Are Golden Retrievers smart dogs, and are they easy to train?

Labrador Retrievers are an intelligent breed, but they can also be quite "goofy," so you might not recognize their intelligence right off the bat. However, they are highly trainable, and excel at a number of sports and training games because of it. For more facts and characteristics about Labradors, visit PetCoach's breed page: www.petcoach.co/breed/labrador-retriever

This is something called "submissive grinning." Golden Retrievers smile, but other breeds do It too - actually any dog can do it. It's thought to be an evolutionary behavior that's intended to show that the dog isn't a threat to people. It's suspected that we maybe inadvertently encouraged this behavior by getting excited when dogs do it ("Look! He's smiling!") so smart dogs (like Golden Retrievers) interpret this as they have pleased us, so they'll do it again and again. For more information about Golden Retrievers, I suggest you visit PetCoach's breed page: www.petcoach.co/breed/golden-retriever

Dogs in general evolved to be scavengers, and Golden Retrievers are an exceptionally food-motivated breed. While this makes them very trainable, as they respond very favorably to food rewards, owners of Golden Retrievers should be diligent about keeping food and garbage secure, to limit the possibilities that their dog will eat excessively, or will eat something dangerous to him. To learn more about Golden Retrievers, I suggest you visit PetCoach's breed page: www.petcoach.co/breed/golden-retriever

One of my favorite breeds is a Golden Retriever. A very intelligent dog, loyal, easy to train, and tends to get along with other animals. I had one, and she got along great with my other dogs and my cats. A Labrador Retriever would be another good option. I would see about getting one of those breeds. I hope this helps!

Both can be great dogs. With either breed be sure you are committed to brushing daily and possibly having groomed monthly (or doing it yourself). Sammies were bred to be more of a northern breed and have a double coat. If you are in a very warm climate a GRT may be a better choice. In my experience samoyeds tend to be a bit more standoffish than golden retrievers. They aren't quite as goofy and approachable but they are majestic dogs. A lot depends on your lifestyle. Both are active dogs but samoyeds are a herding breed and may become bored easily if not given a job. Whichever you choose be sure to thoroughly socialize the pup and work on training from the moment you get it. Either breed can make a wonderful pet. http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/ Thank you for using PetCoach.

Pit Bulls are very smart, and very anxious to please, and these qualities together makes then very trainable. However, they do seem to have something of a strong will, so they do best with strong leadership and focused training.

Golden retrievers love to play fetch, and have fantastic demeanours. If you are very interested to know the exact heritage there are blood tests your vet can run to tell you the genetics of your dog and exactly what breed it is! Or if you have a picture to share I can try to help as well. But from the behaviours you are describing it sounds like you have a dog with a fantastic personality!