What Are the Advantages of a Golden Retriever? – Pros and Cons

When someone says the word ‘dog’ to another person, there is a high chance that the image they conjure in their imagination is that of a dog similar to breeds like the Golden Retriever or the Labrador Retriever.

Part of this has to do with how ubiquitous these breeds are in the USA. Even though Golden Retrievers are one of the most well-known dog breeds, there is still a lot of misinformation about their behavior and care.

we understand that not everyone is looking for the same thing in a dog. Some people want a small dog they can carry around with them, others want a big dog to protect their home.

Some people want a Golden Retriever because of their reputation as being great with families.

But what are the advantages of a Golden Retriever? We provide the pros and cons about adopting this breed and help you decide if they may be the dog for your family.

Basic characteristics of the golden retriever

To best understand whether or not a Golden Retriever is the right dog for you, it is important to understand their basic characteristics.

This is not to say that every dog of the same breed will be the same, but there are some breed traits which many of them share.

The Golden Retriever is a breed of dog that originated in Great Britain in the 19th century. They were first bred as hunting dogs, used to collect waterfowl after they had been shot.

This is from where the retriever part of their name derives. Despite their background in blood sport, the Golden Retriever is generally calm, kind and a breed especially good with children.

The Golden Retriever is a versatile breed that has learned to adapt to life in various families. They are quick learners and excel at picking up commands, which is to be expected from one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world.

They are also social creatures that enjoy being around other dogs and animals of other species.

In terms of physical appearance, the Golden Retriever’s coat is a golden yellow hue, but it can sometimes skew towards cream. They have a dense undercoat and a longer outercoat.

Advantages of having a Golden Retriever

There are several advantages to living with a Golden Retriever. They are:

1. Golden Retrievers are excellent companions. They are cheerful, friendly dogs that enjoy being around people.

2. Golden Retrievers are intelligent and easily trained. They make great family pets and are often used as therapy dogs or assistance dogs.

3. Golden Retrievers are active and need plenty of exercise. They make great hiking or running partners and will enjoy playing fetch or swimming.

4. Golden Retrievers are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They do not require regular haircuts and only need to be brushed a few times a week.

Their character is balanced

All dogs can have a balanced temperament with the right experiences and training. However, Golden Retrievers are more likely to have an even character than other dog breeds.

This is evident in the fact that they are one of the most common breeds used as assistance and therapy dogs for people with specific needs.

While there are always exceptions, Golden Retrievers are generally docile, which makes them easy to handle and live with in the home. They are also very affectionate.

When considering adopting a Golden Retriever, keep in mind that these indications of temperament are not just for purebreds. Golden Retriever mixes will likely also have even temperaments.

And, we recommend adopting older dogs since so many adult animals are overlooked in favor of puppies. An adult Golden Retriever is generally a safe bet for a happy and well-balanced companion.

They are a very adaptable dog

One of the great advantages of having a Golden Retriever is their excellent character. But it’s not just their personality that makes them such great pets.

Golden Retrievers are also very adaptable. They’ll find comfort in all sorts of homes and families.

And while we can never neglect a dog, a Golden Retriever will be able to spend time on their own when they need to. They’re particularly well-suited for yards or other open spaces.

While golden retrievers may be on the large side, they can adapt well to apartment living as long as their care needs are met and they get plenty of exercise. This breed loves to be outdoors, so multiple walks per day are a must.

One of the things that make pugs great for entering new homes is their adaptability.

They are patient and have a stable temperament, which means they will be able to adjust to the rhythms of the home and get along well with the other members of their adopted family.

For example, they can make a good companion to a sporty family, but they may also be suited to older families who are not as mobile.

They have great intelligence

In the 1990s, the psychologist Stanley Coren drew up a list of 79 canine breeds, ranking them from highest to lowest intelligence.

It should be noted that he was referring specifically to intelligence relative to the ability to learn commands and obey.

The golden retriever is ranked number four on this list. Therefore, we can say that specimens of this breed have a facility for learning commands quickly.

They are the best companion for children

As we have already stated in the review of their characteristics, the good relationship that they establish with the smallest members of the family is a reason to have a Golden Retriever.

This means they will get on well with children in their family, but they will also be good with stranger children. However, any minors in the family will need to be taught to respect the dog’s boundaries. They are not a toy.

Must Read: My Cat Is Running Around Like a Maniac