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

[**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.

[Mummyof2under2]

I would only consider a Lab around my kids - no other breeds.

[AwesomeFoursome]

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

[Phteven]

I would only consider a Lab around my kids - no other breeds.

Dunno about Australia but a few years ago I read somewhere that in the UK the breed responsible for the most bites is the Lab.

[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

[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!

[HotI]

Yay! I have 2 black labs but looove the chocolate labs.

[Inanna]

I have a lab & he is soooooooooooo needy. OMG he is the neediest dog I've ever met. I love him to bits but oh ya ya he doesn't leave me alone! He's 8 and he was a nightmare as a pup. He dug holes everywhere (his name is Doug! ). He is very gentle but he has actually bitten two people who he thought were going to hurt me... They were very loud men and were just having a joke but he nipped them... ...
I couldn't have him on a normal house block and he needs exercise. They need to walk every day. He was well trained (by me) & is very very smart. I do love him.

I had German Sheps growing up - my dad was a detective and they were rejects. Gorgeous gorgeous dogs and they were very protective of our place and the family. But again a big exercise commitment.

I also have Gloria the malt/****z cross (complete other end of the spectrum) she is a human in a dogs coat. I love her to bits and she is a better watch dog than my labs and GS put together! But so gentle, loving and gorgeous.

I love dogs! *sigh*

[ss_storm]

Oooh how exciting! I'm sure Jazz will love it (and so will you and Shel!). I think it's a really great thing for a child to be able to grow up with a dog.

[nickle730]

This thread has brought back beautiful memories of my childhood dog, a long haired german shepherd. I still remember the day we got her - I was 3. She lived for 15 years. She was incredibly loyal and she was protective of us kids, she would put herself between us and anyone who appeared to be a threat and was constantly on watch. I can't recall her ever being aggressive though, growling or baring her teeth. Aaah... she was beautiful!

The downside... for 20 odd years I didn't eat a meal that didn't contain at least one of her hairs!! Yep, even for years after she died, her bloody hair would turn up everywhere. (And my mum has always kept her house display home clean and tidy!) Her hips did eventually go and GS's do tend to have that awful doggy smell even when they are bathed. Still loved her more than any other dog though...!!