In the canine world Golden Retrievers are the favoured choice for many people. Because they make great pets, hunting dogs, top obedience competitors and excellent show dogs, they are a breed of preference. Whatever reason you have for wanting to own a Golden Retriever you will not be disappointed, because it will live up to it's potential.

One of the most affectionate and loyal breeds, Golden Retrievers are easy to school due to their high intelligence and make excellent companions because of their placid disposition. They make excellent watchdogs due to their loud bark which they will do if anything is out of the ordinary, but still make ideal friends for children of all ages. Any affection you show them will be returned with unreserved loyalty as Golden Retrievers need to be treated as part of the family.

No matter how many times you brush them, Golden Retrievers shed their hair constantly, particularly in the spring when they discard their winter coat. Brushing and combing them daily is a necessity, paying particular attention to the dense undercoat. This is of the utmost importance because the health and quality of a Golden Retriever can be assessed by his coat.

It is worth considering, when walking or hiking with your Golden Retriever, that they have a great liking for the water and will be in it at every opportunity. Initially, this will be a great source of fun. But when they keep finishing up wet or muddy it can sometimes be very frustrating for the owner.

Once you have got your Golden Retriever it is important to pay considerable attention to his daily needs. What he needs most is the emotional maintenance that comes from being with his owner and family and being treated as an integral part of the family group. Ignoring his active nature and powerful physique can lead to behaviour problems, and he needs daily physical and mental exercise.

Golden Retrievers thrive on attention and admiration and have need for companionship and do not do well if left on their own. You should look into another breed of dog as an alternative to a Golden Retriever if you are unable to spend a good deal of time with them. Because they are always seeking attention and to be with company at all times they are the ideal enhancement to a family, particularly if you have kids and are liable to spend long periods at home.

If patience and time is plentiful then getting a Golden Retriever puppy is preferable to acquiring an adult dog. This way the dog will come with no bad habits and will grow up with the skills that you teach it. Although this can be very fulfilling it can be considerably disheartening at times and time consuming. You would be better to consider acquiring an older dog if free time is not abundant or you readily get frustrated. A house broken and already trained Golden Retriever would be a more appropriate option.

Companionship and loyalty are traits of Golden Retrievers that establish them as an excellent preference. All family activities are suitable for you to include them and they enjoy playing a full part. Your Golden Retriever will grow to become affectionate and loyal and a friend for life if you include him in your life.