I wasn't going by that list, was using the actual intelligence list that has brad's dog right up in the top two. it goes by actual intelligence not eager to please. mine has figured out how to do some things that just make me scratch my head and it pleased no one but the dog...... I'll see if I can find it again it was three years ago when I was looking into it, but they talk about train-ability and intelligence.

They do get a bum rap and people call them dumb because they tend to be stubborn and free willed., and I have found if you use treats to train, then don't expect them to do it again if you don't have a treat

Steve

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

I wasn't going by that list, was using the actual intelligence list that has brad's dog right up in the top two.

Steve

Sorry, that list does specify train-ability But I do agree, the ones I've seen are fairly smart, working in the agility ring. They can put things together fairly well. Not like Border Collies, mind you, but still pretty sharp. I think they're great dogs for families with kids. I wouldn't call them dumb, just happy. If you want dumb, get an Aussie

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I wouldn't call them dumb, just happy. If you want dumb, get an Aussie

oh I call him dumb all the time, expecialy at 10:30 at night when I am in my robe trying to go to bed and the dumbA$$ won't come in because I don't have a treat in my hand. He thinks its funny just to sit there and play dumb.

Steve

[intarsiabox]

I've seen lots of pure breds in Edmonton that have registered parents but the owners didn't register the puppies for very reasonable prices. My dog is from a husky breeder that happened to be trying to sell their acreage at the time so they were selling the puppies unregistered for a third of their usual price. Some people just do it because they love puppies and don't register any of them even though they could and get more money. Just need to spend some time and keep an eye out.