Monday, May 24, 2010

Are Jack Russell Terriers Good dogs?

I just got one. I need more on the breed. And i need a good place in IL. for training she is abbout 11 weeks! What should i feed her. what should she play with. She is very hyper.
Please help!
Answers:
They are the smartest dogs of all the breeds, but they suffer from major separation anxiety. They are restless and very energetic.
My friend has a Jack Russell. He trained it to play dead, but not like other dogs. My friend pretends to shoot it, and it dramatically falls and plays dead. It's the funniest thing. You can train them to do practically anything, but they take a lot of work because they are so energetic.
Terriers are super hyper, they are bred to hunt... you have to keep her active... make sure you do tons of reading about the breed... you can find stuff online
"good" is a relative term when applied to dogs. A good dog is one who has characteristics that fit your lifestyle.

I think they are great dogs, but very energetic and lively. They need training and thrive on having jobs to do, such as Agility, Flyball, etc.

Here is a complete book on the web to help you with everything to do with your puppy:
http://www.jamesandkenneth.com/pdf_docs/...
not unless your active and energetic. these are the jumping dogs, I call them...with the right tlc and training..can be nice pets. Not my first choice for the first time dog owner. maybe the 5th choice or 6th even. basically its a terrier and one must like that type of dog, as they all are bred for specific reasons.
Enjoy and good luck with potty training!
totaly their loyal and great companians
Jack Russel Terriers should eat 1and a half a cup once a day.If you want to train your dog, you should give them a small treat and say what ever you want them to do.She should play with a rubber bone.
jack russells are very intelligent dogs, and prefer a female owner,to whom they are very faithful, and loyal.They have bounds of energy,so plenty of exercise,they are easy to train,and can understand commands.Can be very crafty,so go easy on the treats,most jacks do not like cats and will chase most small animals, birds,etc. it being in their nature as they were once used to hunt out foxes, etc.but with training by you, they will learn to kerb their desires. very loveable pets.
They can turn on strangers (and owners) and can be easily irritated when suprised or are in pain. Terriers can be biters. I have been bitten twice; once by a neighbors scotty as a child and once by a friends Jack Russell. Neither time did I provoke them. Somehow I was just inside their space.
Well that depends if their likes and dislikes and personality traits suits your perspective of a good dog. According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/jack_russel... The Jack Russell is a working terrier. Terrier work requires a dog that will bark at prey so that the dog can be located underground and be dug out if necessary. As a result, Jack Russell Terriers are most definitely vocal dogs.
Jack Russell Terriers are also very intelligent, high-energy dogs – requirements of a working dog which must problem-solve in the field and work tirelessy against often formidable quarry. Due to their compact size, friendly and inquisitive nature, and intelligence, Jack Russells are popular as pets. Prospective buyers should be aware, however, that while these dogs may enjoy sitting in a lap, they are not “lap dogs” – they are dogs that require training and regular and consistent exercise to maintain their temperament and to occupy their minds. Jack Russells that are not trained on a consistent basis, or are not exercised regularly, may exhibit unmanageable behaviour, including excessive barking, escaping from the yard, or digging in unwanted places inside and outside the house. In America, several Jack Russell rescue networks have to work constantly to find temporary and permanent homes for Jack Russell Terriers whose owners could not meet these requirements for keeping these dogs as house pets. Prospective Jack Russell Terrier owners are advised to do their homework. Most Jack Russell Terriers easily mingle with children, though they do not tolerate even unintentional abuse. Most are outgoing, and very friendly towards other dogs, but a good number show same-sex aggression issues. Some JRT's exhibit a Napoleon complex regarding larger canines that can get them into dangerous situations.[citation needed] Their fearlessness can scare off a larger animal, but their apparent unawareness of their small size can lead to a lopsided fight with larger dogs if not kept in check. It is not uncommon for a Jack Russell terrier to be cat-aggressive, and homes with other small fur-bearing animals in them (pet hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) would do well to think through the ramifications of bringing a working terrier into the house.

A ball is an ideal toy that is universal for all dogs to love to play with. Choose whatever seems to be safe (not small enough to be swallowed down your pet's throat, hard to digest, chemical-free, soft, smooth etc.), nice and easy to learn how to play. Play with your dog while using the toy and if she seems to like it, it stays! If not, change the toy and seek another alternative.

