Golden Retriever in India. All you need to know guide

Introduction: Golden Retriever in India

Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dogs across the globe. Their bright round eyes, golden color, balanced-temperament, work rate, and love for kids and family make them one of the world’s best companion dogs.

Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers came to the Indian shore along with the British. Due to their excellent work rate, trainability, and intelligence, these dogs became popular with Maharajas, who used them in their waterfowl hunting trips.
As their name implies, Goldens are retrievers that excel in retrieving shot waterfowls such as ducks and other game birds from the water. They are gun dogs. Due to their excellent temperament and intelligence, Goldens are easy to train and love being part of a family.

If you don’t mind the constant shedding of fur, this dog can live in an apartment. Living with a Golden Retriever is a joy. Your entire family will cherish having this dog as their pet.

Golden Retriever in India quick facts 

Golden Retriever in India – The Indian context

The Golden Retriever is a popular dog in India. It is surprising to see with so many pet parents and dog lovers in India; there is still a large gap in available information that fits the Indian context.
Indian weather, food, culture, and our view about dogs play a vital role in maintaining a dog. You cannot read an international blog and apply that to the unique Indian context.

Despite living in Indian conditions for a few decades, the Indian Golden Retriever still requires additional care due to its lush double coat. Remember, this is a retriever bred for a life in water. This dog’s coat is water repellant and insulated, making it difficult during hot summer months.

Also, this dog needs regular exercise. While it can live in an apartment, Goldens without daily walks and play are prone to obesity. If your dog is on a homemade rice-based diet, the risk of obesity and heart disease significantly increases.

If you are looking to adopt/buy a Golden Retrieve in India, we recommend reading our post fully. We hope our experience in maintaining and breeding dogs in India will help our Indian audience.

History of Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are from Scotland. This dog is a modern breed of dog bred in Scotland in the mid 19th century. Wildfowl hunting was a popular sport for the Scottish elite who needed a dog to retrieve shot game fowls from both land and water.

At that time, hunters used water spaniels, which excelled in water retrieval but failed on land. Hence, they crossed existing retriever breeds with Tweed Water Spaniel to produce the Golden Retriever. 

Lord Tweedmouth was instrumental in breeding the first Golden Retrievers. His kennels at Guisachan and was responsible for developing this breed of dog.

Lord Tweedmounth also introduced dogs such as the Irish Setter, the Bloodhound, and the St. John’s water dog of Newfoundland. The idea was to produce a retriever that excelled in hunts, at the same time, easy to train.

Due to this dog’s popularity, three distinct subtypes exist today.

• British-type – This type is prevalent throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia. This dog is more muscular and has a coat that is generally lighter in color than other types.
• American-type – This type is popular in the US. This dog has a darker coat and is lankier than the other types.
• Canadian-type – This dog is thinner and taller than the other types.

The dogs that we see in India today are predominantly descendants of the British-type dogs. However, we also see American and Canadian type dogs in India, which are less common.

History of Golden Retrievers in India 

Golden Retrievers are one of the top dog breeds in India. It was in the early 20th century that the first Golden Retrievers reached India. Since then, Goldens are well-established and well-adopted to India.

The British brought this dog into India, and it became an instant hit with India’s royalty. The Maharaja of Patiala was one of the first people in India to breed the Golden Retrievers. He used his dogs for both hunting and also in dog shows. Since then, these dogs have won the hearts of several Indian dog fanciers.

The most notable among the Indian Golden Retrievers are the Madhu, Papee, and Putlu, famous pets of the former Indian prime minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi.

Golden Retriever Club of India

Did you know that India is home to some of the top Golden Retrievers in the world? Reputable breeders, dog fanciers, and the Golden Retriever Club of India have made the Indian Golden Retriever a top dog.

The Golden Retriever Club of India, a unit under the Kennel Club of India, is responsible for conducting dog shows and adjudicating this dog breed in India. This Club follows the United Kennel Club’s breed standards for Indian Golden Retriever dogs. 

Golden Retriever price in India

The cost of Golden Retrievers in India varies from one city to another. Goldens’ price also depends on factors such as the quality of puppy, availability, KCI certification, buying from a breeder versus a broker, and the current market demand.

The total cost of ownership of a Golden Retriever in India 

The total cost of ownership of a Golden Retriever in India depends on several factors.

