Everyone loves Golden Retrievers - they're the crowd-pleasers of the dog world. But what makes them so universally likeable?
They're easy to train
Goldies are some of the smartest dogs in the world, which means they're easier to train than many other breeds. They pick up new commands easily and, more importantly, they remember them. This doesn't mean you don't have to put in any groundwork though - good training requires a good teacher, too.
They love exercise
Being a sporting breed, it's no secret that Golden Retrievers need plenty of exercise. If they don't get it, you could be in trouble as their energy has to go somewhere - just don't let that 'somewhere' be inside your house! Goldies are also at risk of obesity and need exercise to stay healthy. Just don't over-exercise Golden Retriever puppies - check with your vet, but many people go by the '5-minute rule'. (That is, five minutes of exercise per day for every month your puppy's been alive - up to 12 months, anyway.)
They're enthusiastic
You'd be hard-pressed to find a Golden Retriever that isn't bright-eyed and (literally) bushy-tailed about life. If there's one thing you can depend on this breed for - it's enthusiasm.
They're good with kids
While they're also full of energy, Goldies are well known for being great with children - which is probably why they're such a popular family pet.