According, to Dr. Marty, the veterinarian renowned for caring for Oprah Winfrey's dog, Sophie. Under his care, one of her dogs has sustained its life to live up to 19 years. According to his website, more specifically, http://www.drmarty.com/feeding.htm/,... feeding natural substances prone to mankind is the best known quality food for dogs to digest rather than food-processed whatchamacallits that you don't have a clue what you're serving your dog. The same foods who are accountable for causing thousands or even millions now, or dogs to either sicken or even worse, unfortunately, die!

Are human antibiotics any different than a dogs?

My vet wants $40.00 for my dogs perscription of antibiotics in treating a bladder infection, and I get antibiotics for a bladder infection for under $4.00 thru my medical insurance which covers most cost of my perscriptions. Is there a difference in antibiotics for a dog as there is to a humans, and if not, dont you think my vet should let me fill the perscription instead of buying it from him?
Answers:
Sometimes they are prescribed the same antibiotic but there are different types of bacteria and different antibiotics treat different types. You can't be sure that the prescription that you would get would treat the bacteria that your dog has. And if the dog was prescribed the same antibiotic the dose would be different. I suggest that you stick with what the vet gave you. You don't want to overdose your dog on the wrong medication.
Well that would make sence in the real world but with insurance companies it will not. You will end up paying full price for the perscription anyway. Your insurance company will not allow you to fill the script. for the dog under your policy. He is not considered a dependent so he gets no copays.
Vets don't write RXs for humans.
In some cases there is as far as strength, and dosage there is a big difference. I would not do it. Try calling a pharmacy and see what their price would be. Most vets will let you fill prescriptions from outside sources. I fill my dogs pain meds through Pet Health Pharmacy you can find them on the web.
It's not so much the medication as the dosage that needs to be adjusted. My moms vet told her to give her cat some penicillian but it had to be cut down just right, from some left over from a prev illness.
I was told by a veterinarian the medicines are the same but they effect the animals differently than humans.
They are frequently the same antibiotic but not always there are antibiotic used for dogs not used for people. IF it is a human antibiotic the pharmacy can fill a vet script. HOWEVER the chances your medical insurance will cover a vet script for your dog are nill, and claiming it a script for you is fraud (and your vet CAN NOT prescribe for you anyway). Full price from the pharmacy may or may not be the same - it could be more.
In some states the vet is NOT required to give you a script to buy at the pharmacy.
Well, I am no doctor but in general something like amoxicilin may be ok since it is used for general use. I personally think animals are too expensive to keep around but I would just pay the money and not take the risk. If you really want to save money just contact the doctor himself and ask if it is ok for the dog. Anti-biotics in general just kill bacteria and are usually all-purpose unless its a specific drug for a specific bacteria.

P.S
as a side note. Never take anti-biotics if you have a virus! They will not work and only make you even worse by killing off good bacterias.
There is a huge difference, dog's bodies are built completely different than ours. Giving human medicine to a dog can cause kidney and liver failure, because they're designed to affect human organs. Dogs don't process medicine the same way we do, so it could do alot of damage experimenting with your medicine. But you can help offset the cost a bit by calling around to other vets and asking them how much the prescription would cost if you bought through them. Someone may be selling it cheaper, you can ask the vet to write out the prescription just like you'd get it from your doctor.
Some of the same antibiotics are used in both human and veterinary medicine. The antibiotic that's prescribed for you may not work for your dog, though. It's best to follow your vet's instructions.
Actually veterinary medicines are better quality and more refined than human medications, according to a couple of vet techs and DVMs I know. Preparation and controls are much stricter, although we have learned the opposite about animal food supervision. I have known people to take Amoxicillen meant for horses and sold freely in feed stores because they could not afford to go to a doctor for a human prescription which costs far more if you don't have insurance. It was just a matter of comparing their weight to that of an equine so they told me. Seems a trifle risky to me and I would prefer my animals to get the accurate dose prescribed than take a chance on guesswork with human quality meds. Feeling "healthy as a horse" may not be all that good an idea if you are not one and you can be sure estimating veterinary requirements of your dog may be the wrong thing to do if you haven't taken the 12 year DVM courses, as a human MD only calls for 8 years of schooling.
If you ask your vet to write the prescription so that you can get it filled somewhere else, he has to give it to you. You can't claim it thru your people insurance, but it will be cheaper at a regular pharmacy than thru the vet.
He can't make you get the prescription from him, so ask him to write it up for you.
NO THEY ARE DIFFERENT. IF YOU HAD A BLADDER INFECTION I'M SURE YOU'D SPEND $40 TO GET YOURSELF CURED. YOUR POOR DOG IS MISERABLE.
U can tell them u can't afford it and to call the Rx in to a pharmacy, however, your insurance isn't going to lower the rate as it would for u.

at least ask what she would prescribe and call a pharmacy or two for pricing... it's worth a call. when my dog had trouble with a few antibiotics her system couldn't take, we kept trying and she finally prescribed one she didn't keep on hand and I picked it up at the drug store, for less than the others, I might add!

