Pros and cons of owning a Golden Retriever - Official Golden Retriever (2023)

Content

  • Benefits of having a Golden Retriever
    • 1. They are majestic creatures
    • 2. You are smart
    • 3. They are kind and affectionate
    • 4. They are great with children
    • 5. Golden retrievers are easy to care for.
    • 6. Golden Retrievers are easy to train
    • 7. They don't bark much
    • 8. They are adaptable to different places
    • 9. They always strive to please their owners.
    • 10. They are very obedient
    • 11. They are very playful and fun.
    • 12. They are kind-hearted and never bite unprovoked.
  • Disadvantages of owning a Golden Retriever
    • 1. They are not good watchdogs
    • 2. You are prone to health problems
    • 3. They die a lot
    • 4. Sometimes you can be very stubborn.
    • 5. You get bored easily
    • 6. Golden Retrievers tend to gain weight
    • 7. You drool a lot
    • 8. They can be very smelly
    • 9. They can chew and damage your household items.
    • 10. They like to steal things and hide them.
    • 11. Needs a lot of attention
    • 12. They are heavy dogs
  • Diploma

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in the United States. They are known for their beauty, intelligence and friendly character. If you are thinking of getting a Golden Retriever, you should know that this breed has advantages and disadvantages.

The blog post below will discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of owning one of these dogs. We hope that after reading this article, you will be able to make an informed decision as to whether or not a Golden Retriever is right for your family!

So without further ado, let's look at some of the pros and cons of owning a Golden Retriever.

Benefits of having a Golden Retriever

First, let's take a look at some of the benefits of owning a Golden Retriever (Goldens).

1.they are majestic creatures

Golden Retrievers are one of the most beautiful dog breeds out there. They have a thick coat that can be any color from light gold to dark red. They often have a white patch on their chest, and their eyes are usually light brown or green.

(Video) Golden Retriever: The Pros & Cons of Owning One

2.You're smart

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Golden Retrievers are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They learn new commands quickly and are often used as service dogs due to their intelligence and gentle nature. It is not uncommon for a Golden Retriever to be able to learn many different commands that many other dogs may not understand.

3.They are friendly and affectionate.

Golden Retrievers love people and are always happy to see their owners. They will greet you with a wag of their tails and lots of kisses and will never hesitate to show you how much they love you. Dogs are more than pets, they can be your friends and what better friend than a friendly and loving dog like the Golden Retriever.

4.you are great with kids

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piece of golden retrievergood with kidsand make perfect family pets. They are cuddly and playful, which makes them the perfect pet if you have children at home. It is not uncommon to see a Golden Retriever playing with his family's children or even sleeping on the floor next to them at night. They play by your rules and never get too rough, making them perfect for young children.

5.Golden Retrievers are easy to care for.

One of the biggest advantages of a Golden Retriever is that it is easy to care for. They have medium-sized bodies and short fur, which means you don't have to spend a lot of time grooming them. All you have to do is brush his coat once or twice a week and get plenty of exercise on the weekends, and your Golden will be as happy as can be!

6.Golden retrievers are easy to train

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Another advantage of a Golden Retriever is that they are very easy to train. They're smart and eager to learn, which means you'll be able to teach them new tricks in no time! With a little effort, you can train your golden retriever without the help of a professional.

7.they don't bark much

Golden retrievers are not known for barking, which is great if you live in an apartment or near your neighbors. They bark when they see someone or something new, but they don't usually bark for no reason like many other dog breeds. It's a great trait to have in a dog and it's one of the reasons Golden Retrievers are so popular.

8.They are adaptable to different places.

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Golden retrievers are one of the most adaptable dog breeds and can do well in many places. They are a great breed. You don't have to worry about your dog feeling homesick if he plans to move, as they can acclimate quite easily. It is always best to research where you will be moving to before purchasing your Golden Retriever if there are not many areas where you can walk or areas that allow dogs.

(Video) Golden Retriever: The Pros & Cons Of Owning A Goldie

9.They always strive to please their owners.

Most dog breeds go out of their way to please their owners, but Golden Retrievers go the extra mile, always willing to learn new tricks. They will never turn down a request because they just want to do what you say! It is not uncommon for Golden Retriever owners to teach them to open doors or retrieve items when necessary.

