GOLDEN RETRIEVER DOGS: SHOULD I ADOPT ONE?

APPEARANCE

Golden Retrievers come in three basic colors, English white Golden, Medium Golden, and Red Golden. All Golden Retriever Dogs have brown eyes. Males stand at between 23-24 inches tall, while females typically range from 21 1/2 to 22 1/2 inches in height. Male dogs typically weigh from 65 to 75 pounds, while females usually weigh from 55 to 65 pounds. They are large dogs, but not the largest of breeds. Golden Retriever dogs should wear a kindly expression.

TEMPERAMENT

Highly intelligent, and typically bred to be hunting dogs, Golden Retrievers are a high energy, energetic breed, that can work hard all day long and never get tired. They are water dogs by nature, and love the outdoors. Golden Retrievers typically know no strangers. They are friendly to everyone, and generally eager to please. This means that you should not have to worry about your Golden Retriever becoming aggressive towards other people or animals, or killing the family cat. Goldens can become cat friendly, and may even sleep next to the family cat at night.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

Golden Retrievers are large, very high energy dogs. While they are friendly, they can demonstrate an energy level and lack of restraint that can become a problem for very young children, or the elderly, if they are not trained to obey, and kept under control around these populations. Even a young Golden Retriever can easily knock a small child or aging adult down, in an attempt to be friendly, with no malice in mind. Their sheer energy and the force of their bounce could also kill a small kitten if allowed to go unsupervised, though this would probably not be the intent of the dog.

CHEWING BEHAVIOR

Golden Retrievers love to chew, and do so all of their lives. They can be trained to chew specific objects and to leave others alone, but you must take the time to teach them. A Golden Retriever puppy left outside of his or her crate in your home while you are away, can do a great deal of damage, and you may return to discover that your couch or other furniture has been completely or partially destroyed. If you believe that crating an animal while you are away is cruel, you probably should adopt an adult Golden, who has already been housebroken and trained not to chew certain items, or consider another breed.

SHEDDING

Golden Retrievers are long haired dogs, and they shed a great deal. If the sight of blond hair in your home is a problem for you, you might consider a lab instead, or some shorter haired dog. Your Golden Retriever will shed, and often, and you will need to vacuum almost daily.

FRIENDLY TO A FAULT

While being friendly is typically a positive trait in a dog, many complain that Golden Retrievers are not any more loyal to their owners or guardians than they are to perfect strangers. This makes them a safe breed, if you enjoy a great deal of guests, but also makes it easy for any stranger to steal your dog if he or she is left outside unsupervised at any time while you are away. Golden Retrievers are a very popular, often expensive to purchase dog breed, and unfortunately, some people will steal them if given the opportunity. If you cannot keep your dog inside, and live in a high traffic area, you may experience heartbreak if you do not leave him or her with a sitter while you are gone, or put him inside a fence, kennel or similar fixture with a lock on the gate. Even locks can be cut, so your best option is keeping your dog inside.

COMMON MEDICAL PROBLEMS

Golden Retrievers have some hereditary health problems that are worth mentioning. They are more likely to have hip problems than some breeds, and the financial and emotional consequences of this problem can be difficult to deal with on many levels. Do not purchase a Golden Retriever in a pet store, and if you purchase from a breeder, pay close attention to the health, temperament, and general condition of both parents. While this does not totally rule out the possibility of your dog suffering from hip dysplasia, it makes it much less likely. Golden Retrievers also have common problems with cataracts and epilepsy. Again, examine the parents, and insist upon a health guarantee if you are purchasing your dog from a breeder.

ADOPTION OF AN ADULT GOLDEN RETRIEVER

Many, not all, of the problems discussed above, can be avoided by adoption of a golden retriever who is already an adult, has been trained and housebroken, and did not develop hip problems, or the other health issues discussed above. Aside from making your life easier in many ways, it is also just a darn nice thing to do for a dog who needs a home, and probably still has many good years left. Millions of dogs receive humane (?????) euthanasia annually, simply because they do not have loving homes. Why not consider the adoption of an adult Golden Retriever today? Most large cities have ADOPT A GOLDEN organizations that can be easily located via the Internet.

If you live in the Atlanta area, please visit Adopt a Golden, Atlanta, via the Internet. You might also use the link to ask if the organization knows of a similar agency in your own state, if you are not a Georgia resident. Go ahead and take the plunge. Many wonderful dogs who need homes are awaiting your love and care.

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