Are Greyhounds good with cats?

Im talking about the dog breed, not the bus.. hehe.
My family and i are thinking about getting a greyhound, but we have 2 cats. If we got a greyhound, do you think that the cats would be okay with it? Would they adjust? Because we have gotten dogs before and the cats have hid and hardley never came out. So, is it diffrent with greyhounds?
Answers:
Greyhounds (especially puppies) are notorious for chasing everything that runs, so if the cat would try to run away from the dog it may be in danger. Sighthounds in general do not do well with small furry animals, but if any of them would it would be a Greyhound. Since the cats did not do well with the dogs before, then they probably would not do well with another dog. I would doubt that it would be different because the dog is a Greyhound.
no they are verry compitive.
It just depends on the dogs nature, but over time, the cats might get used to the dog, but if the dog has an agressive nature, it might not be good.
Some can be okay with cats, but I would never completely trust a sighthound around cats.
From the sound of your past experiences, it sounds like it's up to the cats.
Well probably not. I have heard that is how Grey hounds are trained to run on a track.
No, Greyhounds are TERRIBLE dogs if you have cats! Greyhounds are SIGHT hounds, which means that they will chase anything in sight! Even if you get a Greyhound puppy and introduce them at a young age, sight hounds were bred to chase and kill things like that. You should probably steer clear of all hounds unless you're planning to get a scent hound (eg. Basset Hound, Bloodhound, etc.).
A retired Greyhound?
You need to ask will the dog be ok with the cats. You have to keep in mind they are sighthounds and they are bred to chase small furry things.
If you are getting a retired racer, I would take with the rescue people...they would be able to place the right dog with you. BUT..you are still going to have to train the dog to co-exist with your individual cats.

I hate to tell horror stories as it doesn't apply to the breed as a whole, but the individual dogs., but I watched as 2 very sweet Greyhounds ripped apart a little Poodle as it trotted by them in a pet store. Didn't bother the other Poodle who was walking, but went right after the one moving at a faster pace.

I would just do alot of research on the dog you want to get and plan on having some professional training just so nothing happens. They aren't mean dogs, they just have a high prey drive.
I personnally have a few friends involved with Greyhound Rescue and know of at least three cat fatalities that belonged to my rescue friends (more than one couple) , they no longer have cats, but find fresh remains of cats that have wandered into their yard. If you have to have a cat with these guys, get a Tiger!
The prey drive of greyhounds varies greatly. I own two retired racers and two cats, and the cats boss the greyhounds around. When I brought my first hound home, my very timid cat went right up to her. She knew instinctively that the dog was no threat to her. Note, however, that I wouldn't trust my greyhounds with cats outside the house. The outside world has many exciting stimuli that can heighten a dog's prey drive.

If you want to adopt a greyhound, make sure your adoption group knows that you have cats. When you take your new friend home, keep the hound muzzled for a while to make sure it is not overly interested in the cats. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
I have an ex-racing greyhound and am involved with my local greyhound rescue.
As with any dog or dog breed, friendliness towards cats varies.

It IS possible to find a cat-friendly greyhound. I know of a few foster homes that take in greyhounds to test their ability to live with cats, and many are just fine.

I have 2 small dogs, and my greyhound loves them. He鈥檚 actually scared of them! And when I take him for walks, he walks right past cats.

So, yes, greyhounds CAN be good with cats. Contact your local greyhound rescue group, fill out an application, and wait for them to contact you. They will assess your home and your cats to let you know if there is a greyhound that would fit in well.

Good luck! And please feel free to email me if you have any other questions about greyhounds 鈽?
Greyhounds are good with cats. I have 3 cats %26 a greyhound. I'm a placement rep for Greyhound Adoption Center in the Sacramento CA area. When we place a greyhound in a home with cats, it is cat tested first and those greyhounds that we place in homes with cats usually have a low prey drive. The cats should be supervised during the initial phase of introduction. Then once they become more accustomed to each other, they can be together unsupervised for longer periods of time. Actually, they are all a bunch of couch potatoes when I'm at work!
If a puppy is raised around cats it's usually OK with them, although the cats may never love him! I've found that the cats usually win any squabbles anyway. BUT Greyhounds are a bit different to other breeds, they're racers and are hard-wired to chase small, fast moving animals (eg the mechanical rabbit or lure on the racetrack). you won't be able to stop a greyhound following it's natural instincts and he will chase the cats. Whether you think you (or the cats) can deal with that is a personal decision but 'forewarned is forearmed' as they say so at least you'll know what you're letting yourself in for!

