Golden Retriever Pros and Cons: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly | raise gold (2023)

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When people consider adding a dog (like the golden retriever) to their lives, they often only focus on the pros. For example, we might focus on a particular breed because of how it looks or because we've seen one in the park or on TV that is calm and well-behaved.

We can get so excited about the prospect of adding a new Furball to our family that we forget about it while we're at it.eachThe breed has many good traits or advantages, but they all also have some bad traits or disadvantages.

Talk to any dog ​​owner and they'll likely tell you that, regardless of breed, their dog has good, bad, and even ugly parts. And yes, that goes for the Golden Retriever as well.

So what exactly is good about golden retrievers and what is bad about them? What are its advantages and what are its disadvantages?

Golden Retrievers, like any dog ​​breed, have their pros and cons, including:

Remember that our dogs are not perfect, just like humans. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. After all, it's the imperfections that make each of us unique.

Of course, these same perfections can also be present in our dogs.adorable "quirks",or maybe they are annoying, but in all cases the pros are tremendouspredominateThe disadvantages.

Let's see how the golden retriever does. First, let's cover all the good things about them. Then we'll look at some of the bad and some of the ugly.

The good

Trust in me; The Golden Retriever is an amazing dog. If they weren't, they wouldn't have been classed as thosethirdthe most popular dog in North America for over a decade. And I suspect that the ranking will rise in the coming years. Maybe not enough to take down its cousin, the Labrador retriever, but the German Shepherd better watch out.

The good qualities of the Golden Retriever far outweigh the bad and ugly. What exactly is good about them? Let's find out

that are beautiful

Golden retrievers are beautiful dogs. This majestic dog of Scottish descent sports a long, shiny golden mane along with a strong, athletic body and straight muzzle.The golden eyes are friendly and attest to this breed's great intelligence and joie de vivre.

A medium to large sized dog, Golden Retrievers have a powerful, athletic gait and move in a graceful or prancing trot while carrying a "food" in their soft snouts.

You'll find golds in the full range, from light to dark gold, mahogany or even a creamy off-white color.

Like most dogs, Golden Retrievers are adorable. But even in adulthood, they are often called "cute". Find out why in this article:17 Reasons Why Golden Retrievers Are So Cute!

legal way

Golden retrievers are the epitome of joie de vivre. This calm breed has a vitality and zest for life that we can learn from and build upon in our lives. Their sweet love of life shines through in everything they do.

The Golden Retriever can indulge in the smallest of pleasures, whether it be fetching, chewing on a bone, eating or just rolling around on the floor.

Always in the moment, make sure your Golden Retriever is enjoying life to the fullest.

Gold avoids conflict and is happiest when it gives and receives love. Not a dog to hold grudges or dwell on the past, the Golden Retriever truly embodies compassion and lives life to the fullest.

In fact, the world would be a better place if we were all like the Golden Retriever.

affectionate and friendly

The Golden Retriever's hallmark is its friendly and friendly temperament. A gentle dog with a soft mouth, the Golden is generally not a one person dog. Instead, the Golden Retriever wants to share its unconditional love with as many people and animals as possible.Hostility or aggression are not characteristics of the Golden Retriever.

The Golden Retriever is best described as friendly, loving, reliable, laid back and gentle. These friendly traits are highly prized in therapy and assistance dogs and are what make Golden Retrievers special.very familiar.

smart and obedient

Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent dogs. How smart? Dog researcher Stanely Cohen classifies dog breeds into levels of intelligence based on their ability to learn commands and obey. Golden Retrievers belong to the top tier of all dog breeds and ranges.four, behind Border Collie, Poodle and German Shepherd.

If you are curious to know how the Golden Retriever and the German Shepherd compare, you can check out this article:

Golden Retriever or German Shepherd: Which is the Best Dog?

These top students can learn commands in an average of five repetitions and are obedient 95% of the time. No wonder Golden Retrievers, with their good nature and high level of intelligence, are so often used as service, guide and therapy dogs.

The majestic Golden is also well-suited for dog sports such as rally, nose, obedience and other activities at which the smartest dogs excel.

