The only introduction Golden Retrievers need is – The most popular breed in the entire world. They are like sunshine in the form of a dog. Once you have a look at them, you’ll know why. They are the quintessential “good boys and girls” of the dog world and social butterflies of the dog park.
We know we said that they only need a one-line introduction but there’s just so much to talk about them. And it would only be fair if we tell you how justified it is to have them as the most popular dogs out there.
Their history goes back to 1865 when a businessman and breeding enthusiast bred a wavy-coated dog called Nous and a Water Spaniel. 3 Golden Retrievers were born with yellow and golden coats, distinguishing them from Labradors with black coats. From that day itself, the breed has caught the eyes of millions of people in the world. (7)
They don’t just come with adorable looks but high intelligence levels as well. They rank 4th in the list of smartest dog breeds by the Reader’s Digest. They are extremely intelligent with a capacity to learn up to 200 commands. There must be a reason why past American Presidents Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan had Golden Retrievers! (1)
And they are record holders! (1)
Loudest Bark
Canine Good Citizen
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Carrying 6 tennis balls in mouth and more
All held by Golden Retrievers!
Are Golden Retrievers Good with Kids?
Calling Golden Retrievers good with kids would be like calling Michael Jackson a good singer – a huge understatement. These dogs are like the politicians who will shake paws and kiss the babies everywhere they go.
They are friendly, gentle and patient with children. Their kind nature can help kids learn to interact with dogs and other animals with care and love. They will even tolerate most of your children’s mischief. (3)
Having said that, it is important to teach children how to behave with dogs, irrespective of how calm and patient they are. When introducing any dog to your children, they must be taught to be calm and patient and not get too excited. A dog may feel scared and might react in an unwanted way.
Can Humans Have Golden Retriever Personality?
If by Golden Retriever personality you mean always in a good mood, loves everyone they meet, and radiates pure joy all the time then we must say it is really difficult to have such a personality. But some people do radiate positivity and good vibes that tend to be contagious. They say that these people come with ‘Golden Retriever Energy’.
For humans to have a Golden Retriever personality, apart from all the above traits, they must be extremely extroverted, happy and excited all the time just to be alive, always there for the people they care about, love to show physical affection and must come with a gentle disposition.
Theoretically, humans can have such a personality. But if someone creates a checklist of all these things and decides they will only marry a person who checks all the boxes, there is a very high chance that the person will probably stay single forever. (or just end up marrying a Golden Retriever)
What is a Golden Retriever Boyfriend?
A Golden Retriever Boyfriend sounds something like a stable, guileless, loyal, romantic partner who offers unlimited love and affection all the time without many conditions. Someone who is not shy to show physical affection and is always eager to please their partner.
This term gained popularity when women began comparing their boyfriends to Golden Retrievers on TikTok. We must say – it’s a difficult world for the guys out there. We feel you!
Can I Have a Golden Retriever in my Apartment?
Yes, they definitely can adapt to apartment-style living. They may even thrive in such an environment given you take care of the following factors – (5)
Exercise – Golden Retrievers have high energy levels. It is important for them to get at least one hour of physical activity in a day to burn it off. Walks, games, training sessions, etc. can work.
Mental workout – Along with high energy levels, they also have high intelligence levels that need stimulation to avoid boredom. Puzzles, toys, interactive games, etc. can do the job.
Space – While they wouldn’t mind settling in an apartment, it should at least be big enough to accommodate their size. They weigh between 55-75 pounds and stand tall at about 28-32 inches at the withers.
Socialization – They won’t complain about living in an apartment but will surely do if they have to live alone most of the time. It is important to socialize them early. They love spending time with their humans.
Do Golden Retrievers Have a High Food Drive?
Yes, they do. And this is both, a good and a bad thing. Good because we can lure them into all the tasty treats and train them easily. Bad because the high food drive causes obesity in them. And obesity is one of the most common health conditions seen in these dogs. Hence, it is important to use treats carefully as a medium to train them (do make sure to keep the treats away from their reach as well. They are quite intelligent to figure out how to open the box and eat them in your absence). (4)
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Here’s something else you need to know about these beautiful creatures – they do fall sick. They are healthy overall but are prone to certain medical conditions in their lifetime. These include – (2)
Hypothyroidism
Hip/elbow dysplasia
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Lymphoma
Heart murmur, etc.
Having a god like Golden Retriever is one of the best things in the world but it comes with its own cost. Routine vet visits, vaccinations, injuries, treatment for medical conditions, preventive care, alternate therapies, etc. can make a dent in your savings. Cost of some surgeries may even go above $5000. You can save up to 90% of these costs with pet health insurance.
Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.
Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!
The resident animal enthusiast at Spot. I have a lifetime of pet parent experience. If it has fur, feathers, or scales, I’ve probably shared my home with it. I aim to be a reliable source, blending experience with a dedication to the well-being of pets.
Diener, M., DVM. (2024, April 19). Golden Retriever. https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/golden-retriever
Le, L. (2024, June 24). Are golden retrievers good with kids? Important facts & tips. Dogster. https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/are-golden-retrievers-good-with-kids
Wikipedia contributors. (2024, July 15). Golden Retriever. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Retriever