Golden retrievers

[IcedupTulip]

Hi. We lost our 1st dog back in May and are starting to look at the possibility of a second.

golden retrievers seem to be the ideal family dog (for us) but a bit worried about their size and how much exercise they need. Research seems to suggest 2 hours a day. Is this about right?

i think we could do an hour in the morning and half an hour in the evening but not sure 2 hours will be doable every day.

if you have a golden please tell me about them.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/thedoghouse/4969014-what-do-i-need-to-know-about-getting-a-golden-retriever

^^ that will help!

I have a golden.

1-2 hours a day is about right. Mine gets 2-3 hours a day (10 - 15 miles) and could go for longer and is pretty much awake all day being active. He's a shown line (working/show line can make a difference as show lines tend to be less active, but it doesn't always). As with humans, all dogs and Goldens are different - some probably don't need the exercise mine does! But some might well need more...🙂

On size, the breed average is 30-35KG. Be prepared (particularly if you get a boy) for it to be larger. Mine is 42KG, still growing as he's still classed as a puppy...and I've just been told to up his food intake as he's 'a bit thin' (and when a vet says a dog is thin, you KNOW they're thin)!

They are lovely dogs, truly lovely. But they can be hard work when they are puppies. That said, despite the few weeks where I would have literally given him away to anyone who asked, I have no regrets. He's the most loyal, lovely and friendly dog I have ever had.

Thank you. Will take a look at that link. We will be going for a boy if we do it. Hopefully ours would be happy with an hour and a half most days!

Mine gets an hour a day but more on days off, he’s quite happy with that and a run about the garden or field beside the house. He’s quite lazy though loves to sleep.

I would make sure you get a solid breeder though, they are full on as pups and land sharks too. Clever dogs, I’m on my second and would love another. Ours isn’t as big as pp he’s 3 and 34kg slighter than my old boy who was solid. Lovely dogs but socialise and train well you’ll have a friend for life

On my 4th and love them. An hour and a half is absolutely fine. Amazing dogs. Get the training done early and you will reap the rewards!

Best dogs ever. Absolutely brilliant with children. They are bigger dogs but so placid it's not an issue. Get one you will never regret it!!

I'm on my 4th, they love company and are the most wonderful, almost telepathic breed but beware, they are sharks as puppies and thive within a calm home. They hate being alone and mine gets scared if a bin bag looks at him the wrong way in the street so you'll have to do a lot of mothering

Almost all are! I just struck lucky/unlucky on how energetic mine is (depending on how you look at it)!

But echo PPs, they are just the best breed.

Honestly, 90 minutes a day should be absolutely fine - especially if they'll have lots of company on top of that. Goldens are fabulous dogs - if only they weren't so hairy

I have a rescue one and she's tiny at 3 - only 21kg. Perfect size as I can still pick her up.

Be prepared for mud and hair everywhere.

There is no reason to walk a dog miles and miles a day. All you create is a fit dog which requires even more exercise.
OP - the amount of time you can provide is ample.

I’ve heard this. I’m not prepared 🤣🤣

We have a golden - she's two years old and 30kg. And very lazy! She gets about 1.5 hours a day but sometimes less and has to be dragged out on cold nights 😂 You can just feed them a bit less if they aren't getting enough exercise. She will destroy toilet rolls if she goes too long without a decent walk but one long walk or two shorter ones a day are fine. Whole house is covered in hair and she wallows in every muddy puddle she finds like a furry hippo... 😊

I'm going to go against the grain here re exercise. Our current Goldie has had 30 minutes today and frequent access to a large garden. He is only 11 months old and my reason for not walking him more today is that he has had an incredibly busy few days with car travel to relatives, socialising with unfamiliar dogs, walking in and around town, a really good hour long free run yesterday, and constant company for the last week. Plus he is a trainee guide dog and long runs every day aren't encouraged given that he will hopefully become a working guide.

Yes, mature goldies can easily do a few hours every day (our old retriever did this in her prime) but they don't NEED it. What they do need, in my opinion, is a decent amount of exercise, good training, brain games and companionship. They are my absolute favourite breed, so loving and amazing friends. But yes, they are little land sharks as small pups. Ours doesn't chew now but did until 7 months.

Today I was out with mine for two hours this morning then this afternoon for an hour and a half. This is not normal but both times we bumped into friends so walked with them/went on their walk too. Usually I try and do 1.5 hrs in the morning in case I can't get out in the afternoon but generally it's an hour twice a day.

My dog is a small retriever. Partly as mum was small and she's the proper weight. She is very furry and I do hoover several times a week but generally that's because of the mud!

Mine weighs 25kg and she is seven.

@Devilshands Gosh, he's a big lad! Our 11 month pup has just been weighed and is 32kg. I think he might get a bit bigger but not much. They are such a gorgeous and affectionate breed. ❤️

@IcedupTulip they're great dogs. They don't need 2 hours a day, they'll get used to your routine/time spent walking.

they thrive on games/puzzles and mental stimulation. Add that in & they'll be fine.

ive never known one who isn't a real 'companion' though, so it's not a breed I'd get if they're going to be left on their own a lot.

absolutely wonderful dogs, but the shedding. Get a good hover/brush depending on your floors & accept you'll be best buddies!

m.facebook.com/groups/1489967774724877/?ref=share

This is an excellent group for finding a good breeder.

Mine get an hour at lunchtime snd 30 mins at night. Plenty of other enrichment and playing in-between. But also fond of pottering around and sleeping.

Want to do a swap?! At his twelve week jab he weighed more than my cocker spaniel…(13KG!).

Definitely agree on affectionate though! He’s currently laying straight across my body - head on my chest and paws on my feet. Not sure he’s quite realised that if he smothers me there’s no breakfast …

They vary so much - ours does best on two 45min walks a day, but will be happy with one longer walk - either way still needs a lot of stimulation/attention. It’s like having a toddler again, minus the temper tantrums. they just constantly want you and way to be with you and want to cuddle and sit on your lap (all 37kg!)

They are so good with kids once you’ve got past the land shark stage, but you’ll definitely want to invest in a good mop. Never thought I’d be mopping my white goods, but non stop rain in the autumn was hard work!

She has 3 hours of walks yesterday and is absolutely broken today. Which is just as well as the weather is minging so it will be a poor effort this afternoon.

Mine is 5 now and we do an hour and a quarter in the morning and about 40 mins in the afternoon during winter - longer in the summer months when I can access more of the fields.
Fully recommend a Muddaddy for getting them clean after winter walks - helps cut down on the mud in the house!