Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers – They Have A Great Personality

Golden Retrievers are really amazing dogs. With their good looks, and warm personality, they are a pleasure to have around. They have become one of the most popular dogs on peoples wish list, and rightfully so.

They play well with kids, and love the outdoors. Golden Retrievers are at their best when they are outside, having a good time with their family.

We often see Golden Retrievers in movies, and sometimes they are the main attraction. This media attention with the breed, has also increased their popularity. They truly seem like the perfect dog to have, and this is why a lot of people get them.

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Unfortunately Golden Retrievers also get put up for adoption, or left at dog pounds quite often. How could this be?

Well sometimes people may get rid of their golden retriever because of things beyond their control, like finances, or new housing that does not allow pets, but most of the time it is because the dog turned out to be more work than they anticipated.

Golden Retrievers do require a fair amount of care and grooming, and they are also known for a variety of health problems.

First on the list is grooming. The golden retriever has a very thick two layered coat. If they are not brushed at least once a week, they will start to get clumps in certain spots, such as under their ears, and on their backend.

These clumps of tangled hair are almost impossible to comb through, once they form, and usually require electric shears to remove them.

Golden Retrievers also need their ears cleaned regularly, at least once a month. Because of their floppy ears, they tend to get dirty inside, and infections can occur, if not cleaned regularly.

They will also require bathing about once every three months, in normal conditions, and should not be bathed more often, unless absolutely necessary, as it can damage their skin and coat. When bathing them, be sure to only use a shampoo approved for dogs, as people shampoo can damage their skin and coat.

Another drawback to Golden Retrievers is health problems. Cancer runs in the breed, and can be an expensive undertaking if this happens. They are also know for hip dysplasia, which can be very debilitating for the dog, and costly for the owner.

Another reason sited by some previous owners of Golden Retrievers, who decided to give them up, was the exercise they required.

Golden Retrievers like to be doing something, and prefer to be outside. They require daily exercise, like walking, or playing ball. If they get at least thirty minutes to an hour of this every day, they will be ok.

If you don’t have the time or energy to do this everyday, there can be consequences. Golden Retrievers who are restless, can tend to get into mischief. This can be anything from just being a pest, to household damage.

Golden Retrievers also like to be involved in everything. They want to be part of the family, and everything that is going on, even if you are just dusting the coffee table. They are not a dog you can stick in the basement, or a doghouse with success.

Last on the list is Golden Retrievers being aggressive. This condition has come to light over the years. It is caused by many backyard breeders getting in on the golden retriever explosion.

If you buy your golden retriever from a backyard breeder, from an ad in a newspaper, or you go to a puppy store, you really have no idea what the history of the puppy’s parents are.

The puppy may look like a golden retriever, and the parents may look good too, but what are the blood lines of the parents, of the puppy’s parents? What other breeds may have been mixed in along the way? And don’t think that AKC registered papers prove anything, because they don’t. Anyone can get those, and nobody checks anything.

If you want your best chance of a happy healthy puppy, that grows up into a happy healthy dog, then go to a breeder who specializes in Golden Retrievers.

These breeders research blood lines of the parents, before they breed them, to be sure there is no history of cancer, hip dysplasia, or any of the other problems found with backyard breeders. They may be a little more expensive, but they could be the best deal in the long run.

Golden Retrievers are the best dogs to have in my opinion, but that does not mean they are for you. Weigh your options, and if you still want one, be sure you will have the time and energy to commit to this wonderful breed for the next twelve to fifteen years. Good Luck.

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