Golden Retrievers are very versatile dogs, capable of being most family members' ideal pet. They are great with children especially if (both parties) properly introduced and educated. Always supervise kids with pets! They will love being taken out to play by the older kids and adults, are an ideal sports persons' companion, normally eager and very able to participate in obedience/working trials and can be an excellent gun dog, and an elderly Golden will happily curl up at a couch potato or elderly persons' feet, having said this, a Golden (no matter the age) needs his daily exercise and grooming in order to be healthy and happy.

An owner of a Golden Retriever needs to be willing to give him the attention he requires. A Golden loves nothing more than being included in the family's' activities no matter what they may be, they need to interact with their people and love to be petted, they are forgiving animals but should nonetheless be treated with respect.

They are powerful yet gentle, active dogs, naturally eager to please, alert and generally self-confident. As Goldens were bred to retrieve water foul, they love to swim (See our Water Photos!!) and will try to do so whenever possible even in puddles if permitted, BE WARNED! Goldens love getting muddy and often will roll in it (or anything else they find amusing or 'nice smelling'. They also shed their lovely coat all over, so neataholics should be aware of this too!

Though they will adapt to a kennel environment a single Golden should be kept as an indoor dog as they seek companionship. They are generally easy to train and very popular animals this breeds' popularity has unfortunately produced many inherited defects in some lines including eye defects skin conditions and hip displasia. It is worthwhile mentioning that responsible breeders will have had their Goldens tested for hereditary diseases so be sure to ask! It is no embarrasment to anyone, just an added precaution on your part.

I must at this point add that, though they are very very cute, as puppies, they can be destructive and get into all sorts of mischief and so it is best to be able to have your puppy supervised (and corrected if necessary) at all times and if you need to leave your puppy unattended I would advise getting your Golden a crate and getting him used to the idea that this is his little play pen so you can leave him there where he will not be able to cause you and in the process himself any misery. Golden puppies (and older ones that have not been disciplined well enough!!) love digging holes, chewing plants, plant pots, walls, furniture, SHOES, underwear and anything else they can get their teething mouths on so keep things over 'Golden Level'. Their tails also can be the cause of many breaks, spills and slaps in the face.

They are slow to fully mature both mentally and physically. At 12 months of age, they will have their full height, but their full weight could take a couple more years. Mentally, they remain puppies for a very long time, up to two or three years old and may stay very playful and happy go lucky for most of their lives.

When properly trained (not necessarily professionally, just lovingly and logically) and once they reach maturity, you can count on a well behaved, friendly, happy and loving pet who's life will revolve around you!

I would not change my Goldens in any way for the world!

Kennel Club Standard...

Click here to Link to Us!

Link to us! We exchange banners and links here!!!