Small dog with golden retriever personality

[1990s]

Love golden retrievers, have had them before. For various reasons now need a smaller dog (mainly to do with transport and needing to be able to pick them up). I’m well versed in that fact that smaller dogs still need a good amount of exercise.

I love the personality of goldens, anyone have any advice on a smaller breed with a similar personality?

I think many people have tried to find this combo. I am not sure it exists! It would be the ideal dog wouldn’t it. Be interested to see any answers you get.

It would be the ideal combo!

Although if whoever invents it could remove the need to roll in and eat fox poo that previous retrievers of mine have had that would be great.

I've been considering this for when I'm older and want to explore the Papillon breed. I don't know for sure but they look like they might fit the bill. Look forward to reading other replies.

Unfortunately I find most small dogs have a chip on there shoulder which obviously Goldens don't. The size of them is part of the charm which you know having owned them. Big goofy floppy hairy teddy bears. But im probably not going to give a non biased opinion because I currently own a golden and they are my all time favorite breed.

My patterdale x ( JRT) has the same happy disposition as our friends golden - loves people , plays , beautiful nature . The advantage being less hair .

I popped on to the see the answer! Small dogs with a rough collie’s sweet, gentle temperament and moderate exercise needs also welcome (I understand Shelties aren’t the answer!)
@Gribbie , I’ve always really fancied the papillon breed, they would be my top toy contender! However, hard to toilet train, yappy seem to be the drawbacks (common small dog disadvantages…)

Oh also papillons also sound like they could be a bit fragile!

I know someone with a papillon that is beautiful and very sweet. A bit barky though and not too keen on other dogs

Tibetan terriers are my absolute favourite family dog of all time. They don't shed (but do need clipping or grooming) they're definitely dog sized (rather than cat sized!) but can be carried short distances/helped into a car if necessary etc. Don't need much walking, happy with a decent sized garden. The three I've had have had lovely open retriever/lab type personalities, but not nearly so destructive as puppies. Perfect family dogs. (but you do have to be v careful with diet- they can be prone to dodgy tummies)

What about a Toller?

Papillon are hard core dogs very very clever and busy dogs. Need a job to do. I think they are the small dog version of a collie.

Op just get a goldie, teach them to walk up a ramp so you do not have to pick them up. You dont want to be disappointed

Depends how small were talking, Duck Tollers are quite similar but definitely still more of a medium size. Beautiful dogs though!

Some fab sugestions - Duck Tollers and Tibetian Terriers (not terriers - don't be put off by the name) both look worthy contenders. And both big enough to use as a fluffy pillow :-D

CKCS if you can find a healthy one.

@1990s

It would be the ideal combo!

Although if whoever invents it could remove the need to roll in and eat fox poo that previous retrievers of mine have had that would be great.

Haha, they are massive muck magnets aren't they...but it's part of their charm I think (except when it's me trying to clean the buggers up)

I would say Tollers fit that description more closely than other medium size dog.

I was going to suggest a cocker spaniel but ours loves to roll in fox poo 😆
He's never tried to eat it though.

He's friendly, into everything, very fun and 16kg (& he's quite big for a cocker). I love goldens & labs but wanted something I could pick up if needed / in an emergency.

Small? Or just smaller?

For smaller with similar exuberance and fun with biddable natures, I’d go staffy or cocker...

I was going to suggest a cocker spaniel. Friendly, intelligent, quick to learn - they do need regular grooms but you can do it yourself if you're so inclined.

Our cocker is a lunatic and gets the zoomies. Great fun but she’s a bit neurotic and is a Velcro dog for sure. Hates being alone and has severe FOMO!

I thought Tollers were potentially a bit harder work in terms of temperament. Are they really Goldenesque but smaller? If so, they just jumped to the top of my list - I'd converged on golden as our best overall dog but their size is my only concern.

@PermanentlyDizzy

I would say Tollers fit that description more closely than other medium size dog.

Aren't tollers supposed to be a bit dog reactive and tough to train?

Tibetan terriers are fabulous little dogs but they definitely do not have the easygoing, biddable nature of a goldie. Quite the opposite in fact - they're intelligent, stubborn, fun, into everything, love their people, and I'll say stubborn again. They'll make you laugh every day but quite often weep in frustration teach them to do something till they have it perfect and they'll still ask "why should I" if you actually expect them to do it. Amazing dogs but definitely not a goldie in a smaller package

@icedcoffees

I was going to suggest a cocker spaniel. Friendly, intelligent, quick to learn - they do need regular grooms but you can do it yourself if you're so inclined.

I think I struck lucky with mine - we've never clipped him, he has a very silky coat & I only have to groom him ears and tail as that's where he gets burrs, twigs etc stuck through running through undergrowth.

My border terrier acts very much like a golden. We have both! She carries balls round in her mouth, loves cuddles / leaning into to, doesn't bark, extremely biddable and so eager to please. She also chases balls and pounces on things it's adorable