Positive Golden Retriever Attributes:

[johnwa]

I ask each owner of the golden retriever breed to contribute your comments regarding the <b>"positive"</b> attributes of the golden retriever breed of dogs. i.e. what's good about the breed? How do they compare to other breeds that you own or have owned in the past? More than one user can list the same positive attributes.

[Cassidy'sMom]

1. Friendly: goldens tend to love everyone which is what makes them a good family dog. As a breed in general, they are not overly protective and will usually greet guests will a smile and a tail wag. I can't even say how many golden owners have said to me "all my golden would do to a burgular is lick them to death".

2. Beautiful: I may be biased to this attribute . . . but to me there is no other dog more beautiful than a freshly bathed & brushed golden.

3. Intelligent: Goldens are well known for "thinking outside the box". They are very easily trained and will quickly amaze you with what they teach themselves.

[Chris]

Positive comments well lets see. She is by far the best dog I have ever had!!!! banana She was the star pup in obedience class. :angel1 The trainer had me demonstrate to the new class what the dog should be doing at the end of the classes. :485 She doesn’t bark ever, has never even chewed a shoe or anything else for that matter. She housebroke in 5 weeks flat. (Including when she was 13 weeks old and had round worms which caused relentless diarrhea she would pound her body into my bedroom door to get me up to go outside. Never once did she go in the house.) Plus she loves everyone with no aggression ever even if she has a juicy bone. I can only hope our new pup is as good, for Maddie has definitely raised our standards with having a dog.

[goodtim'n]

A very easy, comfortable Large Breed to share your home and life with. They have a Huge heart and a very Kind, Gentle demeanor! If 1/2 the people I meet where as friendly as the GREAT GOLDEN then this would be a much nicer, world to be in. :dogbark

[Acamarrr]

Friendly, intelligent, gentle (when trained, they will treat everything from your other pets, to your children, to your clothing, to the knick knacks on the coffee table with great care), biddable/trainabe.

And they have the sweetest paws!

[angenbear]

*Intelligent:quick to learn things
*Know how to retrieve, not many dogs are good with fetching
*Affectionate: love to be petted
*Rarely barks

[Dogli]

Intelligent
Affectionate

[goodtim'n]

Sorry to repost!! Hanging out with my kids today (dogs) I realized that this is a breed that you really never give a second thought to about taking darn near everywhere you go. Hiking, swimming, camping, to friends and familys homes, grocery store, When you think about it how many times when you are driving somewhere that you see a Golden usually in other cars, just going wherever their owners are. Or sitting quietly in the drivers seat in your local grocery store parking lot. Just that alone, says it all!!!!! Some of you call them the "VELCRO" dog, Maybe it's US, the owners who are, "VELCRO" to the "GREAT GOLDEN" :dogbark

[Harshy]

How great they are with kids. We have no kids at our house (just young adult college students that are only here sometimes) yet Harley amazes me with how great she is with kids when they come to visit. Last week my 10 year old niece Courtney came to visit. Courtney played fetch with Harley, taught her how to jump over her toy bucket (this really thrilled my niece to actually teach the dog something) and also did another trick with her that I had been working on during the week but didn't feel Harley had quite grasped yet. I told Courtney to kneel in front of Harley & tell her to "hug". Harley lifted her "arm" & placed it across Courtney's shoulder resting her paw on Courtney's back in a "hug"! This dog was totally focused on my niece the entire time she was here. Not bad for a dog that isn't used to having kids around!

[theGoldenPup]

Mostly food motivated, mostly love toys, size, happy to go for long walks, versitile, not tooo high energy, great memory, soft mouths (though the puppy people may disagree!), reputation, and they make almost everyone smile!

