Is a golden retriever the best dog for me to get?

Answer 1

Goldens do require a lot of attention, both in grooming, and training. They are highly intelligent animals and are very loving and loyal. They are great with kids and other animals.
I would recommend you visit the AKC website to learn some specifics about the breed if you are seriously interesting in Goldens. You should do some research about breeders also. Because of the popularity of the breed, there are a lot of part time breeders out there, having litters, just doing it for the money. They can unwittingly breed problems into the dog that you don't want to have to deal with. Like hip displysia or eyesight problems. Good luck!

Answer 2

I have a chocolate labrador. We purchased him as a puppy. He was the pick of the litter and is very large even for a lab. My husband would not have him neutered and he is very strong and difficult to walk. I did a lot of research before I chose this breed and there are a few negatives that were not written in the reviews...I guess because the people who write about breeds of dogs only put the positive aspects, because they love the breed. Some labs have ear problems....My lab is prone to ear infections and this has been expensive to treat , also he sheds enormous amounts. He barks so loudly that the neighbors four doors away request that he be kept indoors. He has a very large fenced in yard, but still needs walked every day. He is great with children...mine age 4 and 5 years when he was a pup. He eats enourmous amounts and has body odour and needs a bath at least every three days. He loves to swim and chase birds and we absolutely adore him. He is a great family dog...but the shedding is overwhelming. Visit the pups parents before you decide. Even if you do your research there are positive and negative aspects of each choice and you have to love your dog enough to cope with the unexpected. Good luck

Answer 3

Golden Retrievers are great dogs, sweet, kind and patient. They do require attention though, so if you have alot of time to play with it and love it, then you have a winner. Cocker spaniels are sweet loving dogs too. German shepards are great too. It really depends on what you plan to do with the dog: play, protection, companionship, etc. Think about that, along with if you want to groom it often, how much you can afford in food, etc. Then check out Petsmart or another pet store and get a magazine on what dogs would be best for your purpose.

Answer 4

Depends on what you want in a dog. Golden retrievers are great dogs, with lots of energy. They need lots of exercise and require a lot of grooming.

Answer 5

Having trouble finding the perfect dog? You've come to the right place (I hope).

Steps
Think about the kind of dog you want: Extra Big, Big, medium, Small, or extra small.
If you want extra small or small, Yorkies may be for you, but they're total yappers! Chauhauhas are also like tiny attack dogs! They're no good as guard dogs, but they'll try! They're DEFINITELY good watch dogs!
If you want medium, dogs like Beagles are for you (Beagles are wonderful! Low-shedding, playfull, good with children...) Cocker Spaniels are good, but they need lots of grooming
Big dogs would include dogs like dalmations, Mastiffs, Great Danes, things like that. WARNING: They're big, so if they jump up, they knock you down!



Warnings
Big dogs need PERFECT training, or they'll jump up on you when they're happy to see you and knock you down!
Small dogs are VERY cute, so you'll have to be able to resist "those sad eyes"
Mediums are generally good. No real problems here!

Things You'll Need
Patience, and a lot of consideration! Choose carefully!

External Links
This is a PERFECT LINK! http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm
Another great resource: Dog Breed Guides at http://www.doggies.com.

Answer 6

I agree with ms. mystery. Golden retrievers are incredible and lovely doggies, but they need a big yard and they shed. I personally would suggest getting a pug. They are adorable, playful and remain pretty small. They snort like piggies too! It's soo cute.

Answer 7

They are wonderful gentle dogs, very intelligent. Grooming isn't terribly difficult even though they have long hair. They need a walk everyday but tend to be quiet docile dogs once they are full grown. They are very easy to train because they really want to please you.

A downside is that because they have become so popular they tend to be a bit expensive. Another downside is that they sometimes don't tend to live a long life - we had one for about eight years until she died of pancreatic cancer, which I believe they may be prone to.

Here is a site that might help you.

Answer 8

well they are beautiful and they are just a little bit hard to groom because they have long hair- yes golden retrievers are WONDERFUL dogs!!

if anyone had a choice they should pick a golden retriever-

BUT if you donnot like big dogs and "ect." get a little bit smaller dog

Answer 9

well...how are you? what type of qualities in a dog do you want? I have a Cockapoo (half cocker spaniel and half poodle) she is great- doesn't shed at all and has a great personality. Best dog ever. Golden R. sheds a lot though, do you wear a lot of black??

Answer 10

They are great dogs, but it may make more sense to get a rescued dog, and specially greyhounds. About 30,000 dogs per year come off the racetrack and most are killed. If you adopt one, you have saved the dog's life, and they are great dogs, too.