With their gentle, happy, loving disposition, it’s no wonder Golden Retrievers are consistently one of the most popular choices for dog owners. Naturally wonderful with children of almost any age, they make an always willing playmate. But if not well trained, their rambunctious, outgoing nature and their size, can intimidate small children. They get along well with other animals, even cats. Loving and playful with everyone in the family, they can make an exceptional family pet. Highly active, especially inside when young, regular exercise is extremely important for these lively dogs. They can adapt to an apartment provided they receive daily walks, games and mental stimulation. Not known as frequent barkers, they will bark loudly to warn their owners of an approaching stranger, making them good watchdogs. But they are not suitable as guard dogs as they are rarely aggressive. With typical retriever instincts, they are mouthy and have a need to chew, particularly when young. Do not let them mouth your hands. Instead, make sure to provide plenty of toys to satisfy their chewing instincts. They adore water and are excellent swimmers.

A large dog that stands between 21 and 24 inches tall, and weighs between 55 and 75 pounds, Golden Retrievers are easily recognized by their lustrous, medium length, golden colored coat which is feathered on their tails, legs, and abdomen. With a sturdy, well-proportioned body, they have “floppy” ears that hang down framing a face with twinkling almond-shaped eyes, it’s no wonder Goldens are loved as much for their delightful appearance as their wonderful temperament. Although not as difficult to groom as they might appear, they shed abundantly. They are definitely not the dog for an owner who likes an immaculate home. The breed thrives in a wide range of temperatures.

Without reasonable socialization, a Golden Retriever can exhibit a lack of confidence and even shyness. They also need regular human interaction; if left alone for long periods of time, they can become destructive. Golden Retrievers are an easy breed to train because they are eager to determine what their owner wants and willing to work hard to achieve this goal. Although they tend to have a high activity level when younger and mature slowly, Golden Retrievers make a wonderful choice for a first-time dog owner provided they do not mind a dog that sheds profusely. Given proper training, together with physical and mental exercise, they are happy, easy to keep, obedient dogs. In fact, they are so well respected for their obedience and eagerness to please, they are commonly used as guide dogs for the blind, in police work, and in hunting and field trials.