[bryce's-mummy]

As in the title. Have been thinking for a while now (a couple of years) about getting another dog- a companion for our older dog (small female lab aged 11). I have two kids- 3 and almost 6.

I have looked at purebred Samoyeds but they are hard to come by where we are (and quite expensive about $1500 to $1800)- we have also considered a golden retriever before as well.

I have seen a couple of people advertising this cross-breed, known as a "Golden Sammy" (which I didn't know before tonight) but I was wondering if anyone knew of any problems with the cross-breed (other than hip probs which I have already read about). I have googled but have come up with very little.

Anyone know of any health/behavioural issues with this dog? Was going to call our vet tomorrow to check it out with them but thought I might get some info on here first!!

Thanks

[la di dah]

A backyard bred samoyed/golden would have me worried about temperment issues, especially barking, digging, barking, fear-biting, and oh yes, barking.

But I have had some nasty incidents with Goldens. And I've never known a particularly unpleasant Samoyed but they are vocal.

Basically you're getting a grab-bag dog. Could have some good features from either, could have the bad problems of each. And unfortunately while there's nothing wrong with well-bred Goldens or well-bred Sammys, the sort of breeders that do lots and lots of socialization and lots and lots of health checks, don't cross breed.

So it's not like the best and most beautiful of each breed are the parents, you know? Can be, in fact, a couple generations of really weird or poorly cared for dogs. Same gamble as any pound puppy.

A "golden sammy" isn't a real breed, they can't breed true. There's a lot of retriever crosses in shelters/rescues. Which state are you in?

[Guest_~Songbird~_*]

.

This post has been edited by *SnowFlower*: 20/02/2013, 07:54 PM

[duckasorus]

With any cross breed advertised with a combined name i instantly think back yard breeder and puppy farm.

Maybe keep calling around animal resue groups and see if they can put you on a wait list for a rescue?

[FiveAus]

There's no such breed as a "Golden Sammy". It's a mutt.

Look for an older Samoyed, they won't be as expensive as a puppy (but to be honest, I think $1500 is VERY reasonable for a well-bred pedigree puppy).

Here's a link to a couple of them, don't be too concerned if they're interstate, it's not that expensive to have them flown to your own state.

http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/mature/samoyed.asp

This post has been edited by FiveAus: 08/11/2012, 05:44 AM

[idignantlyright]

I love both breeds on their own merits. Couldn't ask for a cross breed, but if I found one that needed rescuing I would get it.
Can you imagine the grooming a cross breed would take

[*Spikey*]

The first concern you should have is that the "breeder" is not a registered breeder, and that the dog/pup is also not registered. You would need the scores for hips, elbows and eyes for both parents and their pedigree.

People who intentionally breed crosses are in it to make money. They don't give a sh*t about the dog, or the people that they intend to fleece - that would be you, by the way. The dogs they use for breeding are not of 'breeding quality stock'. That means the dogs have faults - such as hip dysplasia, and elbow issues, and other genetic flaws that impact the health and sturdiness of the animal. You won't see signs of these in a puppy (unless its really bad), but as the dog matures, it will cost you a small fortune in vet bills. You think $1800 is expensive, check out the prices for animal xrays and surgery. In comparison, buying a pup that comes with breeder guarantees and quality parents is a sensible investment in a dog that ought to live 15-16 years (the spitz breeds).

So no, I wouldn't buy a Samoyed x Golden Retriever from a BYB or Puppy Miller. I would pick one up from pet rescue or the pound, but I'd be doing the sane thing and buying a purebred. For my money - I'd go the Samoyed, but then I'm not afraid of fur and grooming.

[melbelle]

With all due respect to you OP - do you think that right now getting a dog is the best idea?

I've been following your heartbreaking journey and you have my sincerest sympathies - I hope that there is some light soon and some relief from the emotional and financial pressure you have been under.

However, you have mentioned money worries, serious relationship issues and you rent as well.

While a pet is a wonderful thing, if you cant confidently say that you will be able to cover vet bills, or even the basics and arent confident about your domestic situation, I think that maybe its best to wait before adding another factor to the list.

Again - I don't want to upset you, but I thought it only responsible to point out these things.

All the best

[Apageintime]

my vet told me once that If someone can't afford the cost of a pure breed upfront, they'll never be able to afford the cost of all the health problems associated with a cross breed, BYB mutt.

What specifically about these breeds appeals to you - perhaps other PPs could reccommend some dogs that are more readily available in your area that meet your needs.

[*Ker*]

Hey Lorraine.

Bad idea. A Samoyed is a Spitz. So they bark. A LOT. Generally, they are smart and stubborn. A goldie is dumber, but biddable. Mix those two and you have a disaster. Sammys are prone to PRA, hip dysplasia and skin problems. A large number get diabetes. Goldies are prone to eye and ear problems (including cataracts), hip dysplasia and heart murmurs. A large number get cancer.

I have a different breed, but she's a spitz. Want to come meet her? And listen to her barking. At absolutely nothing I love her and will have another of her breed, but OMG the barking!!!

And remember the grooming, I'm one of those weirdos that find grooming therapeutic (although I'm not sure my girl agrees), but the hair loss is incredible. One of the beauties of the Spitz. They blow coat once a year (when desexed) and OMG it is a HELL of a coat blow. I have tumble weeds through my back yard!!! It's taken me two weeks so far, about 4 hours a week and I STILL haven't got all her loose hair out (I break it up so her majesty gets a break). Her breed is around $1500 - $2500 for a pup. I got her as a failed show dog, so she didn't cost that much.

Honestly, I love both breeds. But would I get a cross? Not on your life.

There are often Sammy's coming through in rescue - the coat freaks people out. And there are a LOT of goldens in rescue. You could call some of the rescue places in NSW and Vic and ask if they have one, can they put your name on the list for one that comes through. Or you could go an older dog from a breeder. A lot just didn't make the grade. Or they have retired a breeding dog.

I can help if you like