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23 Golden Retriever Pros And Cons

The Golden Retriever is a dog loved by many people. It is a gentle and docile breed by nature, always very affectionate with the whole family and with children, extremely loyal to the owner, courageous and adventurous.

This splendid breed has countless positive sides, which leads it to be one of the most loved and most widespread breeds in its country of origin and in continental Europe and the United States, where the Golden Retriever has always been highly appreciated.

If you find yourself having to choose the first dog, and you are faced with the classic question, “does this breed of dog suit my personality?”

Before you make a decision,

Let’s take a look at the 23 Golden Retrievers Pros and cons.

GOLDEN RETRIEVER PROS

1. Golden Retrievers Are Sweet And Charming

sweet golden retriever

The Golden Retriever is a dog known for some very positive character qualities: he is kind and sensitive, but he is also very cheerful and ready to cooperate with his owner. The Golden is a balanced and sincere dog, very suitable for being together thanks to its great emotionality.

The character of the Golden Retriever is that of a charming, sweet, kind, affectionate, and intelligent dog. His relationship with people is very close, trustworthy, and friendly.

2. Iron Health

 golden retriever with red heart and heartbeat

The Golden Retriever is a breed of dog that enjoys excellent health: it is a very long-lived animal, which does not require special care and which is easy to manage, especially by its splendid character that makes it a perfect dog for singles, large family and first-time dog owners.

3. They Are Extremely Sociable Dogs

golden retriever with 2 ladies

Their keen emotional intelligence makes Golden Retrievers dogs capable of flawlessly interacting with humans.

For this reason, they are not dogs that should guard sheds or warehouses or, worse, live in isolated environments. It is in the midst of people and in stimulating environments that their wonderful ability to socialize comes out.

4. Extraordinary Learning Skills

golden retriever on a blue floor

Golden Retrievers are very flexible dogs who can learn to be comfortable both in an apartment and in different contexts, such as a large house with a garden. Thanks to their versatility, they can adapt and fit quickly into the human environment and quickly learn any type of task.

5. They Are Excellent Sportsmen

golden retriever agility training

As if what has been said so far weren’t enough, Golden Retrievers are also perfect dogs for sports: sport becomes an opportunity for them to play, a reason to compete healthily, and interact with humans. Their great emotion makes them perfect playmates for both adults and children.

6. Great Companion Dogs Of All Time.

golden retriever and its family at the park

If what you want is a companion dog, then yes, the Golden Retriever is the right choice, especially if there are children or teenagers in the family who can spend a lot of time with the dog.

7. Great Sense Of Smell

golden retriever sniffing small flowers

The Golden Retriever has a fantastic sense of smell that is superior to most other dogs.

8. They Are Children Lovers

golden retriever playing with kids

They are also known to be a very suitable breed for children and have proven to be very active, energetic, playful, affectionate, and protective.

9. They Have A Remarkable Ability To Communicate Efficiently.

golden retriever pawing

Its behavior highlights his ability to communicate with gestures, sounds, and body attitudes, always aimed at capturing the attention of his family; it can even be comical.

10. They Are Beautifully Made.

golden retriever puppy lying on the lawn

The color of its fur will darken with age and is similar to the color on the tips of its ears as a puppy.

11. They Have Good Relationships With Other Dogs

golden retrievers and labrdors

It is extremely friendly with other animals and will learn to play well even if you keep a cat at home.

12. It Has All-around Attributes That Are Overwhelming.

golden retriever WITH A CAT

The golden retriever is intelligent, with an innate ability for work, is affectionate, caring, dedicated, and loyal. He is very docile, friendly, and confident. He is kind and confident.

Hey,

Are you looking for a unique Red Golden Retriever like the photo above?

Check Out my top 10 Red Goldens puppy breeders in the USA article.

GOLDEN RETRIEVER CONS

13. Not Suitable If Your Lifestyle Doesn’t Approach That Of The Golden Retriever.

golden retriever with sleeping owner

While each breed has its own character, Golden Retrievers are usually very active dogs that need frequent exercises and lots of play.

If you are an active person who enjoys sports and outdoor activities, the Golden may be the dog for you. If, on the other hand, you are a quieter and more sedentary person, perhaps this breed is not the best for you, and you will need to opt for a calmer dog.

14. Not A Guard Dog

golden retriever is not a guard dog

If you are looking for a guard dog, it is not good to adopt a Golden Retriever. The German Shepherd, the Rottweiler, the Belgian Malinois, and the Doberman are good watchdogs.

Golden Retrievers are very sociable dogs and are not afraid to approach strangers to play with them. And this tells you that they are not good watchdogs.