10they are very obedient

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Most dogs are obedient when well trained, but Golden Retrievers take that to the next level. Many dog ​​owners consider their Golden Retrievers members of the family because they are very good at obeying all commands and never irritate family members or guests.

11They are very playful and fun.

Golden retrievers love to play with other pets or people! Always ready for a game of fetch or tug of war, they never tire of playing. They are always happy and full of life, so they make excellent pets.

12They are good-natured and never bite without being provoked.

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Golden Retrievers are one of the most docile of dog breeds and never bite without provocation. They may nip at your heels while you play or get overly excited, but they will never intentionally hurt you. It's always best to be careful with any breed of dog, but Golden Retrievers are one of the most trustworthy dog ​​breeds out there.

Disadvantages of owning a Golden Retriever

Now let's take a look at some of the disadvantages of owning a Golden Retriever.

1. They are not good watchdogs

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If you have a Golden Retriever, they are unlikely to make good watchdogs. They are very friendly and docile with strangers, so they don't have to bark or watch your house if someone calls.

2.They are prone to health problems.

Any type of dog breed is prone to health problems, but Golden Retriever owners should be aware that their dogs are more likely than others to develop hip dysplasia or cancer. Most likely, it is an ancient breed of dogs and can only help you! Because of this, dog owners need to focus on keeping their Golden Retrievers healthy by taking them for daily walks and playing with them daily to keep them healthy and active.

(Video) Things NOBODY tells you about owning a Golden Retriever

3.they shed a lot

If you don't like having a lot of dog hair on your clothes or furniture, this is not the breed for you. Golden Retrievers shed throughout the year and have no way to control it because their coats are constantly growing new hair. This can be very irritating if you are not used to grooming long-haired dogs.

4.You can be very stubborn at times.

Golden Retrievers tend to be stubborn, especially when they have ideas of their own. It is not uncommon for them to disobey orders or showaggressiveSignal to other dogs why they don't want to do what you say. They will also refuse to eat dog food if you buy it, so hide the food bowls if you don't want them to spoil.

5.you get bored easily

If you don't train your golden retriever or pay close attention to it, it will get into trouble. They will constantly look for ways to have fun chewing on the furniture when they have nothing better to do, so it is important that you take them outside and let them roam the garden every day. This also prevents them from getting overtired, which can lead to many health problems later on.

6.Golden Retrievers tend to gain weight.

It is not uncommon for Golden Retriever owners to find their dogs gaining too much weight, especially if they are not exercised or fed the proper amount of food. It is good practice to feed your dog in moderation and exercise him every day so that he can build up some muscle mass. This will also help keep your joints strong and healthy. This can help avoidObesity in Golden Retrievers.

7.you drool a lot

If you are a fan of cute dogs and don't mind drool everywhere and the smell of wet dogs then this is the breed for you. Golden Retrievers tend to drool when they eat or drink water, which can be very annoying if you don't like cleaning up after your pets. Be sure to keep them away from furniture or anything expensive you don't want to ruin.

8.They can be very smelly.

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In addition to drooling, Golden Retrievers can also be smelly dogs because they don't bathe as often as they should. That's why it's important that you bathe him at least once a month and make sure his fur is completely dry so he doesn't start to stink.

9.They can chew and damage your household items.

Golden retrievers love to chew on things and can easily damage items in your home if you're not careful. Be sure to keep all your belongings out of their reach and put away any valuable items you don't want them in their hands. This includes shoelaces, shoes, and clothing.

(Video) Golden Retriever: The PROS and CONS of Owning One

10They like to steal objects and hide them.

Another common problem with Golden Retrievers is that they like to steal items and hide them. This can be a chore when looking for your car keys or remote control, since your dog likely has them hidden somewhere in the house. Be sure to keep an eye on him so he doesn't get a chance to steal anything else. Even if you find them, the items are covered in dog saliva.

11they need a lot of attention

Golden Retrievers are not the type of dog that you can leave alone for long periods of time because they need a lot.Attentionand affection. If you need to go out, make sure you take her with you, or better yet, just don't leave without taking her with you first. This way, your dog will never feel abandoned and he will always be happy to see you when you get home.