• Initial puppy price
• Monthly food cost
• Veterinarian cost
• Cost of toys and accessories (collars, chains, and leads)
• Maintenance cost (Grooming, bathing, etc.)
• Neutering or Spaying cost

Our post, Golden Retriever price in India will give you an in-depth and detailed breakup of all the costs involved in owning a Golden.

Golden Retriever in hunting

The Golden Retriever has exceptional hunting abilities. This dog is patient, calm, quiet, able to focus, and a never-quit work rate, making them the best gun dog in the world. 

In India, the Maharajas used this dog for hunting teals (a type of duck). Hunting waterfowls require dogs to be extremely quiet, remain undercover, and wait for the hunter’s command to quickly retrieve gunned birds. Lack of native Indian dog breeds that can retrieve made this dog popular among the Indian hunters.

What roles does Golden Retriever fulfill? 

Due to their intelligence (4th smartest dog in the world), the Golden Retriever can fulfill several roles. 

• Working dog – Above all, this dog loves to work. This dog is capable of focusing on a given task without distractions. Goldens have such high work rates that they will not stop until completely exhausted.
• Hunting dog – This dog is a retriever dog. They are capable of retrieving game both from land and water.
• Guide dog – The modern-day Golden Retriever is a guide dog. These dogs help people with mobility issues live their lives independently and safely as a mobility assistance dog.
• Search and rescue dog – Excellent sense of smell and dedication to work makes these dogs excel in search and rescue. Several police forces across the world employ Golden Retrievers as part of their K9 units.
• Dog sports – This dog also excels in dog agility competitions. They are naturally competitive, coupled with a high work rate, Goldens are hard to beat.
• Family dog – Goldens have a calm and pleasant temperament. They are eager to please, loving, and affectionate dogs. All of these traits make them highly desirable companion dogs.

What are the traits of a Golden Retriever? 

Kennel Club of India follows the UKC’s (United Kennel Club) breed standards for a purebred Golden Retriever. India has some of the top show quality Golden Retrievers in the world, thanks to reputable breeders and dog fanciers. Golden Retriever belongs to the gun dog group of dogs, which also includes the Labrador Retriever. 

This dog is medium-sized, well-balanced, and has a wavy golden-colored coat. A balanced and well-proportioned body enables this working gun dog to perform its tasks without any hindrance. Any exaggeration of features is a fault.

What is the correct Golden Retriever? 

In India, we want our Golden Retrievers to be taller, bigger, and more impressive than the rest. Sadly, this mentality is detrimental to the breed. Dogs must conform to their prescribed breed standards – else, we lose the breed’s integrity. Bigger is not better, neither good. 

The Rajapalayam dog is an excellent example of how “the bigger and the better mentality” has hurt an entire breed. Rajapalayams today are bigger and more muscular. However, the correct Rajapalayam should be slender, lean, and fast, a sighthound.

Head

The head of a Golden Retriever should be proportionate to the rest of the body. The head should be neither too big nor too small. Eyes are medium-sized and triangular in appearance. The nose should be black. Pink and other colors are a fault. These dogs have dropping and short ears.

Body

The Golden Retriever is a well-proportioned and balanced dog. Its body is slightly rectangular (not as much as a German Shepherd). This dog is longer than tall. The overall frame is muscular, well-defined, and balanced.

The standard height for a male is 23 to 24 inches, and for a female is 21 to 22 inches. Weight is between 30 to 35 kg.

Coat, color, and markings 

The most identifiable trait is its rich, lustrous golden-colored coat. This dog has a water-repellant double coat. The outer coat is firm and resilient, whereas the inner coat is dense and soft.

Any shade of golden color is acceptable. A Golden Retriever puppy generally has lighter colored hair. The color darkens with age and should be uniform throughout the body. Black or any other color is a fault.

Remember, Golden Retrievers shed copious amounts for hair all the time. If you keep these dogs as apartment pets, you must be ready to deal with fur everywhere. Daily grooming is mandatory to keep the shedding in control.

Golden Retriever Temperament

Golden Retrievers are popular due to their temperament. It is the hallmark of this breed. Words cannot accurately describe their character. Kind, friendly, gentle, affectionate, and balanced, a Golden Retriever is one of the world’s best family dogs.

