I would like to have a dog but i don't know anything about dogs?

Question

I am thinking of buying a golden retiver breed and i would like to make him sleep outside but i don't know anything about dogs (behavior, training,litter,....etc) so any help?...Thanks

Answer 1

http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=1740

AKC Ranking: 2
Family: gundog, retriever
Area of Origin: England
Date of Origin: 1800s
Original Function: retrieving
Today's Function: retrieving, assistance, obedience competition, retriever field trials
Avg Size of male: Height: 23-24 Weight: 65-75
Avg Size of Female: Height: 21.5-22.5 Weight: 55-65
Other Name: yellow retriever

History
One of the best documented and most fortuitous efforts to produce a breed resulted in the golden retriever. The man responsible for the breed was Lord Tweedmouth, who lived just north of the Scottish border along the Tweed River. With an increasing interest in retrieving dogs in the mid-1800s, a dog that could push through heavy vegetation, brave cold water, swim strongly and retrieve gently was in demand. Lord Tweedmouth bred Nous, a yellow wavy-coated retriever (a descendant of the small Newfoundland and the earlier Labrador breeds used by fisherman) to Belle, a Tweed water spaniel (a popular liver-colored retriever with tightly curled coat). They produced four puppies, which showed promise of being outstanding upland bird dogs. Subsequent judicious crosses were made with other black retrievers, Tweed spaniels, setters and even a bloodhound. The breed was first considered to be a yellow variety of flat-coated retrievers, but was recognized as a separate breed, the yellow or golden retriever, in 1912. A few of these dogs had come to America by way of Lord Tweedmouth's sons by 1900, but the AKC did not register them as a separate breed until 1927. The breed was valued for the hunting abilities so ably produced by the careful blending of foundation stock. It only later became popular as a pet, show dog and obedience competitor. After it made the transition, however, its rise to the height of popularity was meteoric, and it remains one of the most popular of all breeds in America.

Temperament
Everybody's friend, the golden retriever is known for its devoted and obedient nature as a family companion. It is an apt sporting retriever as well and yearns for a day in the field. Ignoring its active nature and powerful physique can lead to behavior problems, and it needs daily physical and mental exercise. It tends to be overly exuberant and boisterous, and its enthusiasm for everything often distracts it during training; however, it is eager to please and enjoys learning. The golden's achievements in competitive obedience are remarkable. It especially enjoys games that involve retrieving and loves to carry items in its mouth.

Upkeep
The golden retriever needs daily exercise and human interaction. Challenging obedience lessons, active games or retrieving sessions are all good ways to exercise the golden's mind and body. Although it is capable of living outdoors, it is such a social dog that it is best when it shares its life with its family. The coat does not tend to mat but needs twice weekly brushing.

Health
• Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, cataract
• Minor concerns: entropion, distchiasis, trichiasis, cataract, pyotraumaticdermatitis, subvalvular aortic stenosis, OCD, allergies, vWD, cardiomyopathy
• Occasionally seen: gastric torsion, epilepsy, CPRA, osteosarcoma
• Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, cardiac, (blood)
• Life span: 10 – 13 years

Form and Function
The golden retriever is an athletic, strong dog, capable of carrying heavy game over land and water. For this, it needs a broad, powerful head with strong neck and well-developed fore- and hindquarters. It is just slightly longer than tall. The gait is smooth, powerful and ground-covering. The water-repellant coat is dense, with the outer coat straight or wavy.

Related Dogs
Brittany
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Curly-Coated Retriever
Flat-Coated Retriever
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Wirehaired Pointer
Labrador Retriever
Pointer

Answer 2

Getting a dog is a very big commitment (he'll be with you for anything up to 15 years) and will require lots of time, money, energy and patience.

If you don't know much about dogs, the very best thing you can do BEFORE you decide on which breed to buy (or whether you really want a dog and the responsibility that entails) is to READ as much as you can about what's involved in raising and training a puppy. Also, there are lots of things to take into consideration when you're choosing the right dog breed that's best for you. The Golden Retriever is a wonderful dog and suits lots of different lifestyles and situations but is very people-oriented and wouldn't like sleeping outside. Every individual breed has inherent breed traits and strengths/weaknesses that make them 'fit' better with certain lifestyles and personalities than others.

Making the wrong choice of dog, or buying a puppy without having an idea of how much time and effort is required to bring up a puppy could be a very costly mistake..financially and emotionally.

You can find out just about everything you need to know about choosing and raising a puppy (including info. on different breeds) at the website below. It's especially for puppy owners and puppy-owners-to-be!

Good luck!

