16 Dos and Cons of Golden Retrievers: User's Guide (2023)

Not sure if you should get a Golden Retriever or another breed of dog? Here I have discussed the pros and cons of Golden Retrievers so that you can determine whether or not this breed is a good fit for your lifestyle.

RespectivelyFCI, there are about 360 dog breeds around the world. Choosing the right dog breed is not easy, especially for beginners.

Before acquiring a new dog, knowing the details of the dog breed can help you make the right decision.

In this post I will talk specifically about the Golden Retriever breed. This gives you an idea of ​​whether or not this breed of dog is right for you. But before that, let's take a look at the basic overview of the breed.

Golden Retrievers: Breed Overview

Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. According to the AKC's 2020 list of most popular dog breed rankings, the golden retriever ranks fourth (after the Labrador, French bulldog, and German shepherd).

This breed of retriever dog is native to Scotland, United Kingdom. It was created primarily to recover intact birds. Due to a soft mouth, agolden retrieveryou can easily catch a bird and bring it back unharmed.

In addition to working as a hunting dog, the breed is also known for its ability to work as a guide dog and hearing dog for the deaf.

In this guide, I'll walk you through the details of the Golden Retriever to help you learn about this breed in depth.

Pros and cons of golden retrievers

Well, here is the list of professional golden retrievers:

1. they are happy and friendly
2. you are smart and smart
3. They are easy to train.
4. They are good with families and children.
5. playful nature
6. They get along well with other dogs and animals.
7. they are not loud
8. you are extremely loyal
9. Ideal for first time owners

Now let's look at the disadvantages of golden retrievers:

1. they shed a lot
2. You don't like to be alone.
3. High preparation requirements
4. Great need for training.
5. They are expensive
6. They are not good watchdogs.
7. They are prone to certain health problems.

Benefits of having a Golden Retriever

Let's talk about each point in detail:

they are happy and friendly

This is the main reason why it is the most popular dog breed. The affectionate and fun-loving nature of this breed makes them perfect for families. If you are looking for a companion dog for you and your family, the GR may be your best option.

Golds are very sociable and love to be loved. Goldens' outgoing nature makes it easy for them to get along with everyone they meet. They get along well with families, children, other dogs, and even strangers.

they are very smart

Intelligence is another reason to get a golden retriever. Due to their high intelligence, they quickly learn new commands and behaviors.

After consulting with the doctor. Stanley Coren (professor of psychology and neuropsychological researcher)The cunning of dogs.According to the book, the Golden Retriever is the fourth most intelligent breed of dog in terms of obedience and working intelligence. Doctor Stanley compiled the list in his book based on the ability of dog breeds to learn new commands and behaviors.

They are easy to train.

A higher level of intelligence brings us to this point. When a dog is intelligent, it becomes easier to offer different types of training. In the previous point, we have already seen that the golden ones have good obedience and functional intelligence. Because they are intelligent and people pleasers, they are easy to train.

They were created to rescue intact birds. Obedient and pleasant people are traits of your ancestors. To increase a golden retriever's motivation during training, you can use treats. Do not overdo it, as it can lead to obesity.

they are family oriented

If you're looking for the perfect family pet, a Golden Retriever might be the right choice. The GR dog would love to be part of your family and gets along well with all members.

Also, the canine breed gets along well with children of all ages. A Golden Retriever puppy is the best gift you can give your children. Their playful, loving and fun personality traits make them perfect for families with children.

They are playful by nature.

This breed of retriever is energetic and can play with you and your children for hours. they like to follow the gamechew toys, look for toys, stuffed animals, noisy toys, etc.

Goldens enjoy outdoor games more than indoor ones. Play sessions with fetch toys can be a great way to provide physical stimulation with fun. It is wise to keep an eye on your golden retriever when he is around your child. After all, he is a retriever; so he has some tracking instincts.

They get along well with other dogs and animals.

If you are considering mating a new dog with your existing one, this dog breed is one to consider. Golden retrievers make wonderful companions and get along well with other animals (such as dogs, cats, and rabbits).

Compared to other dog breeds, Goldens have a low hunting drive. As long as the other dog is friendly and affectionate, introducing a golden retriever to another dog won't be a problem.

they are not loud

As a dog owner, hearing your dog's loud barking all day can be irritating. Speaking of GR, they are among the friendliest and most peaceful dog breeds. Compared to other dog breeds, they are not as loud.

There can be a list of different reasons why a dog barks. This may be due to excitement, aggression, or receiving attention. Goldens are smart enough and will bark when there is a good reason. Although GRs choose to remain silent most of the time, they also carry the title of having thatthe loudest bark in the world.

you are extremely loyal

This is another great reason to get a Golden Retriever. Along with their friendly and loving nature, loyalty is another personality trait that makes the Golden Retriever one of the most popular dogs in America.

