What to expect when you welcome a golden into your home

Golden Retrievers are wonderful, right?

Well then, of course everyone should have one. Actually – no – they aren’t suitable for every family.

It’s important to consider some key qualities of a golden before deciding to own one

Either way, it is vital that you examine your own lifestyle, needs and wants to see if a golden is right for you. And, conversely, you need to evaluate if you can meet the needs of a golden retriever. If you can, we can attest to the fact that owning a golden is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have! Here are a few things to consider:

Golden Retriever Personality & Behavior

These traits describe what it’s like to live with a golden day‑to‑day — their temperament, their sensitivity, and how they interact with people.

Velcro Dog

Goldens are faithful companions. They are usually always by your side; many will follow you from room to room. They will lie in the kitchen while you cook and at your feet while you watch TV. If you don’t want that much togetherness, a golden isn’t for you! They must be near their humans to be happy.

Small Children

People automatically assume goldens are the perfect dog for a family with children. Golden puppies quickly grow up to be rambunctious, strong bundles of energy that easily can play too rough with young children.

Male or Female?

Many people are fixated on getting a female golden, thinking that females are more laid back and affectionate than males. This is not true. Male goldens are blessed with loving personalities. Many people call them big teddy bears and even prefer male over female goldens.

Training

Goldens are usually easy to potty train and make great house dogs. Many owners wish to make their goldens into good canine citizens. A good force-free obedience class is well worth the investment. Goldens are very sensitive and respond better to this type of training. The end result is a well-mannered dog that is a joy to be around.

Daily Lifestyle & Care Needs

These topics cover the everyday routines and practical care goldens require to stay healthy, happy, and well‑adjusted.

Exercise

Goldens were developed as a sporting breed able to handle a day’s hunting routinely. They need to have consistent exercise daily (20–30 minutes twice a day) or they may have difficulty adjusting to the “calm house pet” role expected by most owners. A fenced-in yard or walking trail is helpful to get rid of some of the “zoomies.” The younger the golden, the more exercise they generally need.

Leashes

You may have visions of letting your dog play fetch in an open field or running free on the beach. As a sporting dog they are easily distracted by birds, animals or moving objects; they must be kept leashed when being exercised outside of a fenced yard to keep them from running off.

Shedding

In Florida, goldens shed all year long. Brushing daily will cut down on the amount of hair in your house. If you require a fastidiously kept house, a golden is not the dog for you unless you like to do a lot of cleaning. You will always have dog hair around, especially on rugs or furniture.

Grooming

Goldens can be adequately groomed at home without expensive equipment. Grooming includes brushing, bathing, trimming hair from the pads of the feet, light trimming on ears, tails and back legs when necessary, and trimming nails. If done regularly, you won’t have to pay expensive grooming bills.

Health, Cost & Long‑Term Commitment

These considerations help you understand the lifelong responsibilities — financial, medical, and practical — that come with owning a golden.

Size

Goldens are medium to large sized animals. Goldens are on the average 60–80 lbs. and stand up to 24″ at the shoulder.

Health

Goldens are prone to allergies, skin problems, cancer and hypothyroidism and you may have to spend a fair amount on vet care over the life of a golden. Common inherited health issues are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, various eye problems and heart disease. We’re not trying to scare you – but for any dog, you need to be prepared to provide veterinary care when your dog needs it. Yearly vet exams, monthly heartworm preventative and flea & tick treatments are essential. Setting aside a monthly amount for a future emergency is a good idea. There are also quality pet insurance programs available.

Expenses

• Goldens must be fed a high-quality premium food to prevent costly skin problems – which means you will not be able to buy your food at the grocery or discount store.
• You’ll have to purchase monthly heartworm and flea-tick preventative medications, and possibly some supplements.
• There are other expenses such as toys, collars and leashes, brushes, shampoos and soft cozy beds.
• A well cared for dog, like its human counterpart, is happier with regular checkups and daily care.

What goldens are not

Guard Dogs

• As protective guard dogs, goldens are LOUSY!!!
• Though they may bark and growl defensively, when it comes down to brass tacks – they will gladly hold the flashlight for the burglar and give them a big kiss.

Outside Dogs

• Goldens make poor outside dogs.
• Especially in Florida, they develop skin problems and flea allergies if kept outside.
• They frequently develop thunderstorm anxiety.
• They are easily able to dig out of a fence or sometimes climb over it when left outside for long periods of unsupervised time.
• They also are frequent targets for theft if left outside in a backyard.
• A happy golden is an inside dog!

Well, there you have it – the inside scoop on owning a golden.