In fact, they are such smart dogs (combined with their friendly temperament) that they are wonderful.persecutionYsearch and rescueDogs.

eager to please

The Golden Retriever is one of the breeds that most want to please their owners. Not all dog breeds have this trait. Some are very independent or stubborn and are content to do their own thing. The Golden Retriever's love for people andhearts of gold(haha) make them really want to please their people.

Golden bonds with their owners and are usually happiest when they make us happy.

easy to train

The desire to please their owners coupled with the ability to learn quickly and with a high level of obedience is the definition of easy to train and so is the Golden Retriever.

Golden Retrievers do better with thisreward-based positive training. However, the breed is also highly food-motivated, which makes training easier, as food is a highly prized reward for the Golden Retriever.

active and sporty

People often see a calm, well-behaved adult Golden Retriever and mistakenly assume that the dog was born with this cool nature. You would be wrong. This calm, polite demeanor is a by-product of their high intelligence and high trainability. That's why you often see the dog on TV or in the movies.

But, Golden Retrievers, especially asdogsThey are very active and energetic dogs. Due to their dynamic energy and high intelligence, they need regular exercise and mental stimulation.

An understimulated Golden physically and mentally will quickly become bored and will channel that energy into undesirable behaviors.Golden Retrievers, especially as puppies, can be very energetic and push boundaries.crazyif they are not exercised and stimulated properly.

Be prepared for Golden Retrievers to have a very long and active puppy life. As such, training needs to start early and continue to ensure a well-behaved, calm dog is kept well into adulthood (just like the ones you see on TV).

Some tremendous physical and mental activities for golden retrievers are listed in this article if you are interested:

Boredom busters: 21 amazing activities for your Golden Retriever

Of course, if he is not active now and does not have enough time to meet the Golden Retriever's social, physical and mental needs, I can suggest another breed. Or find alternatives like dog sitters, daycare or dog walkers to help.

Good with children and pets.

The Golden Retriever is valued for its friendliness.Kinderand other pets, includinggatosand cattle. This is another characteristic of the breed and a big reason why families often seek them out as housemates.

No incessant barking

Another great feature of the Golden Retriever is that they are typicalto callfor a reason. This means that they usually bark because there is something to bark at. For example, a Golden might have children playing outside, hearing noise or other dogs barking or expressing joy as they play.

Golden retrievers rarely bark like that., and when they do bark, it's not the kind of annoying barking that is constant and continuous as is common in some other breeds.

Because the Golden Retriever is so intelligent and easy to train, an owner can control his barking with constant training. The key is to start early, and it's not difficult to teach your golden retriever to bark on command or surrender on command.

very adaptable

Few dog breeds are as adaptable as the Golden Retriever, which shouldn't come as a surprise.

The dog loves life, has a kind and affable character, is affectionate, very intelligent and obedient, easy to train and very active. In addition, the breed gets along well with everyone: other dogs, cats, children, women and men.

On the medium to large side, the Golden Retriever is not a massive breed; instead, a typical golden ranges from 55 to 70 pounds, with females being on the smaller side of the scale. However, they can weigh up to 100 pounds, like our dog Bailey. However, most are minor.

You could say that Golden Retrievers fall into the "Goldilocks zone": not too big, not too small, just perfect.

Their size makes them ideal for the home and they work well for both indoor and outdoor activities. Furthermore, their size makes them adaptable to farms, growing areas, homes with backyards, and evenApartmentsand condos.

Their calm and playful nature makes them ideal for families and active families. Do you or your family enjoy running, swimming, walking or cycling and would you like a partner for these activities? Then Golden is the perfect choice.

This does not mean that the dog does not like affection. On the contrary, Golden's loving nature means there are manytreatsTake a walk. Once the Golden has been exercised and mentally stimulated, you'll find him curled up at your feet or on the couch next to you at night.

Yes, the Golden Retriever pretty much ticks all the boxes.

soft mouths

All dogs play biting. Bite inhibition is an essential part of puppy training. Perhaps the most important part of the training. It is necessary to ensure that, as the dog ages, he does not bite too hard when he is excited, angry or playing.

