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Are you curious about what some may consider the ‘downsides’ of owning a Golden Retriever?
As a proud owner myself, I understand the desire to know all aspects of this wonderful breed.
While I could go on and on about the positive qualities, I’m here to give you an honest insight into the so-called ‘bad things’ about Golden Retrievers.
Just a warning though, my deep adoration for this breed has allowed me to overlook these negative traits.
Join me as we explore the unique quirks and habits that make Golden Retrievers undeniably loveable, and find out if you too can get past their occasional imperfections.
Let’s dive in and uncover the truth about these beloved companions.
Table of Contents
13 Surprising Faults Of Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers have a glowing reputation for being loyal, smart, gentle, and oh-so-friendly!
But, what you may not be aware of is their unique quirks and habits that only their owners truly understand.
So, let’s reveal these lesser-known aspects that might just surprise you!
1. They Shed
Yes, Golden Retrievers shed, I’m sure you were already aware of this particular downfall.
Trust me when I tell you that you can expect your Golden Retriever to shed 365 days a year!
The long flowing coat of a Golden Retriever is a double coat consisting of a fluffy undercoat and a protective outer coat.
Twice a year, in the spring and fall, shedding becomes heavy, as your Golden Retriever makes room for his new seasonal coat.
The fluffy and dense undercoat is what causes all the shedding. In the spring, shedding occurs to make room for a much lighter summer coat. And, in the fall, thicker hair grows to make a warmer winter coat.
It’s pretty cool the way the double coat functions and serves to protect a Golden Retriever from the elements.
As an owner, I have learned to deal with the hair, and it’s just something that you get used to.
But, if you have allergies or can’t handle dog hair in your home, on your furniture, or on your clothes, a Golden Retriever is not for you.
Feeding a high-quality diet as well as regular grooming are just a couple of things that will help reduce shedding.
2. They Have A Stubborn Streak
The image above shows a stubborn Golden Retriever refusing to walk any further, which is what many owners of this breed have experienced, myself included!
Known for their intelligence and affectionate nature, Golden Retrievers can also exhibit a surprising stubbornness.
Beneath that charming exterior lies a determined mind of their own.
Sometimes, getting them to follow commands or change behaviours can feel like a game of patience.
If a Golden Retriever doesn’t want to do something, you can expect him to put up a fight, as portrayed in the image above. LOL!
I have seen countless videos of Golden Retrievers displaying their stubborn streak, some refuse to leave the dog park by lying down and not moving.
It’s not defiance; rather, it’s their independent spirit shining through.
With consistent positive reinforcement training and a touch of persistence, navigating this stubborn streak becomes an endearing part of the Golden Retriever journey.
3. They’re Just Too Friendly, Not Great Guard Dogs
Golden Retrievers are extremely sociable, they enthusiastically want to meet everyone. This includes strangers, other dogs, other animals, and anyone who they think will give them the time of day.
Their happy-go-lucky attitude, while charming, certainly doesn’t make them great at protecting your home from burglars.
Sure, they may bark at strangers and their size might be intimidating, but their friendly nature often turns potential ‘guard dog’ situations into tail-wagging greetings.
So, while a Golden Retriever might not excel as a guard dog, they certainly make excellent watchdogs, alerting you with their bark and attentive nature.
4. Furniture Takeover: Your Furniture Is Their Furniture
Be prepared for your Golden to stake their claim on your couch or even your bed.
While some owners enjoy sharing their furniture with their dogs, some do not.
The furniture takeover is real. Once a Golden discovers just how comfortable your couch and bed are, they’ll be there to stay. And, sadly you’ll be left with much less space, LOL!
When I first got my Golden, Ellie, I aimed for a strict no-furniture policy. I even resorted to using tinfoil as a deterrent, to prevent her from jumping up on the couch.
Well, guess what? That scare tactic only lasted about two days, after Ellie realized tinfoil isn’t scary, and the couch is so comfortable.
Now, I share the couch with her.
The reality is that you can train your dog to steer clear of the furniture by being consistent with commands and perhaps using deterrents.
But, sometimes it’s just easier to give in and share the comfort with your Golden.
After all, Golden Retrievers thrive on companionship, and those shared moments together on the couch often mean the world to them.
5. They Are Food Obsessed
Golden Retrievers are highly motivated by food, which can be both a good thing as well as a bad thing!
Their food motivation makes them easier to train, as they are willing to do anything for a treat.
But, the bad part is they will eat anything and everything, which means you have to watch them like a hawk!
These dogs will sniff out and track down anything that seems tasty to them, and often that includes inappropriate things.
I can probably write a book on all of the questionable stuff my Ellie has consumed during her lifetime, all of which she has quickly snatched up during our outings.
Managing a food-motivated dog during walks can be challenging, as you’re constantly scanning the ground, ready to take swift action to redirect them away from potential snacks.
This is where consistent training and the ‘leave it’ command comes in handy. But, fair warning, if your Golden spots something of high value, it can become a difficult challenge.
A Golden Retriever’s love of food along with their soulful eyes will certainly pull at your heartstrings, and you need to be mindful of their food intake.
This breed tends to become obese which is concerning for their health and well-being.
6. Strong Chewing Habits
