There are so many different breeds with a variety of specific abilities, discovering the right breed for your family can be daunting. The popularity of golden retriever puppies has skyrocketed in the past few decades, and for good reasons. With intelligence and an eager to please character, this dog is family friendly and easy to love.

Originally bred from purely a sporting line, the golden retrievers are agile and strong. Due to their friendly nature, they do not make good guard dogs. Golden retriever puppies are intelligent, which makes them easy to train. They make very good agility dogs, guide dogs or search and rescue dogs. They can work to the point of collapse however, so you must watch out for signs of stress from over working. In general, this breed makes a strong and steady companion.
It is always a good idea to be aware of the health of any animal you will bring home. Simply being aware of potential health issues can help you ward them off, therefore having a long life for your animal companion. Golden retriever puppies are no exception. The major health issues to be aware of are hip dysplasia, eye disease, heart disease, joint disease, skin disease and Lyme disease. Cancer is by far the greatest risk in shortening the lifespan of this breed.

There are slight differences between the British and American types. The British golden retriever puppies have a lighter coat than their American cousins, boasting a white or cream color. The British is a bit more stocky and shorter with a square head, as compared to the American type with a sleeker body. Cancer incidences are found far less among the British type.

Whatever breed you choose to take home, it is beneficial to research health history, characteristics and potential issues with that particular breed. As evidenced by its increasing popularity, the golden retriever puppies make an exceptional family dog companion. Discover for yourself why this breed is so popular. With a high intelligence level, friendly personality and easy going disposition, it’s easy to see why so many families are choosing this breed to take home.