Golden, Flatcoat, or RR??

hi all! thanks for the replies in my previous post regarding raising a puppy and infant together. here's my next question: which breed would suit us the best? both me and my wife work from 8-6 everyday, we have 2 helpers at home during the day and a baby on the way. we want a breed of dog that has a big heart. we are thinking about a golden, a flatcoat or a ridgeback. we like ridgebacks because it doesn't shed and suitable for hong kong's weather. but i'm a bit concerned about its temper. problem with golden or flatcoat is the grooming requirement. please share some of your experience with me.


Thanks for all your help!

Canine temperaments depend on hereditary behaviours (ie: pups inherit behaviours from thier parents), learning and environmental conditions. As long as the parents of any dog are gentle and not aggressive (nor too timid because extreme shyness can lead to defensive aggression) and they are properly socialised from the day they're born then you should have a great dog. People say specific breeds are aggressive like Staffies or Rotties etc, but it's not the breed it's how it's raised etc. As long as a pup has been habituated to everyday situations (ESPECIALLY babies (crying) children (they scream and move quickly and men) within the first 16 weeks of it's life then you'll have a lovely dog for your baby to grow up with. The breeds you mention are all lovely dogs and like you say, less work to do with a Ridgeback. It's up to you really, but don't get a pup from a pet shop because you have not idea what it's background is, what it's experienced in it's life prior to coming to the pet shop nor what it's inherited from it's parents. Since you've got helpers, then maybe a Golden Retriever would suit.


When you get your pup, ongoing obedience training is a MUST if you want a well-balanced, happy dog.

thanks Devon! any idea where I could get a well breed golden puppy in hong kong? preferably British line

well said Devon,

I have a choc lab and she is so gentle around babies and kids.

Its such a high energy dog but soon as its around kids it just chills out and lays down and lets them climb all over her.

Hi


I have two flatcoats and a toddler, all three are extremely hard work. Yes, flatcoats are good with children to a point, but they are very exuberant and frequently knock my little one flying. Last weeks exuberance resulted in a black eye as an ever wagging tail knocked my little boy onto a plastic car.


Flatcoats in the UK are still bred to be duel-purpose and have inherent working ability, lack of mental and physical stimulation can lead to a very frustrated and destructive dog.


Whilst in the UK I only worked part-time so I could share my life with flatcoats. But believe me when I say that after only 3 hours in work each day, I would come home to recently chewed items, the dining room door, carpet, antique table and chairs, the list is endless. It only eased slightly when I took them to specialised gun dog training. Many years later, and with over 6 years intensive training, it's only now that the oldest dog (9) has calmed down a little.


As with most pedigree dogs, people fall in love with their beauty, and don't anticipate the health problems which may occur in pedigree dogs. Our flatcoats have cost us twenty times the amount in vet bills than our non-pedigree working collie ever did in his lifetime. Why? Hereditary eye and skin problems, removal of suspicious lumps several times, broken teeth and limbs (over exuberance), extraction of foreign objects from ears, eyes and stomach.


We have decided that in the future when we decide to welcome another dog into our lives, that we will be selecting a mongrel from a shelter.

HI guys,


I cant recommend adopting a mongrel from a shelter enough. Ive had one for 2 months now from HKDR, she is a mix of a lot of breeds and extremely gentle and sweet and great around our friends children, she even let one hit her on the nose (by accident!!) and didnt react in the slightest. I agree with Devon 100% though, training is a MUST, Ive had our girl at lessons and try and teach her tricks when I can aswell.


There are so many mongrels in Hong Kong that need a home and are extremely pretty dogs.


If you are really interested in a retriever though, get in contact with Hong Kong Dog Rescue - they seem to have a few at the moment, although Im not sure about pups.


Enjoy your dog!