So You Want a Golden Retriever

Maybe you have seen Golden Retrievers working as guide dogs or rescue dogs, and admired them for their beauty, intelligence and ability. Now you want to buy a puppy of your own. Before you bring home 1 of these cuddly yellow fuzz balls, make certain a Golden Retriever is really the right dog for you and your family.

The Golden Retriever is a big, muscular dog, that is categorized as a member of the AKC (American Kennel Club) Sporting Group. These dogs weigh in at 55 to 75 pounds and stand 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. This dog breed has a broad skull, to which some people attribute the Golden Retriever's intelligence. Coat colors range from a deep, honey gold to a light gold that is almost white. The palest gold or darkest gold colors are considered to be undesirable, as are any white patches or markings.

Athletic Good Looks

The athletic good looks of the Golden Retriever makes him a preferred show dog. But these dogs were originally bred to be working dogs. Their high energy and desire to stay busy is 1 reason that Golden Retrievers make good rescue, drug sniffing, or Seeing Eye Dogs. They also excel in obedience competitions and as wilderness tracking dogs. These dogs are very high-energy animals that need plenty of exercise, especially while they are under 3 years of age. If you do not keep them occupied, they will find ways to amuse themselves (such as by eating your entire shoe collection).

Landscape Rearranging

If you enjoy your landscaping, or are an avid gardener, you will want to have a separate area where you can contain your dog. Most Golden Retrievers love to dig. While they are going through their puppy stage, they are also inclined to chew up shrubs.

Since Golden Retrievers are large dogs, you should consider the cost of food before buying your puppy. These dogs eat a lot. Also, since Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia, you may want to ask your veterinarian about puppy food that is especially formulated to help large breeds grow properly.

Family Dog

Although adult Goldens are excellent family dogs, puppies can be quite loud and rowdy. If you have small children, you may need to consider whether a Golden Retriever puppy will be too boisterous for them. They may accidentally knock toddlers down while they are playing.

Train While Small

If you do buy a puppy when your children are small, waste no time in teaching him good manners. You may want to attend obedience classes with him, so that he gets used to other dogs and people, and learns how to act when he is outside the house. It's a very good idea to train your puppy before he is too big for you to control.

Golden Retrievers need frequent grooming to keep their coats from tangling. Pay special attention to the area behind your dog's ears, as it is prone to developing large mats. Frequent grooming will also help you minimize the dog hair on your furniture, which can be quite heavy when his coat is shedding. You'll also need to make time in your routine to check your dog for ticks after he goes for a romp in the park or other grassy and wooded areas.

If you still feel that this is the breed for you, be sure to look for a good breeder to buy your puppy from. A healthy, good-tempered Golden Retriever makes a wonderful, intelligent companion.

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