Are Golden Retrievers Good Dogs (Hint: They’re The Best)
)
Of all the breeds out there, golden retrievers are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and there are plenty of great reasons why.
If you’re wondering if Golden Retrievers are good dogs, we think the answer is a definitive yes – they’re the best!
This article will show you all the reasons why golden retrievers are the best breed if you’re looking to get yourself a pup, backed by science and the history of how they’ve evolved over time.
Here are some of the top reasons Golden Retrievers are not only good dogs but the best.
1. Golden Retrievers Are Gentle
Golden retrievers are one of the most gentle and kind dog breeds, which comes from their deep-rooted desire to please their owners. It’s no surprise that these dogs are known to help treat depression.
They’re amazing with kids and rarely cause trouble around the house (like chewing up shoes or tearing apart furniture), which is why they’re well-known as a great family dog.
You can even see how much they adore their owner by their love and ability to play fetch. (After all, it’s in their name: You wouldn’t call a dog a “Golden Retriever” if they couldn’t retrieve!)
They’re also a very tender dog breed famous for their incredibly soft mouth grip.
Just think about it: What other dog breeds could possibly hold a raw egg in their mouth and carry it around without breaking it?
2. Golden Retrievers Are Intelligent
Originally bred to help us hunt prey, Golden Retrievers rank as the fourth smartest dog breed around, only coming in behind border collies, poodles, and German shepherds.
For those who own goldens, this probably isn’t a surprise: Whether it’s playing fetch or doing tricks, retrievers often showcase their knowledge!
Having a smart dog offers a lot of fun and unique advantages. For example, because of that intelligence, you need to constantly teach golden retrievers new tricks and new games to challenge their minds.
They won’t thrive by walking the same path every day; they’ll want to explore their surroundings, learn, and experience new things.
It might seem like a lot of work, but this is how you build a real bond with your pet: Exploring with them, teaching them tricks, playing with them, and molding their mind will help you create amazing memories together.
3. Retrievers Are Easy to Train
With the golden retriever’s exceptional intelligence, you can train them to do many skills.
That’s a big reason retrievers are one of the most common breeds for therapy and guide dogs and even search-and-rescue teams.
With a long history of hunting and retrieving game, goldens are great listeners when given direction and are a great choice for people looking to teach a dog to handle tasks other breeds just cannot.
It’s no coincidence that many famous movie dogs — like the stars of the Air Bud, Homeward Bound, and Marley And Me franchises — were golden retrievers, not to mention the TV series, Full House, and their furry friend, Comet.
4. Golden Retrievers Are Loyal
Golden retrievers are so loyal they actually get stressed if they don’t see their owners for long periods of time.
At most, the longest you want to be separated from your pup is about 8 hours — any longer without a human to play with might make them nervous and antsy.
(Imagine how happy and excited they would be to see you after time apart.)
Historically, retrievers are one of the few dogs breeds bred specifically for functionality and temperament rather than just “looks.” But their gorgeous coats and adorable faces are as great as any other dog breed out there.
For what it’s worth, that famous golden retriever coat makes these dogs perfect for cold, winter weather as much as running around on a warm, sunny day.
No matter where in the country you live or what type of weather you experience, a golden can handle it!
5. Golden Retrievers Are Obedient
The American Kennel Club describes golden retrievers as “outgoing, trustworthy and eager-to-please family dogs,” making them a perfect choice for a super-smart, obedient companion to stick by their side.
But they’re not just good at being obedient, they’re champions at it. In fact, the first three dogs of any breed to be awarded the AKC Obedience Champion title were golden retrievers.
Combined with how easy they are to train and teach, these are the perfect dog for those who want a true friend who listens to you and is a loving addition to any family.
6. Golden Retrievers Love Water
Boasting a special, two-layer coat to keep them warm and repel water, golden retrievers are a breed who absolutely adore the water. They’re naturally great at swimming and can be even be taught to get better at it.
That’s because, historically, they were bred for hunting purposes and were a popular choice for fetching waterfowl like ducks out of bodies of water. Today, because of the golden’s deep love of water and their water-friendly design, don’t be surprised if your golden chooses to join you for a splash around in your pool.
