1. They Shed A Lot
Twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring, Golden Retrievers will experience their most heavy shedding. Light-moderate shedding occurs all year. With a Golden in the house, you will always have dog fur around, even with regular dusting and vacuuming.
As a Golden owner, you may
find yourself purchasing clothes, bedding, and even furniture that matches your
pooch's fur and you will suddenly understand why Costco sells lint rollers in
bulk.
Nothing will eliminate shedding. However, to minimize shedding and to keep a Golden's coat looking its best, they should be brushed a minimum of once a week. Daily brushing is ideal. If you own a Golden, a good quality brush is an excellent investment.
2. They Have Waxy Ears
Golden Retrievers are prone to waxy ears. This tends to be a result of poor air circulation due to their long ears. Although it is not always the case, waxy ears can be the symptom of a more serious problem, such as an infection (bacterial or yeast) or mites. If left untreated or if not treated correctly and consistently, ear problems can become chronic and affect the dog's quality of life.
The most common cause of ear infections in Golden Retrievers
is yeast. After swimming or bathing, take the time to dry your dog's ears. Efforts
should also be made to keep ears clean. There are solutions available for
purchase or that you can make at home that, in addition to cleaning and
soothing your Golden Retriever's ears, will also change the pH level, creating
an environment yeast should not thrive.
3. They Are Food Lover
Golden Retrievers love food. Unfortunately, the breed tends to overeat, and because of this, they can easily become overweight or even obese. In addition to ensuring your Golden is properly exercised and fed a high-quality diet, you will have to master self-control, practice tough love, and not cave to the sad puppy-dog eyes your Golden is giving you every time you eat.
4. Water-Friendly
It still depends on their liking but most of the Golden Retrievers have a natural love for the water. Regular trips to a nearby beach for a game of fetch and the chance to swim will almost certainly be appreciated by your Golden.
If regular trips to the beach aren't possible, consider purchasing a hard plastic kiddie pool or even a sprinkler for your golden to play in. Not only does this play to their love for the water, but it can also help keep them cool in the summer.
5. They Aren’t Aware Of Their Size
Adult Golden Retrievers typically weigh between 55 and 75
lbs but don't tell them that. And while Golden Retrievers are seemingly unaware
of their actual size, for people, the combination of their size, enthusiasm,
playfulness, and desire to be very close to their owners makes them seem larger
than they are.
6. They Have A Strong-Smelling Sense
Golden Retrievers are used for tasks such as drug detection and search and rescue because of their keen sense of smell. Golden Retrievers tend to follow their nose, so for their safety, they should not be allowed to roam freely.
7. They Are Very Smart
Golden Retrievers are still used by hunters. They are also
used by search and rescue teams and police and serve as guide dogs and therapy
dogs. One of the reasons for this is that Golden Retrievers are extremely
intelligent.
While a Golden's intelligence does tend to make them quick
learners, it does not necessarily make the breed easier to raise. A Golden's
mind must be properly stimulated. Mental stimulation is just as important as
physical exercise and can be achieved through sports, obedience, games, or
puzzle toys.
8. They Won’t Like Your Garden
If you have a beautifully decorated Golden Retriever may not
be the right breed for you. While the likelihood of digging increases with
boredom, Golden Retrievers seem to be attracted to gardens.
As I mentioned, Golden Retrievers love mud, so in addition
to digging, Golden Retrievers also tend to play, sleep, or roll in flower beds.
9. They Aren’t Fit To Be Watchdogs
While there are certainly exceptions, as a general rule, Golden
Retrievers are not watchdogs. Golden Retrievers are friendly by nature and tend
to be more suited towards the 'welcoming committee' than 'neighbourhood watch.'
However, they may bruise a new guest with their powerful, rapidly wagging tails.
A Golden Retriever's intelligence and loyalty should never be underestimated.
10. They Are Sociable
Golden Retrievers are more than just family pets; they are loyal best friends and loving family members. Although the breed is capable of living outdoors, Golden Retrievers were bred to work closely with humans and do the best living indoors as part of a family. At times, the breed's desire to be with their family may even come across as needy.
There are days my Golden does
not leave my side. She will follow me from room to room and stay within arm's
reach regardless of what I am doing. In my experience, if you're looking for
your Golden, they are probably at your feet. Be careful; they are a tripping
hazard. Golden Retriever watching its family leave on an outing, you'll likely
agree that this is not an independent breed that is happy to be left alone all
the time.
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