The Golden Retriever is one of the most common breeds of dogs in the United States. The breed’s friendly, tolerant temperament makes them perfect family pets, and their intellect makes them highly competent working dogs. Golden Retrievers excel in hunting game for hunters, tracking, sniffing contraband for law enforcement, and as care and service dogs. They are also natural athletes and perform well in dog sports such as agility and competitive obedience.
These dogs are pretty easy to train and get along in just about every home or family. They’re great with children, and they’re very protective of their people. If you want a trustworthy, caring, and smart companion, consider taking one of these pups into your pack.
Golden Retriever: What You Should Know
It’s no wonder that the Golden Retriever is one of the top ten most famous dogs in the United States. It’s all nice with the Golden: very smart, friendly, pretty, and loyal. He’s lively, too. The Golden is slow to mature and maintains the dumb, playful personality of a puppy until three to four years of age, which can be delightful and irritating. Some retain their puppy traits in their old age.
Originally designed for the physically challenging job of retrieving ducks and other birds for hunters, Golden needs regular exercise: walking or jogging, free time in the yard, a beach or lake run (Goldens love water), or a game of fetch. And like most intelligent dogs that have been bred to work, they need to have a job to do such as retrieving the paper, waking up family members, or engaging in dog sports. A weary Golden is a well-behaved Golden.
As well as offering your Golden Retriever physical and mental exercise, you should also be prepared to include it in your family activities. The Golden Retriever is a family dog, and he wants to be with his “pack.” Don’t worry about having a Golden one unless you’re able to keep him at home with you, underfoot, every day. There’s another possible downside to the breed: he’s certainly not a watchdog. He might bark when strangers come around but don’t count on that. Most definitely, he’s going to bear his tail and flash that characteristic Golden Grin.
A. History
For several years, there was a legend that the Golden Retrievers had come from Russian sheepdogs purchased from a circus. In reality, the breed originated in Scotland, in the highland estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth.
Like many gentries of his day, Tweedmouth had bred animals of all sorts, seeking to perfect various breeds. Tweedmouth’s breeding records from 1835 to 1890 indicate what he was looking for with the Golden: a talented retriever—Tweedmouth was an avid waterfowl hunter—with a superb nose that would be more attentive to his human hunting partner than the setters and spaniels used at the time for retrieval. He also wanted the dog to be obedient and even-tempered at home.
Tweedmouth took Nous home to Scotland and, in 1868 and 1871, introduced him to Belle, Tweed Water Spaniel. Tweed Water Spaniels (now extinct) were considered willing hunters in the field and remarkably calm and obedient in the home—characteristics you’ll find in today’s Golden Retrievers.
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Weand Belle’s descendants have bred with Wavy-and Flat-coated retrievers, another Tweed Water Spaniel, and a red setter. Tweedmouth mainly kept the yellow puppies to continue his breeding program and gave some to friends and relatives. Not unexpectedly, the Tweedmouth breed first drew attention to their hunting skills. One of the most successful was Don of Gerwyn, a liver-coated descendant of one of Tweedmouth’s puppies, who won the International Gundog League Trial in 1904.
The Kennel Club of England formally recognized the Golden Retriever as a distinct breed in 1911. At the time, they were known as “Retriever — Yellow or Golden.” In 1920, the name of the breed was formally changed to Golden Retriever.
B. Coat And Grooming
Golden Retrievers have a thick, water-repellent outer coat and a thick undercoat. Some of the coats are wavy. Some are straight. They have feathers on the back of the front legs and beneath, with heavier feathers on the chest, back of the thighs, and tail.
Golden Retrievers come from light to dark gold in all shades of gold. Some breeders have started offering “rare white Goldens,” but the American Kennel Club does not accept white as a coat color for the breed.
Golden Retrievers fell moderately in the winter and summer and heavily in the spring and fall. If you live with the Golden, you’re going to have to adjust to a certain amount of dog fur in your house and on your clothing.
Golden’s dense coat means a lot of grooming. Regular brushing is advised to avoid tangling, and the bare minimum is once a week. Your Golden will also require a bath at least once a month, often more often than not, to keep him looking and smelling clean.