In India, most people are after large and impressive guard dogs. Golden Retrievers are large and impressive in their own right. However, their gentle and trusting nature makes them a poor guard dog. If you are looking for a guard dog, then a Rottweiler is a better choice for the Indian household.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a trusted and loyal companion dog, look no further. This dog is fun-loving, active, eager to please, and exceptionally patient. In short, possess all the traits of a champion family dog.

The UKC describes the Golden’s temperament perfectly.

“A Golden Retriever is friendly, calm, compliant, and compatible with people and other dogs. Goldens are particularly good with children. The Golden Retriever’s friendly temperament reflects his kindly expression. The Golden Retriever is a powerfully built dog with a good nose for tracking, a soft mouth, and an eagerness to learn.”

Exercise requirements of a Golden Retriever dog

This dog is a hard-working gun dog that requires ample physical exercise to remain healthy. On average, we estimate, a healthy Golden Retriever needs at least an hour of exercise. If you are dog is on a homemade rice-based diet, then training is vital for its well being.

Keep in mind that this dog is prone to health issues such as obesity, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and heart disease. Unless you have a large yard for the dog to play, exercise is essential for its well being.

Simple exercises for Golden Retrievers in India

• Fetch – These dogs love to retrieve things, what better way to engage them than playing fetch. Get a tennis ball, and your dog will have a wonderful time fetching it.
• Running – If you enjoy running, Goldens are excellent running mates. Remember not to over-exercise your dog during hot summer days.
• Swimming – If you have a pool or live nearby a tank or a lake, taking your dog for a swim is an excellent idea. These dogs love being in the water and will enjoy playing fetch, running through the water.
• Treadmill – On your busy days, you can use your treadmill to train your dog.
• Games – Your dog will love playing hide and seek, following a laser pointer, and playing tug. Playing with your dog also helps you to bond more closely with your puppy.

Common Golden Retriever health issues in India 

The Golden Retriever is a healthy dog with an average lifespan of 11 to 12 years. India’s food and weather present unique challenges for this dog. The below are common health problems seen on Goldens in India.

• Ear infection – Ear infections are a common issue with this dog. Their floppy ears need cleaning and must be free of moisture to prevent infections.
• Dental disease – Goldens also suffer from dental issues. These dogs play rough, which sometimes results in broken teeth or a cut.
• Hip Dysplasia – Is a serious disease that affects the dog’s spine. Dogs with Hip Dysplasia undergoes significant pain and needs care.
• Elbow Dysplasia – Golden’s elbow is prone to Elbow dysplasia. This health problem is similar to hip dysplasia. This condition cause pain in the dog’s elbow.
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus – Bloat is a health condition where the dog’s intestine twists and knots internally.
• Mast cell tumor – Is a type of cancer that affects Goldens. In extreme cases, surgical removal is one of the treatment options available.
• Weight loss – Dog’s on a spicy homemade diet suffer from weight loss and upset stomach. Avoid spicy food for your dogs.

Inherited heart disease – Is a severe heart condition. The most common heart ailment is the subvalvular aortic stenosis.

Indian home remedies for Golden Retriever health issues

One of the advantages of living in India is access to proven traditional home remedies. Indian home remedies are not only safe for the dogs but are incredibly effective. Unlike modern medicine, traditional treatments take time but work without any side effects.

We recommend that you read our post on home remedies for dogs to learn about useful tips on treating most ailments in Golden Retrievers.

Caring for a Golden Retriever in India

Caring for your Golden Retriever is both fun and responsibility. As pet parents, we need to ensure that we provide care and look after our dogs’ well-being.

Only with proper care, your dog will reach its full potential. We don’t recommend pampering your dog. As pet parents, your foremost concern when caring for your Golden must be his/her mental and physical health. Pampering/spoiling your dog often results in obesity and temperament issues. Knowing the right way to take care of your do will ensure a happy and joyous experience for both you and your dog.

What is the recommended diet for a Golden Retriever in India? 

The correct diet for a Golden Retriever in India must take into account the below factors.

