A sister for our golden retriever girl

[Stumpedasatree]

Our female golden retriever is now 7 and very loving and placid, the easiest dog ever. We'd love to get her a companion and would have to be a large breed (she is scared of little dogs due to a bad experience). Would another golden be the best choice? Our current dog is a show breed and I was thinking of a working golden if we get another.

Lots of different breeds can work well together but, I do find the dogs understand each other more easily if they are the same breed (or breed group). They often have similar play and communication styles and have learned them from mum when they were very young - meaning there's less chance of a 'lost in translation' problem.

Another Golden is ALWAYS the best choice. The only thing better than a Golden Retriever is Two golden retrievers 😁.

I’d definitely get another golden, simply because they’re the best! Be careful though the working type are VERY different, higher energy and much more like working spaniels in the way they need to be trained and exercised. If that’s something you’re up to doing they’re super, very intelligent but I’d definitely make sure you’re prepared for the difference!

Personally I wouldn't go for a working golden retriever - they're very different from their show cousins and require a lot more input, which may mean your older dog misses out quite a bit while you do all the extra work with the puppy.

Another show golden retriever would be perfect though!

We've just got a sister for our 10 yr old Goldie. We've always had 2, but after we lost the other one last time, we couldn't face another puppy so soon so left it for a couple of years.

Anyway- she's 6, and a retired breeding bitch. Settled in as if she's been here all her life.

Goldens definitely do know their own breed- mine can spot another on the horizon!

As PP have said, the working line ones are quite different from the show. Same lovely affectionate personality, but a lot more energetic, curious and busy. The one I know is very well trained (he's worked) but that hasn't stopped him taking off after a hare.

If you go down that route, it would be a good shout to find a gundog trainer and also to see if there is a local working retriever club.

Ah thank you all, going for another show does sound sensible. What a beautiful pair @averylongtimeago. How did you find her?

She was advised on Leboncoin (French site a lot like gumtree).
Ad went on at 08.30, I phoned at 09.00!

Gorgeous dogs!!