Dog blog
Golden Retrievers - Problems to Know BEFOREHAND
Golden Retrievers are one of America’s most beloved pets, and their propensity for companionship and emotional intelligence makes them a worthy investment, though below are some concerning issues that may help influence your decision as to whether adopting a Golden Retriever is right for you.
They shed A LOT
Golden Retrievers shed more than 70 pounds per year as this is the average yearly figure associated with Labrador’s, and since it is known that Golden Retriever’s shed even more than Labradors, it is safe to assume that your Golden Retriever (per year) will shed more than 70 pounds of fur.
According to dogtime.com, Golden Retrievers shed a bunch, with most of their shedding taking place during the spring and fall, whilst lessening during the winter and summer. So expect your house to get “laid out” with fluff, as with the shedding will come expected coat brushing to prevent tangling – and expect these sessions to proliferate even more fur all around the house.
Seriously, as someone who has experience with Golden Retrievers, if you’re the type to scoff at rigorous cleaning, then getting a Golden Retriever could be the worst decision you ever make.
Imagine a cat who sheds, but one that weighs 60 pounds – and who relies on YOU to clean them… it’s no easy feat.
They Have IMMENSE Energy
Golden retrievers are extremely energetic dogs due to their innate breed characteristics for being known as hunting, guide, fieldwork, and search-and-rescue dogs. Adult Golden Retrievers (16 months or more) need at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise twice per day, as this helps reduce chances of developing behavioral problems such as destructive chewing, puppy biting, and digging.
Golden Retriever’s by design are “go get ‘em” type dogs and are known as a sporting breed – which isn’t a problem if you’re the type to live on a farm or in the forest where regular mayhem can take place.
Though this can be a HUGE problem if you live in a confined area, and/or are the lazy type.
Since Golden Retrievers are high energy, that energy needs to be expanded somewhere, and lest you want your dog to “let out” his energy around your home, then you better let him blow off steam outdoors regularly.
Problems that can arise as a result of not catering to your high-energy dog’s needs will be in areas of obedience (not listening to you), ruthless chewing (they are are “biting dog” after all), counter surfing, and going absolutely bonkers all-around your house.
This can be especially dangerous if you live with small children.
They have a TON of health problems
The Golden Retriever breed suffers from numerous health problems, with some being associated with bigger breeds in general. Such problems Golden Retrievers face are hip and elbow dysplasia (common to large breed dogs), dental disease, (extremely common with Golden Retrievers), allergies, gastric dilation-volvulus (affects large, deep chest dogs), and more.
According to www.dsa.org.uk Golden Retrievers are classified as “Category Two”, meaning this is a breed of dog that has been highlighted as having “points of concern.” This basically means that this breed is prone to noticeable problems that over time must be followed up on, so as to not worsen, and perhaps mitigate, and/or completely eradicate potential health concerns.
Though it should be noted that not all Golden Retrievers will face these problems, some may only encounter a few, others may encounter none. But this is a breed where you must prepare yourself (both financially and emotionally) to potentially withstand such future tribulations. Planning for this should not be taken lightly.
They Were Born to Bite & Fetch
Golden Retrievers as a result of being bred to hunt, have a higher propensity to bite. From objects to other animals, this breed bites a lot and has an estimated bite force of 190 PSI. Though as a result of being taught by their mothers (and/or breeders) Golden Retrievers generally bite softly.
Another issue (positive or negative depending on the context) is a Golden Retriever’s tendency to want to carry stuff in their mouths – like all the time. And whilst a beer from the fridge ain’t a bad deal, this could extend to your potential playmate hiding and “stealing” things wherever he goes.
This breed is a “retriever” after all and was selectively bred back in the day to assist on hunts as bonafide hunting partners. This could present a major problem if there’re confined to the house for prolonged periods, causing them to not only bite things but also “steal” (as a possible coping mechanism to shake up their living situation.)
They Love Food
Golden Retrievers are one of the top breeds of dogs that eat the most. An adult Golden Retriever on average can eat between 2 and 3 ½ cups of food per day (400-800 grams), this will equate to a caloric range between 1300-1700 calories needed per day. Though this can vary based on the individual dog’s needs.
Golden Retrievers are little hungry monsters, and as a result, are a breed that can be prone to canine obesity – because of the simple fact that they are highly motivated by food (like many of us.) Golden Retrievers are also one of the top breeds affected by “bowel obstruction” (according to Americankennelclub.com.)
This just goes to show you how much these guys like “munching” on things.
Simply put, Golden retrievers love to bite, put things in their mouth, and essentially never stop eating until you forcibly put a stop to them, and can eat anything in their path. Also, if you feed them too much, you could cause them to catch the “obesity” bug, and/or if they eat too quickly (which they will), this could result in gastric dilatation-volvulus.
As you can tell, their “food” situation is a little complex.
They Have Powerful Noses...Which May be a Problem
On average a Golden Retriever can possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors within their nose, compared to the average human who has a mere 6 million receptors.
Imagine if you could smell the world over…wouldn’t you be curious to sniff it all?
This is the daily reality of Golden Retrievers, who rank at number 9 in the world when it comes to breeds with the best sense of smell (according to pethelpful.com.)
Such a trait, combined with their natural tendencies to be curious, and/or “go get ‘em” attitude will mean that they will naturally run off every chance they get – to chase those “smells”, of course.
This is something to consider when getting a Golden Retriever, as it’s not just the physical aspect of their antics that you will have to put up with, but that of their mental one as well.
