Pros and Cons of Owning a Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in the United States. They're known for their beauty, intelligence, and friendly disposition. If you are considering owning a Golden Retriever, then you should know that there are both pros and cons to this breed.

The following blog post will discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of owning one of these dogs. We hope that after reading this article you can make an informed decision about whether or not a Golden Retriever is right for your family!

So without further ado let’s check out some of the pros and cons of owning a Golden Retriever.

Pros of Owing a Golden Retriever

First let’s take a look at some of the pros of owning a golden retriever (Goldens).

1. They Are Majestic Creatures

Golden Retrievers are one of the most beautiful dog breeds around. They have a thick coat of fur that can be any color from light gold to dark red. They often have a white blaze on their chest, and their eyes are typically a light brown or green.

2. They Are Intelligent

Golden retrievers are known for being one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are quick to learn new commands, and they are often used as service dogs because of their intelligence and gentle nature. It’s not uncommon for a Golden Retriever to be able to learn several different commands that a lot of other dogs might not be able to understand.

3. They Are Friendly and Affectionate

Golden retrievers love people, and they are always happy to see their owners. They will greet you with a wagging tail and plenty of kisses, and they will never hesitate to show you how much they love you. Dogs are more than just pets, they can be your friend and what better friend to have than a friendly and affectionate dog like the Golden Retriever.

4. They Are Great With Children

Golden retrievers are good with kids and make perfect family pets. They are gentle and playful, which makes them the perfect pet to have if you have children in the house. It’s not uncommon to see a Golden Retriever playing with the kids in your family or even sleeping on the floor next to them at night. They will play by their rules and never get too rough, which makes them perfect for small children.

5. Golden Retrievers Are Easy To Take Care Of 

One of the biggest pros of owning a Golden Retriever is their ease of care. They have medium sized bodies and short fur which means you don't have to spend a lot of time grooming them. All you need to do is brush their fur once or twice a week and make sure they get plenty of exercise on the weekends, and your Golden will be happy as can be!

6. Golden Retrievers Are Easy To Train

Another pro of owning a Golden Retriever is that they are very easy to train. They’re intelligent and eager to learn, which means you can teach them new tricks in no time at all! With little effort you may be able to train your golden retriever without the help of professional.

7. They Don't Bark a Lot

Golden Retrievers are not known for being barkers, which is great if you live in an apartment or close to your neighbors. They will bark when they see someone or something new, but they typically won't bark for no reason like many other dog breeds. It's a great trait to have in a dog, and it’s one of the reasons why Golden retrievers are so popular.

8. They Are Adaptable To Different Locations

Golden retrievers are one of the most adaptable dog breeds, and they can do well in different locations. They’re a great breed to have. You don’t have to worry about your dog feeling homesick if you plan on moving because they can acclimate rather easily. It's always best to research where you will be moving before getting your golden retriever just in case there aren't many areas to walk them or areas that will allow dogs.

9. They Are Always Eager To Please Their Owners

Most dog breeds are eager to please their owners, but Golden retrievers go over and above by always being willing to learn new tricks. They will never turn down a command because they just want to do what you say! It's not uncommon for people who own golden retrievers to teach them how to open doors or fetch items when needed.

10. They Are Very Obedient

Most dogs are obedient when trained properly, but Golden retrievers take it to the next level. A lot of dog owners consider their golden retrievers family members because they're so good at obeying every command and they are never annoying towards the family members or guests.

11. They Are Very Playful and Fun To Have Around

Golden retrievers love playing around with other pets or people! They will always be up for a game of fetch or tug-of-war, and they will never get tired of playing. They are always happy and full of life, which is why they make such great pets.

12. They Are Good Natured and Will Never Bite Unprovoked

Golden Retrievers are one of the most docile dog breeds and they will never bite unprovoked. They may nip at your heels when they're playing or get a little too excited, but they will never intentionally hurt you. It's always best to be cautious around any dog breed, but Golden Retrievers are one of the most trustworthy dog breeds out there.

Cons of Owning a Golden Retriever

Now let’s take a look at some of the cons of owning a golden retriever.

1. They Aren’t Good Guard Dogs

If you own a Golden Retriever, it's unlikely that they will be good guard dogs. They are very friendly and docile towards strangers so there is no reason for them to bark or protect your home if someone comes knocking.

