The Golden Retriever – A Loyal and Special Companion

Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle well-mannered temperament, making them easy to train and loyal companion dogs, because of this they make a wonderful addition to any family. They were bred to work as retrievers for hunters, a task that requires lots of energy and endurance. They have a high level of energy so it is important to burn off this excess by giving them plenty of exercise!

Golden Retrievers are not for people who are going to be gone over 8 hours a day as this would be cruel to say the least. They have a big appetite requiring lots of food. Golden Retrievers are a large athletic type of dog breed, but are slightly longer than they are tall. Being a kind, affectionate and beautiful dog they love nothing more than being in your company.

Golden retrievers are friendly to just about everyone and other dogs. They are not a dog that barks all the time, which is convenient for you and neighbours, but do bark when startled. You can trust a Golden Retriever to try and protect you in dangerous situations but they are not by nature suspicious of strangers, which rules them out as being any kind of guard dog.

Golden Retrievers tend to be worriers and great care should be taken during training; ensuring you are sensitive to their needs at all times. Because of their intelligence they are easily trained, also due to Golden Retrievers athleticism and desire to please their handlers they generally excel in obedience trials. Very competitive by nature you will find them to be great in agility and other similar events.

A Golden Retriever is Confident and outgoing, fun to be with, gentle, and a loyal and loving companion. Your Golden retriever will love nothing more than going for long walks, and being a playful pet they will enjoy the usual games of fetch and frisbee catching etc. Teaching them tricks is quite easy as well and its great to see your children’s faces light up with pleasure at seeing their dog perform the latest trick.

Care and maintenance is Important and regular brushing helps to promote a shiny, healthy coat and decreases shedding. This is also an opportune time to find those nasty mats that can be painful for your pet. Brushing several times a week will help control shedding. Golden Retriever’s have heavy sheds twice a year, but they do shed all year long.

All in all you can’t go wrong with a Golden Retriever by your side. Day In and day out they will shower you with affection, their obedience and companionship never in question and you will be hard put to repay the love and devotion they give to you.