To ask if any of you have ever had a golden retriever?

[Misshannahb]

And we're they good dogs? Thinking of getting one.

My parents always had them. Four all told and all lovely dogs. Prone to weight gain though so you have to be strict. My mum suffered from dementia in later life and used to feed their last dog from the table at mealtimes and he just got fatter and fatter. It was so sad to see because she had been so careful with her previous dogs, very strict with what they ate, and they were all in marvellous shape, but she didn't know what she was doing.

But all beautiful, gentle, lovely, good natured dogs that were wonderful with loads of grandchildren around. It brings a tear to my eye thinking back on those times when mum was alive and all the kids were around in their beautiful house by the beach in Wales. Happy days.

The one before last, was to dopiest dog I have ever known. He was lovely natured (they all were) but with him it was definitely a case of the lights being on and no-one home. He used to like rocks. On the beach he'd pick up the biggest rock he could find and just carry it in his mouth. He'd have to keep putting it down periodically because it was so big, but then he'd persevere with it all the way home which was up a steep hill. My parents had to make a rockery out of all the rocks he brought home!

That’s true, I suppose it’s a plus point really. You never have to empty the bin.

definitely a case of the lights being on and no-one home
This sums up my golden retriever perfectly.

Ive grown up with two (one after the other). They are generally such friendly and gentle dogs. Beautiful temperament. The only thing I'd say is they can shed a bit so maybe not the best if you don't want a shedder!

My boy loves collecting rocks too!!

Goldendoodles might not shed (they do, but that's another story) but they need 100% more grooming than a plain old Golden Retriever.

Oh and chances are they will adore throwing themselves into any bog/ water source they find... so if you have cream carpets and can't stand the thought of any mess/ having to hose your dog down in the winter then maybe not the dog for you! Would help if you said what you're looking for in a dog? :)

There’s one in my obedience training class, he’s so laid back he’s horizontal even though he’s entire and only 18 months old. Isn’t the quickest to grasp new things but once he’s got something it’s solid. Can be hugely stubborn.

This appeared on my FB feed today

OMG that is so funny! Me and the daughter have tears of laughter running down our cheeks. Reminds us so much of our 'rock' dog, That dozy expression when he's just looking at her and blinking.

I've had them all my life and they are dogs that speak to your soul. They love you, and water in equal amounts. None of mine have ever been gluttons and would rather miss a meal than a walk. None have been bin raiders either, but all of them have been hippos. I built an outside shower room for easy bathing (yes it happens that often)
. Expect lots of love, deep charm, many compliments from people you meet, tumbleweeds of fur in your hallway and muddy smiling dogs in wet weather.

We have one - he's a giant teddy bear. He's getting very old now and I'm not sure how much longer he'll have, but I know I'll not have another dog after him. I just can't imagine any other dog being as gentle, loving, placid and tolerant of our noisy, bickering children. He has been an absolute delight (...but my God! The shedding!!).

I feel the same about my boy too margot there just could never be a dog as perfect as him.

Got 2 of them 3 years and 4 months...the most loving and loyal dogs. Yeah they shed but nothing a lint roller and the Hoover don't sort plus a 10 mins brush everyday. Prime example a neighbour's son of 4 is petrified of dogs and my 3 year old retriever has brought him round as she's so patient and placid. They get about an hour's walk a day and once a week a run at the local park. But those eyes will swallow your 💓 and even the naughtiest of pups will melt you.

I grew up with one, she was beautiful but her hair got everywhere no matter how often you hoovered.

She was also very stubborn and it took a while to train her because if she didn't want to do something she would 'become deaf' and do what she wanted.

We had one growing up and she was my best friend. Great nanny dogs, very placid.