2. They are prone to health issues

Any type of dog breed is prone to health issues, but Golden Retriever owners need to be aware that their dogs are more likely than others to get cancer or hip dysplasia. It's most likely due to the fact that they’re an old dog breed and can only help it! This is why the dog owners have to focus on keeping their golden retrievers healthy by taking them for a walk every day and playing with them daily so they stay healthy and active.

3. They Shed a Lot of Fur

If you don't like having a lot of dog hair on your clothes or furniture, then this is the wrong breed for you. Golden Retrievers shed fur year round and they have no way to control it because their coats are constantly growing in new hair. This can be very annoying if you're not used to cleaning up after dogs with long fur.

4. They Can Sometimes Be Very Stubborn

Golden Retrievers are prone to being stubborn, especially if they have a mind of their own. It's not uncommon for them to disobey commands or show aggressive signs towards other dogs because they don't want to do what you say. They will also refuse to eat dog food when you buy it so make sure that you hide the food bowls if you don't want them to get spoiled.

5. They Are Easily Bored

If you don't train your golden retriever or give them a lot of attention, then they are going to get into trouble. They will constantly look for ways to entertain themselves by chewing on the furniture if they have nothing else better to do, which is why it's important that you take them out every day and let them run around in the yard. This will also keep them from getting too tired, which can lead to a lot of health issues down the road.

6. Golden Retrievers Are Prone To Weight Gain

It's not uncommon for golden retriever owners to notice that their dogs are putting on a lot of weight, especially if they don't exercise them or give them the right amount of food. It is good practice to feed your dog in moderation and take him out every day so he can build up some muscle. This will help keep his joints strong and healthy as well. This could help avoid obesity in golden retrievers.

7. They Drool A Lot

If you're a fan of beautiful dogs and don’t have a problem with drool everywhere and the smell of wet dogs, then this is the right breed for you. Golden Retrievers are prone to slobbering all over themselves when they eat or drink water which can be very annoying if you don't like cleaning up after your pets. Make sure that you keep them away from furniture or any other expensive things that you don't want to get ruined.

8. They Can Be Very Smelly

Along with the drooling, Golden Retrievers can also be smelly dogs because they tend to not bath as often as they should. This is why it's important that you give them a bath at least once a month and make sure that you dry their fur completely so they don't start smelling bad.

9. They Can Chew and Damage Your Household Items

Golden retrievers love to chew on things and they can easily damage your household items if you're not careful. Make sure that you keep all of your belongings out of their reach and put away any valuable items that you don't want them to get a hold of. This includes cords, shoes, and clothing.

10. They Like To Steal Items and Hide Them

Another common problem with golden retrievers is that they like to steal items and hide them. This can be a pain if you're looking for your car keys or remote control because there's a good chance that your dog has hidden it somewhere in the house. Be sure to keep an eye on him at all times so he doesn't get a chance to steal anything else. Even when you find them, the items would be covered with dog saliva.

11. They Need a Lot of Attention

Golden Retrievers are not the kind of dogs that you can leave for extended periods of time because they need a lot of attention and affection. If you have to go out, be sure to take them with you or better yet just don't leave without taking them in the first place. This way your dog will never feel abandoned and he will always be happy to see you when you come home.

12. They Are Heavy Dogs

Adult golden retriever can weight up to 75 pounds or more which when combined with their enthusiasm can be problematic for the owners. Imagine coming home after a long day's work and your 75 pound golden retriever runs towards you in enthusiasm and love. Now you know they are doing it to show love and affection but they might end up injuring you.

Conclusion

Golden Retrievers are great dogs but they also have their fair share of problems. As long as you're aware of these things and know how to deal with them, then owning a golden retriever can be a very rewarding experience.

So, are Golden Retrievers the perfect dog breed for you? It really depends on your lifestyle and what you're looking for in a pet. If you're willing to put in the extra work to keep them healthy and happy, then they definitely make great pets!

But, if you're looking for something a little more low maintenance, then this is not the right dog breed for you. It's always best to know both Pros and Cons of any dog breed before getting one because it will save you from running into serious issues down the road!