GoldenPup

[Hankpuppies]

Sorry to repost!! Hanging out with my kids today (dogs) I realized that this is a breed that you really never give a second thought to about taking darn near everywhere you go. Hiking, swimming, camping, to friends and familys homes, grocery store, When you think about it how many times when you are driving somewhere that you see a Golden usually in other cars, just going wherever their owners are. Or sitting quietly in the drivers seat in your local grocery store parking lot. Just that alone, says it all!!!!! Some of you call them the "VELCRO" dog, Maybe it's US, the owners who are, "VELCRO" to the "GREAT GOLDEN" :dogbark

Hahahah you hit it on the nose! I am amazed at how many people travel with their goldens. I have been known to travel with my gals...heheh they are the best company. I treat them to a stroll through pet smart now and then to get some treats. They just love it!

[Gryffyndor]

In addition to all of the great attributes listed above, their goofy grins :) can always brighten your day.

[Rocky's Mom]

I love the fact that they love everyone and everything, they are goofy and carefree, just want to have a good time all the time. Very forgiving. Both mine were/are velcrow dogs and I love that companionship. They are silly and fun, always in a good mood. They have such kind, sweet eyes and expression. Love affection. I grew up breeding/showing Collies, but always wanted a GR....my parents said no..(had to wait till I got married!!!)..my brother and also my sister-in-law have Collies....NO COMPARISON!!! Goldens are so much more personable, trainable and smart.

[goodtim'n]

Another thing I reallyyyyy like is no matter where I walk, whether it be around the house or out on the property my GOLDENS are always by my side. Not running amok, but by my side. THAT'S A FRIEND!!! :dogbark

[Hunnybug]

They are always happy! Nothing gets them down. No matter what you are doing, your golden is happy to do it with you. Everything is interesting. And they LOVE everyone! My Golden learns very quickly, and is eager to please. She is very intelligent.

[FurryBaby]

Now to show how the negatives (that I posted in the negative attributes section) to some, is a positive for others...

* mischievious- so smart & silly!
* energetic- needs lots of exercise (mental & physical)- lots of fun playtime, bonding & exercise
* very oral- I love how they love to bring you things & look up at you with such pride & a BIG SMILE!
* MUST be trained- again, wonderful way to bond & you learn so much as well.
* such sentimental & cuddly babies
* you're never alone
* they can bring a smile to your face even when you've had a hard day
* their smile!
* wonderful with kids & just about everybody
* Their long & beautiful coat
* their eyes
* their warm heart & friendly disposition

The list can go on & on... :dogbark

[goodtim'n]

I didn't think I took my GOLDENS for granted, but this thread has really gotten me even more aware of my dogs. Well at times I guess I have taken them for granted. But you can with an older Golden, they are so dependable, and trustworthy and HONEST. I am relooking at my dogs and my life with them and I'm seeing things differently! I have been noticing they always have one eye on me. Do you realize our Goldens look out for us much MORE that we look out for them. Even when you think they are sleeping, even a little sigh from us will make an eyelid raise and look at us. Boy, what a great feeling knowing they are WATCHING over US!!!! The, "ALMIGHTY, "GREAT GOLDEN" everyone on this site is soooo lucky. :dogbark :dogbark :dogbark

[GoldenFrost]

They are also the best Anti-depressant aid going.
Better then a pill! :485

[elvira]

They are friendly to all people and other dogs,male or female. You can walk with them off lead and don't have to be afraid when you meet other dogs/people.
They love to work for you (and the food) and go for long walks.
They are beautiful with very sweet heads, reflecting their personality.
For me there is no other breed with all the pro's of a golden retriever and hasn;t got any negative attributes I really don't like.

[Cali n Max]

This Breed is the Most affectionate I have ever been around. We have had many breeds of hunting dogs and this is the most affectionate and loving pet we have ever had. We will alway have goldens in our life

[kencubilo]

Greatest breed in the world as far as I am concerned. Always by your side especially when outdoors or in the woods. After training and aging a bit they are very respectfull of your belongings as well as items in the house. One of the very best scent tracking dogs there is. Very friendly and loving even to strangers never have to worry about a lawsuit due to dog bites if you want a guard dog get Brinks. Always ready to cheer up somebodies day. My favorite is they have a natural alarm clock built in I never have to worry about being late for work my two make sure I get up. They live to please you and no matter how sound they are sleeping they are ready to go in a split second.

