American Golden Retrievers – the ones most commonly known in America – are bred according to the American Kennel Club standards, whereas English Golden Retrievers are bred according to British Kennel Club standards, despite typically being bred and born in America. But as we looked at various Golden Retrievers, it was the English variety that we were most enamored with.īefore I continue, it’s important to note that when I refer to English Golden Retrievers (also known as European Golden Retrievers), it isn’t their citizenship status that’s being referenced, it’s the standard by which the breed is judged. On paper the breed fit everything we were looking for: active but not overly so. Taking all that into account, we talked to friends and family that already owned dogs, we went to dog parks and farmer’s markets and interrogated random strangers about their animals, and eventually we narrowed our choice down to arguably one of the most well known dogs in America: the Golden Retriever. And we didn’t want some trendy mix simply because he looks cute and the breeders claim he’s hypoallergenic. We didn’t want a lazy dog, but we didn’t want an overactive dog either. We didn’t want a needy dog that demanded constant attention. With three kids, we didn’t want a small dog that couldn’t handle the rigors of three active kids. So where does one even begin? For us, the selection process began by narrowing down what we didn’t want first.
And so from the seemingly endless list of possibilities, we began the arduous process of selecting a dog breed and breeder that would help us find “the one”. As if three kids wasn’t enough, it was time to bring a fourth living creature into our house.
And so eventually, my wife and I gave in to their wishes. They promised to wipe his little paws off when they got muddy.
They begged, they pleaded, they attempted with every ounce of their being to convince me they were ready to take on the role as animal caretakers. On the flip side, unlike a child, you get to pick the looks, temperament and character of your new best friend, giving you a much clearer picture of what (hopefully) you can expect from your new companion while (hopefully) averting the crisis of having an animal that doesn’t blend well into your family dynamic.įor years, my kids longed for a dog. It’s like bringing a child into your home, only instead of taking nine months to acclimate to the fact you’re now sharing your space with a living, breathing, eating creature, the change happens overnight, and you’re suddenly thrust into a world of late night bathroom duties and sharp teeth that can destroy a pair of shoes in mere minutes. It goes without saying there are few things in life as transformative as a new canine companion.
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