Most well-bred, well-socialized Golden Retrievers have the sweet, gentle disposition that is so attractive in this breed. But is not necessarily true for all Golden Retrievers. Temperament issues have become more common as the breed has become more popular. The most common problem seems to be shyness. This can be relatively benign or can take the form of fear biting. Aggression, both to people and other dogs, has also become more commonplace in the breed. A well-bred Golden Retriever does not have strong guarding instincts and do not make good guard dogs.  Most Goldens will bark when someone approaches their home, but it is only because they are announcing the approach of a potential new best friend, not because they want to protect the family! 

Golden Retrievers are happy go-lucky, friendly, trustworthy and confident dogs.  They want to please you most of all.  They love people!  In fact, they must live "with" their people (not isolated in a backyard) at all times.  Golden Retrievers who are relegated to a backyard or a kennel. Golden Retrievers want to be where their people are. Dogs isolated from people seldom thrive. Golden Retrievers are no exception. They need to be members of the family. If you are an outdoorsy person, your Golden Retriever will want to be with you. If you are more of an indoor sort, your Golden Retriever will want to be with you there, too.

Any dog isolated from people and companionship will become bored and stressed. This produces behavior problems such as barking, chewing and digging. In extreme cases, these behaviors result in surrender of the dog to a shelter or rescue.

A Golden Retriever's coat can vary in color from dark red to very pale cream color.  In spite of what some websites say about the "rare white golden retriever," a Golden Retriever of any color is the same.  Just because a Golden is very light in color (white is a disqualification, by the way), does not make it a better dog.  Color is the last thing you should consider when thinking about getting a puppy.  Temperament is the #1 issue that should be considered when you are looking to add a member of your family to the household. 

LIVING WITH A GOLDEN RETRIEVER: 

1.  Golden Retrievers can adapt to city living under the right circumstances. However their needs and instincts do not change. They need room to run, exercise, and retrieve. They must have an outlet for their energy and desire to work. Your lifestyle must be adjusted to meet their needs. Are you prepared for brisk, daily walks in all kinds of weather to provide your Golden Retriever with adequate exercise? Unless your schedule permits many hours at home, leashed walks, and visits to a dog park, a Golden Retriever may not be the dog for you as a city dweller.

Suburb and country living are ideal for a Golden Retriever. These dogs are hunting companions by heritage. They greatly benefit from the space necessary to exercise and stay fit.

2.  Early socialization and training can make a big difference in the way your Golden Retriever handles itself in public and at home. You should plan to safely expose your puppy to as many people, dogs, noises and experiences as possible. Puppy training classes are a big help.

All dogs benefit from basic obedience classes. Large dogs such as Golden Retrievers especially need to learn how to behave themselves in public and at home. A 55 lb out-of-control Golden Retriever is not a beautiful sight and is a hazard to all around it.

As the owner of a large dog, you have a special obligation to be a good ambassador. Every time you are out in public with your obedient, well-mannered Golden Retriever, you are a positive image for large dog ownership.

Golden Retrievers are known for their versatility and working dog abilities. There are many performance activities that they enjoy. These include obedience, agility, tracking and hunting. Many Golden Retrievers make wonderful therapy dogs as well.

3.  You may enjoy a very active lifestyle that you wish to share with your dog. If you adopt a puppy, it is especially important not to force exercise Golden Retriever puppies during their first two years. Bone growth plates are still growing and might be injured during hard exercise. Avoid jogging, biking, trotting behind a moving car or steep climbs and descents with Golden Retrievers under the age of two. Swims, daily walks on soft surfaces, and casual short hikes on flat ground are great exercise for puppies.

Most Golden Retrievers need a job to do. They are known for their versatility and working abilities. There are many performance activities that they enjoy. Many Golden Retrievers make wonderful therapy dogs as well.

Many destructive behaviors are a product of boredom and lack of exercise. If you are unable to meet a Golden Retriever’s activity and exercise needs, this may not be the dog for you.

4.  Golden Retrievers shed a lot! Golden Retrievers shed all year round. Golden Retriever hair will be all over the house -- on your floor and in your food.  Brushing your dog will help keep the hair under control, but Golden Retriever owners definitely have to vacuum more.

5.  People frequently choose a Golden Retriever because they have heard they are great with kids. Most Golden Retrievers are great with children - under the right circumstances. The success of most relationships between dogs and children depends almost entirely on the supervision by the parents. Puppies naturally chase and bite. Children are often loud and abrupt in their movements. Until both are taught to control themselves, they should always be supervised. Otherwise, accidents are bound to happen, and the puppy is usually blamed. Because of their size, Golden Retrievers may accidentally knock over toddlers. Strict parental supervision of all interactions between children and dogs is essential. A successful dog/child relationship is more the result of good parenting than the choice of breed or mix.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT GOLDEN RETRIEVERS, PLEASE VISIT THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER CLUB OF AMERICA'S WEBSITE -- CLICK HERE.