Everyone needs a companion who plays with them, is loyal to them, and is loving and well-mannered around people.
All these qualities are found in Golden Retrievers. They make an excellent friend for all generations. A perfect dog for your home.
And if you are thinking about adopting or getting a dog but you are confused about which one to choose, this article will help you guide.
In this read, you will get all the in-depth information about Golden Retrievers, their breed characteristics, history, temperament, grooming needs, and more.
There are even pictures of Golden Retrievers to help you imagine what it looks like if you opt for one.
Let us start with some basic information and statistics.
[wpdatatable id=133]Breed Characteristics
Golden Retrievers are everything that a dog owner wants. They are social, lovable, highly intelligent, and patient as well.
They are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are very protective of their owners and are very good watchdogs, signaling with loud barks if a stranger approaches.
Golden Retrievers are very kind and gentle with children; they are also very obedient, which makes training easy and fruitful.
They are suitable for first-time dog owners. They require good mental and physical exercise or can be destructive and sometimes stubborn.
They need dominant leadership. Their owner should always control them, and their training should start early to organize proper behavior.
Golden Retrievers like to chew; you can see your shoes ripped off if you do not pay attention. They also like water and are ready to swim anytime.
History of The Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers were originally bred around the mid to late 1800s in the Scottish Highlands by Lord Tweedmouth. This breed was a result of mixing other breeds, including Spaniels and Setters.
This mixing resulted in a breed with good retrieving dogs that used to retrieve birds and waterfowls and even tolerate cold waters and climate, and this is why Golden Retrievers of today like playing in water and swimming.
They were used to retrieve fowl for their hunting masters. The Golden Retriever was first shown in England in 1908 and first came to America in 1910 via Canada.
More About Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers have strong loyalty tendencies and can fit into any role, whether it is as service dogs for the disabled, watchdogs in your garden, or family dogs in your room.
Law enforcement agencies even use them for narcotics search and rescue purposes. Golden Retrievers are good at watching your stuff but not that protective of it. If they see something is off, they will raise the alarm. They have a great sense of the situation, and if you hear them barking at night, check out what is wrong.
Golden Retrievers need a significant amount of exercise daily; catching the ball or searching for stuff is their favorite game. They also like to go for a jog or a walk. They are very good at agility and obedience competitions as well.
Size
Golden Retrievers are big dogs and can feel bulgy at times. The average Golden Retriever can be anywhere between 21 to 24 inches tall at shoulder height.
They weigh around 55 to 75 pounds on average, although they love eating and are known to gain weight very fast.
Personality
A calm and loving breed, Golden Retrievers are good-looking as well. They have double coats to protect them from cold climate conditions.
They come in various colors of yellow to golden and light golden colors with moderate feathers on the forelegs. No white markings are there in a Golden Retriever.
They like to be with their human pack. They are not dogs who can live for long hours outside the home; treating them like family members is important.
Golden Retrievers are often gentle around kids but can unknowingly stumble upon small kids or clash with them.
They need training based on a positive approach, and Golden Retrievers are eager to please, so it would not be a problem to train them.
Temperament
Golden Retrievers can sometimes be funny, clownish dog that will act like another little kid in the house.
They are very loving and loyal to their owners. They are relatively quiet at home and enjoy walks and games.
They are calm and friendly towards other dogs and may form a friendly bond with them. Golden Retrievers are also good, along with other pets, based on prior training.
They do not like to be left alone for long periods. They can be destructive and starts chewing anything they find.
Golden Retrievers are easy to handle when they are grown up, although you may have difficulty controlling them when they are a pup. They can be stubborn and clownish growing up and mature slowly, but they are very intelligent even at a young age.
Health
Although Golden Retrievers are considered to be generally healthy dogs who live up to 10 to 12 years, but like all breeds, Golden Retriever is prone to some genetic and hereditary diseases that can affect them.
It is important to know about their diseases and health conditions which can risk their life. Some of the common diseases in Golden Retrievers are mentioned below.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a major concern in Golden Retrievers. This is a disease caused during the growth of dogs where the hip joint is misplaced, causing dysfunction and severe pain.
