There are certain breeds of dogs that most people are automatically drawn to. The golden retriever is one of those breeds. Not only are these dogs beautiful, they make loyal and loving companions, and are wonderful family dogs. If you are considering adopting a dog, and this is a breed you like, there are many things that you are going to need to think about before making your final decision. Not all breeds of dogs are right for all people, and even if you do love a specific breed, that breed may not be suitable for your lifestyle.

Golden Retrievers Enjoy Active Lifestyles

If you are an active person who is looking for an active dog, the golden retriever is the breed for you. These dogs love to play, and being retrievers, some of their favorite pastimes are playing games of fetch. Of course, they also love going for plenty of walks. They also enjoy a number of other outdoor activities, including swimming, and are ideal for those who love spending time in the outdoors. Like many other breeds of dogs, they need to be physically and mentally stimulated, or they get bored, and they are known to start chewing on things like shoes, furniture, and other things they shouldn't be chewing on.

While golden retrievers are extremely friendly dogs with many wonderful qualities, they can also tend to be very hyper animals. They tend to keep their puppy personalities well into adulthood, and they love to play. These are dogs that have loads of energy, and they need to live in active households, with plenty of room to play. This is especially true with puppies, and their training requires a lot of time and attention. Apartment dwellers or those who work a lot may want to consider a different breed that is not so active.

Choose a Golden Retriever for a Loyal Family Pet

Families with children should look for breeds of dogs that are known to be extremely friendly, especially towards children, and the golden retriever fits this bill perfectly. These dogs are patient and loving, and because they are so active, they are perfect for playing with children. They are friendly towards pretty much everyone they meet, so don't expect them to be great watchdogs. But, they do make terrific service dogs, because they are extremely intelligent, love being given jobs to do, and they love being rewarded for doing their jobs well.

Golden Retrievers Make Awesome First Pets

Because they are so intelligent and easy to train, golden retrievers are ideal for those who haven't had much experience with dogs in the past. They do need to have obedience training, but they learn quickly, especially when learning is reinforced with treats (just remember not to give them too many treats as they do tend to become overweight easily as they age). Because they have long hair, they do require regular brushing and grooming, as well as nail clipping. These dogs do shed a lot, and are not the best choice for anyone who suffers from allergies.