The Good & The Bad
If you want a dog who…
- Is large, athletic, and natural-looking
- Has a pretty feathered coat
- Has a cheerful, tail-wagging nature
- Thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities
- Is steady-tempered and dependable with everyone
- Is peaceful with other animals
- LOVES children
- Is eager to please and very responsive to training
… a Golden Retriever may be right for you.
If you don’t want to deal with…
- Vigorous exercise requirements
- Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young or not exercised enough
- “Separation anxiety” (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much
- Mouthiness — carrying and chewing objects, mouthing your hands
- Regular brushing and combing
- Heavy shedding
- A distinctive doggy odor
- A multitude of serious health problems
… a Golden Retriever may not be right for you.
If you are thinking about getting a Golden Retriever you should consider…
- Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Golden Retrievers MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise, they will become rambunctious and bored — which they usually express by becoming destructive. Bored Goldens can make a shambles of your house and yard.
- If you simply want a pet for your family, and don’t have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed.
- Bounciness. Young Golden Retrievers (up to about three years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying.
- Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, Golden Retrievers need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking. Proper training and attention can overcome any daily seperation anxiety issues.
- Grooming. To keep their feathered coat free of mats, Golden Retrievers require regular brushing and combing, and occasional trimming.
- Heavy shedding and doggy odor. Golden Retrievers shed a LOT. Their hairs come off on your hands when you pet them, stick tenaciously to your clothing, upholstery, and carpeting, and hide under the furniture. Be prepared for vacuuming. Also note that Golden Retrievers have a distinctive “doggy” odor to their skin and coat that some people find offensive. Wellness Dog Food, Grizzly Fish Oil, & the FURminator can help eliminate almost ALL shedding! See our online store for these products.
- Serious health problems. All retriever breeds are susceptible to joint and bone problems, and eye diseases. They are also very prone to ear infections.
Not all Golden Retrievers are alike!
- There are energetic Golden Retrieverss, and placid ones.
- Hard-headed Golden Retrievers, and sweet-natured Goldens.
- Serious Golden Retrievers, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted Golden Retrievers, and individuals who love everyone.
If you acquire a Golden Retriever puppy, you can’t know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like.
If you’re considering an adult Golden Retriever…
There are plenty of adult Golden Retrievers who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don’t let “typical breed negatives” worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you’re acquiring potential — what he one day will be. So “typical breed characteristics” are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you’re acquiring what he already IS.