Clean the Golden teeth at least two to three times a week to eliminate the buildup of the tartar and the bacteria hiding within it. Regular brushing is much easier if you want to avoid gum disease and poor breathing.
Trim your nails once or twice a month if your dog does not wear them naturally. If you can hear them tapping on the floor, it’s too long. Short, neatly trimmed nails hold the legs in good shape. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too deep, you may trigger bleeding—and your dog will not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers coming out. So, if you don’t know about trimming dog nails, ask a vet or groomer for pointers.
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Fold-over ears provide a wet, dark atmosphere for bacteria or fungi to thrive in, and the breeds that have them—like the Golden ones—are vulnerable to ear infections. His ears should be tested every week for redness or a bad odor, which could suggest an infection. Check them every time they get wet, too. When you check your dog’s ears, scrub them with a cotton ball dampened with a fluffy, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help avoid infections. Do not inject something into the ear canal; just clean the outer ear.
Start to get your Golden used to be brushed and examined when he’s a puppy. Handle his paws frequently—dogs touch their feet—and look into his mouth. Make grooming a fun experience full of praise and rewards, and you will pave the groundwork for simple veterinary exams and another handling when you’re an adult.
When you groom, search for sores, rashes, or signs of infection, such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation of the skin, nose, mouth, eyes, and feet. The eyes should be open, without redness or discharge. Your careful weekly test will help you detect possible health issues early.
C. Size
Males are 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. Women are usually 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall and 55 to 65 pounds tall. Golden Retrievers typically achieve their maximum height by one year of age and their mature weight by two years.
D. Personality
Nice quiet temperament is the hallmark of the breed. The Golden was brought up to work with people and is happy to please its owner. Though hard-wired and well-disposed, like all dogs, the Golden must be well-raised and well-trained to make the most of his heritage.
Like any dog, Golden needs early socialization—exposure to several different people, sights, sounds, and experiences—when they are young. Socialization helps ensure that your Golden puppy develops into a well-rounded dog.
E. Care
Golden Retrievers are programmed to behave and enjoy outdoor breaks. If you enjoy walking or jogging, your Golden would be happy to join you. And if you feel like throwing a ball in the backyard, they’d be more than happy to join you; true to their name, Goldens loves to retrieve.
Tiring them out with 20-30 minutes of physical exercise twice a day will keep your dog soft when he’s back inside. However, the lack of activity may lead to behavioral problems. Like other retriever breeds, the Goldens are naturally “mouthy,” and they are happiest when they have something to hold in their mouths: a ball, a soft toy, a newspaper, or, best of all, a smelly sock.
You’re going to have to take extra precautions if you’re raising a Golden puppy. These dogs develop very quickly between four and seven months, making them vulnerable to bone disorders. Don’t let your Golden puppy run and play on really rough surfaces like the pavement until he’s at least two years old and his joints are completely formed. Standard grass play is all right, and so are dog agility lessons.
F. Feeding
Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food per day, split into two meals. How much your adult dog eats depends on its size, age, structure, metabolism, and level of activity. Dogs are people, much like humans, and they don’t require the same amount of food. A highly active dog needs more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference—the better the dog’s food, the more it’s going to feed your dog, and the less it’s going to shake your dog’s bowl.
Keep your Golden in good condition by weighing your food and feeding it twice a day rather than throwing food out all the time. If you don’t know if he’s overweight, give him an eye test and a hands-on test.
First of all, look down at him. You’re going to be able to see a waist. Then put your hands on your back, your thumbs on your spine, and your fingers spread down. Without having to push hard, you should be able to feel but not see his ribs. If you can’t do that, he wants less food and more exercise.
You’re going to have to take extra precautions if you’re raising a Golden puppy. These dogs develop very quickly between four and seven months, making them vulnerable to bone disorders. They do well with a high-quality, low-calorie diet that prevents them from growing too quickly.
What You Need To Know Before You Get A Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a dog breed that originated in Scotland, bred to retrieve shot waterfowl, such as ducks or other upland game birds. It’s a medium to large breed, about 20 to 24 inches long, weighing between 55 and 75 pounds. The lifespan of the Golden Retriever is between 10 and 12 years.