Good luck

Are grey hounds low maintenance?


Answers:
Alot will depend if you get a pet raised or retired racer greyhound. Retired racers often times need to learn things most other dogs already know (like not to smack into glass patio doors) because they are used to things pet raised dogs are.

Greyhounds DO need exercise, but they can also make calm wonderful pets. They have very short fur so low maitanance there (however this does not equal non-shedding!)

They are VERY sensitive to cold tempratures as they not only have very little coat, but don't have the fat reserves to protect %26 maintain body heat.

They can be prone to bloat as with most deep chested breeds (a fatal twist of the bowl) so it is important to make sure they are fed a few times a day instead of one large meal, and not before or after lots of activity.

No dog is truely "low" maitanance. ALL dogs require exercise, training, health care, proper nutrition. But they can also be highly rewarding!
Short question--short answer. NO
No, not at all. Greyhounds need ALOT of exercise and attention and they get destructive if they dont get it.
yes, compared to most breeds. it is far less fragile than it looks. it is quiet, so it won't disturb the neighbours much, it's slim and doesn't eat much food. plus they are good with children. it is a good choice if you want to get a dog for the first time
No, not at all. And, the guy above has no clue as to what he is babbling about.
Greyhounds are excellent dogs, but they do require daily excercise, My neighbor has 4 of them and they are beautiful and very well behaved. They are very loyal dogs.
you have to be kidding to even ask...of course they are high maintenance...they are athletics....
The answer to your question really depends if you want one for a pet or as a racing dog. As a pet they are comparible with other breeds. As a racing dog they can be quite expensive to maintain, especially if you hope to make it a winner. Some of the previous answers have good info concerning the pros/cons of a grey hound as a pet.
No and NO. They are very high energy and their skin is fragile and prone to tearing. They do not do well in any extreme temperature so they must be indoor dogs.
That being said, they are fantastic dogs, just not the low maintanence variety.
That depends on what you mean by low maintenance.

Grooming-wise , yes I'd classify them as low maintenance.

Exercise-wise, it depends on the dog's age. GH puppies are very energetic, but like most Sighthound they are bred to run really fast and then go back to sleep. As long as they get to run daily off leash and get some good leash walks, they do really well.

They need a comfy bed or a couch. They need wide martingale collars that they cannot back out of. They need training like any dog. They are fairly sensitive and do best with positive training.

They love their owners, they should be house dogs.

Adult GHs are fairly low-key. Some ex-racers are quite lazy as adults. I know 2 that run for about 20 minutes at the dog park and then are content to just sniff about.

Research the breed and meet some in person. I've fostered a few and they've been super nice dogs. All ex-racers and grateful for any attention.

They often do best as a pair. GHs usually love other GHs. Many adopters end up with a second dog :)

And the breed name is Greyhound :)

GHs and other Sighthounds are great pets for the Right owner. One that understand their needs and their strong hunting/chasing instincts.
In Australia we have a organisation/rescue service called GAP. They save a lot of retired greyhounds from being put to sleep when they have finished racing. They describe them as couch potatos, they love nothing more than sleeping on a comfy couch. Like all dogs they need to be walked/exercised, but have a short coat which would make them reasonably easy maintenance.
Before going into new forever homes they are sent off to foster homes to see how they react to smaller animals, some aren't suitable with cats but most are very loving gentle dogs.
read what whippet said and pay attention, its correct.most of the maintenance with a greyhound is keeping it on a lead and exercising.other then that they just need a warm place to couch serf.

Are Great Danes Agressive Toward Other Dogs??

I am considering getting a one year and a half old Great Dane, however right now I have a 65-70 pd female German Shepherd who is spayed, she is not agressive toward other animals at all. However, I am afraid to introduce the two if the Dane breed is known to be agressive toward other dogs. The Dane is already 130 pounds and could potentially hurt my shepherd if they are indeed agressive. The owners of the Dane say he is well mannered and "a big baby" my shepherd needs a playmate. Id love to have another big dog and Ive done my research but cannot find any info on the agressiveness of the dog toward other dogs. Please Help. Id prefer answers from those who "know" rather than those who are guessing. Thanks Allot
Answers:
Actually Danes are one of the most laidback of all breeds. You don't say if the Dane is a male or female. With a male, there should be no problem at all. With a female, you need to be more cautious, since females of any breed may not be too welcoming to another. Introduce them on neutral ground, not at your home, and keep each one a leash until you are sure they are all right with each other. With your female being spayed, this is a big plus.

