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What You Should Know
Before You Get a Golden

By Beth Skeen
This Article was reprinted with permission by Beth Skeen. easkeen@charter.net

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. Goldens 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 it into your house.)
     

  • Some of the larger headed Goldens bred for conformation tend to have a looser lip resulting in drooling.  Our girls gave it a more technically scientific name..."being slimed!" (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. Goldens tackle EVERYTHING with passion and zeal! They will not be satisfied with anything less than being part of the family. Whether it's 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 and 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!)

Additional words of caution

The popularity of the Golden Retriever has lured thousands of careless, backyard breeders trying to make a fast buck on a popular dog.  The result is poor quality producing behavioral and medical problems NOT TYPICAL of the breed. Contact the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) to receive helpful information concerning the Golden Retriever as well as a listing of reputable and responsible breeders in your area. Your local kennel clubs and training facilities can also be a wonderful source of information and support.

 Now...did I mention those fur bunnies???

To read more about the wily goldens, go to The Lighter Side of Goldens.

 

Jody