The Jaded Dog Trainer: The Truth About Golden Retrievers

This time, The Jaded Dog Trainer discusses the Golden Retriever dog breed.

What Is A Golden Retriever?

Let’s first decode the Golden Retriever’s breed description and take a look at what it really means. “Golden Retrievers are a medium to large size gun dog, bred to retrieve game such as shot waterfowl, including ducks and upland game birds, during hunting.”

According to the American Kennel Club, breed descends from Scottish gun dogs, and often considered among the most beautiful of all dog breeds. Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in America for a wide variety of reasons, aside from their beauty. Goldens are excellent family dogs, wonderful companions, and hard workers when it comes to hunting and fieldwork.

In fact, Golden Retrievers are a very popular breed as blind seeing eye service dogs, search-and-rescue operations, and are excellent competition dogs that perform exceptionally well in obedience and other AKC dog events. They are famous for their majestic golden coats, that of course, give the breed its namesake.

The Jaded Dog Trainer’s Hot Take On The Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever was bred to “retrieve” things. It’s in the name... Very original.

The original purpose that led to the establishment of this breed was hunting waterfowl. Their “dense inner coat” was selectively chosen by breeders to ensure that these dogs would have no trouble in colder temperatures, especially in wet conditions such as swamps and marshlands. This makes sense considering that these dogs needed serious protection against long durations where they were often wet, cold, and working.

An entertaining note in the breed’s description states very specifically that Golden Retrievers “are not suited to be guard dogs.”

So let’s break down what that really means.

People sometimes make the mistake of thinking that just because this is a big dog, it will make a good guard dog. Talk about a wrong assumption. Seriously, a Golden Retriever will help a burglar find your silver. A Golden will literally open the door, invite criminals into your house, and show them where you hide the money. He’ll even help them carry it out of your house.

Trust me, folks, if you’re looking for a good guard dog, a Golden Retriever is NOT a good choice.

But, if you like to hunt and you like taking your dog with you for outdoor activities, then a Golden is a perfect choice. They have tons of energy, they love to play, and they are highly sensitive to their surroundings.

“Dense inner coat” means hair everywhere. If you have a Golden Retriever, you’re going to have to get used to their fur because it’s going to be everywhere.

“Retrieving ducks.” What does retrieving ducks mean to a Golden Retriever? It means that they are not just willing, but are excited, to jump into near-freezing water to go and get the birds you just shot out of the sky. They have the energy to swim all day long, and their heavy fur coats insulate them against the cold.

If this dog is willing to jump into freezing cold water and swim in it all day long, then two things have to be true. One, these dogs have a TON of energy. And, two, their thick coat insulates them to feel almost nothing. If these dogs can jump into freezing water all day, then they are clearly hardcore and impervious, to almost anything.

Advice On Your Golden Retriever

To sum it up, Golden Retrievers demonstrate these traits:

1. Boundless energy
2. Can’t feel anything
3. Will help criminals steal your stuff

If that’s not what you’re looking for in a dog, then don’t buy a Golden Retriever.

Golden Retrievers are amazing dogs and make incredible companions, but be sure to take some time and think about if this dog really is the right dog for you. 

Additionally, make sure you buy the right leash or lead to ensure you and your Golden can have as much fun as possible. We put together this Ultimate Guide to Dog Leashes, Leads & Lines to help make your decision easier!

As always, be sure to take a look at your life choices, make sure you’ve got the right dog. No matter what you need, be sure that you go to RayAllen.com, and get all of your dog training equipment, dog gear, and supplies today!