Male or female??

Marlènejvls
Marlènejvls Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone, I was hoping to ask for a bit of advice.

We’re planning on getting a Golden Retriever puppy and I wanted to get your opinions on whether to go for a male or a female.

I'd love to hear about your own experiences and how you feel about it 😊🐶

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    With Goldens in particular, I find the females are a bit more spirited while the males are a bit more laid back. They look different too; the females are more slender in the body and head, whereas the males have that "teddy bear" side to them that’s just lovely. My neighbour has a six-year-old male, and he’s the gentlest, most easy-going dog I’ve ever seen. When they’re out on a walk, he walks perfectly to heel and is always happy to go over for a big cuddle with anyone his owner stops to chat with. The owner joked with us once, saying he found his dog "almost too easy" (he’d had Boxers before, so it was a completely different world). It’s true that this dog never asks for anything and never puts a foot wrong; he seems to have dedicated his life to getting fusses. I’ve gone a bit off-topic regarding the sex of the dog, but that’s my impression of Goldens from the ones I’ve met: very docile and like big softies. Not for me personally, but they’re often recommended for first-time owners for that reason. I think I’ve got a soft spot for the males, as they’re a bit chunkier.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Personally, I think the best way to choose a puppy is to go and see them in person. You can see which of the pups you really click with, and the breeder should also be able to advise which one is the best match for you, based on what you're looking for and your personality. If I’ve understood correctly, you’re having to pick your puppy from photos or videos alone? Hmm... if that’s the case, it’s really not ideal. You just end up going home with the one you think is the cutest, but the breeder isn't really doing their job: matching the right puppy with the right owner!
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    Mel1 Icon representing the flag French
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    Yeah, if you can go and see the puppies, that’s all well and good, but if everyone else has already picked one by the time you arrive, there won’t be much left to choose from, I reckon.

    I’ve always been the first one there to choose my puppy, so I’ve always had the pick of the litter. Depending on the setup, I’d either take them home there and then or put a deposit down.

    My parents sometimes had less choice if they turned up and half the litter had already gone, but at least it still lets you see if you click with the pup even if the choice is limited. Above all, it lets you check the breeding conditions, the mum, and sometimes the dad, etc...

    Because with some nice photos, even the dodgiest breeder can make things look a lot better than they really are.

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    Balista
    Balista Icon representing the flag French
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    It’s often said that boys have more stable, predictable moods and are more affectionate than girls—they stay young at heart and playful for much longer. The downsides of males: they tend to be more dominant and mark their territory constantly (at best, stopping for a wee every ten yards on a walk; at worst, peeing on the car, the furniture, or even on people! 😵). They are also more likely to be intolerant of other dogs of the same sex, and their "humping" habits can be a bit embarrassing. Plus, they’re more prone to wandering off if they get a scent and go off chasing after some tail... Females are reputed to be gentler, more patient, and more biddable, and they aren't as clingy as the boys. However, they can often be sneakier than males, especially with other dogs (males will have a scrap right away, but once things are settled, that’s that... whereas females can be more spiteful and sly). Other downsides: coming into season and the risk of unwanted pregnancies, obviously. Mind you, it’s much the same for humans after all! 😁 But of course, these are just generalisations; there are plenty of exceptions to the rule (except for the seasons and pregnancies—that’s strictly for the ladies).
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Yeah, if we can go and see the puppies, that's fine, but if everyone else has already picked one by the time we get there, there won't be much choice left, I suppose.
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    Mel1 Icon representing the flag French
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    @Aggie, it’s not the case with every breeder that you have to choose your puppy from a catalogue. My parents always had dogs from breeders, and I’ve only ever had dogs from breeders myself so far, but we’ve always gone to see the puppies to pick the one we wanted.

    I get the feeling that this pressure to make people choose a puppy from a catalogue is a fairly recent thing. It didn't exist before the internet. So much for progress...

    Personally, I’d never choose a dog like that! And if the breeder isn’t willing to wait for us to come and see the puppies, well, I’ll just go elsewhere.

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    Yann-shadow Icon representing the flag French
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    I wanted a male (don't ask me why, I don't really have a reason). I'd seen photos of the litter and there were two males, and based on the photos I actually preferred the one I didn't end up choosing.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    That’s the trouble with getting a puppy from a breeder! Personally, I could never choose a dog like that, straight out of a catalogue. I just couldn’t do without that face-to-face connection before making my mind up.

    The young dog I adopted back in 2017—on paper, I definitely wouldn't have picked him, and yet, as I’ve said, it was the best decision I ever made! 😉

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    Marlènejvls
    Marlènejvls Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks everyone for your replies. The puppies are due in August and I have to decide on the sex for the reservation. I’ll be picking the puppy later from photos or videos, so it’s not easy deciding between a boy or a girl! Anyway, thanks again.
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    Y
    Yann-shadow Icon representing the flag French
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    Before getting a dog, I think everyone asks themselves that question. Honestly, my advice is to just go for the dog you like the most.

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