[curlyjoe_mom]

I wanted to say that the GR is a great stress reliever. I had migraine headaches almost daily untill I adopted CurlyJoe. I love him to death, my headaches are almost gone, and I am more active than I have ever been. My daughters say he is a big old teddy bear. This really is a good breed.
My dog is not that active. He never was. Is this unusual?

[happygold]

Have had many dogs in my life time, often 2 or 3 at a time...loyal and dear German Shepherds,Brilliant wize Dobie,Sweet smiling Samoyeds, a snuggly mini Dachsy and my last a truly amazing Malamute.
Jack is the most affectionate and how do I say this? engaging dog I have ever lived with.

[CaynCher]

I have never been sorry that I changed from small dogs to Goldens. They are a wonderful companion dog for an active owner who also enjoys the outdoors, swimming, and exercise. One of mine is also a good watchdog besides. :029

[Brandy and Charlie's Mom]

They bond immediately and love you for life. They're smart, funny, easy going, and the best companions on the planet.

My husband always said he only "tolerated" dogs. But after we adopted our golden, he was hooked. She was as much his baby as mine.

[GoldenParadise]

The most positive trait I can think of is that the dog meets the breed standard.

This includes temperament, size, and ability to do the job it was meant to do.

Not all Goldens WILL do the job it's intended to do, but it should be able to. It should have energy, curiosity, and be easily trained.

A Golden isn't only a Golden, it's a Golden Retriever.

[JsMom]

Great with kids (and everyone else for that matter.)

Eager to please - making them agreeable to train.

Steadfast companions.

Mindreaders ;) :dogbark

[sap4goldens]

So far the only thing that has been left out...

They are "Teachers."

Spend any amount of time with one and they will teach you what is most important in life.

They are more humane than most humans.

They have a love of life that has no comparison.

They are the definition of unconditional love.

We who are owned by them are the lucky ones.



Lysle http://www.topgoldenretrieversites.net/forums/images/smilies/dogbark.gif http://www.topgoldenretrieversites.net/forums/images/smilies/reddogx.gif

[Cypress]

This Golden Retriever is FAR AND AWAY the best dog I've ever known. Her gentleness, unending affection, honesty, and devotion humble me. I feel honored to know such a sweet soul and feel so grateful to be the recepient of her unjudging love. They possess physical beauty and a beautiful personality. The breed's intelligence surpasses many humans I have encountered. She's eager to learn, wants to do more, wants to please, listens and obeys. She radiates happiness. She never lies to me, plays mind games, hurts my feelings, or ignores me. I love her so. :doggface

[Shannon]

Friendly - my sister and I both have goldens, and they are definitely people-lovers. My pup (Abby, 5 months old) seems to really love kids -- she is just beside herself with joy when the neighbor kids come pet her. A couple times, I had her out for a walk when she plopped down next to the neighbor girls for attention. I could not get her to get back up, she was just basking in their attention. Zoe, my sister's dog, is the sweetest, most affectionate creature I've ever known. If you give her permission, she'll hop up for a "hug," and just rest her head on your shoulder and gaze at you adoringly. She's also big on snuggling, so be prepared if you sit on the floor, she'll be in your lap in a second. I know some people think that's a negative attribute, but my whole reason for getting a dog was to add another loving member to my family, so I don't mind the puppy kisses and cuddles. Even my boyfriend, who used to be afraid of dogs and isn't a huge "dog person," can't resist the urge to give Zoe big hugs and snuggles. Abby's not quite so snuggly yet, she's sweet, but more worried about chewing on her endless supply of toys (and Greenies, which are like puppy crack to her) and running around the house like a lunatic. But I have hope for her :)

Beautiful - I cannot tell you how many people have stopped me to comment, "What a beautiful dog!" There's just something about the sweet face of a golden that people just love. I got a golden because I wanted a people dog, not a dog that friends/neighbors/etc would find intimidating. I don't think any would-be burglars are going to be deterred by my pretty pup, and that's fine with me. My Abby can also look pretty majestic when she sits at attention. She's a gorgeous light reddish gold, although her ears are slightly darker, so I think she might be darker when she grows up. She's so pretty!

