https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 30 Apr 2026 03:23:48 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier/page/2#post-2805187 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 12:08:52 +0000 snowjewelz 2805187@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JMOM: Hahaha! My main thing is the drooling! My aunt had 2 golden retrievers and I just know with kids, I can't deal with the hair and the drool! Our current dog is 12 so sometimes I do think about what our next dog would be too... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier/page/2#post-2805182 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 12:00:47 +0000 JMOM 2805182@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: Us, too. I have a feeling we'll end up with a big one. I've been reading a lot about Newfoundlands lately and they're so cute! I'm determined not to make a decision based on how cute the dog is. Our Pyrenees was somewhat small for her breed at 80ish lbs so I can't imagine trying to make a 130 lb dog do something it doesn't want to. Also - the poops!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2805171 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 11:40:58 +0000 snowjewelz 2805171@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JMOM: Aww. Sigh I do have such a soft spot for giant dogs! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2805168 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 11:38:58 +0000 JMOM 2805168@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: I'm keeping my eye open on the local craigslist site. I've called about 2 older pyrenees dogs but they have both been outside dogs and I don't have a place to keep an outside dog until I train it to live inside. I saw a 2 year old Newfoundland dog last night but he was gone within a couple hours. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2805164 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 11:32:09 +0000 snowjewelz 2805164@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JMOM: Haha! Or look into adopting a dog that's at least 3-4 years old. I have a small-ish beagle mix, she was SO energetic as a puppy but definitely calmed down as she got older. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2805163 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 11:27:31 +0000 JMOM 2805163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: Golden doodles are an option. We're not so concerned about the shedding as the energy level and how much exercise they will need. Maybe I should just get a bunch of cats and then I don't have to walk them. :wink: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2805162 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 11:25:49 +0000 JMOM 2805162@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@alphagam84: An invisible fence is definitely an option. we've looked into a regular fence and it would cost a lot because we would have to take down 20-30 feet of shrub before we could put in one. I would love to get a dog that I could open the door and it could go out and do it's business without fear of running off. My FIL has a lab that does that but he doesn't watch her and she wanders the neighborhood and the neighbors yell at me (he lives in our basement). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2805147 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 11:03:51 +0000 snowjewelz 2805147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How about a Golden Doodle to try to minimize the shedding? I know not all of them are non-shedding depending on how the mix ends up. I also know they're energetic; but so are regular golden retrievers. I've known a couple of Westies and all are energetic/loud; but I'm sure there would be some with milder temperaments! I def would not go for a big dog if you're not looking for high activity level. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2805127 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 10:23:45 +0000 alphagam84 2805127@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JMOM: I grew up in the country so we just let our dog be loose so she explored in the woods all day when we were at school (she had a doggie door into our garage with a bed and water bowl). Later we got an invisible fence which was great. The dogs could be outside and explore all day but didn't leave the yard. I personally wouldn't get a dog without a fenced in yard or an invisible fence. We have a fenced in yard with a doggie door into our garage. We don't have to walk our dog in the morning and she can go into our garage anytime she wants where she has a bed and water bowl. She gets a walk probably 5 days/week after work or on the weekends. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804995 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 14:01:17 +0000 JMOM 2804995@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yoursilverlining: I've done a couple of those surveys, they keep saying pugs. We love pugs but are concerned about breathing difficulties/snorting/farting, etc. You're right, I should submit applications to a couple local rescues to see what they say and if the no fence thing will really disqualify us. We're not ready for a dog right now as I have a foot thing that keeps me from doing lots of walking but I'm trying to get knowledgeable so that when I get cleared by the doctor we can more forward. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804990 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:53:20 +0000 JMOM 2804990@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@nana87: Those are both beautiful dogs but I think too much activity level needed for me. We don't mind a dog who barks to alert us to things but excessive barking is a no go for us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804989 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:43:39 +0000 yoursilverlining 2804989@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love terriers, but the activity level and needs of any kind of terrier and most working breeds is going to be pretty high unless you get some random one-off unicorn :silly: </p> <p>There are some decent "what kind of dog for me" surveys out there (I think the AKC does one); have you tried any of those? </p> <p>Even if your shelter mostly just has pits and chis on hand; many shelters work with rescues and can pull from rescues and transport dogs. Many do a great job networking to find the type of dog that would be a good match for your family. So, might be another avenue to check out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804987 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:35:22 +0000 JMOM 2804987@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@alphagam84: I've heard such wonderful things about them but I'm concerned about the activity level. We have an unfenced yard so I'm responsible for 95% of the walks. I don't mind taking a long walk once a day but multiple times a day I won't be able to swing. I'm not sure if you can let Golden's off leash to play in the yard - our pyrenees would run off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804984 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:29:12 +0000 JMOM 2804984@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Tanjowen: Our neighbor got a golden doodle puppy and he's a sweetie. It's definitely an option. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804983 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:27:45 +0000 JMOM 2804983@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@crazydoglady: My FIL who lives in our basement has a Lab and she's a nice dog but I'm not fond of her hair type. We like more tufty hair dogs. There is hair everywhere in my basement, of course, if my FIL would actually vacuum it wouldn't be so bad. