Golden Retrievers are one of the most highly sought-after breeds because they have the tendency to make spectacular pets. Not only are they the perfect size with a beautiful coat, but they also have some attributes that make them ideal as indoor pets and family pets. If you are thinking about adding a dog to the family, you should know: do Golden Retrievers make good pets?
Golden Retrievers make good pets because they are a medium to large dog breed with beauty that requires minimal grooming. They are smart, easy to train, and are active but can get used to indoor life. This breed is great with children and other pets. They have few health issues and a long lifespan.
For more information on why Golden Retrievers might make the perfect pet, here is what you need to know.
Do Golden Retrievers Make Good Pets?
When you are in the process of adding a new four-legged friend to the family, you might start to wonder whether a Golden Retriever is the best option. Do Golden Retrievers make good indoor pets, family pets, and provide general companionship?
From their temperament to their size, you will be more than pleased with one of these canine companions as part of your family. Here are the top twelve reasons why your next pet purchase should include a Golden Retriever.
1. Golden Retrievers are great mid-sized dogs.
If you want a dog that isn’t quite a lap dog but isn’t as big as a Great Dane, then a Golden Retriever may be the right fit for you. They can be anywhere from medium-sized to large-sized dogs, with most of the differences depending on the breeding stock and gender of the dog.
They can weigh anywhere from roughly 50 pounds to 70 pounds and stand about 21 to 24 inches tall. Females tend to be smaller than males.
2. They are beautiful dogs.
Most people who invest in a dog want something that looks great at the end of the leash. Golden Retrievers are a flashy breed with coats that range from light golden to dark golden in most dogs. Some may have a hint of red to their coats, making them stand out even more.
Read Also: 10 Effective Ways to Bond with your Golden Retriever
3. They require minimal grooming.
Grooming is one of those necessary chores that many pet owners wish they could do without. Fortunately, Golden Retrievers require very little in the way of upkeep. They do shed a good bit, but most of this can be resolved with quick daily brushing.
They don’t necessarily need intensive grooming, but a bath every now and again can go a long way. Instead of a full grooming, you can often get away with trimming key areas such as the ears, feet, and tail.
4. Golden Retrievers have excellent temperaments.
Perhaps the most important aspect of adding a dog to your unique family is their temperament. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? Most owners who have experience with the breed will agree that their mindset and sunny disposition make them ideal for families even if they have small children around.
These retrievers tend to be extremely friendly, outgoing, and tolerant of just about anything. More than anything else, they want to make their owners happy and will go to great lengths to meet your expectations for them.
If you want a dog that is going to have a positive attitude the majority of the time, then a Golden Retriever should be top of your list.
5. They are incredibly intelligent (and highly trainable).
An intelligent dog is often a double-edged sword. Breeds that are high in intelligence often find creative ways around doing the things that you ask of them and can often get into trouble. That being said, intelligent dogs also tend to be highly trainable.
When combined with their eager desire to please you, Golden Retrievers have an ideal disposition that will make training them a breeze. There’s a reason that so many of these dogs are involved in highly-skilled fields of work such as search and rescue or as service dogs.
Many owners find that they can train their dogs to do more than just the basics of sit, stay, and come. Golden Retrievers are great for more advanced tasks like searching rooms for intruders, scent work, and service work. We recommend that you learn from the best, Dr. Ian Dunbar’s SIRIUS Dog Trainer Academy, who created the first off leash puppy socialization and training classes.
6. Golden Retrievers make great family pets and are great with kids.
Oftentimes, parents must make a firm decision about whether a dog will interact well with their small children. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? Not all breeds are going to be great with little ones, but this breed boasts a friendly disposition for everyone they come in contact with.
Not only are they gentle with everyone, but they also can be quite playful. This makes them one of the best breeds for children who enjoy soaking up time with the family dog. They have tons of energy for playing fetch, tug of war, and other games that kids can engage them in.
7. They make great indoor pets.
Do Golden Retrievers make good indoor pets? Many families lack the outdoor spaces that many dogs need in order to stretch their legs and get their energy out. The good news is that they can be quite calm, even when kept indoors full-time.
As long as you are committed to ensuring that they have an outlet for their energy, they make great indoor pets. This could be as simple as taking them for a brisk walk a couple of times each day or playing games with them inside. Keep in mind that a tired dog is a happy dog.
Keeping your Golden Retriever active can make them lazy indoor dogs!
8. A Golden Retriever has high energy levels.
If you want a dog who is going to be able to keep up with your busy lifestyle, then you may want to consider a Golden Retriever. Do Golden Retrievers make good house pets? While they can lean into their lazy side if they tend to be indoor-only pets, they can also go for hours at a time when having fun.
Because they are bred for hunting and working, Golden Retrievers do need activity in their day. An hour of moderate exercise is a great starting point, but you will also need to engage their mind. You can do this through training exercises, puzzle toys, games, and more.
Read this article to discover 12 mental stimulation activities to give your Golden Retriever.
9. They have minimal health issues.
Unlike some dog breeds that can be quite expensive as they age, Golden Retrievers are not prone to many health conditions. This can be good news for your wallet as you consider how many vet bills you can afford as your dog gets older (and even while they’re younger).
They may suffer from some of the same conditions as other dogs in their size range such as bloat and hip dysplasia. Other common conditions are found among all dogs such as skin irritation, allergies, and ear infections.
Some unique health conditions that may impact your dog include eye issues like cataracts and thyroid conditions.
To minimize the impact of some of these health issues, you should stick with routine vet visits to catch them early on. Your dog should visit the veterinarian at least once or twice a year, even if they appear to be mostly healthy.
10. Golden Retrievers get along with other dogs.
Once you add a furry friend to the family, chances are that you will soon want another. If you have another dog in the family or think you would like to add one in the future, Golden Retrievers are a great first choice. They are highly social and love to play with other dogs.
If you don’t have another dog in the home, they can still get their social life in at the dog park. Just make sure to supervise their play and introduce it early in life (after they receive their regular vaccinations).
Keep in mind that you may want to select dogs of a similar size. Golden Retrievers tend to be medium to large dogs. They may not play well with much smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas or terriers.
11. They have a low prey drive.
Many households now have other pets like cats, rabbits, and other small animals. The good news is that Golden Retrievers naturally have a low prey drive and can get along very well with other pets. This means that they are unlikely to chase or hunt the other small animals in your home.
They are usually on their very best behavior because they want to make you happy. As long as you take the time to introduce new animals slowly and to supervise their initial interactions, you could have a long and healthy relationship between your Golden Retriever and other pets.
12. Golden Retrievers have a long life span.
You want your dog to be around for the long haul. As we saw earlier, they are not prone to many health conditions as they age. Still, that does not tell you how many years you will have with your Golden Retriever.
Unlike some designer breeds, these dogs tend to live a nice long life of ten to twelve years. Make sure to look into the breeding practices before making a purchase, as this can greatly impact the overall lifespan of your new pet.
Final Thoughts
Golden Retrievers are an excellent addition to the family, and they make spectacular indoor pets. If you want a pet that will be eager to please and highly intelligent, then a Golden Retriever is the perfect fit for you. Keep in mind some of these traits and weigh them against your list of must-haves in a new pet to see if they could be your ideal dog.