Why Is the Golden Retriever So Popular? 10 Main Reasons
There's no doubt about it. Whether you're a canine lover or not, you’ve heard of a Golden Retriever. They’ve remained one of the most popular dogs for years. In fact, every year when the American Kennel Club does their dog popularity rankings, this breed remains firmly in the top five!
If you've never owned a Golden Retriever before, you might wonder what makes them so darn special! After all, it seems like almost everyone is walking one around or has owned at least one in their lifetime. In this article, we're going to explain several reasons why the Golden Retriever is one of the most spectacular dog breeds of all time!
The 10 Reasons That Golden Retrievers Are So Popular
1. Golden Retrievers Make Amazing Family Pets
Golden Retrievers seem to fit in with just about any lifestyle you can imagine. Their versatility makes them fantastic for growing families, single owners, and retired couples looking for companions.
On top of their awesome compatibility with humans, these dogs tend to get along with just about everyone they meet, stranger or otherwise. For this reason, they don't make the best guard dogs, but they certainly will make friends on every walk, both human and furry alike!
2. Golden Retrievers Are Highly Trainable
You can teach a Golden Retriever to do just about anything! These dogs are very receptive to direction and can stay on task like no other. In fact, they are so trainable that they are tasked with jobs other than just being companion animals.
When it comes to simple tasks like command training and potty training, it should be a breeze as well. These dogs are highly receptive and food-motivated, making them easy to work with on every level.
3. Golden Retrievers Make Amazing Emotional Support Pets
Golden Retrievers are one of the top choices for emotional support pets because of their incredibly connected nature. These dogs are very sensitive to human emotions and can provide companionship to people who need the extra support.
These dogs are very commonly seen in emotional support roles, being the perfect companion to cuddle up with or to lean on for consolation. They are highly receptive to your moods and can read you like a book.
4. Golden Retrievers Are Top-Notch Service Dogs
Golden Retrievers are one of the most commonly used service dogs and for good reason! They make amazing service dogs because they have a highly trainable nature, and they are very good with people and other animals.
Service dogs often have to have extreme composure even in stressful situations, making a Golden Retriever the perfect temperament for the job.
5. Golden Retrievers Are Highly Affectionate
Golden Retrievers would climb inside of you if they could, and they still wouldn't be close enough. These dogs are extremely affectionate and will sit next to you all day long just to get belly rubs.
This happy-go-lucky dog won't just take attention from their owner either. They can be good buddies to just about anybody willing to give them some attention. This might mean that they will try to make friends with an intruder rather than defend the home, but you have to commend them for their agreeable nature.
6. Golden Retrievers Are Great with Children
Golden Retrievers themselves are big kids at heart. They will absolutely love romping around with smaller children and be very protective of them as well. Golden Retrievers are not known for being aggressive at all, so you would not have to worry about them having any issues with kids.
No, that's not to say that every Golden Retriever will be fantastic with kids. Early socialization is really important too. So, if you have a Golden Retriever that's only been around a quiet older couple their entire life, being around kids might be an adjustment.
7. Golden Retrievers Get Along with Other Pets
Golden Retrievers absolutely love having another dog around. In fact, they often thrive best when they have other four-legged friends. These dogs are also very good at getting along with the family cat, providing that they're raised together and socialized early.
Of course, this doesn't apply to small caged animals of any kind. You have to keep in mind that Golden Retrievers are hunting dogs that might have the desire to play with or chase smaller pets, so you should always directly supervise any and all interactions, and it would be for the best if you didn't introduce them at all to small pets.
8. Golden Retrievers Are Amazing Swimmers
If you are the kind of person who loves to get out on the lake or to the beach, a Golden Retriever is a perfect addition to your home. These dogs are avid swimmers and masters in the trade.
Golden Retrievers even come equipped with webbed feet to help them navigate through water easier. While you should still take safety precautions, such as making sure your dog has a life jacket in deep water, Golden Retrievers are naturally good in the water.
9. Golden Retrievers Are Great Travel Companions
Your Golden Retriever will absolutely love accompanying you on the road. They have a definite longing for adventure and will be your passenger any day of the week.
However, if they're going to be riding in the car, some safety measures need to take place. You should always make sure to secure your dog in the car or otherwise have them in some type of harness to protect them from danger.
10. Golden Retrievers Are Everywhere!
You definitely don't have to look around for a Golden Retriever! They are everywhere. Not only can you find a purebred Golden Retriever through a breeder, at a rescue or shelter, or being rehomed online, but they are also used in several different hybrids to make various dog breeds.
Reasons a Golden Retriever Might Not Be for You
Even though Golden Retrievers are fabulous dogs that seem to fit well with just about any lifestyle, that doesn't necessarily mean that they're for you. In fact, there are many ways that the Golden might not be the most suitable selection you could choose.
Goldens Are Not Very Independent
If you are interested in getting a very independent dog that doesn't need to be constantly parading around you, getting a Golden Retriever might not be a good idea. These dogs are extremely focused and dedicated to their owners. They're very people oriented and desire connection and attention.
Goldens Shed a LOT!
Golden Retrievers are absolute shedding monsters! They shed profusely year-round and blow their coats majorly twice a year. If you're not the kind of person who enjoys peeling off long hairs from your fabrics or constantly lint rolling your clothes, a Golden might not be right for you.
Goldens Don’t Often Meet Apartment Weight Limits
Golden Retrievers are large dogs that might be harmless teddy bears, but that doesn't seem to matter to certain apartment complexes. Many apartment complexes have 50-pound weight limits on animals, and some only have 25-pound weight limits. Unfortunately, many Golden Retrievers don't fit the bill. Some don’t do well in apartments anyway due to needing more space and needing a yard to exercise in.
Conclusion
Now you know a little bit more about what makes a Golden Retriever so fantastic. Even though these terrific canines match just about any lifestyle you can think of, it doesn't mean they are right for everyone.
Always make sure to do your research and use your best judgment when you're picking a dog breed. We think you will find that a Golden Retriever is certainly a prize winning pick, but only you can make that decision.
Featured Image Credit: trofalenaRV, Shutterstock
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Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too – Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature in need. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are dogs and cats.
