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

[Tilllly]

As a puppy

From a reputable breeder

Advice gratefully received ☺️

I won't @jollywhite
That's why I've waited

Ours can be left all day now that she's an adult. Not as a puppy, a neighbour used to come in for an hour in the middle of the day. But now she is older she basically sleeps all day anyway, we've never had an issue leaving her when we've both been working. If I'm at home she just goes off and sneaks onto my bed to sleep all day anyway!

My kids grew up with our Goldie. They are completely adorable dogs. The down sides are masses of shed dog fur, a dog that loves mud and water and a dog who lives for food.

Find yourself a breeder, not a puppy.

Look for someone whose dogs meet your preference (show or working, they are very different in ‘type’), then visit the breeder, meet the adults, check out their health testing credentials. See if they have healthy oldies about the place. They should be asking you lots of questions too.

When you have found someone you are happy with, and they are happy with you, put your name on a waiting list for their next litter.

I hope you're prepared to buy them their own sofa...

They are absolutely nuts as puppies! Once you get to 6 months they chill a bit then chill some more around 2-2.5 years.

Me and husband cried everyday though first 6 months. We had a baby shortly after, and newborn through to toddler phase has been a walk in the park in comparison.
She makes the most lovely family dog now she is 2.5, and she has been so gentle around baby since the get-go, just not around us adults (I'm covered in scars from her scratching and biting to prove it!

Don't ever just expect them to be adorable and lovely, especially around children. My parents' Goldie nearly took the hand off my niece. She had just reached out to stroke him and he snapped at her. He also bit my hand when I put it out and sunk his teeth into my wrist.

I honestly despair when people seem to think all golden retrievers are just going to be so sweet and fluffy and it's a given. I have the scars to show they aren't ....like ANY dog, they can be unpredictable but as a big breed, they also can be dangerous. I will never have golden retriever around my own children.

We have had goldens for 40 years. Currently an 11 yr old and a 6 yr old retired breeding bitch.

You have gathered that they are hairy- that double coat keeps them warm and dry = constant moulting.
They love water, the dirtier the better and will wade, swim or roll at any opportunity.
They are very people oriented and like to go everywhere with their family.
As puppies they can be real land sharks!
Training is vital- not just puppy classes, consider the good citizens awards too. None on my dogs go on the furniture, they walk nicely on and off their leads and they have good recall liver cake bribes. The new 6yr old came from a breeder who kept her in a shed with a run. She hadn't lived in a house or been for walks. So her training is still a work in progress.

Sadly as a breed they are prone to cancer, something to be aware of when choosing a breeder.

Picture just because 😁

Ours is a total shit but also the best dog ever. Very stubborn but also very chilled - he likes to pretend he doesn't like us but lets it slip that he does really every so often. Easy puppy, awful teenager and fairly decent adult dog - is getting on a bit now (9) and has started drooling more. Lots of hair. We love him a lot. We also have a lab and, being totally honest, the lab is easier and more affectionate, but that could just be down to individual personalities.

I lost mine suddenly in September and all I can say is that for the intense pain since, I wouldn’t change a moment even so - they are magical. The most beautiful, gentle, kind souls. Who cares about the hair? I smile whenever I find a ball of it under a cupboard these days. Enjoy xx

Cars, I forgot to mention cars.

Ours loved to be in the car, preferably with humans but happy to just sit in the car while it was being washed.

Oh has anyone mentioned the hair yet?

such lovely dogs
my db has one, she’s so playful

Very hairy

I have a friend who took a clump of her Golden Retriever's hair to match for new carpet.

My sister has one now. The sweetest dog ever. She comes up next to you and leans against you. Melts my heart.

Hair?
No, what about it? 😁

I used to brush my old dog in the garden and leave the clumps of hair and watch the birds fly off with it

@Tilllly You will be welcome to bring your GR in to the happy place cafe, I'll have a GR coloured sofa for both of you.

Thanks @sashh 😊

The way I'll be viewing it, if my pooch can't go somewhere, I'm not going

Tho what about the kittenbees?

The kittenbees will be fine, they can curl up in all that hair, you do know about the hair don't you?

I have one. He’s the best thing ever. He’s a rescue with a very traumatic past that he seems to have forgotten all about. No behaviour issues other than jumping up when excited. He loves everyone even though people have been horrible to him in the past. He’s gentle with my baby son and is very proud of him, likes to show visitors the new baby. I have grown up around dogs but have never felt such a strong bond with one before. I love him so much. Yes my house is covered in hair but that’s a small price to pay for the best dog in the world.

Just here for the pics

Merry Christmas from our Bowie

Merry Christmas Bowie!!!

Happy Xmas from Nelly

Pictures you say? Merry Christmas!

Very impressed with all these Goldies who will allow themselves to be accessorised! Mine will have none of it 😂