Berner vs Golden

[Denise Rasmussen]

I have been a 'quiet' listener (ie...learner!)  to the list for the last 3-4 
months. My family (husband, two boys...3 & 4) and I are thinking about 
getting a dog after waiting until our lifestyle would allow the time 
neccessary to spend with a pet.  We were first drawn to Goldens because of 
their temperments with children. My brother has one and the boys adore her! 
While I know that no dog should ever be 'totally' trusted around a child 
(for the dog's sake as much as the child's!), my husband and I want to have 
a member of the family that we do not fear will harm our boys...let alone 
the many 'friends' that they will meet. We want to have some degree of 
comfort that this animal will love us as much as we love them and would 
never desire to harm one of us. I also want to be confident that the dog can 
be around other children/strangers and not be (unnecessarily) aggressive to 
them.

Then I saw a BMD, and like many others have commented,  was totally taken 
with their good looks. I started searching for all the info I could about 
this breed (like joining this list) and began to think this might be the dog 
for us. From what I am reading on the list, it seems like they are an 
awesome family dog as well. It sounds like they are very loving and develop 
a strong relationship with the families that provide for them.

I've heard many comments from the members that they have had Goldens in the 
past...do you have any inputs about the charateristics of the two breeds and 
how they compare in regards to family life with young children? I also would 
be interested to know about any other differences you have found. While I 
know that an individual dog may not follow the typical characteristics of a 
given breed, I want to make sure that we do not make an unwise choice for 
the family.

Thanks,

Denise in Iowa





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