Before you decide to add one to your household it is important that you consider whether or not Golden Retriever puppies are right for you. They may be the right breed if you want a large, athletic dog. A dog with a cheerful nature and an almost always wagging tail, a dog that needs various athletic activities or vigorous exercise, a dog that is dependable with nearly everyone and possesses a very steady temperament, a dog that will get along with other pets in your household or a dog who is responsive to training and eager to please its owner is what you will get with a Golden Retriever.

These factors will attract certain people to the breed, while others will be turned off from the breed by these same factors. Before you are one hundred percent sure the Golden Retriever breed is right for you, it is important that you also consider some negative points about the breed.

Until Golden Retriever puppies turn about three years old they will be very vigorous. This means you will have a puppy that will romp and jump a lot, resulting in flying objects and people a lot of the time. Therefore, Golden Retriever puppies may not be best for households with small children, the elderly or the infirmed.

You also need to consider the health problems your dog may have as it ages including joint and bone problems and eye diseases. The Golden Retriever is one of the riskiest breeds of all when it comes to health problems as a result of over breeding and poor breeding practices. Grooming is another factor you need to consider. Because of their feathered coat, the Golden Retriever will require regular brushing and combing in addition to the occasional trim.

The Golden Retriever puppy will experience joint and bone problems and eye diseases as it ages so another factor you want to consider is health problems. The Golden Retriever is one of the riskiest breeds when it comes to health problems because of over breeding and poor breeding practices. Grooming is yet another area to consider since their feathered coat will require you to do regular brushing and combing along with the occasional trim.

Another issue you want to consider is separation anxiety. Golden Retriever puppies experience this more than other breeds which means they require a lot of companionship and should only be left alone for a few hours at a time. Their unhappiness at being left alone for longer periods of time will be expressed through various destructive behaviors such as barking and chewing. Therefore, Golden Retriever puppies may not be right for you if you can't be home during the day.

Finally you need to consider the shedding and odor factor. Golden Retrievers are a breed that sheds a lot, even when you pet them their fur will come off on your hands. Once it comes off expect it to stick like glue to your clothing, upholstery and carpeting. This means you will need to do a lot of vacuuming.

So with a Golden Retriever be prepared to do a lot of vacuuming. Many also won't like the permanent dog odor that this breed is known for, as it can be difficult to get rid of the smell even with constant bathing.