Golden Retrievers are some of the most famous dogs in the US and worldwide, thanks to their stunning appearance and their lovely characters.
Here are some of the things you should know about Goldens. So many of them end up in shelters, discarded as soon as their owners understand what it means to have a dog.
1. You’ve Got To Make Room For Your Dog And Her Fur.
Golden Retrievers are medium-large breeds. The golden male is between 23-24 inches tall (58-61 cm) and weighs about 60 and 75 pounds (27-32 kg). Females are smaller, but they also require room to travel, 20-22 inches tall (51-56 cm) and weighing between 55 and 70 pounds (25-32 kg).
You’re going to have to give your dog enough space to run around the house freely. Getting a yard can be beneficial, but as Goldens are very social dogs, they tend to stay indoors with their families rather than running outside. So make sure your house or apartment is big enough to host such an energetic and intelligent dog, even if you have a yard.
The dog isn’t the only one you’re going to see all day in the yard. Free your schedule to clean your hair as Golden Retrievers shed all year, becoming heavier in spring and fall. The best way to minimize hair loss is by brushing your dog 3-5 days a week for about 15 minutes. However, you will also need a powerful pet hair vacuum cleaner to clear the mess from your carpets and sofa.
2. You’re Not Allowed To Leave Your Golden Retriever Alone For More Than 4-5 Hours A Day.
Goldens are establishing close relations with their parents, which means they are perfect family pets. They are willing to please their people and enjoy being around children of all ages because children are always ready to play. Leaving your Golden alone all day can only make her suffer, which in time can lead to depression, separation anxiety, and in some cases, destructive actions.
Hiring a pet walker or taking care of your Golden dog during the day can help, but none of these options substitutes your presence. Just buy or make one of these dogs if you or other family members have the time to play with her every day.
3. You’re Going To Have To Hide Your Shoes Because Goldens Likes To Chew.
These dogs like to hold things, and sometimes when they’re bored, they’re going to start carrying your stuff around the house. They’re famous for their chewing habits, so give them resistant toys, specially designed for heavy chewers, and don’t let them get too bored during the day.
Lock your shoes, tablets, remote controls, games, kitchen utensils, clothes, and tiny pillows, or they’ll end up in a mess. You can also move your garbage inside a cabinet or in a position that your dog can’t touch. She’s never allowed to go through your dinner leftovers because consuming human food will hurt Golden Retrievers. For safety purposes, hide all electrical wires until you carry your puppy or new dog home.
The crate is a safe way to keep your dog away from temptation when you’re not home. She’ll be in a safe position this way, and you won’t have to think about the Nintendo that you forgot on the sofa before you went to bed.
4. If You’re A Couch Potato, This Dog Isn’t For You.
Golden Retrievers have a high level of energy and need to burn this energy off. Give your dog one or two hours of exercise every day. Otherwise, it’ll mess up your house. You can do a lot of things as Goldens are perfect companions for walking, biking, playing in the park, swimming, and even hiking. In addition to running, Golden Retrievers require mental stimulation to survive. You should teach her obedience by yourself since these dogs are considered among the most loyal breeds. Some stimulating sports in which Golden Retrievers register excellent results are freestyle canine and agility training.
Golden Retrievers have been trained to perform, so they need to be involved to remain happy. Also, lack of exercise can lead to various medical conditions, including obesity and other related concerns, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or ligament and tendon problems.
5. Neutering Can Cause A Golden Retriever To Develop Health Problems.
Researchers at the University of California have found that neutering has detrimental effects on Golden Retrievers, raising the dog’s risk of developing joint injuries and cancer. In this article, Dr. Karen Becker talks about alternative strategies for preventing your dog from breeding, such as vasectomy or tubal ligation.
If you own a Golden Retriever, you need pet insurance to cover a wide variety of health problems, in addition to injuries. This may raise your daily expenses, but it’s generally a smart investment, as Goldens is among the most expensive breeds in terms of veterinary costs, with an estimate of $961 a year.
