Ok pet people, I have an opportunity to get a golden retriever puppy for free, but am trying to find out as much as I can about them before taking on this responsibility. I know a few of you own these or have experience, so tell me everything you know.

Are they high-maintenance in comparison to other breeds? Do they train easily? Whatever else you think is vital info. I'm weighing the options here, so both positive AND negative input wanted.

And by the way, there are 7 puppies and they will unfortunately have to be put down if they are not all given away. Not sure of any more details at the moment, but have sent an email off to the owner asking for more info. I'll attach pictures a little later on.

Do it.

How much yard do you have? They do need a bit of space, but I would consider all of the retriever's to be fairly easy to train if you arent afraid to occasionaly rock them in the grill with a closed fist.

Also---the best companions on earth.

For this reason alone, you should take it and give it a home. I'm not an expert on golden retrievers but if you have the room at all for a large dog, I'd do it. And I'm sure the ladies love the retrievers...

puppies = chick magnet

Very trainable, excitable for the first couple years then they settle down and turn into fantastic dogs. Also, there seems to be alot of occurence of hip displasia in the breed. And according to a vet i talked to, when i was looking to possibly get a golden, they seem to have a penchant for eating weed.

currently owning a puppy, I can tell you they are a TON of responsibility. Like having a child. Having said that, this is one of the most well-behaved and least high maintenance breeds out there. I say this having a cracked out boston terrier.

Damnit! I just found out that this whole email thing was a hoax. I was telling one of the girls in my office about it and she apparently fell for the same thing a couple days before me. It was kind of fishy since there was no contact phone number and really vague information. The only thing listed was a bogus email address.

I did get excited for a little while though. I may need to go check the local rescue. Continue to give me your input though because I am still considering it.

Don't feel too bad. This could be a sign for you to adopt a dog. There's nothing more rewarding than giving a pet a home.

If you're lucky, you might get one of these:
[img][337:500]http://www.pappayon.com/handbill/big/a/air_bud2.jpg[/img]

Rescue dogs are great--although mature ones can come with baggage. Once build trust with them, however, it's one of the strongest bonds on the planet.

It's the way to go.

Got one. We got Emma from an older couple that were traveling a bunch and couldn't take care of her anymore. She was 1 1/2 when we got her. She's been AWESOME!

I also grew up with two goldens while living at home. I will own no other breed of dog. But that's just me. They are easy to train and as sated, after you get through the first two years you're pretty much home free as far as behavior goes.

The only thing I've heard of is the hip thing, like Phil said. But I've never seen that first hand.

There's a lady that my gf works with that rescues goldens. When we get a house here shortly, we'll get another to keep Emma company. Two is almost always better than one when it comes to these dogs IMO.

I only wish that we had gotten her a little younger because they may be the cutest puppies on the planet. But that means WAY more responsibility.

I mean, how can you resist that face? [img][650:488]http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/1892/dscn04924ti.jpg[/img]

Golden Retrievers are great dogs. they aren't usually to difficult to train. I think that you should go for it.

Now come on...if I can train a Rottweiler, you can train a Goldren Retriever.

ehhh...goldens are ok i guess.

The only issue I have is their shedding. Other than that, great dogs.

actually, one thing to consider is that they are really quite needy. they really need and thrive on human contact and attention...and are constantly seeking your approval. i could see how some people might find this annoying (i.e. the constant nose nudging your hand to pet them).

So you prefer molly to seamus? Wait till I tell him. He'll be heart broken.

My buddy's golden is this to a tee, and i dig it.

My boxer is exactly like that but I love it.

But aren't most dogs like that. My Rotty would do this all the time.

The mutt I grew up could care less about needing constant contact. Very independent dog.

not a chance! seamus is my BOY!

Let's see this Molly and Seamus.

All right, i won't break his heart.