If you ever imagined the ideal dog, it would probably be a Golden Retriever! These dogs are perfect for anyone looking for a loving and affectionate four-legged friend. However, like any other dog breed, Golden Retrievers have some disadvantages that you should be aware of. What Are the Pros and Cons of a Golden Retriever?
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Pros: Golden Retrievers are affectionate; They make excellent therapy and family dogs, they are playful and love people. They are also smart and easy to train. Cons: Golden Retrievers don't make good watchdogs, can be mischievous, don't like to be left alone, and are prone to health issueswhat can shorten your life.
Golden Retrievers are special dogs that you will fall in love with at first sight. If you're wondering if this is the right breed for you, check out all the pros and cons of the Golden Retriever listed below.
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Contents
- 1 Golden Retriever: A Brief Overview
- 2 The Benefits (Pro) of Golden Retrievers
- 3 The Disadvantages (Cons) of Golden Retrievers
- 4. Conclusion
- 5 sources
Golden retrievers: a brief overview
Before we dive into the pros and cons of owning a Golden Retriever dog, let's look at some basic facts about the breed.
The facts
- Golden Retrievers are considered a medium to large breed.Depending on gender and age, they can be between 53 and 60 cm tall and weigh between 25 and 34 kg.
- Their temperament remains playful longer than other breeds.Most Golden Retrievers don't lose their puppy-like demeanor until they are between 2 and 4 years old.
- They are descended from a Tweed Water Spaniel mix.They are called "retrievers" because their soft mouths and delicate bite allow them to return game to hunters intact.
- You are naturally sweet, calm and loving.This trait makes them the perfect dog breed for a family or for training as a therapy dog.
In the video below you will find an overview of the most important facts about Golden Retrievers.
The Benefits (Pro) of Golden Retrievers
Now that you are more familiar with Goldens, let's look at the benefits of owning a Golden Retriever.
Golden retrievers are among the smartest dogs
Because of their carefree personality and laid-back nature, Golden Retrievers lead people to believe that they aren't that smart. According to studies by neuropsychologist Stanley Coren, Ph.D. and published in his bookthe intelligence of dogs(Amazon) ranked Golden Retrievers fourth in their top ten smartest dog breeds.
Other studies have shown that the golden retriever's ability to learn extends well beyond his training.They can learn up to 165 words and their intelligence can be compared to that of a 2 year old.You can read more about the intelligence of a Golden Retriever in my post:Are Golden Retrievers Smarter Than Other Dogs? (Explained!)
Golden Retrievers are easy to train
Thanks to their intelligence and friendly personality, Golden Retrievers are among the easiest dogs to train. Their training should begin at eight weeks of age and continue throughout their lives.
If you're buying a Golden Retriever puppy, you canstart exercising(Dog Brain Training) as soon as your furry friend comes home. However, breeders tend to start socialization training while they are still with their mother.
To see just how far your dog training can go, take a look at the results that have been achieved with golden retriever therapy dogs. And don't forget that your Golden Retriever loves to exercise - this is a time for you to bond and form a strong relationship!
They make excellent family dogs and are great with children.
If children are part of your family, a Golden Retriever could be the perfect dog for you. Golden Retrievers are naturally affectionate and protective,making them an ideal family dog..
It's important to note, however, that Golden Retrievers are larger dogs and their playful nature can have some downsides: They can easily accidentally hit or hurt a child.
However, this is not too worrying. With the right supervision and training, Golden Retrievers make perfect dogs for your little one.
They have loving personalities.
Golden Retrievers are goofy and playful, but they're also gentle, loving, and incredibly affectionate.
Whether you are introducing them to a home with children or want to accompany older adults, Golden Retrievers are not short of affection!
They make excellent therapy dogs.
If you've ever seen dogs become therapy dogs or guide dogs, golden retrievers always top the list. These dogs make excellent cuddle, cuddle, and comfort pets (also known as comfort retrievers). They are excellent companions for children and adults suffering from stress or anxiety for whatever reason.
Even if your golden retriever isn't on the path to becoming a therapy dog, you can still enjoy all the love your pup has to give!
Discover how to train your golden retrieverplay games: 21 games with your golden that will make him smarter and more educated!
