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Golden Retriever Breed – Do You Really Need to Know Anything About It?
By Archie Right

Golden Retriever breed is extremely popular in the US and all over the world. Hundreds of people adopt Goldens every day and most of them have very limited knowledge about this canine. However, I believe that it is vitally important to learn everything you can about Golden Retriever breed and to find out if it is the right one for you.

Why do you want a dog?
First of all let’s find out why do you want to adopt a dog? If you need a watchdog then Golden Retriever is not the right choice. Golden is anything but a watchdog. The breed is famous for its friendliness and love for people. Have a look at the Golden when he’s barking at the door. Do you see that tale waiving asking “Will you play with me?” So if you need a watchdog better start looking for another breed.

Space and Exercises
The Goldens are famous not only for great personality but also for being very active. Of course, your Golden will become less active as he ages, but normally he needs to exercise a lot! And of course it requires your time. Don’t forget, Golden Retriever was originally bred as a hunting dog so exercises are absolutely necessary for his physical and mental health. The best conditions for your Golden are a medium or large-sized yard. But it’s also acceptable to keep Golden in the apartment if you give him enough opportunity to exercise outdoors.

Your dog will love long walks, jogging, running by the bicycle and of course swimming. The Goldens love to swim and will be grateful for every opportunity to do it. They are also extremely good in all types of dog games. Perhaps, Golden is not the best dog for elderly people because of their activity. But they are widely used as service dogs, in search and rescue operations and sometimes as guiding dogs for blind people.

Famous character
As it was mentioned above, Golden Retrievers are extremely friendly. But they are also very intelligent and loving animals. Goldens start loving you almost immediately, and not only you but all your family members and even pets. They are very good with children and friendly to strangers. And they are extremely obedient and willing to please their owners. Actually, the first winner of AKC Obedience Trials was a female Golden Retriever. Goldens are also sometimes used to take care about kittens, puppies of other dogs or even tiger cubs. They may even start producing milk for the adoptee without being pregnant or nursing recently.

Grooming
The Goldens require grooming once or twice a week. Even with regular grooming they still shed. It makes them less appropriate for allergic people. They tend to chew, especially puppies, and actually may preserve this habit through the rest of their lives. So you need to take care about proper chew toys.

Health issues
There are some health issues you need to be aware of before adopting a Golden. There’s a bunch of hereditary diseases that are common in Goldens like hip dysplasia, cataract and the Von Willebrand disease. To minimize risks of such diseases it’s better to adopt a dog from a reputable breeder and always check health certificates of a breeding pair. Skin allergies are also common in Goldens and are mainly caused by insect bites. The leading cause of untimely death in Golden Retriever is cancer.

Costs
Finally, let’s not forget about the costs related to owning a Golden Retriever. A Golden Retriever pup from a reputable breeder will normally cost from $250 to $1000 but it’s only the first expense you are going to make. You’ll need to buy toys, food and water bowl, leash (or leashes to be exact), grooming instruments and of course food. Golden is a big dog, and big dogs love to eat a lot. Finally, don’t forget about vet bills for injections and regular checks.

Well, if after all you still think Golden Retriever is the right breed for you, then my congratulations, you are about to become a happy owner of the America’s favorite dog!

Archie Right is a Golden Retriever expert. For more information on Golden Retriever breed, visit http://goldenretrieverdoginfo.com/

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