You must remember to monitor and watch your children around the dog, however. Theyre good with other dogs and even cats. But just like all dogs shed, all dogs need lots of grooming. Goldens need to be brushed several times per week to keep their coat healthy and soft. Then, as they grow up and their golden coats fill out, theyre beautiful. The Golden Retriever is known for having a big personality thats friendly and fun to play with. Theyre not low-maintenance dogs, so this should be taken into consideration. Take them for walks, to the park, or play fetch to make it a family event. No matter where you live, in an apartment or in a home with a lot of space, all that barking is never a good thing. While most children love to play and bounce around with dogs, not all dogs feel the same way. Your golden is more likely to help a burglar into your house than they are to chase them off. The Golden Retriever does well with singles, couples, or families with children and enjoys spending time with its owners wherever they are. Take them on puppy playdates to let them romp around with other dogs. Learn more. Considering getting a golden retriever, but want to know if theyre good dogs, first? Sure, some breeds, like goldendoodles, shed a little less, but they all shed to some degree. (This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made.). Golden Retrievers have a lot of qualities that make them good family dogs. More Golden Retriever Articles Youll Love! And if the barking does start to become a problem, there are some simple training steps you can take to help get this under control. While almost all dog breeds can technically be house dogs, some dog breeds are better suited and often more content to be outdoorssome dogs just like being outside due to their physical pedigree and temperament. The Goldens size is very well suited to children. So, why do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? This means that if you like to spend your time camping, swimming, or doing other activities near the water, this type of dog is perfect for you!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'loyalgoldens_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',114,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-loyalgoldens_com-leader-2-0')}; Any time your dog is getting active and you need a break, take them to the local lake. Many people think the Golden Retriever is a high-maintenance dog, but that is not the case. link to Do Golden Retrievers Fart a Lot? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'loyalgoldens_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_17',116,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-loyalgoldens_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0')}; Fortunately, Golden Retrievers are not big barkers. (Explained!). Some families may have more than one animal running around the house. But if youre looking for some serious protection, then you might want to look elsewhere. Its part of a goldens natural instinct to be loyal and is another reason they make a great family pet! He was with me through thick and thin and loved me no matter what, and I loved him just as much.Jackson's gone now, and while he won't be the last golden retriever in my life, he will always have a special place in my heart. Plus, at the end, youll find a quiz to help determine if a golden is the right dog for you. Golden retrievers are Americas 3rd most popular dog breed (according to the AKC). Jake (the human) and Oliver (thinks hes a human) are the two behind Golden Hearts. (Explained! (Heres the Verdict).if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'raisinggoldens_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',675,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-raisinggoldens_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')}; What if your house includes kids that want to play with a dog indoors? While, other dogs might not be a good pick in an apartment or condo, such as the Beagle, which is known to bark incessantly. If you train them not to bark when outside, they can spend quite a bit of the day running around and having fun in the backyard, even if youre not there. Some of the reasons that a Golden Retriever is an amazing family pet is they do well with children, they are friendly with a lot of energy, they are always ready for an adventure, they like to spend time in the water or outside, they are quiet and dont bark a lot, and they are fiercely loyal. Earlier in this post, when talking about why golden retrievers are good with kids, we talked about how one of those reasons is that theyre calm. Heres a fun fact you probably didnt know: a golden retriever holds the world record for loudest bark. Although the breed is active and enjoys the outdoors, they are equally content indoors with their owners. Youll also notice that this dog is powerful and has a balanced gait thatll prove valuable when you hit the open trail. Known for being exceptionally friendly and energetic, Golden Retrievers are the perfect pet! This can create difficulties in your home when you want to add another animal. Add some good positive reinforcement to the mix, and your Golden Retriever will learn how to do anything you ask of them. Golden Retrievers are really tolerant and patient with children, which helps parents feel at ease when the dog and children play with one another. Youll need to feed them, get them toys and supplies, take them to the vet, and occasionally the groomer or doggy daycare. However, since golden retrievers are so popular, it can be pretty tough to find a rescue golden retriever. Of course, those yearly bills will be there for any dog, so keep that in mind before you decide to get one. Bryan's a freelance travel photographer and happy dog dad. