How to choose... Labrador, German Sheppard, Golden Retriever?

[Floweryfields]

Dr Harry said Labs are his pick for families with children.

[Lulu]

I had a beautiful Border Collie but gave her away to a farm. Its not fair to have a working dog in a backyard.

[Indadhanu]

Lulu, agreed 100%, I would never had a border collie in a house block. We had one once, when we lived on 40 acres, and sometimes that seemed barely enough PMSL. She'd run like a rocket!

Thanks everyone LOL I pretty much got the answers i thought i would... every breed has pros and cons lol.

Thanks for the advice on choosing a breed, will have a look at some with Shel. I'll let you know what we decide

[AliBaby]

how exciting!!!!!

We had a lab cross german shepherd growing up. He was a GREAT dog! Lost alot of hair though...and by that i mean massive white clumps of hair that floated around in the wind. I remember seing a few tumble weeds (I think thats what they are called) rolling around the backyard with his hair!!

I think each of those are great breeds for a family dog. Each will need training but thats part of haivng a dog. You have been given great advice.

I wll be watching this space for an update on a new addition to your family soon.

[Tanya]

No competition!! A German Shepard!! LOL I grew up with them also Can you tell... once a german shepard owner always a german shepard owner!!

One thing my dad taught me was then choosing a Shepard puppy, make sure the roof of it's mouth is pure black.... I have no idea what this means, but I remember it! LOL

[Phteven]

Have you done this test?
PEDIGREE: Select-a-dog

It might help you narrow down which breed to get.

I think all those breeds you mentioned need quite a lot of exercise, are you going to be able to give them the exercise they need? I only ask because I remember you posting a while ago about how hard it can be to get Shell to go for a walk. I don't want to put a downer on your plans - sorry if I've stepped over the line.

[**Helen**]

Hi well I am biased too, German Shepherd owner here. We would only buy one from The German Shepherd Association breeders. That was 6 yrs ago so I am not sure if it still exists, but they dont rebreed problem dogs, temperament and health wise. They were really working on breeding the dogs for all the right reasons, not just for looks, IFYKWIM. She did cost us quite a few dollars but we have never regretted our decision. We got her before children so did quite a lot of training in the way that we could take her food away from her, touch her while feeding, etc. She has been great with the kids, no problems what so ever. We have to watch the kids as opposed to her. Although we know she is good we always supervise of course.

Like others have said it all comes down to the training. Goodluck deciding.

[Mak]

We have a German Shep - she is 7 and is fabulous with both the baby and toddler. She was a very spoilt pup and the centre of attention here before the kids arrived so we were a little concerned about how she would cope. She has been incredible - and the toddler adores her.
Like the others have suggested - get a reputable breeder, from the particular breed association, invest in puppy school/training and I would consider desexing also. Really it depends on your lifestyle which breed you choose!

GL

[ubba82]

We have a golden retriever cross lab. He is the most gorgeous and well mannered dog. We got him from the RSPCA when he was 3, he is now 12. He is great with the kids and often sleeps in between their bedrooms, unless he is in our room sleeping on the floor next to me.

Our next dog will be a Sheppard. DH had them when he was a kid and has always wanted them again.

I think you would be right to choose either breed. Good Luck in your decision!

[Indadhanu]

We decided on a lab Chocolate brown female For Jazzy's second birthday! Well, not necesarily 'FOR' but they're ready right on her birthdate so... now... to name her!

[briggsy's girl]

One thing my dad taught me was then choosing a Shepard puppy, make sure the roof of it's mouth is pure black.... I have no idea what this means, but I remember it! LOL

Tanya - my DH used to breed and train working dogs (kelpie cross) and he says the same thing - apparently it's something to do with the breeding of the dog - they are much better tempermant and easier to train, less likely (by far) to have an aggressive streak

i thought it was a big furfy but maybe it's not!

[Ginger]

we have a goldie and she is absolutely amazing. so kind and gentle around my ds's, and trust me, ds1 gives her hell! she is the most caring, affectionate and loyal dog. i would never have any other breed now that i've had a goldie- we will have them for life

[AwesomeFoursome]

I would go Labrador. I love them. beautiful dogs.