If you’ve ever considered adding a Golden Retriever to your family, these precious pups make a strong case as terrific family dogs. However, assuming your Golden Retriever will also take on watchdog duties may prove disappointing. The breed’s highly social and gentle nature means a Golden Retriever is more likely to try to make a new friend than scare off an intruder. A Golden puppy named Milo showed off his “watchdog” skills in a recent social media video, the perfect example that this breed makes a better friend than foe.
In the video shared to TikTok, Dad can be seen sitting on the couch with Milo cozied up nearby. Charmingly captioned, “Who we choose to protect the house,” Milo shows no signs of attentiveness to his surroundings. Instead, this cute canine is perched on his back, licking his paws, ideally hoping for some dad belly rubs.
So maybe being a watchdog isn’t Milo’s thing. He is awfully cute, though.
Commenters were quick to come to Milo’s defense with one sharing, “He’s just a puppy. Let him chill a little bit before going to work.” Another added, “Living his best life.”
One sympathetic commenter wrote, “He is just a baby.”
Related: Cane Corso Is the Best Protector Checking on His Sick Brother
Golden Retrievers as Family Dogs
True, Milo is still a puppy, but chances are this Golden Retriever won’t gain more watchdog skills with time. The thing that makes Golden Retrievers terrific family dogs also makes them less than stellar watchdogs – this breed is friendly.
Sure, Golden Retrievers are large and loyal, but they love to make a friend and socialize more than they have the desire to protect their surroundings. With a pup this cute and this social, chances are the humans may end up watching the watchdog, not the other way around.
Golden Retrievers aren’t completely without their protective instincts. This breed will bark at strangers and some can be territorial or protective of the family home. Overall, however, this breed is more teddy bear than terrifying.
It’s safe to say that Milo’s humans can’t expect him to grow up to be a fierce dog, but he’ll still be this cute and never tire of those belly rubs. Chances are Dad won’t tire of giving them, either.
Related: Rescued Golden Retriever Gets Over Fear of Loud Noises With the Help of Mom’s Blowdryer
This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Feb 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.