A big dog with the personality of a golden retriever?

[FancyThatForABagOfChips]

I’d love a golden retriever but DH likes big dogs and says he wants something bigger.

Are there any big breeds with the personality of a golden?

@Mitchthekitch 😂🤣

My male GR is 40kg! That's a big dog

Golden retrievers are the perfect family dog. So gentle and clever and beautiful. And BIG!

Yep, definitely get a GR (and tell him that stands for Giant Retriever)

Ultimately it’s my choice as I’m the one that does all the work but I’d like DH to at least be on board. He thinks GRs are boring with no character

Yeah but it sounds like he's never actually seen one before because he doesn't know how big they are. So his opinion of their character is largely irrelevant. If you want a golden, get one. Its going to be your dog essentially.

A golden does sound like the right fit for you.

However if you did want a big breed with a bigger personality, you could consider a malamute. They need a fairly firm hand though and can be bad off lead (but it totally depends on the dog of course). I’ve met some lovely chilled obedient ones, and I have a malamute husky cross (rescue) and she’s gorgeous, affectionate, playful but hard work!

But then any dog that isn’t “a bit wet” IS going to be hard work, presumably because they have a stubborn/independent streak! Get the dog you want!!

We've been lucky as all of ours have lived past 12 and only one has had cancer. You do have to be careful when finding a breeder, though, and make sure the litter coefficient is low. We have a HUGE male flattie and he's just over 30 kilos, so possibly smaller than the OP wants? They're also a bit more, um, independent minded than goldens in my experience. 😅

Spanial?? I think he is a little confused with his sizes😂

Very much depends on the spaniel...

[looks down at the fit-as-a-fiddle 35kg show springer currently flat out on the floor]

(I realise that he's very much the exception though )

My gr is full of personality and I'm not just saying that. Shes quite big too. As big as a German shepherd definitely. She makes people laugh and is perfect with my dc.
I'd never get another breed....apart from a great dane if I had the space. My friend has a great dane and he is obviously massive and has the best personality of any dog I have ever met. Biddable, soft and absolutely hilarious. He literally makes people stop in the street.

Met a friend's flat coated retriever for the first time recently. Fabulous dog, friendly, lovely personality, biddable, great with other dogs and cats. Huge. Built like a tank. Much much bigger than I was expecting. 40+ kilos of joy!

We have a Newfypoo (Standard Poodle Newfoundland cross), after 2 years she is calming down. No drool and not a bad bone in her body, she loves everybody.

I've had a Golden Retriever and a Newfoundland. Both require daily brushing but the Newfoundland takes much, much longer, and you never finish! Goldens can probably avoid the groomers costs, Newfoundlands not so much. Redecorating is a regular occurrence with Newfoundlands, purely because they shake when wet. It goes up the walls. Mine doesn't slobber indoors, only on walks.
Training wise, Goldens are easier as don't have the stubborn steak of a Newfie.
Exercise wise - big difference - Goldens are much more excitable therefore need more stimulation to drain the energy, Newfies are calm (ish) after about 2yrs. It's all individual though, albeit the breed DNA gives the 'breed traits', each dog has its own personality.
Both breeds will knock toddlers flying; both breeds are known to be wonderful with children, but as an ADULT regarding boulishness, never aggression. Not enough information is given on the 'child friendly breeds' who are bombproof once mature around kids, but like bowling balls when kids are little.
No vacuum gets rid of Newfie hair (I have 3 top brands and the best is the dogs' slicker brush).
Both need human company and to be part of the family at least 80% of their lives. ALL of the family have to be consistent with training, including children.
Before getting my Newfie, Bernese was a breed I studied and researched. Unfortunately they have a genetic cancer gene which means they rarely live beyond 8/9yrs-personally I couldn't cope with that. Giant breeds tend to live shorter lives but Newfs and Goldens (not classed as a giant breed) seem to do well in that respect.
Enquire through breed clubs as to whom is a well respected breeder. And don't pay a penny for a breeder who does not health test both mum and dad for hips, elbows and ALL genetic problems for that breed (inform yourself beforehand).

Lastly, stay away from internet sellers and especially Pets4Homes. Too many puppy farmers on there who can convincingly convey a 'family approach' to their litter and how it's brought up.

www.champdogs.co.uk/?classic_site=1

is a good website for choosing breeders who health test.

Hard choice but wishing you all the best with your new pup!

My male German Shepherd was 45kg. My male Golden retriever is 41kg.

My flatcoated retriever is very big, I can hold onto his collar without bending down. They certainly have plenty of character, and don't show the dirt like a golden 😉😂

Labrador so you don't spend all day grooming? Maybe make appointments with breeders of Newfoundland and Rhodesian Ridgeback type dogs so your husband can see them and listen to the breeders description of how much work they are and how much they cost to keep?

My neighbour had a huge male Golden Retriever, probably near the 80- 90 lb mark. He did have massive problems with his hips, so couldn't walk very far.

A friend had a female Golden that ate everything in sight. She once ate my birthday cake before I'd even had a slice! Every scrap of food had to be hidden away. And shoes.

Male German pointer

I met a gorgeous Goldie today. He sat down next to me and leaned on me (which I always regard as a huge compliment) and his head reached my boobs. I'm 5'8!

We’ve had an English springer, a boxer and a golden retriever. The golden was by far the largest and also the easiest to train. She had tonnes of personality but, yes, they’re gentle, sometimes silly and very loving (and very smart). It does sound like the DH doesn’t want one because they’re not macho enough but doesn’t want to say so, which is a bit pathetic.