What About Golden Retrievers: The Joy and Realities of Living with a Golden

How long do Golden Retrievers live?

How much does it cost to keep a Golden?

What kind of training do Goldens need to become good pets?

That little Golden Retriever puppy is so adorable—but is he the right dog for you? Many prospective dog owners don't ask the questions they should when deciding to bring a new puppy home. Now, the What About? series is here to help you understand the real-life implications of your decision, saving you time, money, and potential heartache—and protecting you and the dog from the consequences of an inappropriate choice.

Drawing upon the expertise of Golden Retriever breeders, owners, rescue organizations, veterinarians, and trainers, What About Golden Retrievers? provides honest, reliable advice on what it's really like to own and raise a Golden—no punches pulled. In a friendly, easy-to-follow Q&A format, veterinarian Dan Rice offers solid, proven guidance in choosing and raising a Golden, including:

• Breed characteristics
• Behavior
• Costs of ownership
• Development in all life stages
• Diet
• Exercise requirements
• Genetics and why it's important
• Health and general care
• Temperament
• Training requirements
• Working with behaviorists, trainers, and veterinarians
• And more

Don't be taken by surprise. Get the answers you need now—before you get that Golden Retriever puppy—and make a smart, informed decision.

A Howell Dog Book of Distinction

DAN RICE, DVM, spent several decades at the Denver Small Animal Hospital, specializing in small animal medicine and surgery. He has also been the house veterinarian for an Iditarod team and a kennel of hunting dogs. Rice has written books about companion animals for adults and children.