The loyalty of a Golden Retriever lasts a lifetime. This personality trait has to do with the history of the breed. Goldens were primarily bred as hunting dogs. Their main task was to locate and recover intact birds. The breed was faithful to the instructions and orders of the owner. Therefore, loyalty is one of the personality traits that modern GRs inherited from their ancestors.

They are ideal for first time owners.

Each breed has different temperaments and requirements. For first-time owners, it can be a bit difficult to choose the right breed of dog.

Speaking of Golden Retrievers, their loyalty, affection, and intelligence make them ideal for first-time dog owners. Goldens can get along with anyone, whether it's family members, children, other dogs (and animals), or strangers. They are so loyal and love to please their owners. In addition, training a GR is also very easy. Since they are smart enough, you don't have to try very hard to get them to follow your commands.

Disadvantages of owning a Golden Retriever

In the previous section we saw the benefits of having a Golden Retriever dog. It is also very important to know the disadvantages. Here are the disadvantages of the Golden Retriever:

they shed a lot

Once you have adopted a GR, one of the main problems to deal with is molting. Goldens shed moderately throughout the year. Its frequency of falls increases twice a year: spring and autumn. More spills mean higher hygiene requirements.

As a GR owner, you must accept the fact that your dog will never stop shedding. However, there are certainWays to Minimize Spillseven. First of all, you need to brush your pup regularly. Maintaining a proper brushing routine would prevent matting and ensure better coat health. Also, providing regular baths (once a month or every two weeks) and feeding your dog high-protein foods will minimize shedding.

You don't like to be alone.

Goldens are fun and sociable dogs. They always need someone close to them. Leaving your Golden alone for long periods of time is the worst thing you can do to your Golden. It can lead to destructive behavior and separation anxiety. If you have a busy schedule, this may not be the breed for you.

Now the question is, how long can you leave Golden Retrievers alone? The answer to this question will vary depending on the age of the dog, the training you have given it, the personality of each dog, etc. Generally, a Golden Retriever over 18 months can only be around 3-5 hours a day. And the dog can be less than 18 months old.left alonea maximum of two hours a day. If left alone, the pup will need easy access to food, water, and a bath.

Your hygiene needs are high

If you are looking to adopt a dog that has little to no grooming requirements, then this breed is not for you. Golds have beautiful double coats that need regular care. Without regular grooming, their coats can become matted.

After adopting a Golden Retriever dog, you'll need to add daily brushing to his routine. Regular brushing can help prevent your dog's coat from matting and also control hair loss. In addition to brushing, other grooming needs include bathing (monthly) and nail clipping. You will also need to have your GR professionally fixed from time to time. These cleaning tasks can be overwhelming for some people, especially new homeowners.

Being energetic, their physical needs are high.

Originally, Goldens were bred to run and hunt for birds. Due to the high energy level, they can work for hours.

Golden Retrievers are energetic, so they require moderate to vigorous exercise every day. Regular exercise is necessary to help them use their excess energy in the right way. Or it can lead to unwanted and destructive behavior. With 40 to 60 minutes of daily exercise would be enough.

They are expensive

Getting and keeping a Golden Retriever can be very expensive. When you get a new Golden Retriever, it's up to you to buy it from a breeder or adopt it from a shelter.

A purebred GR from a breeder can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000. And shelter adoption can cost anywhere from $200 to $500. Once you have a Golden Retriever puppy, you will need to spend money to buy items like collar, harness, leash, cage, food, toys, etc. Plus, vet visits, training, and professional care add to the costs. On average, keeping a Golden Retriever costs around $1,500 to $2,500 per year.

They are not amazing watchdogs.

The Golden Retriever is not the breed of dog to consider when looking for a watchdog. We have already seen that the Golden are so affectionate that they get along with everyone. This personality trait is amazing, but it also has its downsides.

The breed was bred to be good-tempered, so don't expect guardian qualities from them. But the good thing is that it is a very intelligent breed of dog. This is how it is possible to train a Golden and do it bettersecurity dog.

They are prone to certain health problems.

Before purchasing a Golden Retriever dog, it is best to educate yourself on general health issues. According to PetMD, common health problems in Golden Retrievers include: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, subaortic stenosis (SAS), hypothyroidism, eye disease, mast cell tumors, seizures, osteosarcoma, lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma (a form of growth cancer). fast).)and skin problems.

Choosing a reputable breeder is essential to ensure that the puppy is healthy. It may cost a little more, but it will give you an idea of ​​the health history of the pup and her parent.

final thoughts

Whether it's a Labrador, French Bulldog, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, or another popular breed of dog, each breed has its pros and cons.

Depending on the breed of dog you choose, the personality traits and requirements will vary. For example, Goldens have a double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year, so their grooming requirements are quite high as well. Speaking of French bulldogs, they have a short coat that sheds minimally. And the French are easy to care for.

It was about hygiene requirements. There are many other things to research about the breed before bringing them home.

I'm sure the do's and don'ts that I have shared in this post will help you determine whether or not the breed is a good fit for your lifestyle.

TRAIN YOUR DOG! ⬇️

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