When you think of puppies, the Golden Retriever may come to mind. But are Golden Retrievers good with kids? This large and beautiful dog breed is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Golden Retrievers are energetic and loyal as well as easy to train, affectionate, and great with kids of any age. Golden Retrievers are perhaps one of the more iconic dog breeds for their beautiful, feathered coat and gentle, loving personality. This breed will thrive well with guidance and training. Goldens do need a fair amount of attention regarding their physical and mental stimulation. They enjoy problem-solving with stimuli such as rubber Kongs for licking or guided tasks. They are great outdoor dogs, with boundless energy and an adventurous spirit (via PDSA). Keep on reading to find out more about this popular dog breed. Is a Golden Retriever right for you?
Golden Retriever Personality And Physical Traits
Golden Retrievers are a very playful breed. They are active, intelligent, and affectionate. Socialization from a young age is super important for this breed because while they are very playful, they can also grow to be quite large. Training them to be aware of their size around other dogs and young children is an important aspect of their ability to be good family dogs. According to Pet MD, Golden Retrievers are very much a people-pleasing breed and thus will respond well to positive reinforcement and training in a routine setting. They can become anxious when left alone for too long and will do better with a routine and company than being all alone for long periods. Physically, Golden Retrievers are a gorgeous dog breed. Their coats can come in a range of white-blonde to copper tones and their soft fur will often look feathery across their back and on their legs (via Rover).
Why The Age Of Your Child Is Important
The age of your child should always be a consideration when you’re choosing to buy or adopt a new pet. While Golden Retrievers may do better with an older child in the context of training, they are very sweet with young children as well. The deciding factor here may be that you have the time to train a young puppy and also take care of your child. Whatever your decision, ensure that you have enough time to integrate your child into your new Golden Retriever puppy’s training. This will help strengthen the bond and can teach a lot about responsibility and consistency.
What If My Child Is Allergic?
Golden Retrievers are big dogs who shed a lot. According to Rover, Golden Retrievers have what’s called a “double coated” dog breed. This means the outer coat, which is feathery and coarse, is water-repellent. the inner coat, the softer fur on their body, is used for insulation. Between the two types of fur, Goldens often get hair everywhere. This can be hard for people who are allergic to the dander that is shed with their fur. It’s good to keep in mind these traits if someone in your family is very allergic to dogs. A Golden Retriever might not be as good of a fit as other hypoallergenic options. Be sure to check out medication options for treating allergies if your heart is still set on a Golden.
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How Big Do Golden Retrievers Get?
Golden Retrievers can get quite large. Full-grown male Goldens can range between 70-80 pounds with the strength, appetite, and energy level to match. They reach about 24 inches in height. Female Goldens can stay between 60-75 pounds and range from 21-23 inches in height. Female Goldens have similar energy levels though with perhaps fewer alpha dog tactics at the dog park! While Goldens are adorable and can be small as puppies, it is very important to remember that your new Golden will not be that size for very long. According to Vetrinarians.org, mature sizing for a Golden Retriever happens at about 1 year, while their full-grown weight will settle in at around 2 years of age.
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Energy Levels of Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are very active dogs. They are great for a household that enjoys outdoor adventures and frequent jaunts to the park. They will need daily exercise and some form of play. Encourage your kids to help with walking, running, and especially playing with your dog. This will forge a stronger friendship and encourage your dog to recognize its family when it is time for training. Golden Retrievers are relaxed and independent indoor dogs unless you get them playing. Just be sure you’re drawing boundaries when it comes to indoor versus outdoor playtime. These sweet pups can get large and things can easily get broken when they are just trying to be playful! They’ll often sleep in their beds and chew on their toys if they need stimulation. Juniper Pets recommends using mental stimulation tools like hide-and-seek games, puzzle toys, outdoor exploration, agility training, and obstacle courses. The idea behind this is that if your Golden is getting out both mental and physical energy – they are less likely to be destructive or needy.
How Much Does It Cost To Own A Golden Retriever?
Goldens are expensive. As a purebred dog, you’ll find lots of breeders who are expecting top dollar for this very popular dog breed. Golden Retriever puppies range from $500 to upwards of $2,000 depending on the pedigree of their parents. Be sure to factor in the cost of gearing up for a puppy, the larger-sized beds and crates, food, vaccines, check-ups, and possible spay/neutering surgery. Adoption is always a possibility, likely from non-breeders, but because Golden Retrievers are such a highly in-demand dog, it may be harder to find puppies through sources other than breeders. Keep an eye out at your local humane society or animal adoption center. Golden Retriever dogs are an investment but can be worth it for the sweet temperament, loyal personality, and genuinely good breed that Golden Retrievers are very well known for (via A-Z Animals).
- 4-serving meals starting at $3.77 per serving (up to 25% cheaper than HelloFresh).
- Incredible variety with 10+ weekly meal options, delivered directly to you.
- Easy to prepare meals ready in 30-minutes or less.
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What To Know About Golden Retrievers
Overall, it makes total sense why Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. Golden Retrievers are good with kids and will show affection to your young ones while helping to teach responsibility and kindness to your children as they continue to grow up. If you find the right fit for routine and enjoy being active yourself, a Golden might be the perfect addition to your family. According to Children's MD, there are truly so many good reasons to get a dog, and a Golden Retriever is a great option. Dogs can teach your children and your whole family so much about responsibility, patience, and compassion. Not to mention the fun and unconditional love that comes from owning a sweet dog breed. Be sure to do your research on breeders that are ethically sound as well as keep your eye out on the off chance a golden is available for adoption. With training and love, these dogs can make your family that much happier for deciding to take the leap and get a Golden Retriever as a pet.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/Jenny Sun.