Before You Go Gold

To go Gold or not to go Gold; That is the question.

There are a few things all new Golden owners should be aware of. Here are some of the most important things I think you should know when considering a Golden Retriever.

1. The fur! The FUR!

Goldens are known for their beautiful coats, and it takes a lot of work to keep them that way. Goldens require a lot of grooming and SHOULD NEVER BE SHAVED. Shaving a Golden can cause them to have sunburn or develop skin problems. Their double coat works hard to protect your dog from the elements. With all this fur comes great responsibility. There will be more sweeping, vacuuming, and you will definitely find stray Golden strands in your food. Might I suggest a roomba… or 2?

Along with the shedding, Goldens are known for having waxier ears than some breeds - and it always seems to affect one ear more than the other. It’s just one of those breed things. Weekly ear cleanings are recommended.

2. Golden puppies are a great weight-loss program.

The energy levels are high. I’m sure you’ve met or seen those well-behaved Goldens on the streets or in movies and have the perfect picture of what your Golden Retriever will be like - and with the right training and patience, they WILL get there, but first… be prepared for 2 wild years. Goldens have a LOT of energy and they will have you playing fetch until your arm falls off. And at around 4-6 months, it’s normal for Golden puppies to become sharks. They get bitey and think they’re tough. Lucky for us, Goldens aim to please and are easily trainable.

3. There will be mud.

Have you ever seen pictures of Golden Retrievers covered in mud? I bet you have. There’s a very simple explanation for why - Goldens LOVE mud. You probably know that they love the water and swimming, but it doesn’t stop there. Mud comes from water and therefore it belongs to the Goldens. Brace yourself for muddy pawprints across the floors and lots of baths in the springtime. Oh… and when you see your Golden just casually laying in the rain - yeah, that’s normal, too. And don’t worry… they’ll always be sure to save those shakies JUST for you!

4. Goldens are not guard dogs.

They might let you know someone is breaking in, but they’re still going to be polite and make them a cup of tea and bring them a toy to throw. Goldens have the most gentle of souls and they just don’t understand that some humans are bad (ope, I said the “b-word.”)

If you are looking for someone to watch your house while you’re away or guard the kids while they sleep - the Golden Retriever is not it.

5. Separation Anxiety is common in this breed.

If you are a very active person and not often home, a Golden probably wouldn’t suit your lifestyle. They have major attachment issues and are happiest around their people. They are not dog park dogs and much prefer the company of humans over other canines. When it comes to Goldens… their life really does revolve around you - and they will not have it any other way.

6. Are you smarter than a Golden?

They are SMART. You might not see this as a disadvantage, and it’s not, but it’s important to keep in mind that this is a breed that needs plenty of mental stimulation and daily enrichment. Goldens love to learn and they love to please. They’re great at obedience training and can usually learn a new trick in 15 minutes. Keep them busy and they will reward you by not getting onto counters or chewing on couch cushions.