12they are heavy dogs

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Adult Golden Retrievers can weigh up to 75 pounds or more, which, combined with their enthusiasm, can be problematic for owners. Imagine coming home from a long day at work and your 75 pound golden retriever running towards you full of enthusiasm and love. Now you know that they do it to show love and affection, but they can end up hurting you.

Diploma

Golden Retrievers are great dogs, but they also have some problems. As long as you are aware of these things and know how to handle them, owning a Golden Retriever can be a very rewarding experience.

So are golden retrievers the perfect dog breed for you? It really depends on your lifestyle and what you want in a pet. If you're willing to put in the extra work to keep them healthy and happy, they definitely make great pets!

But if you are looking for something easier to care for, this is not the breed of dog for you. It's always better to know the ins and outs of a dog breed before purchasing one, as this will save you from serious trouble later on!

FAQs

What are the pros and cons of owning a golden retriever? ›

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 are the advantages of having a golden retriever dog? ›

Because golden retrievers are easy to please, they respond positively to obedience training. They complement this trait by being playful, affectionate and even-tempered. Golden retrievers are very versatile. They're known as bird dogs, family pets, service dogs for the disabled, and search and rescue dogs.

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.

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.

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 male or female Golden Retriever better? ›

Male golden retrievers may also be more affectionate than female golden retrievers because of their dispositions. They like to show their adoration for their owners by wagging their tails, licking your face, roughhousing or spending time with you. Females can be more territorial and independent than males.

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.

Do golden retrievers like to be held? ›

They're unbelievably friendly and just want to spend quality time with their family members. It's a good thing they love to cuddle.

How long can a golden retriever stay home alone? ›

Yes, a golden retriever can be left alone. A golden retriever can be left alone for anywhere from two to eight hours a day, depending on their age, health, and training. When golden retrievers are left alone for a few hours, they should have access to food, water, and a comfortable place to rest.

Is golden retriever a happy dog? ›

Golden retrievers are everything you could ask for in a pet — friendly, happy, loyal, fun-loving, intelligent and caring. These pets bring laughter to anyone and everyone and seldom get angry.

How long does a golden retriever live? ›

Golden Retriever Health Issues. Golden Retrievers are usually healthy dogs that live for 10–12 years.

How do you know if a golden retriever is right for you? ›

If you have TONS of patience, lots of time, a strong commitment to training – and don't mind having little muddy footprints on your floor, holes in your carpet, or teeth marks on your baseboards and furniture, a golden retriever puppy may well be a good fit for you.

What to consider before getting a golden retriever? ›

5 Things You Should Know before Getting A Golden Retriever
  • You must make room for your dog and her hair.
  • You shouldn't leave your Golden Retriever alone for more than 4-5 hours a day.
  • You'll have to hide your shoes because Goldens love to chew.
  • If you're a couch potato then this dog is not for you.

What your dog says about you golden retriever? ›

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.

At 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).

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.

How often should I walk my golden retriever? ›

Goldens were developed as a sporting breed able to handle a day's hunting routinely. They need to have hard consistent exercise daily (20-30 minutes twice a day is usually sufficient) or they may have difficulty adjusting to the “calm house pet” role expected by most owners.

Do Golden Retrievers sleep all night? ›

It's normal for a Golden Retriever to sleep 12-14 hours per day. If your dog is a puppy, it will likely sleep even longer.

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.

Are Girl Golden Retrievers more calm? ›

Female golden retrievers tend to be calmer than males. While both require attention, the females are slightly less high maintenance. This means they will welcome your affection and seek it out when they want it, but they will also do their own thing if they have had their fill of attention.

Do Golden Retrievers pick one person? ›

For example, grey hounds, Shiba Inus, Cairn terriers, and Basenjis often bond strongly with one person, while Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, poodles, and beagles like to spread the love more equally.

Which golden retriever is best? ›

The American Golden is considered the general standard of the breed. While there are similar Canadian and British counterparts, the American is the most popular. The American Golden Retriever has a rich gold coat. The shades of gold can vary slightly but can be neither too light nor too dark.

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 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.

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.

Do golden retrievers like to sleep with you? ›

They enjoy sleeping with you because it makes them feel safe and comfortable. Sleeping together gives dogs an emotional connection to their owners. Dogs feel love and gratitude towards you, just like you feel towards them.

