Are you ready?

So you want to get a Golden Retriever . . .

Have you done all your research?
Have you visited the home page of the Golden Retriever Club of America www.grca.org? (There is a very good link for new puppy buyers.)
Have you talked it over with all family members?
Who shall be responsible for the day to day needs, such as, feeding, walks, training, grooming etc?
Have you asked questions of golden owners, breeders and/or a veterinarian you may know?
Have they answered them to your satisfaction?
Have you read a few books on Golden Retrievers? Our books link has some current good books about Goldens, by Golden owners.

Well, here's some additional information to check out before making that final decision. Whether you ultimately choose a Golden or another breed the responsibilities of owning a dog are the same. You must be prepared to . . .

Accept responsibility for this Golden, it becomes a part of your family. And accept any neutering/spaying, training, boarding, grooming, etc.
Invest the time and patience required to train your Golden to be a good companion? It may require finding a trainer with basic obedience classes that are the starting point for your Golden's entering the social worlds of both people and pets.
Keep your Golden safe. Do you have a fenced in yard? One that he can't escape? No running loose, no riding in the back of pick-up trucks, no being left outside for any periods of time?
Make sure your Golden gets enough time, attention, and exercise.
Live with the shedding and activity level for the next 10-15 years.
Accept responsibility for your Golden, even though changes in your lifestyle may occur? (babies, moving, divorce, health crisis, etc.)
Return your Golden to your breeder if you are no longer able to keep and care for it?

Size:

Golden Retrievers are a Medium size breed. Males should be between 23-24 in. at the withers (shoulders) and weigh approximately 65-75 pounds. Females should be between 21-1/2 to 22-1/2 in. and weigh between 55-65 pounds.

Temperament/Activity Levels:

Golden Retrievers can range from low to high energy dogs. Their desire to please and over enthusiasm, at times, makes them seem larger than they are. They require exercise and training which will help burn off some of that extra energy. Any dog who is bored or has energy to burn may develop behavior problems such as: digging, chewing, barking and fence jumping.

Generally, Goldens love water! They are attracted to rain, snow, water, mud, puddles, slime and muck. If you like a spotless home with beautiful fragile items, a Golden Retriever is probably not for you. Goldens are retrievers and like to pick-up things: kids toys, shoes, clothing and anything not nailed down. A solution to this is to call your dog to you, remove the item and replace it with something acceptable for the dog: a bone or toy.

Goldens are not watchdogs! If you are looking for a watchdog do not get a Golden. An intruder to your home is most likely to encounter a tail wagging dog with a toy in its mouth.

The Long Island Golden Retriever Club, Inc.

Are you ready?

Size:

Temperament/Activity Levels: