The golden retriever is a medium-maintenance dog. Known for its incredibly sweet disposition, it mostly needs love and attention - follow these steps to take the best care of your golden.
 
 
1.   Keep your golden's weight down. Overweight dogs have more health problems, including heart trouble and arthritis. 
 
2.   Learn about the health problems associated with this breed: hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, congenital heart disease, epilepsy, thyroid disorders and allergies. 
 
3.   Brush your golden weekly to help keep shedding down. This breed sheds year-round. 
 
4.   Bathe the dog infrequently; it doesn't require special grooming and can be washed at home. 
 
5.   Make sure to trim this dog's nails monthly to prevent foot problems. 
 
6.   Remember that retrievers try very hard to please and train fairly easily as long as you are consistent and patient with them. 
 
7.   Keep your retriever inside if at all possible. This is an extremely social dog, and it will be very unhappy if left alone outside while its family is together in the house. 
 
8.   Check with your vet regarding anal expressions - some dogs need help with this and it's a job better left to a professional. Look for signs like the dog dragging its bottom along the floor. 
 
9.   Be prepared to enjoy a good 10 to 14 years with your dog, as this is the average life expectancy of a golden retriever. 
 
 

 Make sure you or someone in your home is willing to spend 30 to 60 minutes a day playing with and exercising the dog. 
 
 Purchase a hand vacuum if you plan to keep your golden indoors. Its hair will stick to everything. 
 
 Golden retrievers love the water. Keep a towel handy when you go near the ocean or a lake. 
 
 
 Regular brushing will prevent matting, which can quickly become a nuisance. Note that this breed sheds a lot. The main reason people give up their goldens is because they shed too much. The second reason is that they got bigger than expected.