Most suitable breed of dog to acompany my golden retriever?

BetterThanThou

I have a golden retriever, very playful and 4 years old. I want another dog, which I think could be good for him since he does get bored and lonely when no one is playing with him.
I've been thinking of an Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky or a German Shepard, I know all 3 of these dogs are going to be a good bit of work, but which one would most likely make a good friend for my golden retriever? Would any of these be suitable or should I go for something his size?

Tigger

boxer
boxers are very playful and good companions

Knine

BetterThanThou wrote: »

I have a golden retriever, very playful and 4 years old. I want another dog, which I think could be good for him since he does get bored and lonely when no one is playing with him.
I've been thinking of an Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky or a German Shepard, I know all 3 of these dogs are going to be a good bit of work, but which one would most likely make a good friend for my golden retriever? Would any of these be suitable or should I go for something his size?

I would go with the breed of dog that most suits your lifestyle & family. I have quite a mix of dogs and they all get on great however they all have high exercise requirements and I take that into consideration when adding another family member.
Mine are terriers (high drive) & gundogs.

Jimmy Garlic

BetterThanThou wrote: »

Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky or a German Shepard,

All three can be quite domineering and aggressive if not properly socialised. They need plenty of stimulation unless you want them destroying everything. All three need somebody with spare time and and a good bit of experience. You would be better off getting something less intense that has a similar temperament to your golden retriever.

Inexile

Hate to state the obvious but why not another golden retriever seeing as you are already familiar with the breed? Or perhaps a labrador or cross of either breed.

Matt Simis

BetterThanThou wrote: »

I've been thinking of an Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky or a German Shepard, I know all 3 of these dogs are going to be a good bit of work, but which one would most likely make a good friend for my golden retriever? Would any of these be suitable or should I go for something his size?

If you are at all interested in getting an adult dog (as opposed a puppy) to go with your Retriever, please have a look at my Homes Wanted ad:
http://freepdfhosting.com/1e0d96f5a9.pdf


I'm emigrating and have a male Malamute Husky cross and a female GSD to home. The GSD is a real "people dog", gets on well with other dogs but more interested in making sure the garden is safe than actually playing with dogs. Very intelligent and friendly.
The Malamute Husky is a different character, would run away with anyone, loves playing, completely non-confrontational in all situations (not fear, but "happy" to be one on the bottom rung all the time!). Absurdly happy dog, entertains himself when the GSD wont play with him.

Both well socialised with people and dogs, were a unit of 5 dogs I had, now just these 2 left looking for homes.

tk123

Inexile wrote: »

Hate to state the obvious but why not another golden retriever seeing as you are already familiar with the breed? Or perhaps a labrador or cross of either breed.

+1 I have a 4 year old retriever too and a 4 month old retriever pup

wexie

BetterThanThou wrote: »

Would any of these be suitable or should I go for something his size?

Size or lack thereoff won't stop them from being friends. We had a Newfoundland and a Shihtzuh and they were best buds.

Newfies are absolutely great dogs and will be anyone's or anythings friend and despite what many people think neither eat lots or need lots of room.

Don't get one if you're in any way houseproud or have issues with hair or drool.

Wedgie

Inexile wrote: »

Hate to state the obvious but why not another golden retriever seeing as you are already familiar with the breed? Or perhaps a labrador or cross of either breed.

I have to admit, this was my initial thought as well.

muddypaws

BetterThanThou wrote: »

I have a golden retriever, very playful and 4 years old. I want another dog, which I think could be good for him since he does get bored and lonely when no one is playing with him.
I've been thinking of an Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky or a German Shepard, I know all 3 of these dogs are going to be a good bit of work, but which one would most likely make a good friend for my golden retriever? Would any of these be suitable or should I go for something his size?

With a mal or a sibe, you will need a secure garden - a very secure garden, and to know that they can't be let off lead in an unenclosed area, no matter how good a dog trainer you might be.

With a GSD, by law, they also can't be let off lead, and have to be muzzled in public.

Maybe go along to your nearest rescue centre, have a chat and see if they have a dog that they think would fit in, then let your dog meet them, and go from there. Even though there are breed traits, I don't think anyone can say for sure that a dog of a particular breed will definitely get on with your boy.