Smart - Although Abby can be a handful (she's going through her "challenging authority" phase, but she's starting to see that she's losing the battle), there's no denying that she's extremely smart. I only have to show her a new command a few times before she gets what I want her to do. At training, she was often used as the "demonstration dog," with the trainer using her as an example. She's also very clever. She knows that if we've got her training collar and leash on, we can control her/give her corrections for stepping out of line. One day at training, another pup, Isabel, was getting a bit rough with Abby during puppy play time (not hurting her or growling or anything, just tugging on her ear, knocking her down and not letting her get up, etc.). So the trainer decided to put Isabel back on her leash to give Abby a chance to get the upperhand. Once Abby realized that Isabel was on leash, each time Isabel would go to jump up on her or nip her, Abby would grab the leash and give it a tug -- just like I do when I correct her! The trainer and I could not stop laughing, and Isabel was perplexed.

[sundog]

I love my goldens. They are the best breed!
The best qualities are:
intelligent and easily trained, strong desire to please, beautiful, affectionate, friendly (but protective when I needed it), sensitive, goofy, playful and fun, athletic (but couch potato when I want to stay in) and of course a fabulous swimmer and retriever.
But the best thing about my dogs is their unending love and the way they make smile.Last year I was diagnosed with cancer and things got very rough. But my Sunshine could always make me smile and laugh. She seemed to know when I needed some comfort and would lay quietly near me so I could stroke her head. Or when she needed to act silly to get me to laugh! :)
After surgery I was in a cast and trying to manage with a cane and Sunshine just knew to be careful and gentle. She was always calm around my arms when I had tubes in, too.
She just sensed things. What a special dog!! :angel1
Good for Hubby too. Long walks with Sunny helped him clear his head and relax.
Now I have Breeze to help me with my recovery, too. Nothing like a puppy to get you up and at-um! I feel great!

So for me, my dogs best qualities are their "healing powers"!! jump2

[MidgesMom]

A great "new baby" when your baby goes to Kindergarten! rofl3 My rescue came already potty trained , sleeps through the night and I don't have to pay for college! :021

[Jo Ellen]

and they won't leave home just because they grow up ;)

[sunflowergirl]

Positive things-highly trainable,eager to please,alerts about strangers but not aggeressive!Beautiful!Sweet,friendly,happy. :reddogx

[lian]

My boyfriend says that anyone who doesn't smile when they see a golden, is pretty much heartless. & I agree. How can you NOT smile when you see that sweet face that is always smiling back at you?

Positive traits: Goldens learn to live life according to how YOU live it. & they remind you that there's more to life than just work, eat & sleep. There's also hugging & kissing the golden.

Goldens are very good for anger management. You can never stay angry at them. & they're such goofballs.

Goldens make you feel like you will never be alone. Because wherever you go, they'll always be there for you. Lack of privacy... but hey, who are they going to tell?

Goldens also boost your ego. Whenever you try anything on & you ask them, "So how does it look? Good?" & they reply with a huge smile & a wagging tail... Would your golden lie to you?

[mybuddy]

Positive attributes...

He makes me smile even when I feel that I cant.
He is there even when noone else isnt.
He is ready to forgive even when he doesnt have to.
He can tear me to shreads but he chooses not to.
He never complains when everyone else around me is!
He listens even though I know he would rather be doing something else.
He can be goofy and silly yet when appropriate, he can be serious and concerned.
He greets me like no other just from being away long enough to take out the garbage.
It really hurts me not to be with him and I just know he feels the same.

In a nutshell, he is golden!

[GoldenLady]

Mybuddy, that was beautiful. :) :) :) What a perfect tribute to our special Golden friends. Thanks for sharing it!

Cheers,
GoldenLady :)

[all for goldens]

MyBuddy,

I almost missed that. What a beautiful tribute to a remarkable animal. Glad I stopped in to skim the the new updates. Our love for our GRs is almost as amazing as their unconditional love back; almost. ;)

[ChocFullOfLabs]

I think that Golden Retrievers are just beautiful. After a bath, with her feathering all "groomed out", Bronze is gorgeous (okay, maybe I am baised here).