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. For example, some dogs do equally well regardless of whether they live in an apartment, condo, farm, or home with a backyard. However, to start with, let look at what makes a good house dog. As they are very gentle by nature, Golden Retrievers are very good with kids. (Explained!). Not only will a Golden Retriever be cheerful around the children all the time, but they are also very gentle. If your dog develops any allergies or food sensitivities, your vet can suggest some appropriate food options to give your Golden Retriever the very best. Their tendency towards retrieval of items around your home can be endearing to some but bothersome and frustrating to others. These dogs are obedient from the moment you bring them home, and theyll start to follow the rules and listen to you in no time. Golden Retrievers are relatively easy to train, as they have a strong desire to please their owners. Because of their smarts, they are regularly used as emotional support dogs or guide dogs for the blind. It makes me feel good to hear these compliments, and Oliver seems to walk with a little more pep in his step after them. If you have an active family and kids to run the dog out, then this shouldnt be a problem. Be comfortable alone for short durations. This will likely cost you $200-500, which is significantly cheaper than buying a puppy. So, what makes a Golden Retriever a good house dog? So, a typical Golden Retriever is not too big (think Great Dane) and not too tiny (think chihuahua). And even more good news about golden retrievers and barking there are things you can do to get them to bark less, like giving them lots exercise and training them. It might seem overwhelming to deal with a high-energy dog, but here are four ways to use up some of that energy: The downside of having such a smart dog is that they can be mischievous. However, because Goldens are so intelligent and easy to train, it usually does not take much effort to teach the dog to be comfortable at home alone for a few hours. Theyre friendly and do well with not only the people in the household but also the other animals there as well. Golden retrievers are wonderful dogs, but theyre certainly not for everyone. Youll have to make sure that you meet the exercise needs of this dog every day. Theyre also soft and warm, and are great cuddlers. And second, although goldens shed a lot, their fur clumps up like little golden tumbleweeds, which makes it easier to clean up. Golden retrievers were bred to retrieve gunned down birds, so its in their blood to use their mouths to retrieve things, not bark. Training is a great way to keep your dog occupied and provide some new stimulation for them, so they dont get bored. Any compensation earned is at no cost to you.This website does not constitute medical advice for Golden Retrievers or any other pet; kindly consult a licensed veterinarian for any medical advice concerning your Golden Retriever.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'raisinggoldens_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_4',641,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-raisinggoldens_com-large-billboard-2-0')};report this ad. link to Not all Golden Retrievers Are Fluffy: This is Why! Golden retrievers were bred to hunt in the fields all day, so they naturally have tons of energy especially puppies. They are loyal, affectionate, and love to play. Again, the Golden Retriever checks that box. Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! This breed was designed to have lots of energy, and this allows them to spend tons of time outside running around and having fun. And if you liked this article, then youll love our complete guide to raising a golden retriever puppy. Lastly, the Golden Retriever loves spending time with its people. The verdict:The Golden Retriever checks all the boxes for a dog well suited to the indoors and easily qualifies as a good house dog. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'loyalgoldens_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',112,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-loyalgoldens_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')}; Its important to keep this dog outside as much as possible. While there are some dogs out there that seem a little standoffish and hard to bond with, a Golden Retriever is very loyal, which is why so many people keep them as pets. Weve always had dogs that enjoyed being indoors with the family or house dogs, and I wanted our new dog to meet that requirement as well. Golden Retrievers are perpetual puppies and act accordingly well into their adult years. Take this adorable thief, Archie, for example: Like we talked about earlier, golden retrievers were bred to retrieve gunned down birds with their mouths. Golden Retrievers bond very closely with their family, so it is recommended that owners provide adequate training to reduce separation anxiety when being left alone. This is kind of a two-in-one benefit of golden retrievers, but they go hand in hand. This is in contrast to some dogs, like labs, that shed short little hairs all over the place. Below are three other things to consider when getting a getting a golden retriever. LoyalGoldens.com is an Amazon Associate. Golden Retrievers do generally well if left home alone and match equally well with families and first-time dog owners. LoyalGoldens.com also participates in affiliate programs with other websites and businesses. Goldens also are highly developed when it comes to their sense of smell, helping them to handle some pretty important jobs over the years. The Goldens size is very well suited to children. I wrote an article on the maintenance requirements of Golden Retrievers, and you might be surprised at how well the breed fares in most categories. To encourage this loyalty and help create a healthy bond with your dog, its a good idea to spend lots of time with them. They are loyal family dogs who have a strong desire to please their owners. 