General Care

Golden Retrievers are moderately active dogs and require a reasonable amount of exercise each day, although exercise needs may vary depending on the individual dog and its age. They are a breed that is prone to obesity, even more so than the Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers should never be treated like a small dog, or sedentary house pet. Some dogs may be too active to be easily exercised by elderly owners.

Golden Retrievers are very attached to their owners. Leaving them alone in a room can cause the dog to become very sad and distressed. They have a need to always have something in their mouth, and like to carry things around. They are great athletes and must be walked daily, or they will become restless and anxious.

Grooming

Goldens should be groomed at least once a week, and every day during heavy shedding. Their coats shed heavily the entire year, and even more excessively during shedding season, which is normally in the spring as the dog loses its thick winter coat. They also need to have their ears cleaned regularly, or otherwise an ear infection might occur. While shedding is unavoidable with Golden Retrievers, frequent grooming, daily to weekly, lessens the amount of hair shed by the animal. Severe shedding that results in bald patches can be indicative of stress or sickness in a Golden Retriever.