Bad idea right?

[LBF2020]

Talk me down...
I have a 12 yr old collie and a 17month golden retriever. A friend had a unplanned litter of collie x retriever pups. Two of which are still looking for homes. I'm finding it hard to say no! Any thoughts on the cross- a neurotic, bouncy dog? My older dog would leave home wouldn't she?
Argh!

Tell her to get her dog spayed. 🙄

Obviously accidental litters are pretty irresponsible and your friend should make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Its a nice cross though and you have experience of both breeds.
Having said that 3 dogs is a lot

You would so regret this. 3 big dogs and only two hands do not work, trust me

Only you know of you have the energy, time and resources.
I’d probably choose to stick with what I’ve got so that I could invest time in the older dog and young dog I already have as I’m sure they have different needs?

Fair point. She is a working dog and she will likely have a planned litter later when they need another sheep dog. Retriever isn't their dog and was boarding nearby.

Arseholes.

@ADogNamedCat I'm not going to disagree with you

I think I agree.. three dogs is a lot but doable? But three big dogs? Stupid idea? I'm definitely talking myself out of it.
Our collie is old and doddery but our young dog would love it,

Whoops pressed send too soon. @onepieceoflollipop I like your thoughts. Spend the time that would be required for a pup giving our old girl the best last years (hopefully!) of her life

Maybe in a few years time (not wishing your old dog’s life away) your retriever can have a new, livelier sibling.

Working sheep dogs are a class of their own and usually been bred for generations to get the best working personalities... this could make for a difficult 'pet' even if cross breed.

This was one of my concerns. Parent is also blue Merle, I'm also thinking about associated health issues.

There’s no huge health concerns with one blue Merle parent - and assuming you wouldn’t be breeding.

Crosses can be a bit of mixed bag, they quite often veer more towards being like one parent rather than bang in between, but as you have both already.... it’s not like they’re going to have random traits you’re not used to.

So it’s mostly just do you want and can afford a third dog? And can you manage a puppy without making your older dog miserable?

I have one old dog and two younger ones.

Its doable but it would involve multiple walks IMO. I usually take old dog separately. Mine get on brilliantly no issues there, but 3 is a lot of dog. Lots more cleaning, hard to get them watched if I go away. Don’t all fit in the boot together. Many many training classes as I can’t take both younger ones at once. I think 3 is just one too many personally and I’m not sure I would do it again.

The two younger ones play constantly and leave the older one alone which is another positive. A bit morbid but when one goes ill still have two for company.

Cross wise it could be anything personality really but it can’t be worse than a full collie surely!

A blue merle mixed with a golden retriever shouldn't cause any health issues. It's when it's double merle that there's a real issue, but you won't have that with golden retrievers.

Personally I think your youngest is a bit young and your oldest a bit old to be introducing another youngster into the mix. However it is worth thinking ahead as you may find your youngest really struggles as a lone dog if he's always had a friend.

As others have said I think a bit of the wrong time for you. I would also always get a dog from a planned mating- where dam and sure have been carefully selected

I don’t know… they sound pretty damn cute. (Sucker for doggies)

Thanks everyone. They have asked if we want to go and view the puppies, but we have declined. If I see them it is going to be v hard to say no!
@Leonberger Good points. The boot space could be challenging, our collie rides in the back seat as she can't stand to have her tail trodden on. There would be just enough space for another in the dog box (assuming a new puppy would be okay with having it's tail trodden on!)😬
@thelobsterquadrille Ah, yes I had forgotten about the double merle thing. But this also makes me wonder if the parent is a double merle, as she has a high percentage of white coat. I've read that a double merle x with non merle would be an okay pairing. But it still sounds a bit dodgy to me, although I don't know a whole lot about genetics.

You are absolutely right, dont go and see the puppies. You will end up with at least one

Ha ha! Exactly