• Nutrition – Providing nutritious dog food is vital for your pet’s well being and health. Dog’s are descendants of grey wolves and require meat-based high protein food. Choose a dog food that has high protein content derived from high-quality produce.
• Balance – Dog food should also strike a nice balance between protein, carbs, and vitamins. 
• Exercise levels – The number of calories your dog needs is proportional to its activity level. Dogs are like people, the more energy it spends, the more calories it needs to replenish.
• Age – Age also plays a vital role in dog nutrition. Puppies need high energy puppy food than an adult dog. A senior dog, on the other hand, needs dog food that matches its activity levels.
• Dog’s health – As pet parents, you need to also factor in your dog’s health. Consult your vet before choosing a specialized dog food.

We recommend that you read our unbiased review of India’s best dog food to get a complete understanding of dog nutrition.

Feeding an adult Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever is a working dog. These dogs are active, alert, and have a high work rate. The National Research Council of the National Academies recommends approx 989 and 1272 calories per daily for an adult Golden Retriever. 

While we don’t need to be scientific about feeding our dog, this should give you a baseline to aim. Ultimately, as pet parents, we need to learn what works best for our dogs based on practical situations.

Most Indian pet parents prefer homemade dog food over commercial kibble. Homemade dog food is an excellent choice as it is both economical and nutritious.

We at barks.in recommend a combination of homemade dog food and commercial dry dog food. This dog food, in our experience, strikes the perfect balance between cost and nutrition. Divide your dog daily ration into two meals per day. One meal can be homemade dog food, followed by commercial kibble.

Remember, Golden Retrievers are prone to food allergies, bloat, and obesity. Never feed your dogs spicy Indian food.

Feeding a Golden Retriever puppy

A Golden Retriever puppy is active and energetic. Choose a puppy food that can match your puppy’s nutritional requirements. A Golden puppy will need three to four meals per day. 

It is generally difficult to predict the food habits of a puppy. There will be days where your puppy will act like a beggar and gobble up everything, and there will be lean days where they detest the sight of puppy food. As long as your puppy is active, playful, and happy, you don’t need to worry.

Also, puppies are picky eaters and will not continue to eat the same puppy food every day. You need to mix things up for them.

Use the below list to mix things and keep your Golden Retriever puppy interested.

1. One boiled egg per day
2. Soup made from mutton/beef bones
3. Cooked mutton/beef bones to chew
4. Baby food such as Cerelac if your puppy is less than 45 days old
5. Boiled carrots and other veggies

Can a Golden Retriever survive in India?

Golden Retrievers can survive in India. In fact, with proper care, these dogs can thrive in India. Due to responsible selective breeding by reputable Indian breeders, the Indian Golden Retriever thrives in Indian weather.

Remember, Goldens have a double coat and will need additional care during hot Indian summers. We recommend that you keep your dog indoors during hot days.

Grooming a Golden Retriever in India

Golden Retrievers have a lush double coat that needs regular grooming. Golden’s coat is medium in length with a grainy and water-repellent outer coat and a dense inner coat.

These dogs have long fur on some areas of their body, called feathering. Feathering is prominent on the neck, back of the hind legs, underbody, and tail. 

Daily grooming your dog should keep the shedding at manageable levels. Remember, Golden Retriever is a heavy shedder. Watch out; this dog sheds copious amount of fur during the hot summer months.

Bathing a Golden Retriever 

Most Indian pet parents are guilty of two things.

• Bathing our dogs too frequently
• Using human shampoos and soaps on dogs

Dog’s secrete natural oils in the skin. This natural oil moisturizes and protects their skin and fur. Bathing your dog frequently removes this natural oil from their skin, causing it to dry and become flaky. 

Both over cleaning and under cleaning are bad for dogs. For Indian conditions, we recommend that you bathe your dog once every 45 days. Of course, if your dog gets dirty, you must wash it. But, you get the picture, right!

Golden Retriever puppy care and tips

Everyone at your home will remember the day you bring home a Golden Retriever puppy. These are delightful dogs and will become part of your family.

Before you bring home a Golden Retriever puppy, there are some basics that you need to understand. 

Golden Retriever puppy home

Golden Retriever puppies love company. When you bring home a puppy, it will be away from its mother and littermates for the first time in its life. Dogs are like people and are prone to separation anxiety. 

Before you bring home the puppy, prepare a place/corner/kennel where your puppy will feel safe. Choose an area in your home that is quiet and free from distractions. 

Plan to keep your puppy indoors for the first few weeks. It will help the puppy to settle down with its new family. Remember, you need to take care of your puppy and not pamper it. If you don’t want an adult Golden Retriever on your bed, don’t allow it while it is a pup.

