As a golden retriever owner, you know these fluffy, loyal companions bring joy and laughter daily. But there are also a few quirks and challenges that only those who have owned a Golden can fully understand. From their seemingly endless energy to their love of water, there are 24 things that only golden owners genuinely understand. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the breed, these experiences and realities come with being a golden retriever parent.
1. The never-ending shedding.
Golden Retrievers are known for their thick, luxurious coats, which means constant shedding. If you own a Golden, you know vacuuming and lint rolling are daily parts of life.
2. The joy of a good fetch session
Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve, and they take this job seriously. A good game of fetch with a Golden is pure joy, and they will never tire of it.
3. The love of water
Golden Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl, so it’s no surprise that they love to swim and play in the water. It’s not uncommon for a Golden to jump into any body of water, whether a puddle or a lake.
4. The constant need for attention
Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, affectionate personalities and crave attention from their owners. If you own a Golden, you know that you can never ignore them for too long, or it will become very vocal about its desire for attention.
5. The never-ending energy
Golden Retrievers are full of energy and require plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. If you own a Golden, you know that daily walks and playtime are a must to keep their energy levels in check.
6. The constant drooling
Golden Retrievers are known for their droopy faces and jowls, which means they are prone to drooling. If you own a Golden, you know that drool stains on your clothes and furniture are just part of life.
7. The love of food
Golden Retrievers are known for their love of food and will eat just about anything they can get their paws on.
8. The love of toys.
Golden Retrievers are playful creatures and love to play with toys. If you own a Golden, you know that toys quickly become their favorite possessions, and they will spend hours playing with them.
9. The love of playing with other dogs.
Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly personalities and love to play with other dogs.
10. The constant need for grooming.
Golden Retrievers have thick coats that require regular grooming to keep them healthy and looking their best.
11. The joy of snuggling on the couch
Golden Retrievers are known for their affectionate personalities and love to snuggle with their owners. If you own a Golden, you know that snuggling on the couch with your furry friend is one of life’s simple pleasures.
12. The constant wagging tail.
Golden Retrievers are known for their happy, wagging tails and are always eager to please their owners.
13. The constant guilt.
Golden Retrievers make their owners feel guilty, even when they’ve done nothing wrong. Whether it’s the sad puppy eyes when left alone or the disappointed look when a treat is withheld, Golden owners cannot help but feel guilty.
14. The never-ending need to clean
Golden Retrievers are messy dogs and have a way of making a mess wherever they go. Golden owners constantly clean up after their beloved dogs, from drool and slobber to mud and dirt.
15. The endless supply of dog treats.
Golden Retrievers have a way of making their owners want to spoil them with delights, and Golden owners are always on the lookout for the latest and greatest dog treats to keep their pups happy.
16. The intense love and bond
The bond that develops between a golden retriever owner and their dog is beautiful. Golden retrievers are known for their loving and loyal nature, and their owners often feel deeply connected to their furry companion.
17. The struggle of finding a dog-friendly vacation destination.
Goldens are social dogs that don’t like to be left alone. Their owners understand the challenge of finding a vacation destination that is both enjoyable for them and welcoming to their dogs.
18. The frustration of having a golden retriever that digs.
Many golden retrievers have a strong digging instinct, and their owners understand the frustration of trying to keep their dogs from digging up the yard.
19. The challenge of finding a dog-friendly rental
Golden retrievers are popular pets, but not all rental properties allow dogs, and their owners understand the challenge of finding a home welcoming to their furry companion.
20. The endless amount of slobbery kisses.
Golden retrievers are affectionate dogs that love to give their owners kisses, and their owners understand the endless stream of slobbery kisses that come with owning one of these sweet dogs.
21. The challenge of training a golden retriever.
While goldens are intelligent and generally easy to prepare, they can also be stubborn and strong-willed. Their owners understand the patience and dedication that goes into training their Golden.
22. The guilt of leaving their dog alone.
Golden retrievers are known for their loyal and social nature, and their owners often feel guilty when they leave their Golden alone for extended periods.
23. The fun of participating in dog sports
Golden retrievers are versatile dogs and excel in various dog sports, including obedience, agility, and field trials.
24. Goldens are always happy, no matter what
They never seem to have a bad day and are always ready to wag their tails and play.
