Tell me about golden retrievers

[Takingontheworld]

We have a terrier. Kids were scared of dogs before so we went for small breed. Now they're fully fledged dog lovers, and I still would love a bigger breed and have a real soft spot for retrievers.

Bit worried about the malting.... not an issue with current doggo.

We have these in the family- great digs but the moulting is out of this world 😂 we have two double coated dogs -shelties- and they do not cover us in anywhere near the same amount of fur as when we visit a relative with hers 😂 lovely dogs though

I have 2. Absolutely love them but as above pp says the hair gets all over. And they will find the tiniest bit of water when out for a walk and come back absolutely filthy.

I’m not a massive fan tbh.
We (briefly) had one as a child, he didn’t like young children and was a bad resource guarder, think full on lunging and snarling for walking past..
Resource guarding is a known issue in some lines of golden retrievers (and spaniels).

I find them excessively bouncy and mouthy and I’m just not a big fan although some of them are very beautiful to look at.

I also get irrationally annoyed at the fact they are called ‘golden’ retrievers yet they are almost always white...
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a ‘proper’ deep gold coloured working Golden retriever in the flesh.

@Borderstotheleftofme ...is this what you mean? One of my boys.

We had one when I was younger. He was legendary, loyal,lovely, fun, but they are big and can be a bit all over you and yes they do moult. Saying that, theyve huge hearts. Definitely my favourite breed

Smelly, hairy, clumsy, filthy, can resource guard, Bitey little shits as puppies, prone to joint issues
Funny, beautiful, loving, empathetic
Only breed for me

As expected then

I have two.

More hair than you could imagine. Mud magnets. Getting wet is an ambition for them. Very mouthy as puppies. Cancer is very high in the breed. Greedy.

But...

Beautiful, happy dogs. Always ready for whatever is going on as a family. So easy to train. Can turn a paw to most dog activities, I've done obedience and agility. Love a cuddle. Neither of mine resource guard. Like to carry around their cuddly toys. Not barkers. Old girl fetches my slippers!

I'm not a gundog fan but after getting one Golden I absolutely adore them!

[quote Grandadwasthatyou]@Borderstotheleftofme ...is this what you mean? One of my boys. [/quote]
That’s a cracking dog 😍

So. Much. Hair.

Ridiculous amount of dirt and hair. Put throws on your settees, prepare to hoover, more, buy a furminator, and if you're houseproud, don't bother getting a retriever.

They're gorgeous dogs though. Really trainable, intelligent, friendly, loving and so patient. They love clowning, so if you laugh at something they do, they'll remember and do it again and again. We made the mistake of laughing when he carries things off in his mouth, so quite often you'll bring a box of biscuits through and put it on the coffee table, then you'll turn round and the dog will be walking off with the box in his mouth, waving his tail merrily.

They are a fantastic breed, if well socialised and trained they can be a great member of the family.

I grew up with two, one was badly bred and very lazy but a sweetie. The second was her complete opposite. He was crazy, loved mud and water but so smart.

Make sure you go to a good breeder, who health tests both the bitch and dog.

Oh yes, they love being clowns. They do seem delighted when they make you laugh.

We had a rescue when my son was a toddler. She was like a poster dog for the breed. Biddable, loving, always ready for an adventure and loved water. We would walk beside a stream and the moment she was off lead she would be in the water and would spend her whole time in the stream.

She didn't have a bad bone in her body. The only negative was the shedding.

We now have a retriever cross. He looks nothing like a retriever but his behaviour is just like the dogs you see on You Tube vids. He wants to be cuddled - not just stroked but full on hugged and he shows so much affection for his people. I love him to bits.

Reading this makes me want a golden retriever. I've always wanted one 😍
However I hate the shedding that comes with a spaniel let alone the amount it sounds a retriever does! I'm sure I could get over it though they are just lovely.

I would add that because they look like big smiley teddies people tend to forget they are big powerful dogs, I have had to peel toddlers off mine several times while the parent looked on fondly
Also, a good friend of mines child suffered serious injuries after being knocked downstairs by their Goldie
Generally they won’t deliberately hurt you ( and will be very sorry if they do) but they should be treated with respect
I actually don’t mind the shedding too much, the hair just gathers in clumps which can be picked up easily

The hair is a concern! I just love their smiley faces so much 🤣

Nigel

Lots of hair everywhere and lots of chewing (walls, sofa, beds, furniture, etc) but they are very loving and playful x

Pressed send too soon- they generally get on well with other dogs and love children.

They are lovely dogs but oh my GOD the hair is ridiculous

We have one and I adore him 🥰 but the fur is ridiculous! I hoover 2-3 times a day and I could make another dog from the fur I get off him when I brush him. But he is very good with my DC, always happy and very daft!

Lovely but very, very, very strong so get that lead walking/recall trained in early! The one we know can pull off my feet and I’m not light 😆

I think the fur might put me off. I'm not sure i want a lab really

Our terrier is the best thing ever but he's a barky shit and i think it would be bad idea to have another to harmonise with!