Golden retrievers don't bark much.
If you live in an apartment or in a residential area, it is important that your dog is calm enough to avoid problems with the neighbors. Although they have other ways of communicating their feelings, a Golden Retriever dog is great for this because theythey don't bark often.
Golden retrievers are social animals
Whether it's with other people or other animals, Golden Retrievers love to socialize.
You don't just love people; They also love the company of other dogs. They should be adequately supervised around other people, but you probably won't have much trouble socializing with Golden Retrievers.
The Cons of Golden Retrievers
Without a doubt, the benefits of owning a Golden Retriever far outweigh the cons. Before you buy a Golden Retriever puppy, however, it's important to understand the challenges ahead.
Golden Retrievers are prone to health issues
Golden Retrievers are a beautiful breed, but they are certainly more prone to certain chronic conditions than others. Some of the most common health issues affecting the Golden Retriever breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain eye conditions.
Golden Retrievers can be expensive
Golden Retrievers are purebred and are some of the most expensive out there.
If you want to be sure of a purebred Golden Retriever, you should look for a reputable breeder. In this case, the cost of buying a Golden Retriever puppy ranges from $500 to $3,000. Also, you will spend about $2000-$3000 in the first year. That number only drops to $1,500-$2,000 in the years after the first.
For more information on the costs of buying and owning a purebred Golden Retriever dog, see my post:Are Golden Retrievers expensive to buy and care for? (Costs)where I list the cost of owning a Golden.
Golden Retrievers do not make good guard dogs.
Although golden retrievers can beprotecting their families in a wayThey are not good watchdogs. An important personality trait of a guard dog is a certain level of aggression. Golden Retrievers, in most cases, do not have this trait and will lick an intruder off rather than chase them away.
Golden Retrievers cannot live outdoors.
Although Golden Retrievers were bred specifically to be good outdoors for hunting, walking, and exploring, they are not the kind of dogs that can or should live outdoors full-time. They have to live inside with their people. If you want to have a dog as a pet, a Golden Retriever is not the right dog for you.
Golden Retrievers move around a lot
Golden Retrievers are not long-haired purebreds, but they shed far more than other medium-haired dogs. The long golden hairs on his coat get everywhere and you will need to invest in buying a good brush and shampoo to keep your dog's coat clean and healthy. you can find outWhat is needed to care for a Golden Retriever's coatHere.
Golden Retrievers are extremely active dogs.
Golden Retrievers need an average of 1 to 2 hours of active exercise per day. whether itrun,go, Öspielen, make sure they move the body! Without this amount of activity, Golden Retrievers can quickly become overweight and frustrated. And since these are very energetic dogs, this can lead to destructive behavior.
Golden retrievers can get lonely
As we've already seen, Golden Retrievers are incredibly social animals. While this makes them one of the best breeds for families and children, there is a downside to this personality trait; It's not uncommon for Golden RetrieversI suffer from lonelinessand separation anxiety, even when you're at work! That's why they make great dogs for an active family where someone is always around!
Golden retrievers have a shorter lifespan than other dogs
Compared to smaller dogsGolden Retrievers have a shorter lifespan, usually aged 11. Studies have found that the larger breed of larger dogs can affect their lifespan. Also, Golden Retrievers are more prone to various health issues that can be fatal in most cases.
Diploma
The upside is that Golden Retrievers make excellent dogs for families with children. They love contact with other animals and people and are incredibly loving and affectionate. Their personality makes them the best choice for therapy dogs and one of the most popular breeds in homes around the world.
The downside is that while Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent and easy to train, they also need lots of exercise, attention from their owner, and lots of shedding. They are also prone to several threatening health conditions,high maintenance, It is expensive.
Fuentes
FAQs
What are the pros and cons of having a Golden Retriever as a pet? ›
Golden Retrievers make good family pets for older people and for families with children. Goldens are eager to please the owner and highly trainable. This easygoing breed is fit for first time dog owners, which is another con. Disadvantages of owning a Golden Retriever include the abundant shedding.
What age are Golden Retrievers most difficult? ›The adolescence period starts about the age of 5 months and lasts until they are about two to three years old. The most difficult is usually between 8 and 18 months (which is when most dogs are surrendered to rescues and shelters).
