Hello All, >I have asked this >occasionally of PPO's, and the conventional answer is that that goldens >have gotten too popular. They generally like everything about the >goldens except their popularity.
>Are they changing from a Golden because they feel the breed has degenerated >because of it's popularity or are they changing because they want a less >common breed? >Rose T. Berners vs Goldens; I've owned Golden's my entire adult life. (please don't ask how long that is). My current Golden, Hunter, is 16 months old. I also own a 9-1/2 month old Berner, Casey. Casey I acquired from a NY breeder. I obtained Casey through an unusual set of circumstances that brought me, a very nice (and supportive) BMD breeder, and a Berner puppy rescue together. From my point of view, I think the experience ended well for all involved. I don't view my acquisition of Casey as a "switch" I cannot envision my life without a Golden. I wrestled with the decision to bring a BMD into our lives knowing the breed has a reputation of being short lived for reasons continuously highlighted by members of this list. I beleive that when dealing with purebreed dogs, there are no guarantees. If you asked me today if I would ever own another Berner, I'm reasonably sure I would not. I love Casey to death, However, I find that everything from housebreaking to basic obedience has taken an incredible amount of effort. She tends to be fearful of everything. From what I've been reading on the L this is not an uncommon problem. I am encouraged by the fact that my/her trainer feels she will overcome. I will never give up on her and I'm not concerned about her developing a fear aggression problem. Medically, I worry just as much over the health my Golden as I do for the health of Casey. Have Golden's suffered due to their popularity? I think so. Visit a pet shop, any pet shop that sells dogs and you will undoubtably find Golden puppies. In obedience classes, you can usually find 2-3 Goldens. Are people switching breeds because they feel the Golden has degenerated? I don't know. I think that there is a perception that the dogs have similar traits. I think they are both beautiful dogs. But I also think that's where it begins and ends. Each have their own distinct breed qualities. When it comes to beauty my father always told me "looks attract, they don't hold" but I'm quite sure he was referring to women. As much as I love Goldens, I must admit the beauty of a Berner is striking, I disregarded my fathers advice and this time I don't think I'm any worse off. Steve Squillante Hunter the Golden Casey the Berner