Golden Retriever puppy food 

A Golden Retriever puppy is a bundle of energy. Your puppy will need a high-quality puppy food to meet its energy requirements. We recommend high protein and easily digestible food for puppies. Boiled eggs, meat, and veggie soups are ideal homemade for puppies. Ensure that you supplement homemade food with an excellent commercial kibble.

Most Indians have the habit of feeding supplemental calcium tablets to our dogs. Most puppy food today is well-balanced and nutritious. We don’t recommend any medicinal supplements for your puppy unless it is vet recommended.

Golden Retriever Puppy Play 

Golden Retriever puppies learn through play. Playing with your puppy has several advantages. Play helps the puppy bond with you, learn social skills, and learn to control its bite.

Dogs, unlike us, don’t have hands to feel the world around them. They rely on their mouth. Playing helps puppies to control the pressure they apply when playing.

Remember, puppies have sharp teeth. You need to be extra careful when playing with a working dog like the Golden Retriever.

Training and socializing your Golden Retriever puppy

Golden Retriever is an excellent companion dog. They have a balanced temperament and are seldom aggressive towards people and other pets. However, it is advisable to introduce your puppy to people and pets that they are likely to encounter.

If you live in an apartment, ensure that you socialize your puppy with neighbors and kids. Despite Golden’s affectionate temperament, you need to monitor your dog closely around kids. Goldens are large dogs and can easily trip a child.

These dogs are smart and are easy to train. We at barks.in recommend positive reinforcement training. It is a simple but effective training where the dog gets a reward for positive behavior. This form of training helps us to condition our dog’s behavior. 

Veterinary care for your Golden Retriever puppy

Golden Retriever is a healthy dog breed. However, like us, dogs too need regular health checks. As a pet parent, you need to ensure that your dog gets its vaccinations and deworming tablets on time. 

Golden Retriever puppy vaccination schedule 

Please note – The information in the table below is to give you a guideline on a Golden Retriever’s vaccination schedule. Please consult with your vet for your puppy’s specific needs. Your vet will provide you with a vaccination card to keep track of your Golden Retriever’s vaccination schedule.

Breeding Golden Retriever in India 

Breeding dogs is not for everyone. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that breeding is as simple as getting a pair of Goldens. Breeding Golden Retrievers is both expensive and requires experience.

Unless you are a reputable breeder, you will end up losing money than making a profit. The cost of maintaining dogs, vaccinating your litter, and taking care of your dog during pregnancy will outweigh any money that you can make.

Golden Retriever breeder responsibilities 

• The foremost duty of a reputable Golden Retriever must be to the furtherance of the breed. Breeding incorrect dogs or cross-breeding will be detrimental to this dog breed.
• Enhance/enrich the quality of Golden Retrievers in India.

Tips for breeding Golden Retriever in India 

Thanks to reputable Indian Golden Retriever breeders, India is home to some of the world’s top dogs. As a responsible breeder, you must ensure that you adhere to best practices and standards.

Tips for choosing the right breeding pair 

• Ensure your breeding pair has a KCI registration. KCI certificate has the dog’s pedigree, which should give you great insight into the breeding pair’s genetics.
• Ensure both dogs are more than two years old—breeding younger dogs is not advisable. Remember, a young mother is more likely to abandon her litter.
• Ensure your breeding pair conforms to the Golden Retriever breeding standards.
• Don’t breed dogs that known ailments or health issues.

Tips for taking care of a pregnant/nursing dog 

• Pregnant or nursing Golden Retrievers need twice as much nutrition than regular dogs. Start feeding your dog starter puppy food. Puppy starters have high protein content and are nutritious.
• Increase the frequency of meals. Instead of the regular two meals per day, increase it to three or even four meals per day. Pregnant dogs typically stop taking food 36 hours before giving birth.
• Get your dog vaccinated during pregnancy. Dog’s pass on immunity to pups.
• Wait for at least two weeks before you bathe your female dog after birth. 

Tips for newborn Golden Retriever puppies

A typical Golden Retriever litter is between 8 to 10 pups.