What not to do with a Golden Retriever puppy? ›In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Don't force them into a collar with a leash right away, don't put them in their crate right away, and don't overstimulate them.
Can Golden Retriever be left alone? ›Golden Retrievers can be left alone as long as they are cared for and not neglected. Adult Golden Retrievers can be left alone for up to 4 hours; they definitely should not be left for 8 hours. Leaving a young puppy for too long is also cruel as they need pee breaks, stimulation, food, and water.
At what age do Golden Retrievers calm down? ›When Do Golden Retrievers Calm Down? Golden Retrievers are a hyper dog breed, however, like most dogs, they tend to calm down after their puppy phase, around 2 or 3 years old. Golden Retriever females of the breed tend to mature faster obedience-wise than males, so they are more likely to be calmer overall.
Is it difficult to keep a Golden Retriever? ›They can be easy dogs to train and can make good first dogs for new dog owners, as long as you know what you're getting into taking on a larger breed dog. As long as they are socialised well as a puppy, Golden Retrievers can happily fit into family life.
Do Golden Retrievers bark a lot? ›Barking. The Golden Retrievers are a very vocal breed and barking issues are often a behavior that Bark Busters is called to address. Don't allow your Golden Retriever to demand attention from you, by barking and then getting your attention or a response from you.
Are Golden Retrievers difficult dogs? ›Golden Retrievers have a reputation for being intelligent and eager to please. They're quick learners and are one of the easier breeds to train. Nonetheless, owners of this dog breed say it will take time and patience.
What are the 3 types of Golden Retrievers? ›While you might think all Golden Retrievers look very similar, the breed actually has three different colors -- golden, light golden, and dark golden -- as well as three different types -- English, Canadian, and American. There are subtle differences between the types of Goldens, but they all fall under the same breed.
What is the mental age of a Golden Retriever? ›“Their stunning flashes of brilliance and creativity are reminders that they may not be Einsteins but are sure closer to humans than we thought.” According to several behavioral measures, Coren says dogs' mental abilities are close to a human child age 2 to 2.5 years.
Do Golden Retrievers like to cuddle? ›
They're unbelievably friendly and just want to spend quality time with their family members. It's a good thing they love to cuddle.
What makes a Golden Retriever aggressive? ›Aggression in Golden Retrievers nearly always comes from poor breeding, bad dog owners, inadequate training, and lack of socialization. You can also add in abuse, neglect, and cruelty.
How often should a Golden Retriever be bathed? ›If you'll be bathing your golden often, be sure to use a mild, gentle shampoo. In general, we advise bathing your golden retriever once every six to eight weeks. An appropriate, regular bathing schedule can keep infection, matting and dandruff at bay and keep your golden retriever's mane shiny and fluffy.
How long can Golden Retrievers hold their pee? ›On average dogs can hold their pee for up to 10-12 hours is they have to. If the need arises and your pet will be home alone for that long, most young dogs will manage, but asking them to do this on a regular basis may have some negative consequences.
What is the cleanest house dog? ›The Chow Chow combines many “clean” dog characteristics, and according to the AKC, owners report that Chow Chows “are the cleanest of dogs: they housebreak easily, have very little doggy odor, and generally are as fastidious as cats.” At certain times of the year, however, Chow Chows shed… a lot!
How do you know when a Golden Retriever is sad? ›The symptoms of depression will vary depending on the individual dog and the severity of the problem. There are some key things to look out for, however, including changes in body language during their interactions with people and other pets, decreased appetite, and lethargic behavior.
How do you calm a hyper Golden Retriever? ›Engage your Golden Retriever in DAILY Physical Activities
The most excellent way to keep your dog calm is to let them get all of their energy out daily. At a minimum, your Golden Retriever requires at least 30 minutes of activity a day. The Golden Retriever can play for hours nonstop, and they enjoy it!
Stop the person from approaching by telling them you don't want your dog to jump. Hand the person a treat or get a treat ready in your hand to reward your pup for good behavior. Ask your dog to "sit." Tell the person they can pet your dog and give them the treat as long as your dog remains seated.
