I can only think of one person on this forum with a PWD and I haven't seen her around in a while, so I don't think you'll get many responses from someone who has owned one. I don't have a ton of experience, but I think the biggest difference is probably going to be the biddability and natural retrieve. Goldens are known for both, PWDs not so much.

I would find a breeder and go meet their dogs. Look for a facebook group of PWD owners and ask your specific questions there.

 

Apparently, I'm following Elrohwen around this morning.

We considered Porties briefly, but decided that they were maybe not the best fit for first time owners. I did meet two at dog camp a few years ago; they were well behaved, but intense. One did FEMA-level search and rescue (not sure exactly what it was called) and the other was in training.

Elrohwen, would Welshies be a good fit? From your descriptions, I tend to think of them as goldens in a smaller package.

 

Elrohwen, would Welshies be a good fit? From your descriptions, I tend to think of them as goldens in a smaller package.

Yes! I think Welshies are pretty golden-like. A little less biddable usually, more scent driven. Not all love to retrieve but plenty do. Altogether they are more alike than different I think. English cockers as well.

 

The other main thing to consider is grooming needs. A PWD is going to need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks which can be a significant added expense depending on your area.

 

I have a PWD! Incidentally, she has the "improper" short coat, which grows in the same pattern/length of a golden. There is a gene test for that now, and breeders are breeding away from improper coats (she sheds), so it won't likely be a problem for you. It's not a problem for me, more hair to vacuum, and I do keep her trimmed shorter, other wise she looks like a furry buffalo! LOL

She is pretty much everything you describe a PWD being. She is not a great retriever, and I had to teach her how to retrieve the dumbbell for obedience, but she will do it.

She works on her own terms, much of the time. She is WICKED smart, catches on VERY quickly and abhors repetition. (yea, yeah, I got it mom!!). She got her CD title on a 3 day weekend, and did the same for her RN title. Very smart, very accurate.

She's loving and snuggly, even as big as she is (48 pounds)

Grooming is going to set you back a bit monthly, and be prepared to brush a few times a week.

She was a WILD thing her first 4 years, but then settled down and is a very easy dog to live with. They need an outlet for energy. A good walk, or galloping alongside the bike helped her to settle down.

PWDs are NOT as biddable as goldens. They can be much more independent. Where a golden will fawn over you, and admire you, and retrieve all day long, and be mostly obedient, never counter surf, come when called... a PWD will stop and think what's in it for her, first! LOL

Would I have another? Absolutely. But only one at a time! LOL.

 

I have a PWD!

I couldn't remember your username, but I was hoping you'd turn up! You're the only member I can think of with a PWD.

 

tried to get a picture for you, but it won't post

 

So what I'm reading into this is that PWDs are independent, intelligent, friendly but not necessarily people pleasers, and (based on my experience) Goldens will retrieve, they like to be around people (in the same room, or on the same chair), and they WANT to do what you ask them to do.

It sounds like both breeds are easy to train, but Goldens are much more biddable.

 

I have never owned a Portie but they are really common around here, I never would have thought of them as more difficult :/ I compete with a whole lotta them(the vast majority of dogs I compete with are Porties), they are really good, super focused, sooo smart, amazing "do everything" dogs. mischievous for sure, I am more likely to see a Portie being a brat at a trial then a Golden, but they consistently preform extremely well. the other side of them that I see at daycare..are really good..but totally insane. but..that describes Goldens at daycare too lol

 

I have a friend with 2 PWDs. She has actually had 3 in the time that I have known her but not more than 2 at a time & at least 5 or 6 in her lifetime.

She is very active with the dogs in agility, nosework, etc with the dogs & is taking them to classes or trials every week.

All 3 of her PWDs play (or played) fetch.

Her younger dog is 2 but is still very much a puppy. She was on the phone for 5 minutes recently & the dog chewed through the cord. They definitely all required crating when left home alone until late middle age for safety.

Goldens are not angels either though - I know someone else with a golden retriever/lab mix puppy (from a rescue) that has done over $1000 worth of damage in her first year to their house/personal belongings. And has dug a bunch of holes in the yard.