15. Are You A Freak Of Order And Cleanliness?

golden retriever in the mud

If you are a clean freak – one of those people who like to see shiny apartments, impeccably clean carpets, and neat clothes – the Golden Retriever will cause you many headaches. On the one hand, they are very playful dogs who enjoy playing, even in water, puddles, or mud.

This means that you will often find yourself taking an extra bath to your Golden. And bear in mind that in unpredictable moments you may find yourself cleaning carpets, your car or your clothes, and all this because of your dog.

16. They Shed A Lot Of Hair.

golden retriever and a robotic vacuum

On the other hand, they are dogs that shed a lot of hair. Even by combing it every day, you can find dog hair all over the house. If you think you can’t handle all of this, we can confirm that the Golden Retriever is not the dog for you.

17. They Are Object Breakers.

golden retriever made a mess on the sofa

One final aspect to consider to help you find a comprehensive answer to “why get a Golden Retriever?”, But not least, is that the Golden Retriever is a large, active dog that can inadvertently break objects.

This will imply that you will have to rearrange the arrangement of the items in the house or otherwise suffer from some object’s loss.

18. Not Suitable For Someone Who Has Allergy

golden retriever behind a lady with allergy

If someone in your family has a dog allergy, then it will be a bad idea to bring a Golden Retriever indoors due to the amount of hair they will shed each day.

If, despite the allergy, you still want to get a dog and everyone in the house agrees with you, look for a type of hypoallergenic dog, i.e., those dogs that do not shed as in the case of the poodle.

19. They Need A Lot Of Time.

golden retriever looking through the window

As you may already know, Golden Retrievers need lots of affection and companionship. They are not dogs to be left alone all day, for example, when you go to work.

If you leave a Golden Retriever alone all day, he will surely bark, dig in the garden, bite on plants or furniture. If there is no one to look after him while you are away from home, opt for another more independent breed type, or find other solutions.

20. They Require A Whole Lot Of Training.

golden retriever looking through the window

Dog training takes time and a lot of dedication. You don’t train a dog in a few weeks or even in occasional sessions. Although Golden Retrievers have a reputation for being obedient and easy to train dogs, you will need time, dedication, persistence, and patience to educate your dog.

If you want to rely on a trainer, indeed, at some point, you will have to learn to keep him under control and continue to practice training techniques so that he does not forget what he has learned with you.

21. They Are Food Eaters And Are Costly To Manage.

golden retriever eating a lot

A Golden Retriever weighs approximately 30 pounds. He is not a small dog, and he needs a lot of food. In addition, you will have to consider planned and unexpected veterinary expenses, the purchase of collars and leashes, toys (which will need to be changed as they break), dog beds, and certainly some extra items.

Before you bring your puppy or adult dog home, you will need to make sure you have the money you need to be able to support the pet.

Consult with people who already have a dog of this breed in their home to find out how much it will cost you to keep a Golden Retriever.

22. They Are Too Playful.

golden retriever with owner at home

Golden are dogs that follow people all the time, even if they are not dogs that bond with only one owner. Now you know that the Golden Retriever will follow you everywhere, whether it’s in the kitchen or bathroom.

If you think this might bother you, the Golden is not the dog for you. A Basenji or an Afghan hound will be better alternatives because they are more independent dogs.

23. They  need spacious surroundings.

golden retriever with a shirt walking on the lawn

If you live in a regular or small apartment, you can quickly get a Golden, but you will have to spend a lot of time with it with walks and games. Also, consider the impression of your neighbors.

Conclusion

Golden Retriever photo taken on white background

In conclusion, we discover that golden retrievers are extraordinary pets, and they are very easy to train.

They learn commands and tricks with enthusiasm and are very attentive when their master orders them to obey them very well. This is especially perfect for inexperienced dog owners because they can quickly grow into their new role with such a dog.

They are a great friend who loves companionship and likes to cuddle. Whether long walks, hikes, retrieval, or agility, the golden retriever is there with everything immediately, and with great pleasure, the Golden Retriever can be one of the best companions you will know.

After reading this article on why getting a Golden Retriever – pros and cons, are you willing to share your life with one of them?

If the answer is yes, remember that the kennels are full of adults who are eager to be welcomed into the home to receive all the love they are willing to give.

 

About the author: Driven by his lifelong passion for dogs and an insatiable curiosity about their diverse breeds, Pablo Pascua founded dogbreedsfaq.com. Through this website, he seeks to expand his knowledge and share his findings with fellow dog enthusiasts. Having owned several dogs throughout his life, Pablo’s experiences have fueled his interest in learning more about these beloved animals. His mission is to provide accurate and comprehensive information to help pet owners make informed decisions about their furry companion.