Golden Retrievers: What Potential Dog Owners Should Know

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dogs in America, and with good reason. In addition to being an extremely good-looking dog, they require a minimal amount of grooming (when compared to some other breeds). The excellent personality of the Golden Retriever exceeds even its good looks, however. Unless mistreated, they are friendly, gentle, and eager to please. A Golden Retriever also loves to be around humans. If you let them, they truly will be your best friend.

Golden Retrievers are also quite easy to train. Because of their intelligence and eager to please, they are popular hunting dogs as well as family pets. They have also been used to help search out explosives, or as Seeing Eye dogs.

Despite their many winning characteristics, Golden Retrievers do have their drawbacks. Like any dog, they are a major responsibility for the owner. It takes time, energy, and patience to raise a puppy. (Some dog lovers who want a Golden Retriever but don't want to endure the chewing puppy stage solve this problem by getting a dog from a rescue organization, many of which can be found on the web).

Goldens are also not much of a watchdog. They may have a big bark while a burglar is just outside the door, but they are just as likely to lick his or her hand the moment they enter.

If you travel a lot, having a dog can be somewhat of a trial, regardless of breed. Kennels can be expensive, and not all motels accept pets.

Goldens also like lots of exercise. If you don't have a fenced yard, you will need a park nearby and the commitment to take your dog for regular runs. And any dog, including a Golden, can be expensive. By the time you add up vet bills, neutering (if you go that route), a fence, heartworm medication, vaccinations, and the like, the cost can literally be in the thousands over the life of the dog.

On the upside, many people have found a dog to be a wonderful companion and even beneficial to their health. Having a dog can even be therapeutic! The elderly or people who live alone can especially benefit from the companionship offered by a Golden, and dog lovers of all ages will enjoy having a faithful pal who wants to be near them wherever they go in house, garden, or yard.

If you want a family dog (and whether that dog is a watchdog isn't an issue), I highly recommend a Golden Retriever. They truly do give new meaning to the term "a dog's best friend."