Golden Retriever
Dogs in general are pack-oriented animals. They need
to interact with their pack on a regular basis to be secure. Goldens
in particular have been bred through the years to make an excellent
companion for people - whether it is to sit quietly in a duck blind
until it is time to retrieve or as a service dog or in any other
capacity. Because of this, they, even more so than some other breeds,
need to interact with their people. Goldens are particularly forgiving
dogs and will allow you to make many mistakes while still wanting
nothing more than to please and be acknowledged for it with a scratch
behind the ear. As a testament to their desire to please, the first
three dogs to obtain Obedience Trial Championships were Golden Retrievers.
Because Goldens are such people-oriented dogs, it's
important that they live WITH their owners. A Golden relegated to
the backyard while his family is in the house is an unhappy Golden.
It is imperative that your Golden be regularly included in family
activities. Once fully grown, they are a robust dog and will enjoy
many activities with you such as walking, hiking, jogging, hunting,
etc.
As is common with the retriever breeds, this is a
breed slow to fully mature both mentally and physically. At a year
of age, they will have their full height, but their full weight
will be another year or two in coming. Mentally, they remain puppies
for a long time (up to two or three years of age) and many retain
a very playful and clownish personality for most of their lives.
Because of their kindly and easy going nature, Goldens
are a popular breed. Many people, in hoping to cash in on this popularity,
breed Goldens without regard to their temperament or other good
attributes. You should be very selective in picking out a puppy
from a breeder. Your best sources for Goldens are from a breed rescue
organization that carefully screens its dogs, or from a reputable
breeder who is dedicated to the overall improvement of the breed.
The choice you make now will be one you live with for the next decade,
so choose carefully.
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