Rarely ever being content in one place, a slave to their overstimulated olfactory senses – only to worsen when stuck at home (even after you’ve given them their second walk.)
This is why you mustn’t undervalue the enormous weight of responsibilities that comes with raising Golden Retrievers.
So before you adopt one (check out out our adoption guide for that here), try stepping in their shoes (paws) first and take a gander as to whether or not your lifestyle will be able to accommodate such an eccentric breed.
They Are Not Aware of Their Size
Golden Retrievers are medium-large size dogs that can range up to 23-24 inches (58-60cm) in height and up to 55-65 pounds (24-29kg.) The illusion of their height-weight ratio can be seemingly “amplified” when combined with the fact that this breed will tend to act like a smaller breed dog (in its mannerisms and displays of overpowering affection.)
A Golden Retriever will know little of its size, and this will only further contribute to your home’s destruction, as well as your personal space – as this breed of dog will overburden you with their love.
At first glance, this may not seem like a big thing (you may even welcome it), but remember that in tight spaces and during times where you may need to take “5”, your Golden Retriever won’t leave your side, and will continue to further “smother” you with their love.
They will think of themselves to be a lapdog and sit in your lap (all 65 pounds worth.) They will assume they belong in your room and will overpower you through brute “loveable” force into your bed. They may even lunge at you with glee during potentially “inappropriate” times.
These are but a few examples of how Golden Retrievers may not be the best dogs for people who have boundary issues, and/or who yearn for frequent personal space – as this 65-pound behemoth breed is unlikely to give you any…ever.
They can never be left alone - EVER!
Golden Retrievers are a highly sociable breed that is dependent on the interaction it gets from its family members, this is why it is ill-advised to leave your Golden Retriever at home alone for more than 4 hours, with the duration for puppies being much less (1 hour for each month of age passed, and never to exceed 4 hours.)
If your job calls you away for long frequent periods exceeding these limits, then you’re better off either calling a sitter and/or providing other arrangements for your dog, as they simply cannot be left alone for that long.
Leaving your dog alone for long periods (4 hours, 6 hours, 9 hours) would likely cause irreparable damage to your dog’s mental wellbeing, as Golden Retrievers are much more high energy. For such prolonged periods of absence, you’re better off going with a lower energy dog like a Labradoodle.
This aversion to being left alone also extends to family trips, as once your Golden Retriever becomes a part of your family, expect him to expect you to never go on any trips without him.
This type of “FOMO (Fear of Being Left Out) could only increase with age, and something you must take into account, whether you get a Golden Retriever puppy, adult, or as a rescue dog (link to our ultimate rescue dog guide.)
They can’t live without a garden...or with one
Golden Retrievers by their innate breed design love to dig, and as a result, will love gardens as this will be able to further facilitate their instinctual needs. Though this can be a problem for owners as this breed will likely destroy it entirely in the process.
It’s a “catch 22” with this breed, that’s for sure.
Golden Retrievers love to dig, whether that be through their instincts as “retriever dogs” made to collect small animals, or through their energetic needs to release stress and pent-up frustration.
These dogs like digging!
A problem can arise, however, with homeowners who have space in the garden to accommodate this breed, but who fail to understand that certain measures must be in place to prevent your Golden Retriever from destroying the yard in its entirety.
There are a few ways to mend this problem with basic training (which you can find right here), however much of it will require detective work to “sniff out” the root cause for your dog’s apparent digging, which can range from mild “nothing to worry about” to extreme “oh god help me my dog is possessed” type scenarios.
Either way, don’t think that having a garden will simply be another box to “tick off”, as you may or may not have to deal with a lot of training and hardship to help your dog acclimate to living there in the first place.
How many problems would you like to inherit going with this breed is the real question, as it’s more (worthwhile) work than it looks.
They are highly stubborn and very messy!
Golden Retrievers (due to their perceived intelligence) are extremely capable and resourceful when it comes to their training and how they handle instruction. However, it is this exact trait that also makes them strong-willed and fiercely stubborn during times of aggravation and defiance, especially when they don’t want to do something.
If your Golden Retriever doesn’t want to do something, then be sure that you’ll no doubt be in for a fight, as whilst training these little minions ain’t a problem, convincing them to do things they don’t want to WILL be.
They also extremely messy and are prone to finding themselves in muddy shenanigans that will come at your expense, since well…you’re their owner. This could also result in chasing after them for washes, as their little stubborn selves may make you work for their love, work a little too much that is…
This can be a huge negative if you’re the type who minds putting in the hours with your pet, as this breed will surely test your limits, and then some.
They will NOT be able to protect your home...without some training
Golden Retrievers can be used as a protection dog, though this particular skillset will likely need to be trained in them due to certain instinctual behaviors that can put them at a disadvantage, like being overly friendly and protective of everyone (including the threat.) Though their inherited intelligence means this does not limit you from training them into becoming a protection dog.
Unlike other breeds like German Shepherds, Great Dane’s, or Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers come with a “love everyone” attitude from the get-go. This breed has unfathomable levels of compassion and naturally will want to offer help to anyone who needs it.
“Golden Retrievers weren’t built for guarding, they were built for hunting and retrieving.”
If you need to bolster up security at the homestead, getting a dog may help aid your situation, but know from beforehand that getting a Golden Retriever may not be the best option for you unless you specifically train them for it.
It can be tough to know what breed suits your fancy, but consider rescuing a dog who might really need your help, like a rescue dog. Here’s a link to our extraordinary helpful guide on the basics of getting a rescue dog (you can even get Golden Retrievers!)