Bronze has been very quick to pick up basic obedience commands, and she and my Lab, Rosie, are comparable on that level. My Border Collie that I used to own was by far quicker to learn, and pick up new commands.

I love the devotion. No other dogs I have ever owned have ever been as devoted as Bronze. She will do anything and everything for you just go get a pat on the head and a "good girl". An hour of therapy work in an nursing home doesn't need a reward - her reward is just the hug she gets from me and the pats from the many residents.

Elizabeth

[Maine Retriever]

I have been reading many of the posts as a guest for the past few months, trying to decide if a GR will fit into our household. You folks are a great bunch to get info from and we have finally decided to make the leap. :happy2

Now we have joined your message board, have been in contact with a wonderful breeder in our area (we have an appointment to meet with them tomorrow), and can't thank you enough for all of the helpful info posted here.

We have owned Irish setters in the past (trained them for field and gun dog trials) and were looking for a breed for companionship and stability. Thanks again!

[goldencrazy]

no matter the day you have had, you walk through the door and they are there loving you and so excited to see you....all worries seem to go away, once i see my fenway.
they are gentle, fun, playful and easy to train. your constant companion and of course they are absolutely beautiful!!!!!! :)

[marlowesonly1]

:) I can't imagine a more loving, lovable dog. They are friendly, gentle, endlessly amusing (they know they're human), trainable, easy to housebreak, great with even the smallest children, good travelers, cuddly, beautiful, sensitive, smart, resourceful (ours just got his whole self, not just front paws, up on our cluttered kitchen counter and helped himself to a lemon cake I had forgotten to cover), charming, calm, soothing, help you get your exercise by needing it themselves, and you can't walk a block with your golden without strangers asking to pet him and complimenting his his good looks and sweet personality.

[GraciesMom]

When I feel I can't go any further, Gracie looks up and shows me I can. She makes me laugh so hard sometimes, especially with her silly obsessions and her happy dances!

[Maine Retriever]

"You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, `My God, you're RIGHT! I NEVER would've thought of that!'" - Dave Barry

Step #1: Applies to ALL Goldens. :)

[RickandHelen]

They always bring a smile to your face, they are affectionate and a true member of the family. They are easy to train and always great fun. We couldn't imagine life without her! :dogbark

[RomeosPerson]

Where to begin? The question we always ask when someone acquires another breed is: Why would they do that? Couldn't they get a Golden? Goldens are fun, energetic (without being crazy), don't bark a lot (at least ours haven't), smart (if you take the time to teach them, they learn), love people, are good with other dogs, are happy to join you in almost any activity (except possibly those that involve the groomer)... We've had 5. Their personalities were very different, but they were all lovable. Only one was very stubborn (a girl we raised for Guiding Eyes who was extraordinarily smart), but none were ill tempered in any situation. Forget guard or even watch dog duty. They would be more likely to invite a thief in and show him where to find the silver (if I had any). I have my first boy right now . He is a total love, but the only way we know when anyone is on the property is that he runs to the door wagging his tail. Lately he has even become happy to sit and watch while the deer demolish my garden. The only way I can think of improving this breed is to make them non-shedding.

[lammer29]