Some dog breeds have a "soft" mouth, and this trait is instinctual and highly desirable in some athletic dog breeds. For example, Golden Retrievers have very soft mouths.The term "soft mouth" is used by breeders and athletes (hunters) to denote a behavioral tendency to pick up, hold and carry game carefully in the mouth without causing harm.

The Golden Retriever's soft mouth makes it ideal for a family with children, cats and other pets. This instinctual trait leads to smoother play with children and other pets once bite inhibition is taught. However, several breeds that are "tougher" will require additional training and supervision to ensure they properly control the force of their bites, especially during play or anger.

Dog bites need to be treated early on in all dog breeds, including the Golden Retriever. To learn why dealing with dog bites is important and how to do it, take a few minutes to read this article:Golden Retriever biting puppies: when to stop what to do.

stay young at heart

Most dogs are considered puppies until they are 18 months to 2 years old. However, Golden Retrievers often continue to be puppies well past the age of two and some into adulthood. It's a hallmark of the breed, and that means you should expect an adult Golden Retriever that's still a puppy at heart.

Some people might put this on the "bad" list, but I don't see that as a negative. How can be?

Have you ever met one of those charismatic older people whose zest for life and joie de vivre reminds you of someone much younger? We describe these people as "young at heart," a quality we admire. Even in later years, they seem to have a childlike zest for life and living in the moment. It's the same with the Golden Retriever.

It's hard not to love this quality.Golden Retrievers retain a zest for life and a desire to play for most of their lives. Goofy and cheerful, this dog breed can make you smile even as you get older.

The evil

There are some problems with Golden Retrievers that some consider undesirable. Some can range from mere annoyances to downright negative ones. Which of these properties, if any, is determined bythey areLifestyle, personality and your preferences.

For example, those who like an immaculate home may have issues with Golden shedding and mess, while others may care less.

Being aware of these "bad" issues will help you make an informed decision and know what you are getting into when choosing a Golden Retriever as a companion. Or better yet, accept that these traits are just the price of having amazing company at home.

Eventually, we adapt to our spouse and children's bad habits, and they, in turn, adapt to ours. It's just a part of life.

health problems

When a Golden Retriever problem stands out as really bad, health issues are the biggest. Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers can be prone to serious and costly health problems. If you do some internet research, you will find that the Golden Retriever consistently ranks in the top group of dogs with mild to severe health issues.

Additionally, cancer is the leading cause of death in older Golden Retrievers at over 60%.

Serious health problems not only take a financial toll, they also take a heavy toll on a person's heart and soul. There are very few things in life as heartbreaking as watching a loved one suffer and make no mistake, our Golden Retrievers will quickly become our children and beloved family members.

If you are interested in the most serious and costly golden retriever health problems, read this article:

The Most Serious and Expensive Health Problems in Golden Retrievers

They are not good guard dogs.

It couldnoCan protection be seen as a "bad" quality? Of course, it can be if you are looking for a companion to act as a watchdog for your family and home. If that's the case, I suggest choosing a dog better suited for this role, such as the German Shepherd.

However, golden retrievers generally don't get along.guard or protection dogs.A golden retriever is more likely to greet or flee an intruder than an attack.

The Golden Retriever is known for its friendly, friendly nature and most lack the natural, courageous guardian instincts of other breeds. That doesn't mean it won't protect you in some cases; it just means it's not as likely as, say, a Doberman Pinscher or a German Shepherd. It's just not in the golden retriever's nature.

For this reason, Golden Retrievers, for example, are used (and intended) as service dogs for the blind and disabled. Activities that require a temperament more in line with that of a gentle partner.

can be stubborn

Oh yes, Golden Retrievers can be stubborn. Stubbornness seems to be more concentrated mainly between the ages of 6 to 18 months or in rebellious adolescence. Just like a human teenager, the Golden Retriever can become stubborn during this time and not listen to you. Your Golden will also test limits (and your patience) during this phase.

