If you’ve been on the hunt for a furry best friend, chances are you’ve been recommended the Golden Retriever a few times now. And as one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world, they’d likely fit right in with you.
But let’s double-check to be sure if they’re the best choice for you before you make that final decision. Today we’re exploring the 5 pros and 5 cons that come with owning a Golden Retriever.
Let’s begin with the pros.
1. Good-natured
The kind and friendly temperament is one of the hallmarks of Golden Retrievers. These dogs are simply good-natured, and it’s hard not to fall in love with their warm and welcoming personalities. Hostility or aggression is just not in their blood. This has made Golden Retrievers a popular choice as family and even therapy dogs.
But what’s truly impressive is how consistent this breed is across the board. You could adopt a Golden Retriever as an adult and still get the same level of friendliness and affection as a puppy.
2. Trainability
Golden Retrievers are known for being incredibly smart dogs. They rank 4th on Stanley Coren’s list of most intelligent dogs, making them fast learners and, by extension, highly trainable. They can easily pick up on new tricks, commands, and behaviors with just a few repetitions.
And the best part? They actually enjoy training sessions!
Whether you’re working on basic obedience or teaching them more advanced skills, your Goldie will always be wagging their tail, ready to impress you. With their combination of intelligence and charm, it’s no wonder Golden Retrievers are often used as service, guide, and therapy dogs – well, they just have a way of learning things effortlessly and mastering new skills that’s hard not to admire!
3. Good with kids and other pets
For families with kids and other pets, adopting a dog becomes a tougher endeavor. You have to make sure that the new dog can fit in without any issues with their new friends.
But with a Golden Retriever, there is no need to worry.
These pups have a natural affinity for children and will play and interact with them with great care and patience. They aren’t startled easily and are not likely to bite either. What’s more, their friendly disposition also makes them great with other pets, including other dogs, cats, and even cattle.
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4. Adaptability
Very few dog breeds are as highly adaptable as the Golden Retriever, which is another great upside of owing a Goldie. These pups are known for their ability to thrive in any environment, whether it’s in the bustling city or the great outdoors.
They can find comfort in all manner of homes, including small apartments. That is, of course, as long as their exercise needs are met. And it does not matter if you’re not as active either, your Golden Retriever won’t mind a laid-back life as long as you give them lots of love and cuddles.
5. Good for First-time Owners
Many dogs can be a little stubborn and often need a firm and experienced dog owner to lead them.
However, Golden Retrievers are known for being incredibly patient, making them a great choice for novice pet parents who may still be figuring out the ropes. They’re easy to train and have amazing temperaments, so they make safe and reliable companions.
Plus, they’re a pretty popular breed, so there are plenty of resources out there to help you learn how to care for them properly. So if you’re new to owning dogs, the Golden Retriever might be the perfect choice for you!
Now, even though Golden Retrievers are amazing dogs, let’s be real. They’re not perfect. So here are 5 downsides of having one in your family:
1. Food-Motivated
If you’re adopting a Golden Retriever, food is going to take the most significant chunk out of your wallet. These dogs love eating, and they are food-motivated to the max. The exact cause for this is unknown but Golden Retrievers seem to be hungry all the time. So, if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to think twice before bringing home a furry foodie.
And what’s more, their food obsession can quickly lead to obesity. In this case, you’ll have to make sure to keep your Goldie super active and provide them with a balanced diet.
2. Heavy Shedding
If the sight of fur on your couch, clothes, or carpet sends you screaming your dog’s name, you might want to start looking for another dog. Cause trust me when I say Golden Retrievers are heavy shedders.
They shed their fur regularly throughout the year, and go through two big sheds, or as we like to call them, “fur-nados”, annually. However, you can minimize shedding by brushing your dog’s coat 2 to 3 times a week. As long as you can handle the fur, and you have a trusty lint roller, the Golden Retriever is still a great choice.
3. Bad Guard Dogs
If what you want in a dog is a reliable bodyguard, the Golden Retriever is a very bad choice.
Don’t get me wrong, they are incredibly loyal and protective of their families, but they just don’t have the same natural instincts as other guard dogs. In fact, if someone were to break into your house, your Golden Retriever, with their friendly and outgoing nature, might just greet them with a wagging tail and a friendly lick! However, it’s not like you can’t train your Goldie for guard dog duties cause remember, these guys are incredibly versatile.
4. Easily Bored
While the intelligence of the Golden Retriever is one of their greatest qualities, it can also be a double-edged sword cause this means they get bored very easily. Golden Retrievers are not lazy dogs, as they require a fair amount of physical and mental stimulation.
However, without adequate activity, they can become restless and resort to other ways to entertain themselves and that can lead to unwanted behaviors. So if you don’t want your Goldie to start chewing on your shoe and messing up your living room, make sure to give them an hour or two of exercise daily. You can also buy them lots of interactive toys to keep them occupied and drain their energy.
5. Love to Steal
Golden Retrievers love stealing things, and it’s not just socks and dish towels! These dogs have an innate instinct to carry things gently in their mouth, which comes from their history of retrieving game birds. But without any birds to retrieve, your Goldie will resort to other means to satisfy their instincts.
So, don’t be surprised if your Golden Retriever starts carrying around anything they can get their mouth on. However, if you have expensive stuff that you don’t want your dog to carry around, you might not appreciate the Golden Retriever’s thieving nature as much.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading!
In a nutshell, Golden Retrievers are awesome and trainable, but keep in mind their food obsession, shedding, lack of guard instincts, tendency to get bored, and love for carrying things. So what do you think? Do you think a Golden Retriever would make a good addition to your family? Leave a comment below to let us know.
Here are other articles on the Golden Retriever if you’re interested to know more about the breed.