Questions About Golden Retriever's

I have a pure golden.

Make sure you get the hips checked out if you go for the pure.

Golden retrievers are wonderful dogs.....sometimes, you get lucky and get a really smart one...usually, they are great with children, very even tempered...

They need room to run or they need to be exercised daily...

Their health problems, depending on the breeder.....involve hip problems, dysplasias...and they tend to have an inordinately high rate of certain cancers.

They shed like hell....but, if given the opportunity, I would have one. I loved my Bentley, until someone stole him when he was 15 months...he was dumb as a rock...but, probably the most lovably, loyal dog I've ever had.

I've got a 1 yr old golden -- Sedona is dumb as a box o' rocks, but sweet as anything.

Raven pretty much hit it right on the head -- only thing I'd add is that, probably as part of their need for exercise/stimulus, they don't do as well by themselves -- better to give him/her a playmate.

All that said, I'd also like to spam for a really good organization -- GoldenTown. Based in Northern Cal, it's an all volunteer/donation driven non-profit home for aging and disabled goldens. Check 'em out -- great holiday gesture, and not a bad last-minute tax write-off...

http://www.goldentown.org
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i have a pure bred golden retreiver and he will be 11 this year. Something cant be stressed enough is how much exercise they need, i have to leave him at my parents farm because he is so hyper.

I have pure golden as well. The key is finding A GOOD BREEDER. DO NOT buy from a pet store. Call a well trusted vet and get a recommendation on a breeder. Well breed dogs are the key. As for shedding, yes they do shed a lot. I bought one of those ionic brushes from Sharper Image and it really does help cut down on the dog smell and hair loss.

Golden's are the best dogs in the world. They are so friendly and love so unconditionally. Great with kids. I love them...

have one 9 years old and love her. she has recently had some ear problems that my vet tells me are common in retreivers. just need to clean them quite often.

she does not get as much exercise as i am sure she should be she is absolultely the best dog i have ever had. VERY hairy an shed alot but if you can get by that, then i recommend one highly

I love Goldentown! I love donating to them.

get an Afghan Hound

I've got a 5yo Golden Retriever mutt. He's my best buddy. Aside from the hip issues and need for exercise they can also tend to be rather high strung (esp. pure breds) - but given the attention they deserve they are some of the most lovable and loyal dogs you could possibly wish for.
Also, even though they are 'water dogs' they are very succeptable to ear infections, so you'll need to keep tabs on that.

you have no idea how cool goldens are.... get a pure bred.... OMG you dont even want to get me started on this.. Super, super smart, almost human.......

Save a Life - Adopt a Pet

www.petfinder.com

Nothing beats a Black Labrador

I have an American purebred 14 year old Golden. She is the finest human being I know This dog has more dignity and compassion than 99% of two legged people. They are among the smartest breeds, ranked I think 4th in intelligence in the dog world. They are gentle souls but playful and athletic being bred as a hunting dog originally.

Goldens adapt to whatever kind of household that adopts them - they are the dog of choice to be guidedogs for the blind, there are several programs which bring goldens to the elderly in nursing homes on a weekly basis. That's because they are so gentle and well behaved. While they appreciate and need exercise it doesn't have to be a high speed intense workout - a nice walk suits them fine. Though if they wind up with a young family with kids and lots of tumult they are happy with that kind of lifestyle. Basically they are happy campers with everything.

If you're lucky enough to have your Golden live a long life be prepared for some major vet bills in their last years. I'm in for about $3,000 in the last year and a half. Their hips go on them, all of them if they reach a certain age - my dog Shredder's are shot, I carry the 85 pounds up two flights of stairs at least 5 times a day. She enjoys the ride. According to the vet she is not in pain, she just can't get up that easily or walk very fast, or climb stairs.

They rule - I think they are the best looking dog but that's subjective. If I get another dog it would definitely be a Golden again or a mutt - mutts are great dogs usually.

There are two kinds of Goldens - an English an American - the English have blondish hair and are stockier, the American Golden is more red brown.

NEVER get an Irish Setter, they are INSANE. It's the only breed I tell people to avoid. Black and Chocolate Labs are also great but in my experience they are less human-like and demand more exercise than Goldens.

Thanks everyone for your input, it has been very helpful

Mark