They adore playing water games! Don’t believe us? Just check out this video:
7. Golden Retrievers Don’t Bark A Lot
Golden retrievers are relatively quiet compared to other dogs and usually bark to show their loyalty to their owners. While they might bark at strangers, it’s only to let their owners know someone is approaching them.
They’re some of the most docile, peaceful, and loving dogs you’ll find, showcased by how little fuss they cause.
Even if you do get a somewhat-anxious or bark-happy golden, you can easily train them so they only speak up when you want them to.
Also, Goldens rarely bite, which is another fantastic reason they’re commonly used as support and service animals — they’re friendly and caring with everyone they meet!
If you’re in the mood for a sweet, quiet dog that won’t wake the neighbors up (or you), the golden retriever is a great way to go!
8. Golden Retrievers are Great for Families and Children
They’re an amazing family dog who are an incredible, energetic playmate for kids and keep their puppy-like behavior well into adulthood. If you have young children or babies, you won’t have to worry if they’ll get along with your golden retriever.
Remember: Goldens have extremely soft mouths so your kids are in no danger of being bitten, even if you have young children who might accidentally put their hands near their mouths.
The only competition will be who in the house can make more noise for attention: Your pup or your kids!
9.Golden Retrievers Get Along With Other Pets
Because of their friendly, docile, and playful nature, Golden Retrievers get along well with other pets. Whether you have cats, rodents, horses, pigs, or even other dogs, your golden retriever will do great with all of your companions.
Being the smart, outgoing dogs they are, the golden retriever is the perfect companion for you and your other pets! They might just become best friends!
10. Golden Retrievers Have Long Lifespans
On average, smaller breeds tend to live longer than larger breeds like Golden Retrievers. But Goldens still have a lengthy average lifespan of 10 – 13 years.
If you’re looking for a long-term companion, the golden is a great choice: You get a loyal addition to your family and can create memories together for the next decade and beyond.
But beyond your dog’s lifespan, consider this: Studies show that people who own dogs tend to live longer themselves!
A Swedish study on over 3 million people found that owning a dog is linked to a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, especially for people who own hunting dogs like retrievers. Why?
Goldens are big dogs who love to stay active, which gives you extra motivation to get exercise too! Also, even after the most stressful day, playing with your pup can relieve your frustration and lift your spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Are Golden Retriever Good Dogs
Is a Golden Retriever a good house dog?
Yes, Golden Retrievers are excellent house dogs known for their friendly and obedient nature. They are well-suited for families, being good with children and other pets, and are known for their gentle temperament and strong desire to please their owners.
What are the cons of Golden Retrievers?
The cons of Golden Retrievers include their high grooming needs due to their thick, water-repellent double coat, which sheds considerably. They require regular exercise to manage their energy levels, and being prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia and heart problems can be a concern.
Is Golden Retriever high maintenance?
Golden Retrievers can be considered high maintenance due to their need for regular grooming, exercise, and mental stimulation. They require consistent training and socialization from a young age. Additionally, their susceptibility to certain health issues necessitates regular veterinary check-ups.
Are Golden Retrievers clingy?
Golden Retrievers can be clingy as they are highly social and thrive on interaction with their human families. They may exhibit signs of separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Their clinginess is a sign of their loyalty and affectionate nature.
Do Goldens like to cuddle?
Yes, Golden Retrievers generally love to cuddle. They are known for being affectionate and enjoy close contact with their owners. Their friendly and loving nature makes them one of the breeds most inclined to seek out and enjoy cuddling.
Looking to know the price of a golden retriever puppy? Learn more about adding a wonderful golden retriever to your family, browse our selection here at My Golden Retriever Puppies.
All our puppies are raised by our own group of small, independent breeders who lovingly care for and socialize with each of them daily so they grow up happy. We even take all the extra steps to provide the best healthcare for them.
You can order online, or come by in-person to see and see our golden retriever puppies for sale, meet their parents, visit the farm, and talk to our breeders! We even have different types of golden retrievers!