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804961 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 10:52:07 +0000 alphagam84 2804961@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a golden growing up and she was the best dog. She was so patient and let me do anything to her. I wouldn't hesitate to get a golden again. Shedding doesn't bother me and I think the hair is worth it to have a great dog. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804942 Mon, 19 Feb 2018 07:57:03 +0000 nana87 2804942@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have shelties now because it’s what dh grew up with, and while I love them I don’t actually love the breed— they’re very smart but also need a lot of engagement otherwise they destroy stuff haha, and also they bark a lot. Plus they shed but it’s soft hair, so tumbleweeds. Mostly good w kids but mostly because they just stay away from the baby. Also a small dog</p> <p>If we get another dog, I want a Springer spaniel like I grew up with. My old dog was the worlds sweetest dog. Medium sized, some shedding, but mostly just so so sweet w kids </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804934 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 21:16:34 +0000 crazydoglady 2804934@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JMOM: What about a lab? We have an English labrador retriever and he really doesn't smell that bad and his shedding doesn't seem as bad. He does spend working hours (7am-3pm) in a dog run tho. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804930 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 20:45:13 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2804930@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Goldens shed and smell for sure. We have a golden doodle and he sheds a lot, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804928 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 20:37:03 +0000 Tanjowen 2804928@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JMOM: What about a Goldendoodle? My friend has 2 and they are great dogs and no shedding fur everywhere. I also second a Wheaten terrier. Great personality, low grooming needs and a good size. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804912 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 16:20:57 +0000 mrsjd 2804912@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a male Golden Retriever who is almost 4 years old. He is 95% an amazing dog. He is sweet, loving, most obedient, not high maintenance. He was easy to potty and crate train. He is amazing with my 17 month old. We watch his weight and he’s very healthy. However, he has a propensity to eat everything even if it isn’t edible and we have to always be on alert. He had to have stomach surgery when he was six months old. Every time he throws up we are always afraid he has gotten into something. That said, I’d get another Golden in a heartbeat. They are awesome. We get him groomed regularly and we vacuum weekly. The shedding is just something you get used to honestly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804910 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 14:52:11 +0000 JMOM 2804910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LBee: We still find hair from our Pyrenees and she's been gone for 3 years. My husband always had to roll his clothes before he could go to work, then she would come up to him to get petted and he would have to start again! Thanks for the energy level info. That may be more than I can handle, especially since I'll be the one doing 95% of the walking. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804909 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 14:49:55 +0000 JMOM 2804909@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit7: Hmmm, I've heard the name but I don't know anything about them. More to research! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804908 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 14:49:23 +0000 JMOM 2804908@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kitkat: They are adorable!! I've read a tiny bit about them, but I'll look into them more. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804895 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 13:16:55 +0000 Dahlia 2804895@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@youboots: We'll probably never get a dog, but if we do I would want a mini Australian Shepherd. They're so cute! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804890 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 13:00:30 +0000 Littlebit7 2804890@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>what about a soft coated wheaten terrier? Sorta best of both worlds IMO. They are a nice medium size, don't drool a lot, don't shed a ton, amazing with kids. They don't do amazingly left alone though. And they do require some grooming but don't shed a lot </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804888 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 12:41:04 +0000 Kitkat 2804888@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have cairn terriers, which are very similar to westies. They are great dogs, but very stubborn and definitely need firm and consistent training. Before our cairns, we always had big dogs, which were definitely calmer and easier to train. They also bark, chew, and dig more than our big dogs. However, the cairns definitely live longer and have been great with our baby. They are also super fun and have great personalities. Let me know if you have any specific questions. Pic because they’re cute :wink: </p> [attach=6383/18/p4cx4g.600x600.35319C63-1E21-496E-8271-6DEDA61814B0.jpeg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804881 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 11:58:12 +0000 jhd 2804881@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JMOM: they walked her and played ball in the yard </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804880 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 11:32:04 +0000 gotkimchi 2804880@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JMOM: we did not </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/golden-retriever-or-west-highland-white-terrier#post-2804879 Sun, 18 Feb 2018 11:30:05 +0000 LBee 2804879@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a golden. We adore her and she’s awesome with the kids, but everything is covered in her fur. I was just picking dog hair off the face of my non mobile child a few minutes ago. The shedding is intense. We vacuum multiple times a week, brush her out, and still have tumbleweeds of dog hair throughout our house. </p> <p>Our dog is older so the backyard thing wouldn’t be an issue. I would say she needed daily walks and a good 30 minutes of ball tossing until around age 5. She went to the dog park after work every day until she was around 7 (she would get there, play for 5 minutes, then just lay around so it started seeming pointless). Left alone without a good energy outlet they will get into mischief. Even with all of her playing - including a fenced in backyard - I can still think of several things she destroyed.</p> <p>Since turning ~ 7 she has very low energy / exercise needs. She sleeps or lazes around about 75% of the day 😂. </p> <p>ETA: for context of the amount of fur, since owning my golden I’ve gone through at least a dozen vacuums and two Roombas. Even with a pre sweep, the vacuum can’t stand up that long to her hair. </p>