Golden Retrivers

[Cherokee]

Originally Posted by Camz

BTW- to the above poster: I don't think there is a best all around breed. I think that different breeds are good and best at different things. It's all about finding what works with YOU as a person or a family and then going about making it happen in the right way.

We'll put it this way, Golden Retrievers are a very all purpose breed. Many are used for seeing eye dogs as well as other types of service dogs. They are used commonly for search and rescue, as well as bomb sniffing dogs...among other things. They are excellent retrievers so hunters love them...they excel in obedience as well as agility training. Generally they are good with kids and it takes little training for that to happen. Overall they're just a good family dog. For the average person you really can't go wrong with a Golden.

A lot of people will argue that Labs are a better overall dog. Problem being the first 6 months of their puppyhood is very difficult at times compared to a Golden.

The cases you mentioned above about agression and being afraid of everything can happen to any breed. If trained properly I think they're just and easier dog for a typical family.

I've raised three Golden retriever puppies, and two Labrador Retriever puppies for the Leader Dog program. All I can say is the Goldens were an easier dog to work with.

[RedWolf]

Golden are very smart. Some of them are "flighty" though and can seem a little dumb because of their happy-go-lucky personalities, but they are in general intelligent dogs and quick learners. My Golden is not the "flighty" type but rather the "serious" type, but she loves every person or animal she meets.

[Leon]

It seems that aggressive behavior is more frequent in some Golden Retriever families so you should avoid those if you buy a puppy.

http://igitur-archive.library.uu.nl/...0041/index.htm

[golden_girl_sami]

I got my golden when she was a puppy and now she will be 3 in June. Love her! Best dog, fun loving, smart and friendly. Nothing negative to say about this breed. All positive! Love kids and people! A family dog! Such a sweet breed!

They also love attention and very playful!

[Doggedly Determined]

We are big fans of the breed. Purebreads tend to be hyper until around 5-6 yrs. Can range in intelligence. super loyal, great with kids and others.

[Doggedly Determined]

My Golden sleeps every night facing the door. Very smart, and aware of protecting the family.