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Dare we say it? The Golden Retriever is the quintessential family dog. And for good reason. What makes these gorgeous, flaxen-furred pups a favorite of families?
Sure, everyone notices those stunning flowing coats and cute floppy ears, but it's the Golden Retriever's amazing personality that really makes them special. Famously easy-going with a cheerful and affectionate demeanor, this breed gets along with just about everyone, from humans to other household pets. Let’s take a closer look at this renowned breed that has been voted most popular in 38 states!
Quick Golden Retriever Facts
Name: Golden Retriever (sometimes misspelled “Golden Retriver”), Golden, Flat-coated Retriever, Golden, Yellow Retriever
Origin: Scotland
Size: 55-75 pounds, 21-24 inches at the shoulder
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Appearance: medium-sized with a long golden coat that’s wavy or straight
Temperament: calm, gentle, easy-going, playful
Compatibility: a perfect match for many families with kids and pets
Intelligence: smart and want to please their owners
Exercise & Energy: high energy and need plenty of daily exercise
Grooming Needs: needs weekly brushing and regular nail trimming
Training: known for being highly responsive to training
Health: susceptible to developing cancer and dysplasia of the joints
Highlights: affectionate, friendly, sweet, outgoing, patient
What Makes Golden Retrievers Unique?
Always on the go: If you’re looking for a swimming companion, this active breed is sure to be right by your side in the water!
Wonderful around children: One of the most beloved Golden Retrievers traits is the fact that they make excellent family pets, showing patience around children of all ages.
Constantly make friends: Some breeds are either quite shy or especially dominant. Not the sweet, social Golden Retriever – they make friends on every outing!
Eager to learn: Don’t try to outsmart these guys. They are always ready to learn a new trick (or where you’re hiding those dog treats!).
Remarkably beautiful: A well-groomed Golden Retriever is a pup that turns heads thanks to its flowing fur that dazzles in the sunlight.
What Does the Typical Golden Retriever Look Like?
The most easily recognizable Golden Retriever characteristic is their namesake golden fur. They have medium, athletic builds with soft, floppy ears, intelligent and expressive brown eyes, and feathering on their tails, chests, and back of the legs.
While all dogs have webbed feet to some degree, many Golden Retrievers have more pronounced webbing. This adaptation was likely purposefully bred into the first Golden Retrievers to make them better at retrieving waterfowl.
Are Golden Retrievers Small or Large Dogs?
Golden Retrievers are medium-sized canines. The females generally weigh somewhere between 55 and 65 pounds and 21-22 inches tall at the shoulder. Males are often larger and can reach up to 75 pounds and 23-24 inches tall.
What Kind of a Coat Does a Golden Retriever Have?
There are technically three types of Golden Retrievers, the American, Canadian, and English, but they’re all generally referred to as simply “Golden Retrievers.” Dogs of this breed can feature light golden, dark golden, or golden fur that is straight or wavy.
What is a Golden Retriever’s Temperament Like?
The Golden Retriever is renowned as an easy dog breed in terms of temperament. Many people find they make excellent dogs for first time pet owners thanks to their trainability and loving personalities.
Do Golden Retrievers Have Strong Personalities?
In general, the Golden Retriever personality is one defined by gentleness and affection. A member of this breed will see you as a friend for life. Don’t expect to bring one into your home and have them be independent most of the time. Golden Retrievers are active dogs that want to be part of the family and need plenty of attention from their humans.
How Do Golden Retrievers Behave Around Kids?
Their high energy levels and laidback nature make them extraordinary companions for little ones. These canines are ones you can expect to run around for hours on end with your kids in the (fenced in) backyard. Still, parents should monitor their youngsters to make sure their pet doesn’t accidentally send them tumbling during a particularly rambunctious case of the zoomies!
Are Golden Retrievers Good Around Other Pets?
For the most part, the typical Golden Retriever won’t bat at an eye at another dog in the house or even a frisky feline. Instead, they’ll probably be completely at ease snoozing alongside their fellow pets. Even so, it’s always a good idea to socialize your dog from a very young age to get them used to other animals.
Is Caring for a Golden Retriever Difficult?
Golden Retrievers are known for being a low-maintenance breed that’s a good match for people who are new to the wonderful world of dogs. At the most basic level of care, you will need to make sure they eat a nutritious diet, get adequate exercise, and attend regular checkups with the veterinarian.
Should You Groom a Golden Retriever?
Because Golden Retrievers have double coats, owners need to be prepared for significant shedding. You will need to brush their coats at least once a week to stay on top of their undercoat and to remove debris. Bathing your dog once a month with dog-friendly shampoo can also help control shedding while leaving their fur clean and shiny.
Can a Golden Retriever Be Trained?
Training is a must for any dog. Luckily, the Golden Retriever is one of the easiest breeds to teach! As with any pup, the earlier you start the training process, the better. Even though these dogs are known for being exceptionally friendly, it’s vital that they know basic commands like “Stay,” “Sit,” and “Come.” This keeps them safe around people and other dogs.
What Sort of Living Space Does a Golden Retriever Need?
Golden Retrievers are not tiny dogs by any means. A cramped studio apartment will most certainly not meet their needs. Since some members of the breed can get up to nearly 80 pounds, you’ll want to make sure they have lots of inside and outside space to run around. Otherwise, you could find yourself coming home to chewed-up shoes and couch cushions, the result of doggy boredom.
Do Golden Retrievers Need Special Dog Food?
