[FineChina]

I have had a dachsund, a doberman, a labrador (briefly) and my family has had lhaso's (sp?) and shitzus.

Our 5 year old dog exhibits traits that goldens are known for much more than any other dog breed I have been around. From retrieving to carrying toys, to being super friendly (almost too much so he will bug you with his head or paw to keep on petting), patient,etc.

Our other dogs never exhibited these traits to such an extreme (although my favorite will always be our dobie even she was not as friendly).

Is our dog unusual or you all find that your dog has virtually every trait ascribed to the breed.

 

[MyCodyBoy]

Golden's are known to be extremly freindly and sociable dogs.
People are always amazed at Cody's love for attention. I swear he acts like he is ignored 24/7 when he sees people. He just can not control his excitment.

 

[acritzer]

Our 6 yr old is very friendly. Like your other post, she also goes to get things when we come home. She likes her toys and will normally plays with them more actively when we have company (like she wants to participate in the party).
This might change at some point, but after having had our first Golden for 5 years now I have a hard time imagining going with another breed. Obviously it's a generalization, but our Golden has been amazingly affectionate and understanding.

 

[spruce]

I'm glad you brought this up!! we always say our Bridger is a "typical golden", but the only other golden we really know is "our" old man, Obi.
I've always had labs (too many, due to losing 2 to cancer) -- they have simliarities, but none have been so intensely alike as these two goldies.

 

[FineChina]

Yes it is spooky how much our Golden exhibits Golden traits to a tee. Our doberman Bree--who lived to be 14, was an amazing animal. Smart to the point that she knew literally over 100 commands.

But Bree was her own dog and exhibited some traits dobies were known for but others that were not specific to the doberman breed.

Other Golden owners have also noted to me how much their dog acts just like the books say a Goldie will behave.

 

[Lucky's mom]

I'd say Lucky is a "typical" Golden except he doesn't retrieve. Good thing I don't hunt. But he does have that "soft" mouth and urge to please people.

 

[Elisabeth Kazup]

I think that's what make a Golden so special. I think they ARE different. The other breeds I've known don't engage people the way Goldens do. Goldens seem to want you to know they LOVE you. And they won't leave you alone until they know YOU know. Whether it's bringing toys or the circling greeting that covers my knees with golden hair or a gentle paw on my arm saying "pet me, mom", they just really need to talk to us and be talked too.

Penny has every single trait, some more strong than others; she is Golden through and through! :smooch:

 

[Ljilly28]

I read a really cool study about dog breeds exhibiting "wolf" communication signals, and goldens were the second highest in these communication signals after malamutes. They communicate clearly to other dogs, which is why they are so often able to live harmoniously in multidog households. For example, goldens will lick& groom other pack members, and lick their lips's corners to give "calming" signals. After I read the study, I especially noticed how "wolfy" my dog Finn is- he uses 12 out of the 14 listed signals on a daily basis.

I love how all our generations of goldies share traits and hobbies, while still being individuals.

 

[kathi127]

I think that's what make a Golden so special. I think they ARE different. The other breeds I've known don't engage people the way Goldens do. Goldens seem to want you to know they LOVE you. And they won't leave you alone until they know YOU know. Whether it's bringing toys or the circling greeting that covers my knees with golden hair or a gentle paw on my arm saying "pet me, mom", they just really need to talk to us and be talked too.

Penny has every single trait, some more strong than others; she is Golden through and through! :smooch:

I agree, they definitely are different! Rusty is the absolute typical Golden, I've never had a dog be as social and friendly as he is. My SIL & BIL went out and got 2 Goldens after being around Rusty, he really sold them on the breed!

 

[Evil Eagle]

Well lets see. Sam goes nuts trying to go after birds and rabbits in my yard. He drops his bones about 5 times from my room to the living room because hes so soft with it in his mouth. He's never aggressive even when playing tug-o-war he wont growl. He loves playing fetch. And whenever he sees people he does whatever he can to try to get to them for some lovin.

 

[Oaklys Dad]

My guys are typically golden to a fault. They get along great with other dogs, always bring me "presents" when I get home from work. They both retrieve pretty well. The biggest problem I have is that when they meet new people they go totally wiggly butt and jumpy like a couple of squirming fools. :doh: Caue went to the vets for regular shots the other day and Dr. Bill crouched on the floor to meet him. Caue almost bowled him over in his excitement. Dr. Bill survived the kisses and wiggles and managed to administer the shots. I sheepishly said "He does get attention at home" :

 

[Joanne & Asia]

Asia also exhibits all the wonderful traits of a Golden. Being my first of this breed, I can not imagine ever owning any other breed in the future. They are amazing! Its no wonder we love them so much.

 

[mariadenise]

A GOLDEN wouldn't be a true golden if they didn't love everyone.. All kinds of people, other dogs, and just be a excellent example of what golden temperment should be, it is of upmost importance that this trait is maintained in the breed.. Unforunately , I am seeing more and more aggression in the breed, and it is very disturbing.. We cannot bred goldens that do not have this typical temperment. It is an injustice to the breed. I don't care how many titles they may have, or if they have all their "clearances", we cannot accept anything but the BEST temperments to continue the golden retriever breed!!