The Golden Retriever continually ranks as one of the top three favorite dog breeds around. Their bubbly attitude and friendly demeanor make them great companions and trustworthy friends.
While many people have fallen in love with Golden Retrievers, what common questions come up when thinking about them? Today we look at frequently asked questions regarding the Golden Retriever.
How Much Does a Golden Retriever Weigh?
The Golden retriever is a medium to large dog. They grow to be between 55 and 80 pounds and stand under 24 inches tall. Their size and weight make them great fits in a house with a backyard. Though they can still thrive in an apartment if you take them out for enough exercise.
These dogs are workers, and they have plenty of energy. Be sure that you can commit to their exercise needs before buying a Golden Retriever.
Are Golden Retrievers Aggressive?
It’s hard to say if any given dog will be aggressive simply because each dog has their own personality. Dogs who are well socialized should not be aggressive. This should extend to all dog breeds.
As far as the Golden Retriever’s personality goes, they should not be aggressive. Goldens are some of the most outgoing and eager-to-please dog breeds. They look to their owner for companionship, and they have a very playful attitude. Goldens make great family dogs and are easier to train than many other breeds.
Why Are Golden Retrievers the Best Dogs?
Best is always relative. Golden Retrievers may not be the best dog in a small home. They might not be the best dog for seniors who have a hard time keeping up with their exercise needs.
There are many reasons why people consider the Golden Retriever one of the best dog breeds. Some common reasons include:
- Goldens are kind and gentle with children.
- Most Goldens love to be outdoors.
- Goldens stay in their “puppy” phase longer, so they are very youthful dogs.
- They are the perfect “goldilocks” size, not too big and not too small.
- Goldens just want to make you happy
Those are just a few reasons why Goldens are great pets. They are also easy to train and many even find their way into service work for the police, the military, or the disabled.
Do Golden Retrievers Bark A Lot?
Overall, Golden retrievers do not bark a lot. They may bark at strangers when they approach the door, but your Golden will likely lick them to death before biting them. Most Goldens who bark a lot are simply not socialized enough.
Do Golden Retrievers Shed?
Do they ever. Goldens are known to shed, especially during the spring and fall. The Golden Retriever has two coats. The outer coat is coarser, while their undercoat is softer. During the spring, they will lose much of their undercoat so they can stay cool during the summer. During the fall, their winter undercoat will come in much thicker for insulation.
A simple brushing each week should be enough to keep their fur off your furniture. During the times they shed most, consider brushing them each day until you notice their coat drops less fur.
Will a Golden Retriever Protect Me?
Golden Retrievers make wonderful and loyal companions. If you like to spend time indoors or out, your Golden is likely to always close by. That said, if a stranger approaches you while you’re in the garden, your Golden is probably going to give them some kisses and show them all the work you’ve done.
Goldens are very loving, but that extends to pretty much everyone. They may bark a bit at strangers, but they are not going to make the best guard dog.
How Much Do Golden Retrievers Cost?
The price for any dog has a range depending on the dog’s age, your location, and many other factors. Because of this, it is hard to say how much a Golden Retriever should cost.
The price range you can expect to pay for a Golden Retriever puppy is anywhere from $500 to $2000. The lower end of this price will be dogs who don’t have official AKC credentials. These dogs may not be tested or may come with health issues, though these dogs may be wonderful and healthy pets as well. You just do not know what you’ll get.
On the more expensive side, you will likely get a puppy that has been registered with the AKC. Responsible breeders will also pay to ensure that their puppies have been tested and don’t have the markers of any genetic issues. It may cost more upfront, but you will like knowing that your Golden Retriever has a clean bill of health.
Meeting a Golden Retriever makes it easy to see why they are so popular. Their cheerful personality and beauty have made them a family favorite for decades.