[nagdu] Why not goldens?

[Tracy Carcione]

Well, maybe it's a question of expense, but I know GDB and TSE both have, or 
had, well-established lines of goldens.
I think golden litters are smaller than lab litters, so maybe they're just 
at a low ebb right now. It just seems like hardly anyone is getting one 
these days.
The golden people are as loyal to their breed as the shepherd people, and 
that's saying something.  We lab people, we're just laid-back and easy to 
please, like our dogs. <smile>
Tracy

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Julie J." <julielj at neb.rr.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2013 10:02 AM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Why not goldens?


>I think money figures into which breeds are used also.  If you have a well 
>established, solid pool of labs, why would you go to the expense of adding 
>other breeds?  The genetics, medical expenses and time commitment are huge 
>to develop a line of dogs specific to guide work.  The litters from the 
>specially bred lines at the schools have a higher success rate than some 
>random litter of puppies.  To accomplish that level of success takes time 
>and money, lots of money.  If labs are working, why change what isn't 
>broken?
>
> What I said way back in the beginning of this thread is still what I 
> believe, labs are as close to a one size fits all dog as you can get, at 
> least for the purpose we are discussing here.  That doesn't mean they are 
> the right dog for everyone, but you are getting the most use out of your 
> dollar with the labs.  The schools could have lines of labs, goldens, 
> GSD's, Dobermans, Boxers, and 15 other breeds, but then you are also 
> multiplying your expense exponentially.
>
> Julie
>
>
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