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.

Why do golden retrievers 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!

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.

Are Golden Retrievers easy to housebreak? ›

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.

Why is my Golden Retriever still peeing in the house? ›

The first thing to do when a previously house trained dog begins urinating or defecating inside is to rule out any medical problems. Urinary tract infections, cystitis (bladder inflammation), bladder stones, kidney disease, or arthritis or age-related incontinence could all be causes of house soiling in dogs.

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.

Are golden retrievers lazy or active? ›

No, Golden Retrievers are known to be high energy and very active so if there are signs of laziness, they might be experiencing medical issues or emotional distress. However, it's best to always contact the vet if you notice anything unusual happening with your Golden Retriever.

Do Golden Retrievers shed a lot? ›

While a Golden Retriever sheds lightly throughout the year, as with every double-coated dog, he sheds his undercoat in large quantities twice a year.

How old is a Golden Retriever in 2 years? ›

Dog Years to Human Years Chart
Age of Dog (dog's age according to the calendar)Dog's Age in Human Years (dog's age in equivalent human years, based on stage of breed size)
SmallLarge
1 year1515
2 years2424
32828
13 more rows

How big of a house do you need for a golden retriever? ›

The width and length of a dog house should be about 25 percent larger than your dog's nose-to-flank length. To calculate, measure your dog from her nose to the base of her tail, and multiply the result by 1.25. Example: If your dog's length is 25 in., the dog house needs to be at least 31.25 in. wide on each side.

Do Golden Retrievers turn on their owners? ›

No, not typically. However, any dog, the golden retriever included, can show aggression under certain circumstances. Read on to learn about some signs of aggression in a golden as well as potential causes. Then, we'll discuss how to avoid this kind of behavior through training and socialization.

How do I get my golden retriever to respect me as a leader? ›

Give them affection and attention on your terms – Call them to you when you have the time and desire to interact with them. Teaching your dog that you 'own your space' is essential to training your dog to respect you. Give them as much love and affection as you like, just on your terms, not theirs.

What are the best traits of a Golden Retriever? ›

Goldens are outgoing, trustworthy, and eager-to-please family dogs, and relatively easy to train. They take a joyous and playful approach to life and maintain this puppyish behavior into adulthood. These energetic, powerful gundogs enjoy outdoor play.

What personality types do golden retrievers have? ›

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 type of personality person is a golden retriever? ›

Planner Personality: The Golden Retriever

They develop strong emotional attachments and social bonds and are very loyal animals. The Golden Retriever is compassionate and caring. They dislike confrontation and will try to avoid it as much as possible.

Is getting a golden retriever worth it? ›

Their puppy-like energy is maintained throughout adulthood, and they're fairly easy to train. Goldens make a wonderful family pet and are fiercely loyal to their humans. They love companionship and will not do well when left alone for long hours. Golden retrievers shed moderately on a somewhat frequent basis.

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.

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.

Do you need a big house for a golden retriever? ›

The beloved Golden Retriever breed is not suitable for smaller houses, but if you've got a medium to large-sized garden, they'll often be happy to adapt. Due to their high exercise requirements, this breed will need regular long walks and plenty of outdoor activities as they need to keep busy.

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.

How long do Golden Retrievers live? ›

Golden Retriever Health Issues. Golden Retrievers are usually healthy dogs that live for 10–12 years.

How much is a 100% Golden Retriever? ›

You can expect a golden retriever price to be about $1,000 to $3,500 when you purchase from a quality breeder. However, all golden retrievers cost about the same amount when you consider all of the other expenses that you can expect to incur.

What is the most money left to a dog? ›

Conchita, a Chihuahua, was bequeathed $3 million plus an $8.3 million mansion in Miami by heiress Gail Posner. Trouble is a dog that was owned by Leona Helmsley, to which she bequeathed $12 million in a will that disinherited her two grandchildren.

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 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.

Do Golden Retrievers like to sleep a lot? ›

If you own a Golden Retriever puppy, you may notice they are sleeping almost as much as they play during the day. Watching a Golden Retriever sleeping is one of the most adorable and peaceful things to see. But how much sleep do Golden Retrievers need? It's normal for a Golden Retriever to sleep 12-14 hours per day.

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