15 Potential Drawbacks to Consider Before Adopting Golden Retriever

Are you considering getting a golden retriever? This breed is often portrayed as a perfect family pet, but there are some downsides that potential owners should be aware of before bringing one into their home. In this article, we will discuss the negative aspects of owning a golden retriever.

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they are known to be susceptible to a variety of health issues

According to Dr. Sabrina Kong, D.V.M, who is a veterinary advisor at We Love Doodles – an educational website about dogs – Golden Retrievers are typically healthy dogs. However, due to unethical breeding practices, they are more susceptible to certain illnesses and afflictions. For instance, they may develop hip dysplasia, which can lead to mobility issues. Additionally, they may suffer from skin irritation and allergies, ear infections, and hypothyroidism.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a common condition that affects many large dog breeds, including Golden Retrievers. It’s a hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t form properly, leading to arthritis and pain.

Cancer

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Golden Retrievers. They are more susceptible to developing cancer than other breeds. Common cancers that affect Golden Retrievers include lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and hemangiosarcoma.

Skin Allergies

Golden Retrievers are prone to developing skin allergies. This is due to their thick coat and the fact that they love to swim, which can lead to skin irritation.

Not Good Guard Dogs

While Golden Retrievers are loyal and protective of their families, they are not typically known for their guard dog abilities. They are more likely to greet an intruder with wagging tails and lots of love, rather than guarding their territory. This trait can be traced back to their history as hunting dogs, where they were trained to retrieve games for their owners and work closely with humans. As a result, they have a strong desire to please their owners and may not exhibit the same protective instincts as other breeds.

However, this doesn’t mean that Golden Retrievers can’t be trained to be effective watchdogs. With proper training and socialization, they can learn to bark and alert their owners when they sense a potential threat.

goldens love comfy places including on the furniture

in their surroundings. They prefer to be where their owners are and may climb onto furniture because it feels rewarding and comfortable. Being on the floor is not as appealing to dogs, as they are social creatures that crave being around people.

Most Golden Retrievers love being near their owners as they are loyal companions that want to follow and protect them. If a pet needs the training to adjust to being on the floor, owners can spend time with them there, create a comfortable bed area, and use positive reinforcement training with treats.

If owners do not mind their dogs coming onto the furniture occasionally, training may be easier as the dogs adjust to the floor but still come to the couch for quality time with their owners. Ultimately, Golden Retrievers just want to be comfortable and loved by their owners, whether it is on furniture or the floor.

They need to have a hard consistent exercise

Golden Retrievers are a breed of dogs that are known for their high levels of energy and require plenty of exercises to stay healthy and happy. It can be challenging for owners who do not have the time or space for regular walks and playtime to provide the necessary exercise their furry friends need. Daily exercise is essential for Golden Retrievers to prevent obesity and maintain their physical and mental well-being.

To keep Golden Retrievers active, owners can engage in activities like taking them for walks, playing fetch, going for a run, or taking them to a dog park. These activities help them burn off excess energy and promote healthy physical and mental development.

Apart from physical exercise, owners can also provide mental stimulation to their furry friends by playing games and engaging in activities that challenge their minds. Mental stimulation activities include hide-and-seek, puzzle games, and training exercises.

They shed a lot

These dogs shed a lot, which means you’ll need to be prepared to deal with hair on your clothing and furniture. Additionally, Golden Retrievers have a distinctive doggy odor and produce a fair amount of dander. If you or anyone in your family has allergies, it may not be the best breed for you.

they might be stealing things

I can attest to their love of stealing things! My golden, Max, is always running off with socks, shoes, and even remote controls. Golden Retrievers were originally bred as hunting dogs and have a strong instinct to retrieve and carry objects in their mouths.

They have a natural affinity for carrying objects in their mouth, which often results in them being quite the little thieves. They can’t help but snatch items from their human possession and proudly parade around with them in their mouths.

If you turn your back for even a moment, your furry friend might run off with your socks or even your underwear, all in good fun, of course.

