I am trying to decide for a puppy to add to our family which breed is better Gol

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   khood1357posted 14 years ago

   I am trying to decide for a puppy to add to our family which breed is better Golden Retriever or...
   
   Great Dane? Thanks!

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   MrsMoeposted 14 years ago

   Goodness!  That's quite a variation in breed choices.  When choosing a breed to suit your family, keep in mind the base nature of the breed.  A Retriever is going to need a LOT of outside play, fetching, exploring (what the breed is primarily used for) to remain happy, healthy, and non-destructive.
   
   A Great Dane is a great family dog, but keep in mind how big they get around small children.  They are loyal and loving and usually learn tolerance as they grow with your kids.   You will need to provide proper exercise consistently to keep them healthy.   Make sure your living arrangements can tolerate such a large dog.
   
   Don't toss out the idea of rescuing a puppy or young dog from a pound.  I'm on my 13th dog (7 of which have been rescues) and I couldn't be happier!   Jake is AMAZING!   (he's a cross between a Boxer and Shepherd).

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   khood1357posted 14 years ago

   MrsMoe- Thank you I will be sure to keep everything mentioned in mind when choosing the new addition. Thanks Again!

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   AshleyNikoleposted 14 years ago

   It depends on the time and space you have for the dog..
   Danes are wonderful proctective dogs, who love you till  the day they die, but they need space, and you might want to put money away, they can have bad health problems.
   
   A golden is healthier and less protective but needs a little more grooming. They need less room but just as much exercise. they are very good for the family and kids. they have problems when they get old, and will need special attention then, but other then that they are good dogs.
   
   I think you have alot to think about, and it should take sometime. I also think you should adopt from a resuce or a shelter instead of paying alot of money for a something you can get cheaper and needs a second chance.
   
   Both dogs are great, personally being the big dog lover I am, I would say Great Dane, but like I said, you need space and money. Also with a Great Dane you need firmer training then with a Golden.
   
   Good Luck!

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   seachangeqldposted 14 years ago

   I would go for the Golden Retriever from those two choices. Goldens are protective of young children - just not savage. Danes are too big for small children.
   Goldens do need exercise as do most large dogs and if I were to recommend a breed for small children that doesn't need alot of exercise it would be a Cavalier King Charles or a cross of this breed like a Cavoodle, Cavalion (Cav x Papillon) or a Cavachon (Cav x Bichon Frise).
   Another idea may be a retired Greyhound. They are very gentle, lazy and dont need as much exercise as either of your choices. They make wonderful pets when they have been through a rehab program and you would be saving a life.

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   DanielNeffposted 12 years ago

   I would recommend Golden Retriever. We are on our second. He is 3 years old, the first one lived to 14. They are wonderful dogs. I don't think there is a better breed around young children.
   I disagree with what has been said by a couple of people about Goldens needing lots of exercise or they will be destructive. That has not been my experience. We can leave the dog in the house for hours (sometimes up to 6 hours - 9 or 10 with our first dog when he was older), with no destruction whatsoever. When we have rain several days in a row and can't get out much, he is fine. He wants to run and jump in the house, but he doesn't tear things up. That is the case, from what I've heard, with Border Collies and Huskies.

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   renee21posted 12 years ago

   My first choice would be a Golden Retriever.  It is really easy to train.  It can get quite playful.  It does need to be walked at least every other day, or it can get out of hand when it plays.  A Great Dane has a lot of energy, so if it's not walked at least once, even twice a day, it can become very jumpy and destructive.  Both Great Danes and Golden Retrievers are affectionate dogs and love to play and go on walks.

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