Originally posted by Dixieland Dancer
Exercise is more important than the grooming in my opinion. While most Goldens do prefer to go for a walk, a good healthy run is better. Especially when they are between the ages of 8 weeks through 4 or 5 years. After they hit the age of 5 they kind of mellow more and don't require the long exercise periods. If you don't have a minimum of 1 to 2 hours a day to devote to exercise, training or playing, then a Golden may not be the right breed for you.

You need to be aware that Goldens vary in their need for exercise. Dusty is very high energy and require a 45 minute frisbee session each morning and each night. Dixie wasn't so high energy and I could get away with a little less when she was younger. A bored dog is a dog who will find it's own avenue for amusement and it will usually be destructive. Plan on regular obedience classes starting after the pup has all it's shots and then continuing on through adulthood for the best relationship possible with your pup.
Yep, so true! Daisy's extremely mellow for a Golden. I've never met another one like her, so my response about the exercise needs was just in general for the breed. I feel all dogs need some sort of exercise each day, but Goldens more so compared to other breeds, usually.

I also agree with investing in Obedience Classes. You will not regret it! I enrolled Daisy in a beginning class when she was a pup, and right now we're taking agility classes. If she does well we'd like to continue and maybe eventually compete in actual trials, but right now we're just in it for fun. I'd also love to take a more advanced Obedience class, too, some time in the future.

That site Kara posted is great.. very informative!

I'll have to dig through my whole list, but here is a site/message board that I've found to be helpful..

Golden Retriever Forum