While there are many wonderful things about owning a golden retriever, there are also
many realities that must be faced before bringing a Golden retriever (or almost any dog) into your
home. Please take a moment to read the following FACT sheet. Before you consider
purchasing a dog.
Info on "English type"
There are no such thing as a "White Golden retriever".
There are Golden retrievers that come in a very pale creme coloration, but this is not "white" nor is it "rare". This color can be found in both
American and European lines. I have seen a lot of misunderstandings when it comes to
"type" as well. Many breeders are seen categorizing a dog, as "English" type because it
has a larger head or categorizing a dog as "American" because it is long in the leg with
or with a smaller head. This is an unfortunate result of the person's ignorance about the
breed. "English" type is more then just head size. If a pedigree does not contain,
immediate English imports, it is an American dog (and you can find English type in
American lines but the dog is not an "import") Type is an overall look or appearance to
the dog. Not all English dogs are "white" or creme, as some would have you to
believe. In fact, while in England, to see Crufts, I saw several very dark colored dogs
who were born raised and produced only from English stock. I also saw many English
raised, bred, and pedigreed dogs that were very "American" in type as well. Also,
temperament between English and American dogs, if correct, should not vary. English
bred Golden retrievers are no more laid back than those born here in the US. You can get light
colored, nice heads on an American dog just as easily as you can European bred
animals. So don't be fooled into buying something that is not what it seems. Both types,
are just as good as the other. Both, when purchased from a responsible breeder, can be
long lived family companions
Do I really WANT a dog?
Seem like a silly question? Its not, I promise. Take a moment and step back.
Ask yourself WHY do you want a golden? Does your friend have one and you are
smitten by its behavior? Have you thought of why that dog acts so well behaved? Did
you see one on TV or read about one in a book? And are momentarily charmed by the
idea of a hero or adorable puppy? Reality is, great dogs come from lots of training
(money and time) and TV dogs are usually professionally trained and computer
enhanced and fictional characters in a book are just that. Fiction.
Do I have TIME for a dog?
Time you say? A strange question? Its not. People often do not realize the
time it takes to raise and care for a dog. If you are the sole provider of your family. Or
you work hectic long hours. Who will be there for the dog? Puppies cannot raise
themselves? Are you willing to put out the money for doggy day care to puppy sit
during the week? Are you willing to come home from a long day at work and sacrifice
TV and self indulgences for the welfare of the dog? Are you willing to get up an extra
hour early every morning before work, to spend it with the dog? Do you have family
members who are willing to help? Who WANT to help? This type of commitment
won't be for a few weeks, rather a few YEARS until you have raised and trained your
dog to be trusted and even then, your dog will need you at times. Can you do this with
your current lifestyle?
What type of living environment are you going to give?
If you are planning to leave your golden in the back yard, tied to a tree, or
confined to the basement then you might want to seriously reconsider owning this
breed. Golden retrievers need human contact. They live for it! All dogs NEED human
guidance, which cannot be done properly, if they are isolated away from the family
unit. Isolating a golden, in such a manner, will usually result in behavior problems
such as excessive barking, digging, destructive behavior, even self destruction such as
hair chewing, feet chewing and so on. If you cannot allow a golden into your home, for
what ever reason, then this is not the breed for you.
Allergies...
Do you are any one in your family have allergies? If you do, are you willing to
take shots to control them? No allergies?What if you develop them? Will the dog be
out the door? Or are you willing to make that sacrifice?
Commitment...
The relationship between dog and man can last fifteen or more years. Are you
ready for that type of commitment and that long of a lifestyle change?
Who is the dog for?
If you are buying the dog for a friend, girlfriend, boy friend, husband, wife,
child...STOP...and rethink what you are doing. Are you 100% sure the person you are
buying the dog for is capable and WILLING to meet all of the mentioned requirements?
If you are buying the dog for your kids...make sure YOU want the dog first. Because it
will ultimately be you who becomes the main care giver.
Christmas Puppies
I am strongly against buying dogs for Christmas presents at Christmas time.
The reason is, that there is so much going on that it is very easy for the puppy to
become lost in the bustle. Christmas time has many dangers, such as wrapping paper,
lights, glass ornaments, trees, poinsettias, mistletoe, and people coming in and out that
could accidentally expose your puppy to disease. The stress alone that time of year is
terrible for a puppy to have to endure. Unless you are going to have a nontraditional
Christmas and you have seriously thought out and prepared for a puppy, it is ill advised
to bring home one at this time. However, if you are willing to make those
changes...bringing a puppy home for Christmas is possible.
Can you afford a puppy?
If you main concern is what you are going to pay for a golden or ANY dog for
that matter then stop now and save yourself the heart break. If cost is a concern then go
to rescue, go to your local shelter, and adopt an inexpensive dog...but don't price shop
for a purebred. Any quality bred animal will come with a price. If you have to even
look, to decide if you want that breed, then its not worth worrying about. Breeders
don't price shop when looking for the perfect stud dog or worry about cost when they
do surgical implants or C-sections, all because in the end it doesn't matter...as there is
nothing more valuable then a healthy well bred dog and a breeder you can count on for
advice and guidance.
Are you a neat nick?
While Golden retrievers are not necessarily slobs, they can be a little messy at times.
Golden retrievers shed A LOT, and you will need a strong, quality vacuum. You must also not
have an aversion to showing up in public with dog hair attached to you. Goldens can
also drool, especially after visiting the water bowl, but they are not too bad in that
department. Then there are the general doggy accidents, that can happen at the most
embarrassing times.
Finally.....
Can you handle a broken heart? The truth is that most people out live their dogs
and while it can be devastating to loose a pet, losing a Golden retriever can be extra difficult.
People who come to love their Golden retriever seem to form a spiritual bond with the dogs.
This is a breed that will capture, not your heart, but your soul. When it is time for your
dog to cross the bridge, will you be able to heal? will you be able to let him go? It's a
difficult and uneasy question I know.