A 1 1/2 year old Dane is still a puppy, it won't be completely mature until it is 3 years old. So it is going to be bouncy and lively, you must immediately start obedience classes, if it hasn't already.

They are a very people loving breed, and can be very clingy. Your shepherd may not like that at first. When I bring in a new Dane (I rescue and foster, as well as having 3 Danes of my own and a foster right now), I put up a baby gate between two rooms and let them get used to each other with one in each room. I supervise them whenever they are together. After a couple of days, the gate isn't necessary, and they have things all worked out between them by then.

I hope it all works out for you, they would have a wonderful time together. My guys are very fond of small dogs, and love to play with them. It's a real hoot to see a 10 lb shih tzu ordering a 150 lb Great Dane off the couch, and the Dane meekly obeying!
No, but it does depend on how they are raised. I have several friends with great Danes and they love them and would never think of getting a different breed of dog.
It really depends on the dog, danes can be "big babies" thats for sure, but they are not known to be push overs.

When they are introduced, it should be on neutral ground (so there is no 'territory' for either dog) and both dogs should be on leashes. Let them sniff from a far, and slowly move them closer. You will be able to tell if there is any tension or one dog seems to be scared or aggressive, watch the dogs and their body language closely.

Good luck! Great Danes are awesone dogs.

Just for fun, how cute is this?? =)http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/dogs/images...
It varies. Have you asked whoever is taking care of the Dane if he's aggressive? All dogs are different, and just because someone might say they're aggressive doesn't mean that particular dog will be.

Maybe you should get the dogs together and see if they like each other first. Also make sure neither your dog or the dog you might be getting are territorial. Your dog may even be territorial. Dogs act totally different outside than they do inside sometimes.
i used to have one and usually no they are not aggressive to other dogs. the only time they are aggressive is if they are provoked or attacked first.
All dogs can be agressive if they are raised wrong. Great Danes are not known for any natural agression, but if he was abused then he could be. Just introduce them with one person holding each leash and see how they do. Most dogs just want to play!
It all depends on the previous owners, but from my experience, EVERY great dane I have met, has been a lovable, big couch pillow who likes to lounge around! I don't think you will have a problem with the two.
I think a well socialized Dane would be no problem; they're great dogs (no pun intended). Before you take the dog, introduce the two of them to each other in an open area (not the Dane's house or yours where territory is an issue). Meet the Dane's owner at a dog park or other open space and see how they get along. Trust me, what you see will be what you get.
Not that I know of. A friend of mine had two danes, a dalmation and a lab and they got along great. Danes are sweet dogs for the most part---big and impressive to intruders and gentle enough to play with you and the kids. It depends on both dogs and their personalities, not the breed.
I am not a dog expert but I do know that even if a breed is said to be animal agressive, that doesnt mean that they are all that way. My uncle has 3 full grown great danes, (2 males and 1 female, they are the black and white patched ones.. lol.. SO cute!) not one of them is animal agressive or human agressive!... I have 2 american pit bull terriers that love everyone! American pit bull terriers were bred to fight other animals (including dogs) and are know to be animal agressive.. BUT neither of mine are. I also know several people who own "pit bulls" and none of their dogs are animal or human agressive... Anyway, my point is that it all depends on the individual dog. I dont know if great danes are said to be animal agressive or not, but the great danes I know are not animal agressive atall.
I adopted a Dane a couple years ago and he was fine with other dogs. It reallly depends on if he has been socialized or not. He only got aggressive if a strange dog came running up to me. He was actually afraid of smaller dogs because the foster people had one and she was mean to him. After a couple days he didn't have a problem with any of our Pekingese. I would introduce them on leashes and see what happens. If all goes well then try letting them play and see what happens. Observe their behavior for a few days and if everything is fine you shouldn't have any problems.
i own 2 great danes and a labradoodle. they all get along great.
the only time danes get mean and aggressive is if they are raised that way. they are very big babies. my 1 yr old is 180 lbs. and he plays with my 40 lbs. labradoodle just fine. they know they are big and can be heavy. they are very smart about themselves. just make sure you can devote the time to them to keep them happy.
I got my great dane about 3 yrs ago (he is 6 now) and brought him into a house with 2other boxers!! he is one of the best dogs i have ever had. people always refer to them as the gentle giants!!! i have had other dogs snap at my dane at the dog parks but he just ignores them and kinda just turns his head and walks away (big baby)! my dogs nick anme is LOVEBUG!!! but just be careful with your dog get them together for a weekend and see how they do out in like a big field!!! GOOD LUCK!!!

