What Are the Pros & Cons of Getting a Golden Retriever? Breed Considerations

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds, and these sunny dogs might be the perfect choice for your home. But if you want a golden retriever because of their beautiful coat and reputation for friendliness, it’s important to do your research. Goldens won’t be happy in every situation.

Here are five great reasons why you might want a Golden Retriever and five drawbacks to consider before you make the choice.

Pros of Owning a Golden Retriever

1. Easygoing and Friendly

A Golden Retriever is a great choice if you want a dog that’s friendly, easygoing, and happy around people. They’re natural extroverts and most love to meet strangers. They also tend to be less anxious than most dogs, especially with good socialization. In many ways, Goldens are the “man’s best friend” tale come true!

2. Good With Kids, Other Pets, and Busy Families

Going hand in hand with their good tempers, they also make great family dogs. Some dogs might be scared of toddlers or aggressive toward small children, but most Golden Retrievers love kids of all ages. They are incredibly playful and usually not too rough.

They also don’t usually snap or bite at children. Since Goldens are energetic, they don’t mind having a more chaotic house full of kids. They also get along well with other pets.

3. Clever and Trainable

Another great reason to consider a Golden Retriever is that they are very trainable. They are often used for agility competitions, therapy work, and service dogs because they are clever and eager to please. Most Golden Retrievers can learn new commands quickly and love to show off. Although some can be a little more stubborn than others, once you get a trusting relationship and make training into a “game,” they will be eager to keep at it all day long.

4. Beautiful

Let’s face it—few dogs are as pretty as a Golden Retriever. Their silky coats look like shiny gold, especially if they are freshly groomed. They’re also a manageable size and aren't giant dogs. Although we know that personality is more important than looks, we can’t forget that these dogs are just beautiful.

5. Not High Barkers

Dogs have various barking behaviors, with some staying strong and silent and others barking all day long. Golden Retrievers are somewhere in the middle. They’ll bark occasionally when playing or if something is wrong, but they usually don’t bark all the time. They also don’t usually bark at strangers or other animals, which is nice if you have visitors often or live in a busy area.

Cons to Consider Before Getting a Golden Retriever

1. High Activity Needs

Golden Retrievers make excellent pets, but they’re not for everyone. The biggest reason to hold off on getting a Golden Retriever is that they’re pretty needy dogs. They need a lot of exercise, usually 40–60 minutes a day, and sometimes more. Also, they get bored easily and don’t always do well with being home alone, at least for long periods. If you don’t have a lifestyle that will give them the attention and playtime they need, you might find your dog becoming more anxious and unhappy. You might also see a spike in chewing and destructive behaviors.

2. They Shed and Drool

Golden Retrievers also need quite a bit of maintenance help. Their flowing coats shed frequently! You’ll need to groom them regularly, and you’ll still see quite a bit of hair around the house. Along with shedding, some are messy in other ways. Although not all Golden Retrievers are droolers, many are. Between the hair and the drool, you’ll need to stay on top of cleaning.

3. Not Good Guard Dogs

Golden Retrievers are great with strangers, but that comes with a flip side. They aren’t particularly protective and don’t make good guard dogs. They aren’t likely to bark at a break-in and will often want to play or run away rather than go on high alert. If you want a big dog to add to security around your house, a different breed might be a better choice.

4. Expensive

Golden Retrievers are in the mid-range of prices regarding the initial setup. They are so popular that it’s not impossible to find one at a shelter, but buying a puppy from a reputable breeder is expensive.

However, looking at the cost of buying a puppy isn’t the whole picture since their monthly care costs are significant. They’re big, energetic dogs, and they eat a ton. They are also more expensive in terms of healthcare, but you can look into getting pet insurance to reduce your costs.

5. Health Issues

Golden Retrievers are also not the healthiest of breeds. In fact, there are a lot of health issues that they are prone to, including some dangerous and expensive issues like cancer, thyroid issues, hip dysplasia, and bloat.

When you get a Golden Retriever, you should plan on paying for higher-coverage insurance just in case and staying on top of regular health checks to catch these issues early. If you’re going through a breeder, look for one that offers health clearance paperwork.

Get in touch with a vet if you have any questions or concerns about the well-being of your pet.

If you have a question about your dog's health or behavior, why not Ask a Vet for free? Our veterinary team answers reader questions and provides trusted advice to help you better understand your dog.

Conclusion

Golden Retrievers are a big commitment, in both money and time. Many end up frustrated and unhappy because they were adopted into the wrong family. However, if the Golden is a match for your lifestyle,  few pets are better! Your clever, active, friendly dog will undoubtedly win your heart.

Related Reads: 

• 15 Pros & Cons of Having a Labradoodle (Lifestyle Fit & FAQ)

• How Many Puppies Do Golden Retrievers Have? Average & Maximum Litter Size

Featured Image Credit: LightField Studios, Shutterstock