Do Golden Retrievers destroy furniture? ›Of course, being a retriever, it should be expected that they will stick things in their mouths – but it doesn't mean they have to destroy all your stuff! Whether it's an adult or puppy, Goldens can definitely have a chewing problem.
Why does my Golden Retriever follow me everywhere? ›If your dog follows you everywhere then it's a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe. Following you very closely can be a sign that they're bored, they want something, they're feeling scared or are just being nosy.
Are male or female Golden Retrievers better? ›
Golden Retriever Females are Easier to Train and Tend to be Smarter. Intelligence is a trait highly prevalent in Golden Retrievers, and this shows much faster in females. They are very intelligent at a young age, and while the males are easier to potty train, females do much better in obedience training.
Why do Golden Retrievers pee so much? ›Reasons for dogs to start urinating more frequently include urinary tract infections, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or incontinence. It would be best to have your dog seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible, and they may want to run some lab work to see what is going on.
What do Golden Retrievers like the most? ›Golden Retrievers love to run around and play outside. They love water and tend to jump in whenever they get the chance! Golden Retrievers also love to tug on things with their mouths, whether sticks or toys.
How many times do Golden Retrievers poop? ›A good rule thumb is that dogs should poop at least once a day. Some may poop up to five times, others two or three. Anything over five could be worth keeping an eye on.
Do Golden Retrievers get angry? ›Normally, golden retrievers are gentle, sweet, loyal dogs. However, like all dogs, there is a possibility of them becoming aggressive. In some cases, aggression can be fixed through training, while in other cases, different solutions may need to be employed (careful management, medicine, rehoming, etc.).
Why does my Golden Retriever growl at me? ›Growling is one of the many ways dogs communicate; they growl to let us know they are afraid, feel threatened, in pain, or need us to back away from their possessions or territory.
Are Golden Retrievers hard to potty train? ›The good news is that retrievers are very intelligent and should be relatively easy to potty train. Remember, the younger you start training your pup, the easier and faster he will learn.
What type of person owns a Golden Retriever? ›Labradors and Golden Retrievers
Owners of these breeds put their families first and said to be easy going and carefree. Labs and goldens are known for having an active lifestyle and loving the outdoors. People who own these breeds are social butterflies who are honest and lovable.
With that said, English Cream Golden Retrievers are often more expensive than other types of Goldens because of their desirable appearance. Depending on the breeder, the average puppy can cost around $3,500. See our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies for sale for more information.
What are golden retrievers known for? ›They're a hard-working breed.
Golden Retrievers are used for everything from hunting and tracking to rescue and service dog work. Despite that playful, sometimes goofy demeanor, they learn quickly and can master a multitude of skills, including how to perform as search and rescue dogs at the site of a disaster.
What is the leading cause of death for Golden Retrievers? ›
Cancer is the most common cause of death in Golden Retrievers. Approximately around 60 percent of the deaths are caused by cancer in Golden. If we split it down by gender, 56 percent of deaths are caused by cancer in female Golden Retrievers and around 66 percent in males.
Do Golden Retrievers have a high IQ? ›In a test of a Golden Retriever IQ, the breed ranked fourth among 138 breeds based on intelligence. These dogs were capable of learning a new command in fewer than five repetitions, which is very impressive when compared to other dog breeds.
What is the average IQ of a Golden Retriever? ›The average dog's IQ is about 100. Based on the results done to test a dog's IQ, it turned out that dogs, even the average ones, have the IQ same as a 2-years old human.
Where do Goldens like to be petted? ›1. Dogs generally like being petted on their upper chest, hips, and butt. They also may enjoy being petted on the side of their face or under their chin. And they may love gentle ear rubs, including the tips of their ears.
What does owning a Golden Retriever say about you? ›Golden retriever people are really great at making others feel comfortable. There's something safe and inviting about them - you have the desire to be around them and get to know them. Golden retriever lovers are easygoing and agreeable.
What do golden retrievers need to be happy? ›They must be near their humans to be happy. Be prepared to do a lot of hands on petting with your golden – they love it. Some goldens are downright needy in their desire for attention from their humans. You may have visions of letting your dog play fetch in an open field or running free on the beach.
