Dog's Name & Age:
Rowdy, 1 year
In a Word, My Golden Retriever Is…
Adorable
Best Characteristics of the Breed
Kind, lovable, loving, trustworthy, gentle, intelligent, winsome, friendly!
Most Challenging Characteristics of the Breed
None
When, Where and How I Got My Golden Retriever
Last June when he was 2 months old. We bought him from a breeder in Chennai, India and he now lives with us in our apartment in Bombay.
I'd Describe My Dog As…
A real poppet. He was very easy to train and was housebroken in 2 weeks. So far no real medical problems except for an occasional skin infection and a proclivity to acquire ticks :( But nothing serious so far. Rowdy, despite his name, is a gentle sweet dog. The only thing I could possibly call a fault is that he loves to bark which can get a bit annoying. But otherwise, he is perfect. He is ever so gentle with children and loves to make friends with other people and dogs. However, he does not jump or mouth people nor does he destroy stuff. I must take some credit for his good behaviour as we were firm with him right from the beginning and I invested a huge amount of time in his first month of residence with us in training and settling him. We read a lot both prior to and after his arrival and also took the help of professionals in training him and caring for him.
Advice
- I think Golden Retrievers are about the most perfect dogs for families with young children.
- They are extremely tolerant and because of their "soft mouths," once they are over the puppy stage, they don't bite or mouth or snap, even in jest.
- Although my children are teenagers we have not had a problem with any visiting kids or children who want to make friends with him.
- Also, as a breed, they are family dogs rather than one-man dogs so they are free with their affection with anyone who reciprocates.
- As he is getting more mature, he has learned to keep away from those who are not comfortable with dogs too.