Are golden Retrievers good watchdogs?

I mean WATCHDOGS. Like bak when someone rings the doorbell or something..Not gaurddogs..I have ask this quesion about a million time. But I got different answers..so thanks!
Answers:
MIne sure are . They know when someone is at the door before they even ring the bell. They can hear the car coming up the dirveway.
If treated right, the Golden Retriever is a very gentle dog, but are very protective of their family and turf, Yes, they almost always sound off when someone approaches, and yes, they can turn mean when confronted by an aggressive stranger., but for the most part. they usually love everybody and very seldom bite, in spite of their bark.
For reliable information, contact your neighborhood Vet.
Any dog will make a good "watchdog". But i'm sure as soon as the door opens the golden would be bouncing with joy instead of ripping their arm off lol. I think ankel biters make better watchdogs.
Yes I know what you meant, I have a Labrador, she has the most beautiful soft nature but she barks REALLY loudly when someone is at the door etc.
Generally Goldens are very soft natured too. So it will depend entirely on the individual dog.
Maybe you could contact your local dog rescue group and talk to them about what you want. They usually allow you to have a dog for a short trial period.
it may seem that they are not but they are and they will protect you if they have to they are also awesome family dogs not aggressive very playful and are very good with young children
Normally, they are very good watch dogs. They are pretty docile, which is good about this breed, as they do not bite, but should and usually do, bark at someone that comes to your door. If not, it is easy to train them to bark, at a ringing doorbell.

Are golden retrievers good watch dogs?

I was just wondering...Some people say yes, and some say no...Are they TOO friendly to do anything?
Answers:
Any dog is going to protect its property. Rottis and pitts can be the biggest love bugs.
You may be able to find some that bark at intruders, but no one takes them seriously as guard dogs. Their personalities are just too happy and loving!
I'm sure temperament of the dog has a lot to do with it, that and how it was raised. They are very easy to train dogs and I'm sure they could be trained to become a watchdog. With that being said they are retrievers used as hunting dogs and family dogs. They have a great temperament especially with young children and for the most part would make lousy watchdogs as they would probably greet the thief with a wag of the tail and even show them where the jewelry is! If you want a watchdog find a breed that's been genetically bred for that purpose I.E. German Sheppard, Doberman, Rottweiler, among many others.
Depends on the temperment of the golden. I have 2 big males and one will bark at a leaf tumbling down the street and the other will look at him with a look of wonderment on his face as to why he is barking. But if a stranger comes on to my property then they both will bark a very distintive bark to let me know someone is here. As to if either would protect me than I have to say probably but would they attack someone then no.
Any dog can be a deterrent to theft--the thief will just go to the next house that doesn't have a dog barking.
no dog is too friendly to guard thier family, you will be surprised at what your dog is capable of when there is a threat, and yes a golden is no exeption.
Every dog has an individual personality and breed traits. Breed traits say no they aren't good watchdogs. They're just too friendly. They were never meant to be watchdogs. However, you may find one that is a good watchdog and every dog protects his home and family to some degree. I would recommend a German Shepherd if you want a watch/guard dog with a great temperament. You should also consider rescuing one if you are going to get a dog. Go to http://www.petfinder.com/ and check your local shelters to see if there's a dog there that fits your lifestyle. You should also consider an adult dog because it's impossible to see the individual temperament of a puppy. It would be like looking at an infant and trying to figure out what their career was going to be.
They are friendly but they can be a good watch dog. Mine is HUGE she is like 110 and everyone is scared of her and she is nicest dog ever. They are intimidated by her size. As far as watch ablilty yep she will bark and carry on and let you know if anyone in a car or out of a car is near. She will even bark and carry when we pull into our own driveway. any dog that is big and loud is a good watch dog. If you have kids and want a good dog around them and one that will let you know when someone is near they are great to have then. I would say go for it. You can loose with a golden retriever.
mine used to look after me when i worked as a security gaurd and if people laughed id just say are you a threat and twice hes considered someone a threat and done his job he looked after me better than any company dog cos i m part of his pack so yes in his case he was a brilliant watchdog and as he did not have any formal security training he did it by instinct