Why do dogs lick you? ›Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
Where should a dog sleep at night? ›All dogs are different and they have different needs. If your dog gets into trouble at night it might be best to keep him in the bedroom or crate. Most dogs prefer to lie next to you and they would also sleep there, if they could choose.
Why do dogs sleep next to you? ›Why do dogs like to sleep with you? If your pup likes to sleep with you, it means they feel secure and comfortable with you. When your dog was a puppy, they cuddled up with their littermates for warmth and comfort, so now they want to do the same with their people.
How often should I take my Golden Retriever puppy out to pee? ›Puppies and younger dogs may need to go out every hour at first. As a puppy gets older, you can add one hour for each month of the puppy's age. Senior dogs can usually manage 4-6 hours between visits outdoors. Adult dogs typically need to go out every 6-8 hours at a minimum.
How long does it take a Golden Retriever to get used to a new home? ›
There are some things we can do to help them settle and feel safe in those first few days. Keep in mind though, that it generally takes about three weeks for a dog or puppy to start to feel 'at home' and to show their true nature.
How many walks a day does a Golden Retriever puppy need? ›Golden Retriever puppies can be walked once or twice per day — five minutes for every month they've been alive. Walking for longer than this specified amount can lead to joint damage and stunted growth. Younger puppies should start out with short walks that involve frequent breaks.
Why does my golden retriever push against me? ›A dog will push against you because he wants attention, affection, and comfort. They're smart enough to know that they will get a certain response by leaning on their owners. According to dog experts, canines will push against their owners to show love and seek out touch.
Why do Golden Retrievers misbehave? ›A bored, untrained, under-exercised, unsupervised golden is going to develop some problem behaviors. And he's an unhappy golden because he won't be leading the life he should lead and won't be able to participate in activities that he enjoys.
What age do Golden Retrievers calm down? ›When Do Golden Retrievers Calm Down? Golden Retrievers are a hyper dog breed, however, like most dogs, they tend to calm down after their puppy phase, around 2 or 3 years old. Golden Retriever females of the breed tend to mature faster obedience-wise than males, so they are more likely to be calmer overall.
Do Golden Retrievers have a lot of problems? ›Goldens are prone to allergies, skin problems, cancer and hypothyroidism and you may have to spend a fair amount on vet care over the life of a golden. Common inherited health issues are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, various eye problems and heart disease.
Do Golden Retrievers have behavioral issues? ›Because of their innate friendly, family-oriented behavior, goldens may suffer from separation anxiety at a higher rate than some other breeds. Their need to be with us can lead to some unwanted behaviors. Dogs with mild separation anxiety may drool, pace, whine, and generally behave in a distressed manner.
What is the attitude of a Golden Retriever? ›Personality: The golden retriever is even-tempered, intelligent and affectionate. Golden retrievers are playful, yet gentle with children, and they tend to get along well with other pets and strangers.
What is the number one cause of death in Golden Retrievers? ›Cancer is the most common cause of death in Golden Retrievers. Approximately around 60 percent of the deaths are caused by cancer in Golden. If we split it down by gender, 56 percent of deaths are caused by cancer in female Golden Retrievers and around 66 percent in males.
Why do Golden Retrievers follow you everywhere? ›If your dog follows you everywhere then it's a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe. Following you very closely can be a sign that they're bored, they want something, they're feeling scared or are just being nosy.
Do goldens like to cuddle? ›
Goldens make the best pillows. They're unbelievably friendly and just want to spend quality time with their family members. It's a good thing they love to cuddle.
Are Golden Retrievers hyper or calm? ›The Golden Retriever is a high-energy dog and one of the more hyper dog races. The reason is due to their past as working dogs. Golden Retrievers love to get care, go on adventures, play all day, and more, but this level of power could get out of hand (especially for new partners) if it remains unchecked.
How do you know when a golden retriever is sad? ›The symptoms of depression will vary depending on the individual dog and the severity of the problem. There are some key things to look out for, however, including changes in body language during their interactions with people and other pets, decreased appetite, and lethargic behavior.
Are Golden Retrievers good house dogs? ›They're amazing with kids and rarely cause trouble around the house (like chewing up shoes or tearing apart furniture), which is why they're well-known as a great family dog. You can even see how much they adore their owner by their love and ability to play fetch.