Are Golden Retrievers Good First Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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You could make a strong case that

not only are Golden Retrievers good for first-time dog owners, but they may also be the best breed for newbies

. These dogs are loyal, affectionate, obedient, and easygoing, with few behavioral problems.

Are Golden Retrievers hard to raise?


Golden Retrievers are not hard to train

. The breed’s high intelligence and food motivation, combined with their eagerness to please, makes them one of the easiest to train dog breeds. In addition, research has shown that Goldens learn commands quickly and that they possess a very high level of obedience.

How difficult are golden retriever puppies?


Puppies of all breeds can be difficult

, and since golden retrievers mature slowly (they don’t calm down until about 2-3 years old), expect to be in this stage for a while. But it’s not all bad news. The good news is that they’re totally worth it.

Are Golden Retrievers easy to house train?

The good news is that retrievers are very intelligent and

should be relatively easy to potty train

. Remember, the younger you start training your pup, the easier and faster he will learn.

What is the calmest dog to have?

  • English Bulldogs. It’s easy to write these hefty pups off as lazy, but English Bulldogs welcome the frequent exercise they need in order to stay trim. …
  • Great Pyrenees. …
  • French Bulldogs. …
  • Bichon Frises. …
  • Greyhounds. …
  • Scottish Deerhound. …
  • Golden Retriever.

What’s the easiest dog to train?

  • Border Collie. Prized for its instincts and working ability, the Border Collie is thought to be the most intelligent and easy to train dog. …
  • Poodle. …
  • Miniature Schnauzer. …
  • Labrador Retriever. …
  • German Shepherd. …
  • Bearded Collie.

Why you should not get a golden retriever?

YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN “OUTSIDE ONLY” DOG – Part of what makes Goldens “Golden” is their affectionate, people loving nature. This trait makes them VERY unhappy when they don’t have a high amount of interaction with you.

A Golden confined to the backyard can become destructive and LOUD!

Do Golden Retrievers bark a lot?

While they can make good watchdogs, Golden Retrievers are generally a quiet breed and

bark occasionally

.” When they do bark, their bark is usually more of a friendly bark than an aggressive one.

What are the disadvantages of golden retriever?

  • Big and hungry. This breed gets big (55-75 pounds) and will gladly get bigger if overfed.
  • Needs vigorous exercise (and a lot of it). Daily workouts of 40-60 minutes are a must for this breed. …
  • Holy shed. …
  • Not great at being alone in an apartment all day. …
  • Prone to certain health problems.

Does golden retriever bite?


Golden Retrievers follow their basic instinct to bite because of their history with hunting, chasing, and even biting in some situations.

What are the pros and cons of Golden Retrievers?

Pros (The Good) Cons (The Bad) Affectionate and friendly Can be stubborn Intelligent and obedient Can forget their size Eager to please Prone to weight gain Easy to train Easily bored

What dog is the cutest?

  • Schnauzer. 59.01%
  • Leonberger. 58.99%
  • Cavapoo. 58.79%
  • Springador. 58.69%
  • Siberian Husky. 58.48%
  • Bernese Mountain Dog. 56.76%
  • Old English Bulldog. 56.30%
  • Bloodhound. 56.05% Labradoodle small.

Should I get a female or male Golden Retriever?


Male Golden Retrievers are goofier and more playful than female Golden Retrievers

. Females are more independent, dominant over other dogs, stubborn, and protective. Females are also often more caring and in tune with your emotions than males.

Do Golden Retrievers stink?


With proper care, diet, and health, your Golden Retriever shouldn’t smell bad often

. If you implement good grooming habits, you can keep a clean smelling dog with no lingering odors.

How many times does a Golden Retriever puppy pee?

Puppies and younger dogs may need to go out

every hour at first

. As a puppy gets older, you can add one hour for each month of the puppy’s age. Senior dogs can usually manage 4-6 hours between visits outdoors. Adult dogs typically need to go out every 6-8 hours at a minimum.

Are Golden Retrievers calm dogs?


Golden Retrievers calm down at around two to three years of age

. Each dog is individual and will reach this more mature milestone at a different time, but it usually happens when they are three years old. There are some instances where Golden Retrievers take until around four years old to calm down.

How do you pick a calm puppy?

  1. Talk to the owner. Ask about appetite and eliminations. …
  2. Observe the litter mates in action. Do they all play together or is there a quiet one that retreats to a corner? …
  3. Survey their overall appearance. Do the puppies’ coats shine? …
  4. Watch them move.

What is the laziest dog breed?

  • #7: Cocker Spaniel. Shutterstock. …
  • #6: Puggle. Shutterstock. …
  • #5: Basset Hound. Shutterstock. …
  • #4: Akita. Shutterstock. …
  • #3: Newfoundland. Shutterstock. …
  • #2: Bulldog mix. Shutterstock. …
  • #1: Chow Chow. Shutterstock. …
  • Shutterstock. SEE ALSO: The 43 most active dog breeds in America.

What’s the hardest dog to train?

  1. Beagles. A Beagle has a nose for everything – literally. …
  2. Rottweiler. This one is a bit controversial, but here’s the breakdown on this breed. …
  3. Siberian Husky. Most people would agree that a Siberian Husky is a gorgeous dog. …
  4. Basset Hound. …
  5. Chinese Shar-Pei. …
  6. Afghan Hound.

What is the most loyal dog?

  • of 15. Labrador Retriever. There’s a reason Lucy is so loyal! …
  • of 15. Bulldog. …
  • of 15. Golden Retriever. …
  • of 15. German Shepherds. …
  • of 15. Beagle. …
  • of 15. Pug. …
  • of 15. Irish Setter. …
  • of 15. Brussels Griffon.

What is the most obedient dog?

  • #1: German Shepherd Dog. This extraordinary dog is number one on our list. …
  • #2: Poodle. …
  • #3: Border Collie. …
  • #4: Doberman Pinscher. …
  • #5: Labrador Retriever. …
  • #6: Golden Retriever. …
  • #7: Papillon. …
  • #8: Rottweiler.

Are Golden Retrievers dumb dogs?


Golden Retrievers are some of the most intelligent dogs we have

. In fact, they’re the 4th smartest dog breed for obedience & working intelligence. But what makes the Golden Retriever truly smart is their keen ability to communicate and read human emotions.

Which is bigger Labrador or Golden Retriever?

However, of the two,

Labradors measure slightly larger than Golden Retrievers

. On average, Labrador Retrievers stand between 21.5 and 24.5 inches tall and weigh from 55 to 80 pounds. Meanwhile, most Golden Retrievers stand 21 to 24 inches tall and weigh between 55 to 75 pounds.

Should I get a golden retriever or a lab?

Generally,

Goldens are said to be a bit softer, gentler, and more sensitive than Labs

. While both do well in families with children, Labs tend to have the advantage in adapting to households with boisterous, lively, and loud young children. Many Goldens prefer a slightly more calm and tranquil home environment.

Do Golden Retrievers like to cuddle?


They like to cuddle

They can sense when you’re troubled or require a much-needed snuggle so unless you need someone to actually talk to, golden retrievers make for the ideal companion if all you want is to hunker down in comfortable silence.

Are Golden Retrievers high maintenance dogs?

Golden Retrievers are

average to moderate maintenance dogs

. Shedding, health issues, and higher activity levels need more attention. However, the breed’s high trainability and obedience, minimal barking, and friendliness towards children and other pets make them more manageable than many other dogs.

Do Golden Retrievers protect their owners?


Golden Retrievers can make excellent guard dogs

. They are large, protective and smart enough to guard your home and your family with minimal training at times. This is largely due to their obedient and loyal nature.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.