Eight Reasons Why Golden Retrievers Are The Best Dogs To Have As Part of Your Family.

Recently, I lost my dog, 12 year old golden retriever, Rudolph (aka Ruru). He was my first and only dog and for the last 12 years he was more than just a dog. He was my baby, my best friend, my son, my family, my life. I am writing this as part of my tribute to him and grieving process, so rather than me focusing so much on my loss, I have decided to take the advice you lovely hubbers have given me and remember all the good times I had with him. So rather than just focusing on Ruru, I thought I would give some good cheer to all the Golden Retrievers out there and encourage all those who are thinking of adopting a dog into their family to consider getting a golden retriever. These anecdotes are based on my experience with Ruru and may not relate to all retrievers.

Easiest breed to train - Golden retrievers are fast learners so you will not have to give up your will to get your dog to behave. They naturally have the ability to learn discipline. Unlike Jack terriers or Labradors who take years to train to get them to do stuff, golden retrievers are geniuses and only need a few tricks for them to learn as most of the tricks they have is in born. Ruru attended a dog training centre for six months and after that he just used to do things without me needing to teach him.

They are extremely loyal & protective - Unlike other dog breeds who can get along and play with anything or anyone, golden retrievers are loyal companions and they would never do anything against their owner’s will. For instance, if you own a golden retriever, it will never eat food from anyone else but from you. It will never allow anyone to touch them without your permission. They only obey your commands and do your will. They are very protective of you and they will always alert you when there is danger and they will risk their life for you. Ruru has saved me from countless dangers and his last duty before he died was saving me from a drunk driver.

They are brilliant chore helpers – Ruru used to be able to get mail from the mailbox for me. He could carry the milk bottle without spilling it. He could carry my hand bag and not lose a thing. He was a great help in finding things especially lost keys or earrings. He could flush the toilet and even put dishes in the dishwasher. He could flick the light switch and even knew how to push the vacuum cleaner.

They were born to help & serve – Golden retrievers love to serve. In fact it’s their character to serve anything or anyone. They enjoy serving and helping a lot. It’s why blind people opt for a golden retriever because they live to serve. Unlike their canine friends who get most of their happy juice from playing 24/7, Golden retrievers enjoy the act of servitude. They are most fulfilled when they serve you.

They can fetch and find anything – There is a reason why they are called retrievers. It’s because they can find anything! Rescue operations always have golden retrievers as they are brilliant in finding anything or anyone missing. Two months ago a little girl went missing in our neighbourhood and thanks to a jogger’s golden retriever, he found the little girl tied to a tree. Whilst the jogger called the police, the dog untied her ropes. They’re the best at a game of catch. The always catch and never miss a Frisbee throw!

DID YOU KNOW?

Golden retrievers are the second most popular choice for a family dog.

They are the second most intelligent dog breed. The first is the Border Collie.

Golden Retrievers originates from 8 Russian Sheepdogs who performed in a Circus Troupe.

They are great comforters – I can’t tell you how many times Ruru was a great comfort to me when I suffered tragedy and knockbacks. They can sense your sadness or your turmoil and they tend to step in your shoes and assure you it’s going to be okay. Ruru always had this thing that when I was sad he would put his paw on my leg and just give me a loving and warm look. Then he would just seat next to me with his head on my lap (then he falls asleep!)

They love being clean - Unlike bulldogs or cocker spaniels who would gladly live in a pile of mud, golden retrievers are clean freaks. They enjoy taking a bath and swimming and never leave a mess after meals. They are constantly cleaning themselves (like cats) and love to sleep and live in a clean environment. I always used to change Ruru’s bed sheets because after a week he wouldn’t sleep on his bed unless I washed his beddings. They do have a case of Obsessive Cleaning Disorder (OCD).

And finally..

They can strike a pose – Golden retrievers are photogenic. They look good in any photo and they don’t need to be photo-shopped! They will steal the limelight each time you take a photo with them simply because they are super cute.

Like I mentioned, this hub is a tribute to my beloved Ruru and not all Golden retrievers are the same. That being said I went through tough times with Ruru (Like the time he got arthritis in his back paws) and they were times I almost gave up on him because it was very difficult to balance his needs with mine, but he didn’t give up on me and he loved me a lot and that’s why I kept him and loved him more than anything I’ve ever loved. Golden retrievers are great dogs but they require a lot of medical care and attention. Only get one if you are prepared to fully devote your life to them, like I did.

That being said, rest in peace my dear friend. I love you even more as I write this and this is the first hub I’m writing without you seating next to me and snoring your butt off! I miss you so much and someday I hope I will see you again in some sort of shape or form. Goodbye my baby.