I agree with all the postings. We already had a dog, which I knew wasn't what i was looking for...........but it was for my son and when he saw the puppy he had to have her (lab mix). She is a pretty good dog, but again not the one I would have wished for, I love her dearly, but there was always something missing for me, when we would go camping I would see so many families with these great goldens and I would just yearn for one! (and especially since our lab mix cannot go camping with us - barks at everyone). We tried a rescue from a kill pound over the internet and it didn't work out (mange) but I still couldn't get having a GR out of my head. I had finally decided in that in the summer of 2005 I would get one while I was home for the summer. In April 05 a friend called me that there was a 15 month old female in the newspaper. I was hestitant, but I called and we went the next day to see her. We took her for a few hours to our home to see how she was and how she and our other dog got along. It went very well, so we decided to take her (buy her).
I have to tell you that I just kept waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop because I could not figure out why this family would not want to keep her. And I have to say that the other shoe NEVER dropped! She is so wonderful and she is so attached to me, it's eerie. It's like she knew I needed her and she definitely needed me (from little clues, I don't think she was treated well).(Don't get me wrong, she has issues).The 2 dogs love each other and get along great Even though I do love all dogs, I would never, ever get another breed other than a GR. I am sold on them and I love her so much, she just wants to be with me, it doesn't matter what I am doing, she so wants to please and just wants to be petted or be close. I am always commenting on the fact that it was one of the best things we ever did!. And she goes camping with us and everyone stops to see her and comment on her looks and disposition (I wonder how many have left the campground to get their own slice of heaven).Just my 2 cents (or more!) By the way........ditto on the no shedding, but they're worth it!

[Fluff76]

There are few sights as beautiful as seeing a bouncy happy golden out on a hill or in the fields looking alert and attentive.

They've got great comical expressions and when I talk to mine she'll look me right in the eye and listen to my incessant waffle.

She follows me round the house - even when I've popped into the kitchen for a drink.

And someone else mentioned thier paws - they are adorable (and smell like buscuits!!)! They love cuddles, fuss and I miss her dearly when I'm not at home.

[Duke's Mom]

What did I do without him?

1) Smarter than I am
2) Willing to please - wanting to please
3) Smarter than I am
4) Affectionate beyond words
5) Smarter than I am
6) Absolutely beautiful
7) Smarter than I am
8) Great with kids - LOVES kids - every golden should have a few!
9) Smarter than I am
10) Loves people in general - never met a stranger
11) Smarter than I am
12) Loves all living things
13) Smarter than I am
14) Loves his humans above all others
15) Definately smarter than his humans are

What was life without him?
*****************boring!****************
What would life be without him?
*************can't even go there!***********

We are the luckiest people on the earth to be owned by a golden.

[Jo Ellen]

ha ha DM, that was cute :D

We were sitting out on our porch tonight watching the guests leave from across the street ... lots of people, lots of kids. Daisy's tail just wagged. I asked her if she wanted me to have some babies. She said .....

NO

I'm just sure that's what she said !

:laugh2

[MarleyLove]

I love this thread! :) I take Marley with me and my son to the bus stop every morning. The closer we get the more excited he gets to see all the kids and the boxer that comes occassionally. This morning he literally had 6-8 kids all gathered around him petting and loving on him, and I wish I had a camera for the look on his face. He was in puppy heaven! :woofpup As the kids got on the bus he watched with his little tail wagging until every kid was on the bus was pulling away before he was ready to turn around and go home. I love how tuned in to people in general but kids in particular Marley is!

Even when he tries to steal my son's juice box (that's what is between his paws)

[eggo]

1.Beautiful
2.Walks slow
3.Cute :angel1

[Shamrockgirl59]

Ahhhhh I could write a book on the good attributes of goldens, but it's been written a number of times.
First they are the most beautiful dog ever
Second they are the sweetest dog ever
Third they are the smartest dog ever

Very easy to house train, They have a smile a mile wide when ever they see you. Unconditonal love for everyone they meet. Other adults, children, and other animals. Adapted very well to our cats. You can trust them with just about anyone. The have good manners when trained well. Just watch out for the swishing tail, have had to rearrange my coffee table a number of times LOL

They just make me soooooo happy whenever I am in a down mood, sure banishes any depression when your blue, and they put that big beautiful head on your lap.... and gaze at you with all that love in those big brown eyes, you melt like buttah.

God is dog spelled backwards, and when God prefected the dog he made Golden Retrievers....

[Keon]

For all your wonderful comments on the Golden and helping me to make my decision to add Keon to my family. I was a little worried with kids and other animals how he would adjust but from the sounds of your comments, I've made a good choice. I'm already in love with him and he's only 3 weeks old. I can't wait till I can take him home.:ddog