Why does everyone want a Golden Retriever?

[Emily]

They are soo overbred. Why does everyone want one?

[~glen~]

Not *everybody* wants a Golden. And frankly dear, when bought from a reputable breeder they are one of the BEST dogs for a family or a single person. The dogs are intelligent, agile, great with kids and make you laugh.

My daughter had one that was not from a good breeder. The dog died of kidney disease at 4 years old she had from the day she was born & she was aware of it.

THAT dog was everything GOOD. THAT dog was everything to her. She was not perfect but she was certainly perfect in our eyes. Her death was extremely traumatic.

Goldens are wonderful dogs. Even some that are poorly bred.

[Kathleen]

Because you choose a reputable breeder who shows their dogs to championship, and health certifies them in order to prove the dogs suitable for breeding and prevent future health issues. You make sure you know what health certifications to ask for (like hips & elbows, eyes, cardiac, thyroid, temperament, DNA so that you can rule out genetic diseases like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation among others). You make sure you don't get an inbred, overbred, unhealthy dog.

Anyone can breed dogs, but only some people are good and reputable breeders. It is a buyer beware world and it's important for a buyer to show due dilligence in order to protect themselves. Ignorance is not bliss.

They are great dogs, wonderful temperaments, and have soft mouths. They are very forgiving and love everyone. We have three and they are happy, fun, and loving animals. They all started out as foster dogs. Epic fail for us. Happily!

[Helen Rempel]

Not everyone wants one, or there wouldn't be 400 other breeds to choose from.... I appreciate Goldens but have never owned one and have no intention of getting one.

But they are *usually* a nice-tempered dog that is good with kids and other pets, and not too difficult to train. So a good all-round family dog.

[Ali]

Well we wanted one too! Haha! But were getting another breed.

They are friendly dogs, great with kids, energetic, smart, caring and beautiful. There are very popular. Well cmon you can't get a dog with all those qualities?

[Julie]

Because their made of gold. Every one wants gold!! Just kidding its because they are the most loyal dog, one of the smartest, they are big, pretty, they fetch, they swim, their good with kids, they are good with elderly, they help blind people, people who are deaf. They are the ultimate dog

[kindnumber423]

I certainly don't.

[Respectedballoon419]

Everyone does not want the same breed and as to the reason for the Golden Retrievers popularity, it is seen in the minds of some people as biddable and social by nature, born with a sound temperament, tolerant of children and fit it with a family.

Being found by and becoming popular with the pet market means puppy farms and back yard breeders produce litters sold at below the market price of a top quality kennel puppy, readily available and sold with no questions asked.

The favourable perception of the breed and increased demand for puppies feeds the production of poorly bred litters.

[ms manners]

Everyone doesn't.

They are pretty dogs, and most are friendly, but they don't appeal to me at all.