Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in the world, and for good reason! They are intelligent, loving, and make great family pets. Before getting a Golden Retriever, you should consider whether or not you have the time and patience to train a puppy, whether you have enough space for a medium- to large-sized dog, and if you’re prepared to handle some shedding.
In this post, we’ll discuss What important Things To Know Before Getting a Golden Retriever ,including their temperament, coat care, and health concerns.
Table of Contents
History
Golden Retrievers originated in Scotland in the late 1800s. They were bred to be hunting dogs, and their Golden Retriever name comes from their coloration. These dogs were used to help hunters retrieve game birds that had been shot. Golden Retrievers quickly became popular in the United States, and they have remained one of the most popular dog breeds ever since.
Appearance
Golden Retrievers are easily recognizable thanks to their thick, lustrous coat of fur. This coat can be either golden or cream in color, and it is one of the things that make Golden Retrievers so popular.
Size and Weight
Golden Retrievers typically weigh between 60 and 75 pounds, and they stand between 20 and 24 inches tall at the shoulder.
Temperament
Golden Retrievers are widely known for their friendly, outgoing personalities. They are great with children and other pets, and they make excellent family dogs. Golden Retrievers are also very intelligent, and they are easily trained.
Health
Golden Retrievers are generally healthy dogs, but there are a few health conditions to be aware of. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, and allergies. Golden Retrievers typically live between 10 and 12 years. Health is most important Things to Know Before Getting a Golden Retriever.
Care
Golden Retrievers require a fair amount of exercise, and they do best in homes with large yards. They also need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting, and they should only be bathed as needed. Golden Retrievers are relatively easy to train, and they respond well to positive reinforcement.
Golden Retrievers make great family dogs thanks to their friendly personalities and their intelligence. They do require some exercise and regular grooming, but they are generally healthy dogs with happy dispositions. If you are looking for a Golden Retriever, be sure to adopt from a reputable breeder or rescue organization.
Things to Know Before Getting a Golden Retriever
1. They are high energy dogs
First and foremost Things to Know Before Getting a Golden Retriever that they require a lot of exercise. They are high energy dogs that need to be given plenty of opportunities to run and play. If you live in an apartment or do not have a large yard, a Golden Retriever may not be the right breed for you.
2. Golden Retrievers are notorious eaters
Second Things to Know Before Getting a Golden Retriever, is that , Golden Retrievers are notorious eaters! They will eat just about anything and everything, so it is important to keep an eye on their food intake. Be sure to keep them on a healthy diet and don’t let them overeat, as this can lead to obesity.
3. Require a lot of grooming
Another Things to Know Before Getting a Golden Retriever is that they require a lot of grooming. They have long coats that need to be brushed regularly, and they also shed a lot. If you are not prepared to spend the time and money on grooming, a Golden Retriever may not be the right breed for you.
4. They Shed
This is probably the most important things to know before buying a Golden Retriever – they shed twice in a year once in fall and once in spring ! If you are not prepared to deal with dog hair on your furniture and clothes, a Golden Retriever is probably not the right breed for you.
5. They Are Prone to Waxy Ears
Another Things to Know Before Getting a Golden Retriever is that they are prone to waxy ears. This means that you will need to clean their ears regularly to prevent infection and you should also be aware of the signs of an ear infection.
6. They Are Not hypoallergenic Despite
Some people think, Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic. This means that they may not be a good choice for people with allergies. While no dog can actually be considered hypoallergenic, some breeds are less likely to trigger allergies than others.
7. They Are Highly Intelligent
This is both a good and a bad things to know before buying a Golden Retriever. They are highly intelligent, which means they are easy to train. However, it also means that they can get bored easily and may become destructive if not given enough mental stimulation.
8. They Have Powerful Noses
The Golden Retriever’s nose is one of their most iconic features. They have a sense of smell that is second to none, which is why they are often used as working dogs in fields like search and rescue, drug detection, and even bomb sniffing. This powerful sense of smell can also be a bit of a downside, however, as they may be more inclined to sniff things out that they shouldn’t, like garbage or other dogs’ behinds!
9. They Love Water
Golden Retrievers love water and love to swim. In fact, they were originally bred as waterfowl hunting dogs, so their affinity for swimming is in their blood. If you’re thinking of getting a Golden Retriever, be prepared to have a wet dog in your house – and lots of muddy paw prints!
10. They Are Family Members
A lot of people see their pets as family members, and this is especially true for Golden Retrievers. They are bred to be companion animals, and they truly thrive when they are part of a family. If you are looking for a pet that will be content being left alone all day, a Golden Retriever is not the right choice.
11. They Are a Garden’s Enemy
Don’t get a Golden Retriever if you want a well-manicured garden. because Golden Retrievers also tend to play, sleep, or roll in flower beds, mud, and puddles. If you want a garden that looks like it belongs in a magazine, don’t get a Golden Retriever. They Smell Bad Yes, Golden Retrievers have an unfortunate reputation for being smelly dogs. Their fur holds onto the scent of things they’ve rolled in.
12. They Are Not Watchdogs
While Golden Retrievers are friendly dogs, they’re not going to be the best at protecting your home. If you’re looking for a dog that will bark at strangers and make your home feel more secure, you might want to consider another breed.
13. They Don’t Like Being Left Alone
If you’re gone all day, a Golden Retriever is not the right dog for you. They love being around people and can get separation anxiety when left alone for too long. If you’re looking for a dog that can stay home alone all day, you might want to consider another breed.
14. A Good dog for beginners
Golden retrievers are good dogs for beginners. They are friendly, easy to train, and make great family pets. However, they do require regular exercise and grooming, and they may not be the best choice for homes with small children or other pets.
15. Golden Retrievers most difficult age
The first year of life is when Golden Retrievers are most difficult. They require a lot of attention and training during this time. After the first year, they become much easier to handle.
16. Good with kids
Yes, Golden Retrievers are very good with kids. They are gentle, patient, and loving by nature. However, because they are so large, they can accidentally knock over small children. That’s why it’s important to supervise them around young kids and teach them how to play gently.
17. Life expectancy of a Golden Retriever
The life expectancy of a Golden Retriever is about 10-12 years. However, some may live to be 15 years old or more with proper care. like any other dog breed, health problems can shorten their lifespan which is why it’s important to take them to the vet for regular check-ups.
18. Golden retrievers don’t bark a lot
They are actually one of quieter dog breeds. However, they can become vocal when they are excited or need something to like attention or food because they were bred as hunting dogs.