• A baby Golden Retriever weighs just 400 grams. These dogs are born with their eyes shut. Hence, you need to ensure that all the puppies get sufficient mother’s milk.
• Puppies at birth cannot walk, blind, and deaf. They use their nose to find their mother. It takes about 10 to 14 days for puppies to open their eyes. You need to be vigilant 24×7 during this initial period.
• Until four weeks, puppies need extra care. You need to keep your litter in a clean area.

Selling Golden Retriever puppies in India

Golden Retrievers are popular in India, and you should be able to sell your puppies through Facebook posts and ads in dogsindia.com. You can also get in touch with your vet and seek their help for selling your puppies.

Before you hand over a puppy to a new pet parent, get to know them. Goldens are an excellent choice for first-time dog owners as a responsible breeder ensures that your puppy goes to the right home.

Golden Retriever buyers guide in India

Once you decide to get a Golden Retriever, the next step is to find a reputable breeder. We urge you to learn about the Golden Retrieve fully. Understand the breed’s requirements, health, and costs involved in owning one by thoroughly reading our post.

Remember, the Indian context is unique; don’t apply what you learn from international posts to the unique Indian context. For instance, most websites recommend the BARF diet or raw uncooked meat for dogs. While it has several health benefits, you cannot apply this to India. Our local butcher shops don’t sanitize. The only safe way to eat meat in India is to cook it.

Is the Golden Retriever the right dog breed for me? 

Golden Retrievers are an excellent choice for novice and first-time dog owners. These dogs are affectionate, loving, and have gentle character. You cannot go wrong with a Golden Retriever, and your entire family will cherish this dog for the years to come.

Pre-requisites for owning a Golden Retriever in India

• You have time and money to spend on a large dog. Goldens grow up to be 30+ kg dogs, and large dogs need food. Commercial dog for is expensive, be prepared to shell out cash.
• As a working dog, these dogs need their daily walks and exercise. Goldens without exercise are prone to obesity, which can lead to health issues.
• You will need the support of your family. Make sure that everyone in your family is comfortable with a dog. These dogs also shed their hair. People with allergies might not like a high shedding breed.

Choosing the right breeder

• A reputable breeder is knowledgeable and is helpful. Some breeders also guarantee the health of their puppies.
• A good breeder will be open and will willingly disclose all relevant information about his/her dogs.
• A good breeder will be willing to provide references. You should be able to speak to people who purchased dogs from the breeder.
• He/she will be willing to share copies of KCI papers, provide photos and videos of the parent dogs.

Choosing the right puppy

• The most difficult step is finding a reputable breeder. Any puppy from a reputable breeder should be ideal for your home.
• Ensure that the puppy is healthy and active.
• Most of us don’t need a show quality puppy. Show quality is expensive and unnecessary for someone who needs a house pet. Choose a pet quality puppy instead. A pet quality puppy is not show-worthy and might have some minor unnoticeable fault.
• Don’t choose excessively shy puppies.

Typical pitfalls to avoid when buying Golden Retriever in India 

• Never buy your puppy from pet shops or puppy mills. If you see a puppy in a pet shop, ask to meet the owner and the puppy’s parents. 
• Insist on getting a KCI certification. If the puppy does not have KCI papers, check if the parent dogs have one.
• Never buy and pay money online. There are several scams where breeders promise to ship the puppy to your home after insisting that you make the payment first.

Pet insurance cost for Golden Retrievers in India

Pet insurance is yet to be widely adopted. Only a small percentage of pet parents insure their dogs. Also, national pet insurance companies don’t cover the cost of medical treatments. Only accidental death is covered. 

A private insurance company offers medical cover for dogs, but, at this time, the premiums are expensive. Hence at this moment, pet insurance for your dog is not viable.

Interesting facts about Golden Retrievers in India

• British introduced this dog to India in the early 20th century.
• These dogs were popular with Maharajas in India for their hunting ability.
• These dogs are excellent family pets. Their gentle and affectionate character makes them a delightful family dog.
• This dog is the 4th smartest dog on the planet.

Conclusion – Golden Retrievers in India

The Indian Golden Retriever is a champion companion dog. They are versatile and adapt well to Indian conditions. Gentle, loving, loyal, and faithful, this dog is an excellent choice for a novice pet parent.

Goldens adapt well to an apartment lifestyle provided they get their daily walk. Overall, this is a magnificent dog and a perfect companion during these uncertain times.