Some dogs show lameness and pain, which going forward, results in arthritis and limited mobility.
Elbow Dysplasia
This is an inherited condition that is found in many large breed dogs, and Golden Retriever is no exception.
This is caused when the irregular growth of the three bones takes place that forms a dog’s elbow. Vets often recommend surgeries to cure this disease.
Allergies
There are a few lists that can cause allergies to these cute giants. If a Golden Retriever is licking their paws or rubbing their face very often, it is a sign to get them checked by a vet.
Other minor diseases which are a risk to Golden Retriever’s health are:
- Entropion
- Cardiomyopathy
- VWD
Golden Retrievers are very highly demanded in the dog market; breeders often sell them for money without caring for their growth, which can result in diseases later on.
It is very important to buy or adopt from a breeder after all the necessary health certifications.
Care
Golden Retrievers are one high-maintenance dog. They require constant care and grooming, especially when they are very young.
Do not let your Golden puppy play or run on hard surfaces, as it may cause bone or joint problems.
Training them is easy as they are very smart and likes to please their humans. A positive training approach with some healthy treats will show magnificent rewards.
Golden Retrievers require an hour of outdoor physical exercise. They are a very good hiking companion and even a good partner to walk with.
They love to play nose games like finding stuff or fetching a ball. As their name suggests, they like retrieving things.
Golden Retrievers should be properly socialized and exposed to as many people, places, and things as possible.
Apart from outdoor physical activities, indoor games like mental games with toys and puzzles are very helpful but remember, physical activities are irreplaceable.
Feeding
Feeding is rather easy for Golden Retrievers as they are not very picky and will eat almost anything.
Two to three cups of high-protein food are advised for their healthy growth. However, their diet depends on their activity and metabolism, so always consult a veterinarian for a diet plan.
Obesity is always a concern with Golden Retrievers. It is important to provide meals at regular intervals instead of making food available all day. They can easily gain weight, which may lead to health problems growing up.
Coat Color And Grooming
A Golden Retriever has a double coat. The outer one is dense and water-repellent, whereas the other is a thicker undercoat.
The outer coat can be straight, or some may be wavy. The undercoat is thick, which means a lot of grooming.
They shed a lot, and if you choose Golden Retriever as a pet, be ready to witness dog hair everywhere. They need grooming every day, and do not forget to groom the underbody, especially where the legs and body meets.
Apart from shedding all year, they shed heavily twice yearly, one during spring and the other during fall.
Even after grooming every day, you will find hairs on your furniture and cloth, this tells you how heavily they shed. A shedding glove is recommended for grooming.
Golden Retrievers love playing outside in dirt and puddles, which makes bathing very frequent. Bathing them is just another fun as they think of bathing as just another game.
Check their ears weekly for any infections or wax buildup, and try to dry those ears. Brushing their teeth daily will be helpful, and trimming their nails occasionally is also advised.
FAQ’s
Yes, Golden Retrievers are considered very good service dogs, especially for disabled and blind people. They are one of the most versatile breeds and can be used as family dogs, watchdogs, service dogs, and even search and rescue dogs. They even work with law enforcement to search for threats and narcotics.
Golden Retrievers are very gentle and kind dogs. They are very friendly and choose to be quiet. They are gentle and friendly with other pets and dogs in the house.
This breed is known as the 4th smartest dog in the world. They are smart since childhood, and while you play games and live with them, you will realize they are more intelligent and smart than given credit.
Conclusion
From television commercials to big movies, Golden Retrievers are always relatively famous and charming. It is one of the most desired dogs in the United States. This article covered all the need-to-know information about Golden Retrievers.
Apart from their detailed information, there were images of Golden Retrievers to give more insights into their appearance to help you decide on your forever loyal house companion.
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Hi, I’m Walter,
I live in Oklahoma City, USA, and have extensive dog caring and grooming expertise. In addition, I provide dog training tips and tricks through my blogs in Canine Weekly. I have a Dog Behavior and Training diploma and have previously worked as a Dog Trainer at ROC Animal Training and Behavior and Tip Top K9 of OKC Dog Training.
Apart from writing on Canine Weekly, I share my views on Twitter and Linkedin.