4 Reasons Why Dogs Chase Cats (and How to Stop It), Golden Border Retriever (Border Collie & Golden Retriever Mix), English Cream (White) Golden Retriever: Pictures, Facts, Origin & History. For puppies, early obedience training is often a good idea to instill a foundation of good manners and calmness. Can you imagine having your own personal therapy dog? Location and environment do matter. Maintenance is much more than just shedding and brushing. As highly adaptable dogs, they can fit into almost any lifestyle. Once they feel loved, and like and important member of the family, theyll do anything to keep everyone in the family safe. And its not just taking care of their coat. The Golden Retriever is not overly large and does not need much space; it does exceptionally well in a household with children or other pets such as cats, and it barks only when necessary. 60% of golden retrievers are affected by cancer, which is more than double the average for all dogs. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. P.S. They will run and swim with the family, chase the waves, and just have a lot of fun in general. Your kids will love that this dog has the energy to keep up with them and have lots of fun, and you will love that the dog is friendly and nice to your kids, even when the kids are overly wound up. The Best Age To Spay or Neuter a Golden Retriever (Explained). Plus, they wouldnt make a great bird-hunting companion if they were barking and scaring the birds away! if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'loyalgoldens_com-leader-4','ezslot_16',115,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-loyalgoldens_com-leader-4-0')}; Some high quality dog foods that you may want to consider when choosing what to feed your Golden Retriever include: (links to amazon). They can be quite the handful when theyre rambunctious puppies, and they mature slowly, so they may stay in this puppy stage until theyre three or four years old! Golden Retrievers make excellent house dogs. Golden Retrievers are very adaptable dogs and will adjust quickly to your familys lifestyle. They are kind and empathetic and happy to make friends with your feline family members. Theyre fine eating kibble designed for dogs and wont be particular about the type or brand. If you dont want to get a dog from a breeder, you can also rescue a golden retriever. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. They need lots of mental stimulation, and if they dont get it, or if they dont get enough attention, they may start to act out. All of those things add up to about $1,506 to $2,464 per year (see this article for a breakdown on how much golden retrievers cost). If you have your own pool, even better! While this doesnt seem like its an important characteristic to discuss, it is important to help you see why this dog is such a good family dog. Some common health problems for them include: Youll notice that there are several cancers listed above (all the words ending in oma). Get FREEDog Food Recall Alerts exclusive content, insider pricing, care guides, sale alerts & moreSign up for our Doggie Club! They may have a few dogs, maybe a cat or two, or some other type of animal. So, all in all, the Golden Retriever aligns very well with those traits that make a great house dog. Whether you already have rabbits, birds, cats, or other dogs in your home, the Golden Retriever will fit right in and do well with them. Jackson was the first to introduce me to the unwavering loyalty, gentle personality and unconditional love of a Golden Retriever. 15 Reasons Golden Retrievers Are Great First Time Dogs! And its literally those exact words every time. A good house dog is content to spend its time indoors and should not require a lot of space. Females usually weigh 55-65 pounds and stand 21.5-22.5 inches tall. For example, its not uncommon to hear that a successful search and rescue mission was possible because of the work a Golden Retriever did. They also like pleasing their humans and love treats, which are two other factors that make them easy to train. First, theyre intelligent and love to learn. Now you know why Golden Retriever make such good pets . Also, a breeder who breeds dogs specifically bred for the show ring and has produced champions may charge more than a breeder whos just breeding companion dogs. RaisingGoldens.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com.This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. What Are the Negatives of Owning a Golden Retriever? Several personality traits of the Golden Retriever make it perfect when its time to go out and hunt. Although that sounds like it can be off-putting, dont worry they dont bark all that much. Suppose you have a Golden Retriever or are interested in getting one. Golden Retrievers are not incessant barkers. A good house dog should enjoy spending time with its family but still be comfortable if left alone. Whereas a small dog may be too tiny for exuberant children to play with, and a larger dog may be too big, the Golden Retrievers size, energy, and temperament match perfectly. For a dog that is spending most of its time indoors, not barking incessantly or at every little noise is very much a requirement of being a house dog. For example, a house dog should be happy spending time indoors whether you live in an apartment, house, acreage, or farm. (Explained! Youll find fur on the floor, furniture, your clothes and sometimes even in your food! Choosing a dog from a great breeder that breeds healthy, happy puppies may end up saving you a lot of money in vet bills in the long run (even if it means you have to pay more upfront). In that case, you might have noticed variations in the ones you have seen. He currently lives in Las Vegas with his wife, his son, and two dogs Nom Nom & Speck. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'raisinggoldens_com-box-4','ezslot_13',626,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-raisinggoldens_com-box-4-0')}; There are certain traits the make a good house. Its impossible to not be happy when that tail starts wagging when they see you and they flash that famous golden retriever smile. Smaller dogs, like Yorkies,live an average of 11-15 years, while larger dogs, like Great Danes,live an average of 7-10 years. They are friendly and like almost everyone, especially the people in their family. 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