Golden Retriever: Facts and Tips for Pet Owners

Loving, affectionate, and even-tempered golden retrievers are a true gem. If you already own one, you know how intelligent and adored they are and why it is so. This beautiful dog breed is a much-adored family dog.

According to statistics, this dog breed has topped the list of “most popular dog breeds in the USA” for more than ten years. A golden retriever is a devoted dog breed and makes the best furry companion for humans.

History of the Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers came to the USA (United States of America) around 1900. The credit goes to the sons of Lord Tweedmouth. They transported this dog breed to the farm the family had in Texas. The date this dog breed received official recognition by AKC (American Kennel Club) is still unclear.

It could be anywhere between 1925 and 1932. The breed was significantly appreciated and utilized for its skills and abilities in terms of hunting. However, soon it became more famous as a family companion and show dog.

Their quickness to learn and overall intelligence have made them a diverse working dog breed selected as service and therapy dogs for the physically challenged and guide dogs. This breed detects narcotics. Thanks to its extraordinary sense of smell and tracking capabilities.

They are best at retrieving games for the hunters. Sniffing and easily tracking out objects, goldens play a significant role in law enforcement. This breed has retained its spot as one of the ten most popular dog breeds in the USA.

The appearance of Golden Retrievers

This strong and athletic dog breed we are talking about has gentle hearts. Their front legs are substantial and straight, and the hindquarters are broad with straight back legs. Their feet, described as medium size are heavy and round with protective pads.

In their heads, they have large skulls with medium-sized eyes that can be anywhere between dark and light brown in terms of color. Their eyes show how warm and faithful they are as individuals. Their ears are shaped like triangles, falling close to the cheek and folded over.

Their muzzles usually blend well with the shape of their skulls. Their noses are well-proportioned and are either black or brown. The two sets of teeth meet each other in a scissors bite. They have strong and broad necks that blend smoothly into their well-balanced bodies.

Their gait can be described the best as being graceful and coordinated. They are well-protected from the weather with a double coat and a water-resistant undercoat. Their outer coats are either wavy or straight & like silk, and it is resilient too.

You would find heavy feathering around and on the neck, back of the thighs, and underneath their tails. The feathering is moderate on the undersides of their bodies and the backs of their front legs. They have hair growing on their paws, front of legs, and heads, and of a short length and even. Their coats are golden and glossy too. They are available in a wide range of golden shades too.

Golden Retrievers Temperament   

Golden Retrievers are the best examples of family dogs. They are gentle, willful, happy, friendly, and playful individuals. They love human companionship and the outdoors. They enjoy going out, playing, running, and swimming. They are satisfied when spending time with their family.

They do well with kids, but their tendency to overwhelm you with affection could prove excessive for young children. They also do well with other dogs as well as non-canine pets. They can be trained with ease. They love to receive and learn positive reinforcement. You can say that they like to please their human parents.

At times, retrievers tend to get distracted during their training sessions because they are enthusiastic and intrigued by everything around them. It usually takes them at least three years to achieve mental maturity. It means your Golden would be like a puppy for quite a long time.

You can use them as watchdogs as well as they would bark at people who are approaching your home. However, considering how friendly these are, they may not be appropriate for such work. They would need a lot of socialization and affection from you to be happy.

They are immensely lovable and friendly dogs to keep everyone entertained for hours. It is simple to do so – all you have to do is spend time with them, such as tossing a stick around the yard. They need your attention and time because they always yearn for love. If you give them a lot of affection and love, they make the best addition to your active family.

How to maintain Golden Retrievers? 

They have a double coat that is not known to tangle or mat. However, if you want to keep them in good shape, it is recommended that you brush coat them at least twice to get them their daily dose of exercise so that they are healthy and youthful for a long. They love to play and run, looking for ways to burn energy.

If you dwell in apartments, you shouldn’t get them. They are at their best when in a home with a medium-to-large yard. However, unlike some other breeds, they tend to stay somewhat active even when they are indoors.

You can take them to the park or around the neighborhood for a walk. You may give them a chance to run, play, and retrieve. These are essential for their mental and physical health.

Read Also: 8 Different Types of Golden Retrievers (With Pictures)

Comparison between Male and Female Golden Retrievers and Their Lifespan

The male goldens are taller than the females, with an average height range of 23 to 24 inches. Males have a heavier build with an average weight range of 65 to 75 pounds. They have a lifespan between 10 and 13 years. However, their hip, heart, elbows, blood, and eyes need to be examined by vets frequently.

The problems that Golden Retrievers commonly suffer from are gastric torsion, CPRA (central progressive retinal atrophy), epilepsy, and osteosarcoma. On average, the females of this breed are between 21.5 and 22.5 inches tall, and they weigh between 55 and 65 pounds.

