Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is the all-rounder so many families picture when they imagine a dog: sunny-tempered, biddable, and endlessly patient with children. That easy reputation is earned, but it comes with real upkeep. Goldens are working gundogs at heart and need 60-90 minutes of genuine activity a day – a stroll around the block will not settle a young one. Their dense double coat sheds year-round and blows out twice a year, so budget for two thorough brush-outs a week (daily in spring and autumn) and you will keep most of the hair off your sofa. They are food-motivated to a fault, which makes training a joy and weight management a discipline: obesity is the single most common avoidable health problem in the breed. Above all, Goldens are people-dogs. Left alone for long working days without enrichment, they get bored, anxious, and inventive with your skirting boards.