The Retriever Expert Expert Care Tips For Your Retriever
Golden Retrievers are prone to separation anxiety so it’s best to raise them with another canine. So even if you’re away, there would be another doggo to keep your Goldie busy. The good news is that finding the best match for Golden Retriever dogs isn’t difficult. Goldies are friendly, intelligent, and active. They share these characteristics with a lot of dog breeds, including these five options below:
1. Another Golden Retriever
If you want to skip the guesswork, another Golden Retriever will do the trick. It’s rare for the owner of this breed to go for just a single Goldie. It’s often two or more in one household.
The good thing about getting another Golden Retriever is that the two dogs have matching personalities. It would be easier for you to introduce them to each other. Aside from that, you already know the ins and outs of the breed.
However, a pair of Golden Retrievers also means that you’ll deal with double shedding. Unless you can deal with the mess, you can consider the four other breeds on this list.
2. Beagle
Beagles might be small dogs, but you should never underestimate their energy levels. This small pooch can keep up with the active personality of a Golden Retriever. They love running, roaming, and playing. Like Goldies, Beagles remain like puppies for a long time.
Moreover, Beagles are even-tempered like Golden Retrievers. However, additional training is needed to curb the wandering nature of this doggo. As long as you keep a fence, these two dogs will be happy to run after each other.
Before getting a Beagle, it’s important to know that this breed likes howling and barking. Make sure that you’re willing to train them properly.
3. Poodle
If you’re looking for a more laidback match for your Goldie, you’ll never go wrong with a Poodle. This elegant dog is intelligent, docile, and gentle. They are the best match for Golden Retriever, especially if you can’t deal with more shedding.
Poodles don’t shed so they will not burden you with intense cleaning. Still, this pooch requires regular grooming as their curly coat is prone to matting.
Other than that, Poodles are perfect for families with children. This dog is very patient and can tolerate the roughhousing of kids. You can also get them in different breed sizes to suit your space at home.
4. Boston Terrier
Dubbed as the ‘American Gentleman’, Boston Terriers are already far from their dog-fighting past. They are now sweet, affectionate, and docile canines that will match your Goldie’s personality. With proper training, you can easily curb the aggressive tendencies of this breed.
The good thing about Boston Terriers is their small size. They don’t require too much grooming and they adapt to different living setups pretty well. Boston Terriers also have high levels of energy that will surely match that of Golden Retrievers.
But just like any dogs, Boston Terriers are not perfect. They love wandering around and barking when they are bored. I suggest keeping them in a fenced yard or better yet, indoors. You should also remember that Boston Terriers can’t tolerate heat too much.
5. Pug
If your Golden Retriever prefers a more quiet and laidback buddy, you should definitely consider Pugs. This small breed is easy to maintain and would love to cuddle with a larger doggo.
As companion dogs, Pugs will love sticking beside your Goldie’s side. They may not be as active or rambunctious, but Pugs know how to keep anyone company.
Just make sure that you socialize your Pug properly to curb any potential aggressions. You should also introduce the two dogs properly as the large difference in size could become an issue.
Overall, Pugs are affectionate, sweet, and clownish just like a Golden Retriever. They will surely have a great time together in your home.
Conclusion
The best match for Golden Retriever is a breed with a compatible personality, right energy level, and tolerable maintenance. There are other dog breeds that will go along with Goldies, but these five are surefire options. Just remember that training and socialization are still necessary to raise both dogs properly. Most importantly, you should only get a second dog once you’re ready to commit.
