What do I need to know about getting a golden retriever?

[Tilllly]

As a puppy

From a reputable breeder

Advice gratefully received ☺️

Get on the Champdogs website. You can search in your area, check the parents have had all the health tests, including genetic testing, for as many of the issues that may affect a goldie. It's how I found my latest Labrador puppy.

If you have kids they are more bouncy and big than you think so I wouldn’t recommend with really small kids. (They are legends just very big and strong)

Hair. Everywhere

You will never be sad again.

You need to join the Facebook group "golden retrievers - sourcing reputable breeders UK" as a starting point.

Definitely. Also splatters up the walls from wet walks etc.

I'm jealous! Spectacular dogs.

You're about to fall in love. Your house will be stinky for the next 10-12 years. And you need a good hoover 😁

And they are puppies until about age 3, just gorgeous and fantastic dogs.

Lots and lots of hair.

Need a decent walk.

Incredibly loyal companions

Also, puppies are lovely and cute, then absolute shits who will make you cry. Then suddenly you have the perfect dog.

Recommend the puppy survival thread for support

And a robot hoover.

I have two boys
But they're all grown up and gone 😁

Yes, already clocked that

Considered

Didn't care - have lived with dog / cat hair all my life tho appreciate this is on a different level!!

Oh dear lord the HAIR. Hire a maid and all will be well.

They NEVER stop moulting. They shed all year round, not just to get rid of the winter coat. Also you can't get them clipped because they are double coated (kind of waterproof smooth hair on top, fluffy furry hair underneath) and if you mess with it, it fucks up their temperature regulation. So your house will be forever furry and you will give up wearing black trousers!

I disagree with the pp about not having them around you kids. We got ours and then a month later I was pregnant, so she's been around babies and toddlers and children since she was about 10-11 months old and has always been lovely and gentle and patient with them.

They are very trainable - food motivated which helps - we put a fair bit of effort into the puppy training and haven't had to do anything much to keep it up into adulthood. She doesn't bark, doesn't jump up, walks off lead, we can leave a plate of food on the coffee table and leave the room, she won't touch it.

Gorgeous animals. But hairy!

You will weep when your Goldie wallows in a muddy puddle for the zillionth time and you have to hose them down for the zillionth time and your walls and kitchen cupboards need to be wiped down for the zillionth time and you find tumbleweeds of fur minutes after hoovering and... and...and they are amazing. I miss our boy very much, he was wonderful.

My mum has always had GR. She wouldn’t entertain having any other dog. They’re loyal, friendly, great fun, great with kids. The newest GR is a digger though…he’s dug up must of her garden, pulled down trees and trellis, dug up bulbs, destroyed pots/planters…but otherwise he’s adorable 😂 He is HUGE though and very, very strong so get a good thick lead and some strong arms!

You may have to match your clothes and decor to the dog despite getting the best robot hoover money can buy...

I must be making the right decision because none of this is putting me off

We back on to fields with plenty of other walks nearby

Will come in via garage to de-mud worst of it

Main concern initially is ensuring a healthy dog from a reputable person

I had a beautiful retriever, he lived until the grand age of 14! He was in a litter that was bred for Guide Dogs, out of 10 in the litter, they picked 5 for training.

Definitely the hair was the main issue, if I could have bagged and sold it, I’d have made a fortune.

I now have not one - but two - springer spaniels, who are fabulous. And non shedding!

Get me one too please!

They're my dream dog, however I only have a spaniel-size house and garden.

They like to act as therapists , they will sit beside you make eye contact and just listen , as long as they get a hug at the end .

Get an outdoor tap and vreate an outdoor shower room.
Never wear white again.
Psint your walls a muddy colour

😂😂😂
Already have outdoor tap

Pale coloured walls throughout.... I just won't look!

Tilllly
Oh best of luck finding the love of your life so!!!👏👏👏👏❤️