Points to Remember
Golden Retrievers are happy, smart, active dogs. They love to be part of the family and love nothing more than taking a walk, going for a car ride and just plain hanging out. They will snuggle with you on the couch...after a good exhausting game of ball. Goldens do not lie on the couch all day. If they don't receive training and daily exersize, they can become destructive.
The weight referred to in the breed standard is for a mature golden. Goldens do not mature young. They need to grow slowly. Their growth doesn't stop until a minimum of 18 month - 24 months. It is important not to let them get over weight as it stresses their joints and their health.
Goldens need regular brushing to keep them mat free.
They need training. Without your guidance, training and exercise.....you will have a no, no bad dog.
Questions you should ask...
.....yourself before making an inquiry of a breeder as to the availability of Golden Retrievers. (these questions will work for any breed you may be considering)
1) Does everyone in your home really want a Golden Retriever?
2) Can we/I afford to keep a dog? Consider training fees, food bills, veterinary care and if you travel boarding/pet sitter fees? And then there are always unexpected expenses.
3) Do we/I have the patience and time to spend on training and exercise of a Golden Retriever?
4) Will a Golden Retriever fit our lifestyle and home?
5) Have I/we researched the pros/cons of owning a Golden Retriever?
** Please keep in mind; puppies are only cute and small for a few weeks. Very quickly they grow, becoming a dog who has a great sense of humor and energy. Do not expect them to be "mature" for a few years. Do expect to spend a good amount of time dealing with growing-up issues. They are born very smart and are quick learners. Without proper training and guidance, they will make poor decisions...likely the wrong choice. You have to train them. You want your puppy to be a well mannered dog, whom everyone is happy to meet. This all begins when you start training from day one.
Those ground rules are the red carpet to success.