During its rebellious youth, the Golden Retriever becomes more independent and develops its unique personality, testing the limits of what it can and cannot do.Hormones play an important role during this time and some dogs may show greater lameness and be less tolerant of male dogs.

Behaviors can range from being lazy to downright boisterous.All this is normal.

Patience and ongoing training are essential. At 18 months, your Golden is on the cusp of adulthood, becoming calmer and much more manageable.

However, expect the odd stubborn or defiant interaction every now and then, even in early adulthood. In general, though, by the time your Golden is about two years old, he'll be a much better listener.

You can forget your size

Golden Retrievers love people, and few dogs are as enthusiastic about welcoming families as the friendly Golden. They are so happy to see you and they get so emotional that sometimes they forget it's them.medium dogs55-75 pounds (typically), but can reach up to 100 pounds (like our Golden) with a fast moving, high energy coat. Golden retrievers may even share their happy greetings with complete strangers, much to the dismay of many people.

Unfortunately, young children, pets, and the elderly may not be well equipped to handle this exuberance.

Often, young children or smaller pets can be overwhelmed by the Golden's desire to say hello to someone. On the other hand, some adults, especially seniors, may be offended if a larger dog jumps on them.

Education is key, as is asking all visitors for help. While it is very flattering for a dog to greet us with such excitement and enthusiasm, we must teach family and friends not to encourage this behavior.

prone to weight gain

Golden retrievers can become obsessed with food, making them prone to weight gain or obesity. However, most golden retrievers are alwayshungryand will inhale any food you put in front of it. chancesYou will find that your Golden Retriever will always be on the prowl nearby when there is food.

Well, this food campaign can also be very positive. Food, in particular, is a high-value reward that can be a source of motivation and make training even easier.

However, because they are so food-oriented, it's easy to overfeed a Golden Retriever and before you know it, they're struggling with a weight problem. As such, this obsession with food falls on the "bad" list. But bad.

a little boring

Getting bored easily is a by-product of the Golden Retriever's high intelligence and energy. Physical and mental stimulation is ahave toto deplete this abundance of hyperactive energy. Therefore, activities that involve both mental and physical stimulation are the most effective.

golden retrieverthey are not lazy dogs. Exercise depends on the individual dog, but an adult golden retriever may needone or two hours a day.

Inadequate mental and physical stimulation leads to boredom, which in turn leads to malicious and unwanted behavior.

A bored Golden will use his wits, finding ways to entertain himself and this could include getting involved in things he shouldn't and stealing everything he has available (dishcloths, socks, hats, gloves, slippers, toilet paper). , and the list goes on). Or they could dig in the backyard.

Boredom in a Golden Retriever = mischief.

Activities such as rallying, dock diving, nose work, obedience and other dog sports are great ways for Golden Retrievers to use up excess energy.

the ugly

Ugly refers to some ugly characteristics found in Golden Retrievers. Every dog ​​breed has its share. Bulldogs, for example, are notorious for drooling and bloating. Newfoundlands drool and try to swim in their water bowls, as well as being large shedders. These traits are just the cost of owning a dog.

Remember that nobody is perfect and we have more than our share of "ugly" traits. Our dogs have less.

May have body odor

Some Golden Retrievers have a strange body odor. I personally haven't experienced this, but some people have. What is the reason? It often occurs due to a skin allergy or skin problems. Golden Retrievers can be prone to skin problems, allergies, fungal and bacterial infections.

The better the skin condition, the less likely the odor will develop. It's not different from us. When we don't shower or have a skin problem, it's usually accompanied by an odor. Golden retrievers can also be prone to ear infections. While not very serious, it could be the cause of an odor.

Keeping a good cleaning schedule and being proactive when problems arise can go a long way toward preventing or alleviating odor issues.

Often, Golden Retriever owners are not sure how tooftenThey must bathe their dogs. Excessive bathing can remove oils from the body, which can lead to itchiness and skin problems. To find out how often you should bathe your golden retriever (and how to do it), take a few minutes to read this article:Golden Retriever Baths: How Often and How Best to Do It.

