The Golden Retriever Is an Incredible Family Dog

With a lustrous coat and a sweet disposition, the Golden Retriever quickly rose in popularity within the United States. Deemed by World Dog Finder as the top candidate for guide dogs, this breed has proven that they are dependable. In order to take on this role, a canine should be intelligent, adaptable, and level headed. The Golden Retriever excels in all three of these areas. But will a dog that can help guide the blind be able to handle a household filled with children?

There are a number of qualities that overlap between a good guide dog and one that gets messed with by kids. The Golden Retriever is among the top most popular breeds within the United States, and they even meet that same rating for those with families. The life of a family dog can be quite challenging for some breeds. They get just about every body part tugged on, are exposed to loud sounds, and can have divided attention. 

This article will focus on the reasons as to why the Golden Retriever makes for an ideal family dog, as well as how one should go about finding the right companion.

Basic Breed Information

Before looking at the reasons why households with families should consider getting a Golden Retriever, it’s important to understand why they’re the way that they are. The history of this breed is somewhat controversial. There are two major theories behind the origin of the famed Golden Retriever.

One states that the first Golden Retrievers were bred from a line of Russian circus dogs while the other theorists believe that Lord Tweedmouth of Ilchester, Scotland kept a number of the first Retrievers. This was in the middle of the 19th century, and the most well documented case of these dogs to date.

Comparing the breed standards to those you see today, the Golden Retriever of the past was much shorter and had less fur. These dogs generally reach about 55 to 75 pounds, depending on gender. They sport floppy ears, a medium length coat, and a long tail. As the name suggests, this breed comes in a variety of golden hues.

Why is it Such a Good Family Dog?

So, what exactly makes a dog suitable for a life surrounded by children? Sure, they should be relatively sweet, but there must be more to it. The Golden Retriever is an exceptional family dog due to the qualities that every dog in this position should have.

The traits of a good family dog come down to two separate factors, overall temperature and energy level. The personality of a dog can mean a big difference for the safety of one’s kids. Family dogs should be fairly patient, agreeable, and connected to the members in the household. An active canine that isn’t in need of excessive walking is the best option for this situation. Golden Retrievers are loyal to their families and have just enough energy to entertain the kids. These factors have made them among the top breeds to be considered as a family dog. One added bonus is that they don’t bark all too frequently, so the kids won’t be as easily disrupted from their nap. Despite the fact that a family dog has its disadvantages, they also get to partake in eating any scraps that the kids may throw their way!

Getting a Golden Retriever

Before a family fully commits to getting a Golden Retriever, they should do the proper research, including where they might want to buy the dog. There are a number of rescues that are breed specific. Another option is through a reputable breeder. Regardless of the final decision, the owner of the organization or breeding kennel should be questioned and made sure that they want to ensure the health and safety of their dogs. Once that is finalized, the family can actually bring Fido home.

Picking the right puppy can have a bit of an impact on how well he or she fits into the family. When looking over the litter, it is always best to select the puppy that is fairly confident, receptive to handling, and playful. They may look cute, but those shy younger dogs aren’t necessarily equipped to handle the hectic life of a family without extensive training and attention.

The Golden Retriever is a well-loved dog that makes for a great addition to the family. They are playful, happy, tolerant, and committed to their humans. This breed can be rescued through a breed specific rescue, or from a breeder with the right amount of research. The best puppy will be alert, playful, and confident, so as to fit into the household with ease.