As a whole, Golden Retrievers do fine with traditional dog food that has a well-balanced blend of nutrients. Check with your veterinarian if you notice they’re having any digestive problems or trouble maintaining a healthy weight. Canines can have food intolerances or allergies just as we humans do. In that case, the veterinarian can recommend a substitute diet.
Are Golden Retrievers Generally Healthy Pets?
The breed isn’t known for having exceptionally bad health, but they are at risk of developing certain issues down the road.
What Conditions Can Golden Retrievers Inherit?
Be on the lookout for signs of the following conditions. While it's not always fun to think about, it's important to be aware of potential health issues. This knowledge can help you keep your Golden Retriever healthy and happy for years to come.
Cancer
A sad reality of owning a Golden Retriever is that they are at high risk for developing cancer. Lymphoma and Mast Cell tumors are two of the most common types of cancer that the breed can develop. Symptoms vary depending on the exact type of cancer, but taking your pet to the vet regularly can help catch problems before they worsen.
Hip dysplasia
Golden Retrievers that are especially lethargic or have trouble going upstairs might have hip dysplasia. This orthopedic condition occurs when the hip joint doesn’t connect properly. To diagnose the problem, your vet will likely perform a physical examination of your pet and order X-rays to get a better understanding of how far along the issue is. Treatment can include supplements and pain medication but can also involve surgery and physical therapy.
Elbow dysplasia
Similar to hip dysplasia, this elbow condition can make it very difficult for your dog to move around and exercise. Most dogs with elbow dysplasia are diagnosed before they are even a year old. Physical exams and CT scans can help identify the problem in Golden Retrievers. After diagnosis, surgery is sometimes recommended to remove damaged tissue and alleviate pain.
Should You Get Golden Retriever Insurance?
It's a fact of life: pets get sick and injured, just like us. And just like human healthcare, veterinary care can be expensive. You need medical insurance for your dog for the same reason humans need it. Having Golden Retriever insurance can significantly ease the financial burden of unexpected vet bills, allowing you to focus on what matters most: getting your furry friend the best possible care. From accidents and illnesses to surgeries and medications, medical insurance for dogs can provide a safety net when you need it most.
To make sure your Golden Retriever can get the care they deserve, consider adding a wellness plan to your pet insurance policy. These optional plans are designed to cover routine and preventative care, helping you stay on top of your Golden Retriever's health, helping with the costs of annual checkups, vaccinations (like those crucial puppy shots!), parasite prevention, teeth cleaning, and even grooming. The wellness plan is not insurance, but it can help you budget for predictable healthcare costs and ensure your pup gets the regular care they need to thrive.
The exact cost of dog insurance will depend on various factors, such as your location, your dog's age, and the specific coverage you choose. It's generally a good idea to enroll your Golden Retriever in a policy as early as possible. This helps ensure that any health issues that develop later in life aren't considered pre-existing conditions, which could limit coverage.
How Long Has the Golden Retriever Breed Existed?
It wasn’t until 1925 that the breed was officially recognized by the AKC. Golden Retrievers were developed by Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks in the mid-nineteenth century using Water Spaniels, Retrievers, Irish Setters, and other dog breeds. They were originally used to retrieve birds that hunters shot down, but today, you’re more likely to find a Golden Retriever retrieving tennis balls in the local dog park!
Where Can You Find Golden Retrievers for Sale or Adoption?
Whether you’re looking for Golden Retriever puppies or an older dog, you should have little problem finding one of these near you. Never hesitate to check your local animal shelter or rescue first to see if you can adopt an animal without a home. Some of the best pets out there have come from these locations!
If you’re more interested in purchasing a Golden Retriever, thoroughly research a breeder before you buy. There are many unscrupulous breeders out there that are simply facades for puppy mills that produce as many animals as possible without regard for ethics.
Golden Retriever Frequently Asked Questions
Do Golden Retrievers shed?
Oh boy, do they! In fact, if there's one little downside to these otherwise perfect pups, it's their shedding. But with regular brushing and bathing, you can avoid having a permanent layer of golden fluff on every surface.
How do Golden Retrievers act?
Golden Retrievers are true social butterflies of the dog world. They're known for their gentle demeanor and their ability to make friends with just about anyone. You'll often find them happily playing fetch with children, engaging in friendly sniff-and-greet sessions with other dogs at the park, or even patiently tolerating the playful swats of a curious feline housemate. Their easygoing nature makes them adaptable to a variety of social situations.
When do Golden Retrievers stop growing?
Most dogs will reach their adult height between one and two years old. If you adopt a Golden Retriever puppy, keep in mind that as they grow, they will need more space. A home with a yard to run around in is usually ideal for these highly active pups.
Do Golden Retrievers have webbed feet?
Golden Retrievers often have webbed feet, a physical trait that’s a nod to their waterfowl-retrieving days. Essentially, the trait means they have extra skin between their toes. Webbed feet help dogs swim with ease as well as safely navigate muddy and snowy terrain.
Do Golden Retrievers have joint issues?
Yes, Golden Retrievers are known for developing hip and elbow dysplasia. These conditions can be painful and may need surgery. Medication and weight management can sometimes minimize symptoms.
Why do Golden Retrievers get cancer?
While no dog is entirely immune to cancer, Golden Retrievers unfortunately have a higher predisposition than many other breeds. This is largely due to genetics; certain genetic factors passed down through generations increase their risk. Ongoing research is working to identify the specific genes involved, which will hopefully lead to better prevention and treatment strategies in the future.