The primary concerns in these dogs are CHD (canine hip dysplasia), cataracts, and elbow dysplasia.

The minor health concerns with Golden Retriever are enumerated below:

• entropion
• distichiasis
• trichiasis
• cataract
• pyotraumatic dermatitis
• subvalvular aortic stenosis
• OCD (osteochondritis dissecans)
• Allergies
• vWD (von Willebrand disease)
• cardiomyopathy

Facts About Golden Retrievers

• Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland in the mid-19th century to retrieve birds for hunters. They were highly prized for their retrieving abilities and their gentle nature.
• Golden Retrievers have an average life expectancy of 10-12 years, although some can live to be much older with proper care and attention.
• Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They love to be around people and other dogs and are generally good with children.
• Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent dogs that enjoy learning new things. They excel in obedience training and are often used as service, therapy, and search and rescue dogs.
• Golden Retrievers are medium to large-sized dogs, with males typically weighing between 65-75 pounds and females weighing between 55-65 pounds.
• Golden Retrievers have a distinctive golden-colored coat that is dense and water-repellent. Their coat requires regular grooming to keep it looking and feeling its best.
• Golden Retrievers have a high energy level and require plenty of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They love to swim, retrieve, and go on long walks or runs with their owners.
• Golden Retrievers are generally healthy dogs but are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, cataracts, and cancer.
• Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and have been featured in numerous movies and TV shows over the years.

Read Also: Golden Retriever Care: A Sensible Owner’s Guide to Grooming

Golden Retriever Tips for Pet Owners

Socialize your Golden Retriever early:

Golden Retrievers are friendly dogs that love socializing with people and other dogs. Early socialization can help your Golden Retriever become well-adjusted and comfortable around new people and situations.

Provide plenty of exercises:

Golden Retrievers are active dogs requiring plenty of exercises to stay healthy and happy. Regular walks, run, and playtime is essential for keeping your Golden Retriever in good physical and mental shape.

Be mindful of their diet:

Golden Retrievers are prone to obesity, so it’s important to provide them with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your Golden Retriever.

Groom your Golden Retriever regularly:

Golden Retrievers have long, thick coats that require regular grooming to keep them looking and feeling their best. Brush your Golden Retriever’s coat daily and give them regular baths to keep them clean and healthy.

Train your Golden Retriever:

Golden Retrievers are intelligent dogs that enjoy learning new things. Obedience training can help your Golden Retriever become well-behaved and responsive to your commands.

Provide plenty of love and attention:

Golden Retrievers are affectionate dogs that thrive on human interaction. Give your Golden Retriever plenty of love and attention to keep them happy and content.

Be mindful of their health:

Golden Retrievers are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, cataracts, and cancer. Regular veterinary check-ups can help you catch potential health problems early and keep your Golden Retriever healthy for years.

Golden Retriever FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What’s so special about golden retrievers?  

Golden retrievers are easy to train, hardworking breed in nature, and possess all the essential qualities of a family dog. They are full of joy, trustworthy, outgoing, lively, and well-tempered. Their playful and joyous demeanor remains from puppyhood to adulthood.

What traits make golden retrievers a family dog?

A complete family dog, goldens are a enjoy to be with. They are playful, active, outgoing, and eager to please. This dog breed is easy to train. Their joyous and playful approach toward life helps them to maintain their young self well into adulthood. They are powerful and energetic and love spending time outdoors.

What’s so interesting about golden retrievers?

Golden retrievers were originally used as hunting dogs. Their origin traces back to Scotland. Their color varies from gold to yellow and blonde. They love to play around. Fun, friendly and trainable facts make golden retrievers a joy.

Can I own a golden retriever?

If you are looking for an active dog breed, golden retrievers will be an ideal choice. These dogs are highly energetic and need to burn energy. Hence, your furry friend will need 1 to 2 hours of workouts daily. If you love the outdoors, your golden can be a great companion for hiking, walking, running, and swimming trips.

What are the problems golden retrievers prone to?

Golden retrievers are prone to some medical conditions. These include skin-related problems, eye disorders, elbow and hip dysplasia, cancer, and hypothyroidism.

Read Also: 11 Beneficial Supplements for A Senior Golden Retriever

Conclusion

Golden Retrievers are enthusiastic gundogs that hail originally from Scotland. They are beautiful, making them great among the most popular breeds in the USA. They are serious workers when it comes to fieldwork and hunting. They are equally adept at working as guide dogs for the blind and in search-and-rescue operations.

They enjoy taking part in competitive events such as obedience. When they are not working, their love of life is endearing. They are calm and comfortable to be with and can be described as medium-sized, muscular, and sturdy dogs well known for their dense and lustrous coats of gold from which the breed gets its name.