NO
 
INBREEDING!

Although Golden Retrievers are in many ways the ideal family pet, there are disadvantages to owning one, and some breed characteristics that may make them not the ideal breed for some families:

Hair - Lots of hair! In general, Goldens shed profusely twice a year and shed at least a little all the time. If you or anyone in your house is fastidious about dog hair on the floor, furniture, clothes, and yes, occasionally on your dinner plate, a Golden is not the right pet for you! Brushing and combing every couple of days can make a tremendous difference in the amount of hair you find in the house; and when the “big coat blow” comes, bathing in warm water, blow drying and a couple of hours with a comb can get quite a lot of it over at once. There will always be some around, however.

Exercise - Goldens were developed as a sporting breed, and usually need at least a good long walk (thirty minutes) or jog every day; with some play or work sessions (retrieving, chasing a ball, etc.) thrown in as well. (Puppies under the age of 1-1/2 to 2 years shouldn’t run beside a bike or jog long distances.) Swimming is wonderful exercise for Goldens of all ages.

 

High Need for Companionship - One of the very things that is most delightful about the Golden Retriever to some people, can make it not the right breed for others. If you want an independent pet, or are bothered by big brown eyes staring you and a dog nudging you asking to be petted a large percentage of the time, the Golden Retriever is not right for you. Goldens are very pack oriented; they need to live with their families and not be isolated in a backyard, run or garage. They'd rather stay with you inside than be outside. It is true. Goldens are that way. They will follow you around the house. They will stick their noses  in your face while you're watching TV. They will come to you into your kitchen and check what's cooking. They are extremely people-needing dogs. A bored or "heartbroken" Golden can easily become a problem barker, landscape destroyer or an aggressive chewer.

 

Size - Goldens are considered in the dog world to be medium-sized animals, but many people think of them as big dogs. Their tails are just about the right height to make a clean sweep of the coffee table! While Goldens are wonderful with children, they grow quickly and can be quite rambunctious during puppyhood and adolescence. An adult needs to be in charge of training and caring for the dog.

 

Expense - It costs a lot more to own a dog than most people realize! The normal equipment and feeding expenses, as well as normal veterinary care even if your pet doesn’t have any illness, will run several hundred dollars the first year. Food, leash, collar, shampoo, flea treatment, vaccinations, heartworm treatment, obedience training classes; it all adds up.

 

I will be addressing these "issues" in my blog.