Golden Retrievers are known and beloved for their intelligent, easy-going, friendly nature. They make fabulous family pets and are often seen as the poster child for the perfect suburban family dog. However, their potential as guard dogs is a topic that often arises in conversation.
Did you know that Golden Retrievers are ranked as the fourth most intelligent breed according to Stanley Coren’s “The Intelligence of Dogs”? This intelligence combined with their powerful sense of smell makes them extremely versatile dogs, capable of excelling in various roles such as guide dogs, therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and even bomb-sniffing dogs. But when it comes to guarding, there’s a lot more to consider. Let’s dig into the fascinating world of Golden Retrievers and guard dog capabilities.
Despite their versatility, remarkably, Golden Retrievers were not expressly bred to guard. Their ancestors were primarily “retrievers” – dogs used for retrieving shot waterfowl during hunting. They were specifically bred to have a ‘soft mouth,’ which allows them to pick up and carry game without causing further harm.
Their inherent nature to please and their friendly demeanor often contradicts the more assertive characteristics commonly seen in traditional guard dog breeds. Unlike breeds such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, or Dobermanns, which inherently have an instinct to protect their territory or “pack,” Golden Retrievers are not typically aggressive.
Yet, this does not mean your Golden Retriever can’t or won’t protect your home. There is a substantial difference between an attack, guard dog, and a watchdog. An attack dog is trained to attack on command or if their owner is in imminent danger. Guard dogs, like their name suggests, are trained to guard a particular area like your home or property.
On the other hand, a watchdog is there to alert their owner of anything unusual or potentially dangerous in their environment. Golden Retrievers can be excellent watchdogs because they’re very perceptive and have an innate sense of when something is out of the ordinary. Their powerful sense of smell and attuned hearing can pick up sounds or scents that humans can’t detect. So you can count on your Golden Retriever to alert you with a few sharp barks if they sense someone at the door or if there’s something unusual going on.
On the topic of barking, a common question is, “Are Golden Retrievers barkers?” They aren’t perceived as a particularly noisy breed. Nonetheless, they will vocalize if they sense something out of the ordinary, or the mailman is at the door, or a squirrel just dashed across the yard. While this can sometimes be seen as a shortcoming (who wants to be woken up at 5 am by a barking dog?), in the case of a watchdog, this is a perfect characteristic.
Understandably, having a dog that might not physically intervene in a dangerous scenario might not be enough protection for some. For those who need a greater sense of safety, there are other ways.
First, there’s the option of professional training. While not transforming your Golden Retriever into an attack dog, obedience training can improve their responsiveness and sense of alertness.
Second, you can consider investing in a home security system. There are many affordable systems available that will provide that extra peace of mind.
Ultimately, whether or not a Golden Retriever makes a good guard dog largely depends on what you’re looking for in a four-legged protector. If you want a dog that will scare off potential intruders with their sheer size and a booming bark, a Golden Retriever may not be the best fit. But if you’re looking for a faithful companion who will alert you when something’s amiss, then a Golden Retriever could be the perfect choice.
In the grand scheme of things, a Golden Retriever’s primary role is to be a companion, one who will love you unconditionally and brighten your day with their contagiously cheerful spirit. They will fiercely guard your heart and ask nothing more than love and maybe an occasional belly rub in return.
At the end of the day, it’s essential to remember that every dog, regardless of breed, is an individual with their unique characteristics and behaviors. But one thing remains constant: their capacity to love and protect their human family in their unique, adorable ways.
