The Golden Retriever is NOT the breed for everyone, and for the sake of the breed, this is worth repeating...
THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER IS NOT FOR EVERYONE!
The Golden Retriever is an American Kennel Club sporting breed requiring daily activity as an outlet of amazing energy.
(And no...a short trip to the nearest tree from the front door for a potty break does not count as exercise.)
A Golden's thick coat in addition to a water repellent undercoat makes weekly brushing a requirement.
The Golden is NOT for fussy or fanatical housekeepers. Golden's shed and whether you call them fur balls, fur bunnies or tumbleweeds...they will be in plentiful supply across your living and dining room floors.
If there is water in the vicinity, a Golden will find it...muddy or not!
If your yard harbors small sticks, leaves, etc...a Golden's coat will find it. (And inevitably drag into your house.)
Some of the larger headed Golden's bred for conformation tend to have a looser lip resulting in drooling.
Our girls gave it a more technically scientific name... "being slimmed!" (It's amazing what we have learned to tolerate!)
Being a very social breed -- Goldens are NOT suited for solitary backyard living or being chained to the dog house all day and night.
Golden tackle EVERYTHING with passion and zeal! They will not be satisfied with anything less than being part of the family.
Whether it is a jaunt to the store down the road or a ten-hour excursion to the beach - it makes no difference to them...as long as they are with their family!
We call them the "pocket dog" -- if you can't find your Golden, just turn around...he is probably in your back pocket waiting to see what you want to do next.
Goldens are NOT guard dogs! Golden Retrievers are the most sociable creature on earth and probably invented the saying,
"I'm a lover -- not a fighter!" They have NO enemies and NOBODY is a stranger.
An invitation to a burglar to "come in and take a load off" would be more rational in a Golden's point of view than anything threatening or hateful. After all...the more the merrier!
The Golden's size in combination with their frolicsome playfulness make basic obedience (at the very least) a necessity.
Golden Retrievers without basic knowledge of commands can lead to uncontrollable playfulness, exuberant jumping, etc.
This is not only annoying and irritating (not to mention rude), but a dangerous situation for a child or elderly person...no matter how well meaning their intentions.
One more thing...don't let it be said we did not warn you about shedding.
Having said all the negative, for those willing to take the responsibility an do commit to own a Golden Retriever, you will not find a more loving, sweet, affectionate and devoted member of your family.
(Not counting your spouse!)
Now...did I mention....those fur bunnies...
