Golden Retrievers: What You Should Know About Them

Golden Retrievers are among the most popular breeds of dogs in America today. While originally bred to retrieve game birds and ducks for hunters, they are now mainly used as companion animals, with some working as assistance or therapy dogs. If you're thinking of getting a Golden Retriever, you should carefully consider the traits of the breed to make sure that it is the right dog for you.

Size

Golden Retrievers are medium-large dogs and can grow to be up to 24 inches tall and weigh up to 75 pounds. A Golden Retriever puppy will usually reach full adult size within two years. As they are a larger dog, they will require sufficient space to be happy. They do well in larger apartments or homes and having a yard for the dog to play and exercise in is recommended.

Personality

In general, Golden Retrievers have a friendly and calm temperament, provided that they were raised by caring owners who gave their dog ample opportunities to socialize and become accustomed to different experiences. Golden Retrievers tend to get along well with humans and will be more than happy to interact with both family members and total strangers alike. Their friendly nature makes them a good choice for families with children. They also do well in homes with other dogs and even cats. As family dogs, they love receiving attention and don't like being left alone for extended periods of time.

Exercise and Care Needs

Anyone considering a Golden Retriever should understand that they will be getting a very active and energetic dog that needs daily exercise to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. You should devote close to an hour each day for your dog's exercise needs. Golden Retrievers enjoy running around and playing various games such as fetching balls. They can accompany their owners when they go for a jog in the park, as they simply love to be active.

The Golden Retriever's thick coat means that you will need to do some regular grooming. It is recommended to brush your dog's coat daily and to give him a bath at least once a month. This breed tends to shed heavily during the spring and fall seasons, so you should be fine with having some dog hair in your house.

Are Golden Retrievers Good with Children?

Golden Retrievers are often seen as the top choice for a family dog. This is mainly because they bring many benefits to both adults and children. The breed is known for having a highly active and playful, yet very friendly and affectionate temperament. They get along well with dogs, other pets and people. A Golden Retriever will love playing with children of all ages and can offer them numerous benefits.

One of the main benefits that caring for a dog will have for children is that it teaches them responsibility. Golden Retrievers need not only to be fed and given water just like any other kind of dog, but they also require regular grooming and exercise. Kids who have a dog at home will thus gain valuable lessons on the care that one requires. As Golden Retrievers are a highly active breed, they love running around with children and playing with them. Studies show that children who regularly get exercise together with a dog tend to be more active in general and are less likely to suffer from childhood obesity.

Another important benefit that Golden Retrievers have to offer to children is that they make excellent overall companions. They love attention and will gladly follow them around the house. Kids who have such a friendly dog at home will never have to feel alone. Golden Retrievers are excellent at helping kids recover from traumatic or very difficult situations, such as a death in the family. This is why they are often used as therapy dogs to comfort children and adults who have been through a tragedy like a major natural disaster.

Finally, Golden Retrievers are a breed that is quite intelligent. This makes them easier to train than other types of dogs. Even children can help housebreak a young Golden Retriever and can do basic obedience training as well as teach tricks to adult dogs. Helping train a dog can do wonders to raise a child's level of self esteem, as it gives them the feeling that they've accomplished something important.