As Golden Retriever has been the favorite dog breed for a lot of people, here are some points you need to consider before getting one.
1. They Are Very Energetic
Golden Retrievers were originally bred to be sports dogs, that’s why they are naturally very energetic dogs. With good training, most Golden retrievers can live anywhere, in any living situation including flats. The most important question you have to ask yourself before getting a Golden Retriever is “Am I ready to meet his exercise expectations?” It’s a very active breed, so you have to be too.
2. This Breed Is Born To Fetch
The instinct of a Golden Retriever is related to his tendency to carry things in his mouth. This is not a harmful habit as he usually picks up toys and gets excited about it. However, it can cause some problems such as chewing issues. So, you have to be ready for proper mental and physical training for your upcoming Golden Retriever.
3. They shed
Twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring, Golden retrievers will experience their most heavy shedding. Light-moderate shedding occurs all year.
Golden Retrievers shed twice a year, They will have their heaviest shedding once in the spring and once in the autumn. However, they will have light shedding in different times of the year.
Also, you have to know that if you got a Golden Retriever you have to be ready for seeing fur everywhere. So, if you hate the dog’s fur, you should think again about having one.
4. They Are Prone to Waxy Ears
Golden Retriever’s long ears and poor air circulation, unfortunately, make them prone to waxy ears.
It’s not always the case. However, if it happened, it causes a lot of other problems such as bacterial or yeast infections, or even mites. So, you have to take care of their cleanness to prevent your dog from having fatal problems.
5. They ADORE Food
Golden retrievers love food. Unfortunately, the breed tends to overeat, and because of this, they can easily become overweight or even obese.
Golden Retrievers are food lovers. So, it makes them prone to overweight and obesity. So, you have to make sure you’re taking them for regular walks and exercise alongside with good dietary food regimes. Also, you have to control yourself from being fooled by their puppy sad face they make every time they want you to feed them. They are playing on your emotions, be STRONG for their good!
6. They Love Water
Generally, almost all Golden Retrievers are naturally water lovers, there are exceptions though.
Regular beach trips for swimming and fetch will be very appreciated by your Golden Retriever. If you don’t have a beach nearby, you can buy them a hard plastic kids pool for your Golden to play in. Besides having fun in the pool, it will also keep them cool in hot summer days.
7. Also Mud!
If a Golden Retriever didn’t find water, mud will be the alternative fun thing!
8. They don’t know how big they are!
They are between 55-76 lbs as adults, yet they don’t know that. They seem to be unaware of their actual size. So, be ready if you’re getting one to have a big size of playfulness, cuddling, and enthusiasm. They think they are chihuahuas.
9. They Have Strong Smell Sense
One of the main reasons Golden Retriever is used to be a working dog is that they are highly able to smell and detect things by their noses. So, for their safety, you have to watch them and not let them roam freely as they always follow their nose.
10. They Are Smart
Hunters still use Golden Retrievers until now. Search and rescue teams use them too. Also, working with police and as therapy dogs, all of that is because they are amazingly intelligent dogs. However, that doesn’t mean they are fast learners. It needs you to be properly stimulated by mental and physical exercise such as games, puzzles, obedience, and sports.
11. They Are a Garden’s Enemy
If you’re working on an award-winning garden, a Golden retriever may not be the right breed for you. While the likelihood of digging increases with boredom, Golden retrievers seem to be attracted to gardens.
If you’re working on having an amazing garden, Golden Retriever will not be the right dog for you. They are likely to dig, swim in mud, damage plants and roll in flower beds.
12. They Are Not Watchdogs
With exceptions for sure, generally speaking, Golden Retrievers are not watchdogs by nature. They are friendly but this makes them welcoming not watching. However, their intelligence and loyalty make them have some exceptions for that.
13. They Are Family Members
As a family dog, particularly with kids, Golden Retrievers have few equals. However, they are more than family dogs, they are faithful and loyal best friends and life companions.
