| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
The Golden Retriever is one of the most famous breeds around the world and is used as a rescue dog by Civil Defense.
The Golden Retriever is originally from England. In 1868, Lord Tweedmouth developed the Golden Retriever breed, by crossing a golden-colored Retriever and a Tweed Water Spaniel, the result was 4 puppies, the first of their kind.
At first it was used as a hunting dog, or retriever dog. Along the years this breed has shown its versatility and adaptability. Nowadays, the Golden Retriever is a wonderful companion or service dog; but it is also a rescue dog used by Civil Defense in avalanches, building collapses, etc. As they adore being in the water, they also help in maritime rescues.
Golden Retrievers are beautiful dogs. They are quiet and warm; they love to hug their owners and always want to be part of the family, they also get along with children, strangers and other animals.
This breed is smart and active. They are excellent playmates for children. The Golden retriever must be stimulated with activities but also, they love some time to just be lazy.
They know how to win hearts as soon as they join a family; they have a charming, playful and happy character. They loved to please their owner, which makes them easy to train. For all of these reasons, whoever has a golden retriever will be absolutely happy.
If you train them patiently, with calm and sweetness, the Golden Retriever will be a loyal partner who will love to be by your side.
Golden Retriever: Origins
The Golden Retriever is originally from England, but this breed is very popular in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Ireland, Scotland and South Africa, we can find two types:
- English.
- American.
The American Golden is subdivided in the American and the Canadian Golden. There are small differences between the British and the American Golden Retriever. The first one has a wider and shorter muzzle as well a smaller head, shorter paws and a deeper chest.
The breed was registered for the first time back in 1903 in England. The Golden Retriever is officially recognized and registered by the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale, for pedigree dogs worldwide).
The Golden retriever was used as a hunting dog; it is said that with the invention of the new automatic rifles in the 1920s, hunters needed a dog capable of memorizing the prey’s position.
Lord Tweedmouth selected dogs with good attributes as retriever dogs, trying to fix in the Retrievers a yellowish coat. In 1868 he made the crossover of a Retriever with a curly coat called Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel called Belle. The result was four yellowish puppies, the first ones of this breed.
Golden Retriever: Physical Characteristics
The Golden Retriever is harmonious and powerful. They are robust and have a warm expression, with big heads but not really heavy. They have a black nose and prominent muzzle, and dark-brown rounded eyes. The ears are medium-sized.
Their chest is high and deep with a completely harmonious body; a long tail rolls up at the end, the front legs are straight while the back legs are strong and well-muscled.
The Golden retriever has a strong walk, with long regular steps. Males have an average height of 22 to 24 inches (55 -60 cm), and females 20 to 22 inches (50 -55 cm). That is why the Golden Retriever is considered a big sized dog.
There is not a standard weight for this breed. Their hair could be either straight or wavy with a water-resistant thick coat. They must be golden or cream colored; there are also reddish or mahogany Goldens but these last two are not recognized as standard for this breed.
Golden Retriever: Health and Lifespan
How long can a Golden Retriever live? The lifespan for this breed is around 11-12 years. But if the dog is healthy it could live around 15 years.
This breed is prone to diseases such as tumors and hip dysplasia. This breed loves to eat, so you must pay extra attention to their diet to prevent overweight.
The Golden Retriever has a high pain tolerance, they rarely whimper or whine. You must take extra care of their skin, as they could suffer from ichthyosis, a genetically or inherited disease, the affected skin is rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair.
Golden Retriever: Temperament
The Golden Retriever is a dog that exudes joy and energy, and has a well-balanced behavior. They have an urge for human interaction and love being an active part of their owner’s life.
It is the perfect dog for a family; they bond instantly with adults and children. They need to be around humans because they feel like another member of the family, and always try to be helpful. This breed has healthy and steady relationships with its family, but could suffer a lot if you leave them alone for long hours.
The Golden Retriever adapts perfectly and without any difficulties to life in an apartment, but keep in mind that they need a lot of physical activity, they love long walks with their family. The Golden Retriever will not be the perfect guardian dog, because they are not aggressive, but they will alert you if they sense something is wrong.
The Golden Retriever is gentle, loyal, faithful, intelligent, adaptable and playful. They are joyful and friendly, also they are well-behaved. The Golden Retriever is affectionate and loves to cuddle. Because of their gentle and tender nature, they are the ideal dog for children. They rarely get grumpy.
The Golden Retriever gets along perfectly with dogs, cats and other animals. They are highly appreciated for their social skills with humans, and they are even kind with strangers, especially if you pet them. They are always happy and love to walk around spreading their cheer.
Golden Retriever: Training
The Golden Retriever is quite versatile and adaptable for different tasks. As their name states, they are retrievers and hunting dogs, but also a very popular choice for a pet. Despite their active personality, they can become lazy if they live in an apartment.
They are often used by Civil Defense in rescues during avalanches or building collapses. Thanks to their passion for water, they are also used as rescue dogs in maritime rescue. The Golden Retriever is an excellent guide dog and has the ideal temperament to help people with special needs; this makes it an exceptional therapy dog.
They are obedient and easy to train. A coherent and calm trainer will know that this breed can distinguish changes in voice tones without any difficulties, because of their sensitive qualities. So, there is no need to use a high pitched tone when giving them orders, because they are obedient by nature.
From their breezy character to their need for attention and affection, this breed is perfect for all kinds of people and families. They are active and intelligent, and they need stimulating activities.
As an adult, they are heedful and have a great concentration. They are insatiable and can do activities until they feel exhausted, though it is not good to overload them with activities.
Golden Retriever: Feeding
Golden Retrievers are prone to obesity; so you must keep their diet under control. Overfeeding may cause alterations during their growing period and also deformities in their bones.
Golden Retriever: Price
The price for a Golden Retriever puppy can be around 900-1600 dollars, or 800-1500 English pounds. The price is due to the pedigree and official certificates.
You need to find an authorized and certified breeding establishment with carefully controlled breeding, because these dogs may have many inherited diseases, such as hip dysplasia and other conditions we mentioned before.
Golden Retriever: Puppies For Sale, and Breeders
Breeders must be extremely responsible in order to prevent Golden Retriever puppies from being affected by diseases and infections.
There are two types of Retrievers: British bloodline and American bloodline. They can have many coat colors that can vary between light golden and dark golden.
The main difference is in the texture of their coat, like the Terranova Dog; the American Golden Retriever does not have a wavy coat. As for the size, the British type is slightly smaller than the American breed. The American Golden has darker lining in the eyes and ears are in a higher position.
The American Golden is less proportionate, and in general has straighter withers, and a stronger posture than the British Golden. Also American Guldens have a brighter color.
Now that we have mentioned the most important aspects, you can go to your new 4 legged friend, who is certainly waiting for you.
Golden Retriever: Video
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff)
- Doberman Pinscher (Dobermann)
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Rough Collie
- Bull Terrier
- German Shepherd Dog
