subject: Golden Retrievers - Great Family Additions [print this page] Once you have decided that you would like to add a new dog to your family then you must decide which type of dog you would like to have. If you have been considering a Golden Retriever then there are some things that you may need to know that will make your decision a much easier one.
Golden Retrievers have been around for over a hundred years. This breed is very smart and loveable. They are easily trained and are very good with children and other animals. They are very loyal and will fit nicely into your family. While they are known for hip dysplasia as well as some other health conditions, these dogs still have an average life span of between ten and twelve years.
If you decide to purchase a Golden Retriever as a puppy, you should prepare to care for them. While they are low maintenance, they do require a lot of exercise in order to maintain a healthy weight and to get some of their energy burnt off. It is a good idea to take them out for a long walk or job at least once per day.
If you have a medium to large sized fenced in yard you could let them roam freely in the yard to get some exercise. Golden Retrievers are often used for hunting so they will have a great time chasing birds and other small animals out of your yard. It is entertaining to watch and very good exercise for the dog as well.
To care for the fur of the Golden Retriever you will need to purchase a stiff brush. The top coat of fur is typically straight or wavy and is a light cream color to a bright golden color. The under coat is more coarse. When you brush your new pet out you should be sure to spend some time brushing the undercoat as this is the area that will get matted the most.
The Golden Retriever does shed year round and it is considered to be an average amount of shedding. If you care for the fur and brush it on a regular basis, you should notice less shedding in the house. These dogs truly look beautiful when they are brushed out so the reward for you will be that they look great and the reward for them is that they will be much more comfortable when their hair is not matted.
Golden Retrievers do love to have interaction with their owners. They are not dogs that like to be left alone for too long. They work hard to please their owners. This is what makes them so easy to train. They will work hard to learn what they are taught. They are very smart so picking up the guidelines around the house should be fairly simple.
If you are considering purchasing a Golden Retriever then you are on the verge of discovering a smart dog that will complete your family. These dogs are loveable, smart, and make a great pet for nearly anyone.
