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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Golden Retriever - smallish house

46 replies

ClaireEclair · 06/11/2023 14:49

Hello. We have been researching dog breeds for years. After falling in love with a few GRs on our daily walk and finding out that I am not allergic, I think this could be the perfect pup for us!

However, my DH thinks that our house is too small. We live in London in a standard three bedroom house with front and back gardens (not very big gardens although the back is enclosed). Our downstairs is open plan with a conservatory attached. Upstairs is the usual two good size bedrooms, one box room and bathroom.

We live near woods and large fields which are used regularly by dog walkers. Both WFH full time, no kids.

Do GRs need a lot of space in the home? Should we look for a smaller type of dog?

I love them so much! Every GS we meet on our daily walk wants to come and say hello. One often sees us and sits down, refusing to move until we are close by to say hello. They are so sweet!

OP posts:
stepintochristmas1 · 06/11/2023 18:26

@Mmmnotsure Oh god the feathered tail ! With one of my girls she had the most beautiful feathering . When she used to lie down , my favourite thing to do was brush it until it shone 😍.

ClaireEclair · 06/11/2023 18:53

Bimblesalong · 06/11/2023 16:31

We love our GR. They need regular grooming and you may need to hoover daily. They are a joy and our boy is the love of our lives. Choose a breeder carefully and ensure you also attend training classes to get the basics in early.

We have a 3 bed semi with a decent garden and plenty of walks nearby.

Edited

Beautiful photo! He looks so happy! We would love to rescue but we have no chance since I have had no experience. We have found a GR charity that recommends breeders. We will only go with recommended breeders.

OP posts:
Lizzieregina · 06/11/2023 18:53

@stepintochristmas1 @Xiaoxiong tha k you for paying the puppy tax! They are both beautiful!

The sitting outside the bathroom door reminded me of all the times I was taking a shower, and the big furry head would poke around the curtain right into the water stream! He was hilarious!

You’re all making me want a dog!

ClaireEclair · 06/11/2023 18:54

Xiaoxiong · 06/11/2023 16:49

Puppy tax!

Thank you ❤️

OP posts:
morningrollwithbutter · 06/11/2023 18:56

We would like to get a GR and also have a small home.

My concern is more that I know GRs are attracted to any and all things muddy and we don’t have much space to contain a wet and muddy dog in order to clean it off. If we had a bigger kitchen or a utility room that would be easier.

ClaireEclair · 06/11/2023 18:56

stepintochristmas1 · 06/11/2023 17:53

How about this beautiful girl !

She is wonderful! So beautiful ❤️

OP posts:
dooooom · 06/11/2023 19:40

We had two in a three bed semi detached! All fine. PM me if you want details of our breeder - couldn't recommend highly enough

breathequietly · 06/11/2023 19:55

PictureOfFlorianTray · 06/11/2023 15:49

The trouble with GRs is that THEY don't think they're big so will try to sit on your lap!

This! Grin

Mmmnotsure · 07/11/2023 00:11

stepintochristmas1 · 06/11/2023 18:26

@Mmmnotsure Oh god the feathered tail ! With one of my girls she had the most beautiful feathering . When she used to lie down , my favourite thing to do was brush it until it shone 😍.

That's a lovely picture.

longtompot · 07/11/2023 14:17

@Mmmnotsure sadly, even a light brush from a feather, of a breeze hurts my dd. She has it in her feet amongst other areas, so it is a concern. Our living room is quite packed so no space to move around without being next to a sofa. But reading all these comments is swaying me very closer.
Its either that, or an Italian Whippet, of not another cocker spaniel.

Mmmnotsure · 07/11/2023 14:56

longtompot · 07/11/2023 14:17

@Mmmnotsure sadly, even a light brush from a feather, of a breeze hurts my dd. She has it in her feet amongst other areas, so it is a concern. Our living room is quite packed so no space to move around without being next to a sofa. But reading all these comments is swaying me very closer.
Its either that, or an Italian Whippet, of not another cocker spaniel.

I'm sorry - that must be very difficult for your dd to cope with. I hope you find the right dog for you all.

mousepen · 09/11/2023 12:17

I have a golden and as long has you have a nice big comfy spot for her on the sofa and lots of walks endless stream of balls, a hallway she can sit in and get in everyone's way smaller the better actually to get the maximum effect ! she will be the happiest 🥰 best dogs ever

FinallyFinalGirl · 09/11/2023 12:51

They're not always sweet, OP. We had a GR that bit my niece and she had to go to hospital. He was the most intelligent but aggressive dog we have ever had. We now stick to springers.

FinallyFinalGirl · 09/11/2023 20:18

FinallyFinalGirl · 09/11/2023 12:51

They're not always sweet, OP. We had a GR that bit my niece and she had to go to hospital. He was the most intelligent but aggressive dog we have ever had. We now stick to springers.

Just thinking back over this post. I don't want to put you off getting a golden OP...just make sure you see the parents and the breeder is 100%. I was young and didn't look into the breeders the way I should have done.

They're a beautiful dog...a good GR is an amazing family member, but mean, aggressive Goldens exist and there are many biters among them. Don't buy into the myth that they are perfect, docile dogs.

Dobermans, for instance, have a bad rep but I had a gorgeous one, as gentle as a kitten. A million times more sweet than my GR.

All dogs can be unpredictable. (That's why burglars stay away from them!😬)

ClaireEclair · 15/11/2023 09:50

dooooom · 06/11/2023 19:40

We had two in a three bed semi detached! All fine. PM me if you want details of our breeder - couldn't recommend highly enough

Sorry I missed your post. That would be so kind. Thank you 🤗

OP posts:
Whiskeypowers · 15/11/2023 10:09

@Xiaoxiong @stepintochristmas1 😍😍 oh my those are beautiful goldies
love this breed so much

MaturingCheeseball · 15/11/2023 18:37

Small house, fine. Big bed, essential 😁

Shopper727 · 15/11/2023 18:40

I live in a 3 bed house end terrace and my golden fits no problem also kids etc so busy house but he’s perfect you’ll not regret getting one, just do your research and get on waiting list for decent breeder visit them etc

orangelotus · 15/11/2023 18:54

dooooom · 06/11/2023 19:40

We had two in a three bed semi detached! All fine. PM me if you want details of our breeder - couldn't recommend highly enough

Please can you let me have the breeder details? I can't PM for some reason

Bimblesalong · 15/11/2023 19:20

Just to add a suggestion re reputable breeders, we got our lovely chap from Capuchin Retrievers. They have a Facebook page.

swingtowin · 15/11/2023 19:40

Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers (tollers) are a bit smaller and have a lovely temperament

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