Here is what to expect while living with a Golden Retriever
If you were asked to picture the quintessential American family dog, what would spring to mind? Perhaps a large breed dog with soft, yellow fur, wagging tail, bright eyes, and happy smile. A dog that’s good-natured and full of playful energy. There’s a lot to consider when choosing a new member for you family. Personality, training, health, and energy levels are all important traits of a dog that must match with your lifestyle.
When you consider the features listed above, it’s no surprise the golden retriever is among the most popular breeds today. You probably pictured the breed when asked to imaged the American family dog. But what should you expect when you welcome a golden into your family?
Learn about the breed’s personality, training needs, care and potential health concerns, and exercise needs that come with owning this classic American family dog.
Goldens are well-known for being gentle, friendly, loyal, and affectionate. In fact, many people refer to their retrievers as “velcro dogs” or as a “shadow” because their dogs follow them as they move around your home. If you get a golden, you should expect a dog that will sit by your feet as you work and try to jump on the couch for cuddles as you watch TV. Expect spend a lot of time with your dog - they have to be with their family to be happy.
Goldens are known for being good with children and other dogs as well as for their intelligence, making them excellent candidates for service dogs.
As a breed, retrievers were designed to be intelligent, alert, and eager to please. They are excellent working dogs but you must put in the time and effort to train your dog. Fortunately goldens take to training well and learn commands quickly. They should easily pick up on new tricks or tasks with some well-placed positive reinforcement and treats.
While training is very important with every dog, it’s especially important with golden retrievers. As a highly intelligent, social, and alert dog, goldens require a lot of mental stimunlation so they might not be right for owners who aren’t committed to regular everyday training.
Retrievers are generally a very healthy and stury breed. However, they are prone to specific genetic conditions and health issues such as hip dysplasia, allergies and skin issues, cancer, eye problems, hypothyroidism, and heart disease. They also require good quality food with the right nutrients to maintain a healthy weight and shiny, lustrous coat.
You should expect to spend a few hundred dollars per year on annual vet visits for the typical wellness exams and vaccines. You should also consider pet insurance or setting aside a few extra hundred dollars per year for emergency vet services.
As a hunting and sporting breed, goldens were bred to have the energy and stamina to last a full day’s worth of hunting. As such, they a lot of energy and require plenty of physical exercise and activity. Bored, understimulated retrievers are prone to acting out with destructive behavior like chewing when not sufficiently exercised. You should expect to spend about 20 to 30 minutes twice everyday to prevent boredom.
Ultimately, goldens are fantastic animals that make for an almost ideal family pet. These dogs require their fair share of time and attention, but that dedication is rewarded with a loyal, loving, playful, and happy member of your family.