Answer 3

Okay. If you don't know anything about dogs, don't get one. Seriously. If you like the idea of having a dog, imagine having a furry 2-year old who doesn't understand English. Only worse, because besides that dogs view life differently than we do. They don't feel guilt, they don't live in the past, they simply have a different, can't-change-it viewpoint. That being said, dogs are absolutely WONDERFUL and if I had the choice of spending my day with dogs or people, dogs win, hands down. Please do some research. I suggest for everyone "The Dog Bible." I bought mine at PETsMART when I worked there and I've seen it available at Barnes & Noble. It is the best $24.99 you will ever spend. Everything you could ever need to know about everything dog. Trust me. Also, Goldens are great. Big, lots of hair, they are very popular and have a terrific personality. They are eternally youthful and have a TON of energy. You don't want your dog sleeping outside. You are his family, and for a canine being separated from the family means death. Literally. A pack of wild dogs can work together to keep away predators and find food, but a dog by himself will be stressed and anxious and not at all the fuzzy friend you envisioned. So keep that in mind. If you're getting a puppy, take him through Puppy Kindergarten. It will expose him to other dogs and experiences at the age he needs them. Talk with trainers, breeders, anyone you can. Everyone will give you their two cents' worth of advice, and most of it is good. Also check out Cesar Millans' "The Dog Whisperer." Very good stuff. Good luck with your future doggy!

Answer 4

Description
The Golden Retriever is a beautiful, sturdy, well-proportioned dog with a feathered, medium-length, cream to golden-colored coat. (The coat is not suppose to be red.) The outer coat is water-repellent and the undercoat is dense. The head is broad, with a tapering, but wide, powerful muzzle. It has a scissors bite and a clear frontal stop. The nose is black and the kindly eyes are brown with dark rims. The ears are medium-sized and pendant. Its neck and thighs are muscular and the chest is broad. The tail is long, but never curled.

Temperament
These are lovable, well-mannered, intelligent dogs with a great charm. They are easily trained, and always patient and gentle with children. Loyal, confident, sweet and eager to please. It is active, loving and an outstanding family dog. Golden Retrievers enjoy pleasing their masters, so obedience training can be fun. They excel in obedience competitions. Friendly with everyone, including other dogs, the Golden Retriever has very little, if any, guarding instincts. While unlikely to attack, Goldens make good watchdogs, loudly signaling a stranger's approach. This breed needs to be around people to be happy. If isolated from human contact, or left alone for long periods of time, the Golden Retriever may become mischievous. They can be over-exuberant and distractible. Some of the Golden's talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. These dogs also love to swim.

Height, Weight
Height: Dogs 22-24 inches (56-61cm.) Bitches 20-22 inches (51-56cm.)
Weight: Dogs 60-80 pounds (27-36kg.) Bitches 55-70 pounds (25-32kg.)

Health Problems
Prone to hip dysplasia and congenital eye defects. OFA and CERF certification are important from both parents. Parents should also be checked for Von Willebrand's disease and heart problems. Skin allergies are common in Golden Retrievers and require immediate veterinary attention.

Living Conditions
This breed will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a medium to large yard.

Exercise
The Golden Retriever needs daily exercise, but likes to retrieve balls and other toys, so exercising is fairly easy. Be sure to exercise this dog well and do not overfeed, as he tends to put on weight.

Life Expectancy
About 10-12 years

Grooming
The smooth, medium-haired double coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, paying particular attention to the dense undercoat. Dry shampoo regularly, but bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

Origin
The Golden Retriever was first developed in the British Isles, probably from crosses between a yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, light-coated Tweed Water Spaniels, other spaniels, setters and even the Newfoundland and possibly the Bloodhound. In fact the breed was first shown as a Golden Flat-Coat. The Golden is one of the world's foremost family companion dogs. Many of the top obedience competition dogs in the country are Golden retrievers. The Golden is also a fine bird dog on both land and in the water. He has an excellent nose and has been used not only for hunting and tracking, but also for narcotics detection. Because of his great desire to please and capacity for love and learning, the Golden Retriever is also used as a guide for the blind, therapy dog, and service dog for the disabled.

Group
Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Answer 5

Mosquitoes carry heartworm, he can't sleep outside. The Golden is a wonderful breed, normally kept indoors because it's considered one of the best family oriented dogs in the world. Keep him by you, train him to go potty outside, love him and he will give his life for you!

Answer 6

Well your first mistake is getting a Golden Retriever, Dont get me wrong their great dogs but not so good for people who dont know much about dogs maily because of their sheer size, unless controlled, like all big dogs, it may get the better of its owners

my advice is to get a nice small dog, one thats easier to look after and more manageable

( P.S Dont let your dog sleep outside!)

Answer 7

dogs are loving creatures and a huge responsability.they need constant love and attention.leaving a dog outside in the elements is not fair to the animal.he will be lonely and that is no way to live your life.please reconsider either keeping him inside especially at night,or dont get a dog untill you are ready to commit to some good puppy training and lots of attention.the dog will end up depressed or aggresive or both.

Answer 8

dogs are concidered mans' best friend. In this case womens' best friend. I have dog and he is very nice. CAUTION: many people do not trust pitbulls. They attack people a lot.
chiwawas are very cute and small. great danes are really big but they usually don't live for such a long time. schauzer-terrier mix is what I have and he is very loyal. Pomaranians are very protective.