So, while it can be frustrating to have to constantly chase down items that Max has taken, I know that it’s just part of what makes him a lovable and loyal Golden Retriever.

They Are Prone To Obesity

I know firsthand the struggle of keeping my furry friend at a healthy weight. According to Fierce Pharma, nearly 63 percent of Golden Retrievers are considered overweight or obese. It’s not just Golden Retrievers either – other breeds such as black Labradors are also prone to gaining excess weight.

One of the main reasons for this weight gain is their love for food! These pups are highly motivated by their stomachs, and it can be challenging to resist their begging eyes. However, obesity is a serious problem that can have negative consequences for their health and lifespan. It’s essential to monitor their diet and exercise to keep them at a healthy weight.

If you find that your Golden Retriever is gaining weight, don’t worry – it can be reversed with proper diet and exercise. A healthy lifestyle not only extends their life expectancy but also improves their overall quality of life. So, make sure to keep an eye on their food intake and incorporate regular exercise into their routine. Your furry friend will thank you for it

They can jump up or knock over small children.

you may be wondering if your golden can safely interact with your kids. The good news is that Golden Retrievers can make great companions for children! They are playful and love to run and jump around, making them perfect playmates for kids.

However, like any dog, Golden Retrievers need proper training to ensure they interact safely with kids. Puppies, in particular, should be supervised around small children, as they can be very energetic and may accidentally knock over a child in their excitement

They Cannot Be Left Alone

Being an ardent owner of a Golden retriever, I can affirm that this breed of dog is highly sociable and necessitates an enormous amount of attention from its human counterparts.

If you often leave your home for a long time or don’t have enough time to spend with your dog., then a Golden Retriever might not be the perfect breed for you.

To ensure that your Golden Retriever stays happy, it is crucial to integrate them into your familial activities as much as possible. They take immense pleasure in being in the presence of their human family and thrive when they can partake in excursions, strolls, and other such undertakings.

If your timetable is tight, it is recommended that you contemplate enrolling your golden in a doggy daycare program or employing a dog walker to take them out during the day. This will ensure that your dog is not left idle or solitary, which can result in harmful conduct and despondency.

Can Be Overly Friendly

Golden retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, which can be a positive attribute for some owners. However, this breed can also be overly friendly with strangers, which can be a concern for owners who are worried about their dog’s safety or the safety of others.

Golden Retrievers like to chew

when you see a golden retriever, you’ll likely observe them carrying something in its mouth, such as a stick, or a tennis ball. They enjoy playing with objects and utilizing their mouth to interact with their environment.

If you’re thinking about owning a golden retriever, you should know that they need a lot of chew toys. If they don’t have enough, they might chew on your things and harm them.

Expensive to Care For

Golden retrievers are expensive dogs to care for. They require regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative care, such as flea and tick medication. Additionally, they need high-quality food and toys to keep them happy and healthy.

Grooming Needs

As previously mentioned, golden retrievers have long, beautiful coats that require regular grooming. This can be time-consuming and expensive, particularly for owners who do not have experience grooming dogs. Golden retrievers also require regular baths to keep their coats clean and healthy.

Fear of Water

Despite being known for their love of water, some golden retrievers can have a fear of swimming or being in the water. This can be frustrating for owners who want to take their dogs to the beach or enjoy water activities with them.

This fear of water can be caused by a traumatic experience, genetics, or lack of exposure to water during the dog’s early years.

They have a short lifespan

Golden retrievers are cherished members of families, and we wish they could live forever. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other sources, golden retrievers usually live for 10 to 12 years. Unfortunately, their lifespan has decreased over time. In the past, it was common for goldens to live to be 16 or 17 years old, but it’s not as common anymore. Despite their lifespan, we must always remember how precious their lives are.

Conclusion:

The Golden Retriever is an amazing breed. If you have the resources and time to take care of multiple dogs, having two of these dogs can be a great experience. You will receive twice the affection and entertainment, and your furry friend will have a companion as well. I hope you enjoyed reading this post.