If you’re on the fence about getting a dog, Golden Retrievers can make great companions. They are absolutely lovable and have been known to bring joy to many families around the world. So, why have they become so popular? Let’s take a look at all the reasons why owning a Golden Retriever may be the best decision you ever made.

History of the Breed

The name “Golden Retriever” was first used in England in 1870 to describe this noble breed. It comes from their ability to retrieve (bring back) game while they were out hunting with their owners. They were bred by crossing a Yellow Retriever (now extinct) with another breed called Tweed Water Spaniels, which gave them their now trademark golden coat.

Today, this breed is loved by many people all around the globe as much for its friendly and cheerful nature as it is for its ability to work hard.

Golden Retriever Spaniels - Great Family Dogs
Golden Retriever's Are Wonderful Dogs

Personality Traits

The Golden Retriever has an upbeat personality that makes them great family pets. They are known for being loyal and obedient companions who love nothing more than spending time with their owners or going on long walks together. Goldens are also very intelligent and eager to learn, making them easily trainable - even for novice owners! Their playful nature also makes them great playmates for children and adults alike.

Golden Retrievers are incredibly friendly and gentle dogs; they will often try to greet everyone they encounter and make new friends without hesitation. They also love to be around people, so if you’re looking for an affectionate dog who always wants to hang out with you, then this breed is for you! Additionally, due to their outgoing personalities, Golden Retrievers tend to get along well with other animals as long as they are properly socialized from an early age.

On top of being loyal and loving companions, Golden Retrievers have been used in various roles including Search & Rescue Dogs, Therapy Dogs and even as Guide Dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired. This goes to show just how versatile these dogs can be!

Golden Retrievers are also notorious for being very smart dogs, eager to learn new tricks and commands with patience and consistency. As such, these dogs are highly trainable and relatively easy to manage in comparison to some of their other canine counterparts. For this reason, they make excellent family pets that can easily be taught basic obedience skills such as fetching items or walking on a leash. Furthermore, because of their intelligence level, Golden Retrievers are capable of understanding complex commands and performing tasks more complicated than most breeds can handle.

Golden Retrievers are Beautiful Dogs
Golden Retrievers In Various Colors of Gold

Health Considerations

All breeds come with certain health considerations that need to be taken into account when choosing your canine companion - this includes Goldens! Generally speaking, Goldens tend to have fewer health issues compared to other breeds but there are some common ones that do occur such as hip dysplasia, ear infections and allergies.

If you are getting your new best buddy from a breeder, be sure to ask for genetic testing results from the parents. You want to make sure that they are clear for issues such as von Willebrand disease (a blood clotting issue that is found in some goldens). This is the one common problem found in Golden Retrievers that can be tested for!

If you are getting your new Golden Retriever from a rescue organization, be sure to go to your vet and have him checked over for other common problems found in Goldens such as:

  • Hip dysplasia - when the ball and socket of the hip joint doesn't fit correctly causing pain when walking or running.
  • Skin conditions such as external ear infections, hot spots, contact dermatitis, allergic dermatitis and demodectic mange. Seborrhea, sebaceous cysts, granulomas and lipomas are also common in this breed.
  • Because Goldens are deep chested dogs, they are prone to developing pneumothorax. This is a condition where air leaks from their lungs into their chest cavity. It can be corrected with a procedure from your vet.
  • Cataracts are a genetic issue found in some bloodlines, but it cannot be tested for using genetic tests, but quality breeders will watch for it developing in their older dogs, and will stop using them in their breeding program. Cataracts can start developing in Goldens as young as 1 year old!
  • Hypothyroidism, or low production of endocrine hormones in the thyroid gland, is relatively common in golden retrievers. It is manageable with the assistance of your vet's care.
  • Golden Retrievers are a larger breed that may suffer from a condition called bloat. Bloat happens when your dog eats too fast and gets a lot of air in his stomach. This issue can then cause the stomach to roll - causing a lack of blood flow to the digestive system. Without correction, it will cause death. Slow feeders can assist in preventing this issue.
  • Heart issues are also common in Golden Retrievers. Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) is the most common. It is a kind of heart murmur that is difficult to diagnose But you should also ask your vet to help you watch for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a disease that causes the heart to become enlarged and have difficulty pumping blood.
Golden Retrievers for the Win!
Your New Best Bud - A Golden Retriever

Grooming

Golden retrievers need regular grooming in the form of brushing their long beautiful coat. They will shed, so if you don't want that hair all over your house - stay on top of this task! They don't need to be bathed unless they've been out playing in the mud - which they may do! They also do not need to have haircuts, but you will want to watch for mats that may accumulate behind their ears and under their "arm pits." These should be carefully removed with a clipper or scissors.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, if you're looking for a faithful companion who loves nothing more than giving you unconditional love then you should definitely consider getting a Golden Retriever! With their cheerful personalities and loyalty towards their owners they make excellent family pets who will give years of joy (and occasional mischief!).

Although they require some extra care when it comes to health considerations they make wonderful lifelong friends that will always be there when you need them most. So if you think a Golden Retriever may be right for your family then don't hesitate - go out there and get one today! You won't regret it!

Breeders