Pour

Hair loss is probably the biggest complaint people have about the Golden Retriever. Hair loss is regular for most of the year and requires brushing one to three times a week.

However, Golden Retrievers have a double coat and go through significant molting events (coat blowing).twiceper annum. As such, the Golden will require daily brushing during the biannual "major" molting period.

Brushing is undoubtedly the most important thingmaintenanceItems for Golden Retrievers.

Hair loss makes the "ugly" list because of the likelihood of hair in your home, furniture, and clothing. For those who value a tidy place, this is an ugly feature.

zibelina

Not all golden retrievers drool. But some do. Wow yes. Especially after drinking from the water bowl.

Drooling can range from saliva dripping into the dog's mouth for no apparent reason, to watering the ground after drinking water from his bowl.

Expect puddles of water all over the house if you have a drooling golden retriever, especially around the water bowl. Drooling is also associated with food, and since the Golden Retriever is so food-oriented, expect a lot of drooling when food is around.

I like to steal things

Golden Retrievers love to steal. Some consider this a bad feature. I am not. Remember that the good, the bad and the ugly are relative and completely dependent on your lifestyle and preferences.

The Golden Retriever's tendency to steal things is directly related to the breed's mouth and gait instinct.Note that the breed was bred to retrieve and transport wild birds with care. This characteristic will manifest itself in bags of gold lying around the house, depositing them somewhere on the floor or bringing them to you.

What a Golden Retriever steals and carries usually comes down to availability, which can be almost anything.Golden retrievers were bred to carry waterfowl. So if they can't carry birds it will be other "things".

Our Golden Bailey often brings us "stuff" when he greets us. Their favorites are blankets, towels, jackets, hats (or hoods for Canadians) and gloves. But he grabs almost everything close. He doesn't crush you; he takes. Once deposited, you can have a large collection and quickly ruin the house. You can then choose an object to chew on.

Anyone who likes a clean and tidy house or who forgets to hide valuable shoes and slippers can find this feature as ugly as their hair. I think it's adorable.

To hold.If you're interested in why Golden Retrievers love to steal things like socks, read this article I wrote on the same subject:Canine Kleptomania: Why Golden Retrievers Steal Stuff.

Nasskauer

Golden Retrievers like to chew because of their "tiredness". All dogs do this to varying degrees. After all, dogs don't have hands, so they explore most of their world through their mouths, some more than others. Diamonds fall into the "more" group.

As mentioned above, Golden Retrievers were bred to collect, transport and bring waterfowl and game to sportsmen. Your mouth is instinctive. Therefore, they often like to chew or put things in their mouths. They are also intelligent and energetic and get bored easily. Therefore, these traits can cause a Golden Retriever to chew on anything that is available to him.

They will often put something in their mouth (don't chew or break it) and this will cover with your dog's saliva. It's not uncommon to have to retrieve an item your Golden Retriever has stolen, only to find it covered in dog saliva.

final thoughts

As with most things in life, much of what we interpret as good or bad is subjective.

For example, someone who values ​​an ultra-clean home might find the Golden Retriever's messy, scaly tendencies a bit challenging, while others might not care at all.

Likewise, those unprepared for the golden retriever's high levels of energy and activity may find this unburned energy frustrating, especially if the golden retriever directs them toward mischievous behaviors.

On the other hand, an active family might enjoy a companion that can keep up with their energy levels.

Managing expectations is essential, and that starts with knowing what to expect from the start. And that includes all qualities: the good, the bad and the ugly. It is also important to note two things.

The first is that most of us breed dogs for the love and joy they bring into our lives.Everything else is secondary. And when it comes to love and joy, rest assured, the Golden Retriever will bring that in abundance.

Everything else, or the so-called disadvantages, are insignificant compared to all the fantastic gifts that gold gives us throughout its life.

And second, there is no "best" dog; There is simply a better fit. so choosethe dog that best fits your home and lifestyle. For us, that's the Golden Retriever, and it definitely is.OURperfect fit - cons and all.

Wow!