How To Care For The Golden Retriever
Can you imagine a big, golden-colored dog breaking through your backyard, sleeping on your couch, playing with your kids, and joining your family with whatever they’re doing? If so, you may be the ideal candidate to get a Golden Retriever as a pet. Golden Retrievers, also just called Goldens, are as sweet and fun-loving as they are stunning. If you’re thinking of adopting a puppy or an older dog, here are the things you need to know to take care of your new Golden Retriever.
Make sure that your home is safe for a dog. It’s important to get a puppy to your home before you bring your new dog home. This is true even though he’s not a puppy; even elderly dogs will get into trouble in a new setting. It’s going to take some time for you to know what he’s going to do and not get in.
Make sure you remove the ropes that he might chew on, take the glass objects off the low tables where he might knock them off or attempt to chew on them, and put away the items that you don’t want your dog to take away. Yes, that includes your shoes!
Give your Golden Retriever a place to sleep. You can imagine your dog sleeping on your bed with you, and that’s all right, but it’s best to give him a place away from others as well. A lot of people want to buy a crate for their pets. It’s going to have to be big enough for him to stand up and turn around quickly. You may even decide to buy a dog’s bed, which will be a nice place for him to go when he doesn’t want to think about it.
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Purchase a bowl of food and drinks. You’re going to have to pick food and water dishes that won’t be knocked over easily. Since Golden is likely to pick up food dishes and bring them around when they’re empty, choose a material that he won’t be able to chew easily. Don’t buy a ceramic cup, too, that he might drop and break.
Dream about how you’re going to keep him in your yard. And if you’re going to train your dog to stay in the yard with you, you’ll need a way to keep it in place during the training process. Any dog might also decide to take off after a rabbit or any other wild animal that runs through your yard. It’s the highest fence. Another idea is to suggest an invisible barrier. Or you can set up a leash so that your dog can go outside to relieve himself. Do not expect to leave your Golden Retriever outside unattended or for long periods.
Buy a leash, a collar, or a harness. You’re going to have to show your new furry pal how to walk nicely on a leash. Purchase one that has a length of six feet for training. You’re also supposed to pick a collar. One alternative is a buckle collar, and another is a martingale collar. Collars and prong collars can usually be avoided. You can also choose a belt that puts less strain on Golden’s neck and can also keep it from pulling in some situations.
Purchase a brush for dogs and other grooming supplies. Your Golden Retriever will need to be washed daily with medium-length hair, and you can also keep your nails clipped. Consider purchasing dog nail clippers, dog shampoo, and other grooming necessities. If you take him to a groomer regularly, you don’t need anything other than a brush.
How To Feed The Golden Retriever
Choose a high quality, dry dog food. You may ask for a recommendation from your veterinarian or breeder, or rescue. Remember that if you want to turn it into another form of food, you can do so gradually over a few weeks to avoid stomach upset. For a puppy, buy a large breed of puppy food; you can select adult food for an adult. Older dogs can benefit from food made for senior dogs.
Look at the box and figure out how much to feed your dog. Find your dog’s age and weight on the bar chart and divide the amount of food by the number of times you want to feed your dog every day. Puppies under six months of age should usually eat three times a day, and older puppies should eat twice a day.
Mix the extras in your dog’s food if you like. You can combine canned dog food, diced plain chicken breast, low-salt cottage cheese, canned pumpkin, or plain yogurt into your food. Using just a small amount of extras; it’s just to add flavor and appeal. If you start doing this, your dog may not want to eat plain food, so make this decision, understanding that you’ll have to keep up with it later.
Give your dog an occasional treat. It’s fun to feed your golden treats; just don’t let them become a major part of your diet! A couple of dog biscuits or a dog who’s dumb every day would make her happy to come to you when you call. You can also split the dog “cookies” into smaller parts to be used for training. Be sure she’s got fresh water all the time. She’s likely to drop dog kibble and dog fur in her water dish sometimes, so wash it out at the end of each day and refill it as needed so that it’s still full of fresh, clean water.
Final Words
Many dogs don’t ‘act nicely’ when it comes to other pets. Be it cats, rabbits, or even other dogs. But the Golden Retrievers, as long as they have been given adequate socialization, are more than willing to share their home with other dogs and animals of other species. Having a trustworthy dog for your other pets brings peace of mind and a harmonious family, not least for those other pets!
