Golden Retrievers are fantastic dogs that many people love. They’re one of the most popular breeds in the world, so their appearance is easily recognizable. These dogs are known for being very kind-hearted. This is why this breed is very popular among families with kids. On the downside, and like any pure breed, Golden Retrievers have the potential to be genetically disposed of some diseases, so future owners need to be on the lookout for those to keep them healthy. This breed of dog also has certain needs. Make sure you can handle a Golden Retriever before you want to buy this friendly dog.

Appearance

The golden retriever is one of the most identifiable breeds. These dogs are medium-sized and athletically built with good muscle development. This is typical for this species, as females are smaller than males. The coat is thick, semi-long, and even wavy. The coat of these dogs is also double: long and smooth on the outside and soft and fluffy underneath.

Interestingly, Golden Retrievers have waterproof fur that keeps the dog warm during different weather conditions. The variety in fur color from gold to pale yellow also adds to their uniqueness. The hair is slightly longer on their chest, belly, and legs, accentuating their proportionate form. Golden Retrievers have strong and robust paws built for their active style of life. The pads on their paws are tough, so they can run and play outside without hurting themselves. Also, Golden Retrievers are less affected by the cold and moisture because they have hair between their toes.

The face of Golden Retrievers is well-proportioned with a broad head, paired with nice, dark brown eyes that express warmth. The ears are of medium length, and they are droopy. In fact, the dogs often have a smile on their face that gives them the happy nature they are known for. While many breeds have certain external features that cause them to be perceived as dangerous animals by most people, Golden Retrievers do not have this effect. They are not intimidating-looking dogs, so people naturally trust them.

Golden Retriever Breed History

Golden Retrievers have a history that you may find interesting. They are a relatively new breed compared to dog breeds known in ancient times. Golden Retrievers have been around since the 1860s. They were originally bred by Scottish people who decided to cross different dog breeds until they came up with the perfect dog for hunting.

Formal breeding in Scotland began with an aristocrat to stabilize the breed traits. The early history of this breed is very well documented, thanks to the fact that he kept detailed records of his work. He made a crossbreed of two specific breeds: a yellow-colored Flat Coated Retriever and a now-extinct type. From this came a dog with a beautiful golden coat and superior intelligence.

Golden Retrievers quickly gained popularity as companion dogs, not only among hunters but also in families. Their calm demeanor and disposition to work with people have made them wonderful therapy dogs and have helped those with disabilities. The breed has earned many fans over the years, and its appearance in films, on television, and in pop culture has driven that fame even higher. These golden dogs are among the top dog breeds in popularity in the UK and the US.

Golden Retriever Personality

Such dogs are gentle and sociable with people or other animals. A golden retriever can even live with cats. They are friendly, so breeders claim they are good for kids. They are also lively, so this makes them very active in discovering the world around them. These dogs really like outdoor games and walks. Their owners may also get cuddles and affection from them to show love and loyalty. Their happy disposition and infectious smile will brighten the mood of anyone they come across.

Also, the thing is that Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent. Because these dogs instinctively want to work with people, they learn well.
That is why Golden Retrievers work as therapy dogs, guide dogs for the blind and even in rescue services. They catch on to new skills quickly, which also makes training this breed and teaching commands very simple. Another plus is that Golden Retrievers can sense their owner’s emotions, which makes it easier to understand the scenario and act accordingly.

On the contrary, Golden Retrievers are such soft characters. As a result, they may not be good watchdogs. Thanks to their low level of aggressiveness, the dogs of this breed will tend to be friendly towards strangers, too. However, they are smart enough to be taught to be  watchdogs, but they need appropriate training. They are not more territorial dogs than other breeds, but they can show loyalty by protecting their owner. Afterward, they will protect their space, barking at any signs of possible danger. Anyway, it can mostly depend on what you teach your Golden Retriever.

Golden Retrievers adapt to any environment or situation due to their balanced temperament and cooperative nature. This intelligent but also super-responsive human heart breed of dog is just about perfect for nearly all of us.

Golden Retriever Health

Pedigree types, such as Golden Retrievers, fall victim to some diseases and are at higher risk than nonpedigree types. The explanation is genetic. Breeding the same breeds together increases the risk of inheriting genetic defects. Golden retriever owners are responsible for protecting their dogs from these common diseases. Vet visits can help identify health problems immediately to ensure your dog has the best quality of life.

You can also minimize the risk of genetic diseases with a healthy diet, exercise, and appropriate health care for your dog. In addition, it is worth opting for breeders who conduct relevant health tests on their dogs. Consequently, it reduces the likelihood of a golden retriever suffering from sickness or death. Discover what kind of issues to watch out for when owning a Golden Retriever.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

There are some health issues Golden Retrievers are prone to, including hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be painful and limit movement. It’s a result of abnormal joint development. Dysplasia is a disease seen in larger breed canines. However, medium-sized Golden Retrievers are also frequently affected. A dog can face these issues at any age. Various factors such as overloading during physical activity can cause dysplasia. Moreover, the possibility of joint trouble is also intensified owing to obesity, so a well-balanced diet for Golden Retriever is essential for the pet’s health.

Cancers

Sadly, Golden Retrievers are more predisposed to cancer than other dogs. These diseases include things like lymphoma as well as bone cancers. In this dog breed, cancer is one of the most prevalent causes of death. Cancer forms in pets tend to show non-specific symptoms. This is why it is especially important for owners of Golden Retrievers to ensure the health of their dogs and see the vet regularly. Quick treatment follows the early detection of cancer in a dog. It also makes treatment much easier and much more efficient.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Another disease that is common in this breed is cardiomyopathy. It is a degenerative disease in which muscle cells in the heart are damaged and lose their efficiency in pumping blood. Dilated cardiomyopathy, if not diagnosed in a timely manner, can cause life-threatening heart failure in dogs. The risk is also higher in older pets. So, early recognition of the disease is needed to avert serious consequences. Dogs with heart issues are known to get tired really fast. Characteristics include lethargy on walks, where you notice your dog tiring quickly. Apart from this, dogs may also have coughing and breathing problems.

Thyroid Diseases

Golden Retrievers are also very prone to hypothyroidism, a common disease that causes the thyroid to not produce enough hormones. Thyroid hormones affect all metabolic processes in the body, and so lowering the concentration of these hormones can manifest in multiple symptoms in dogs. Aggregate symptoms include low energy, weight loss, loss of hair, loss of fur quality, etc. Dog thyroid disease must be managed long-term and monitored. Hence, diagnosing and treating your dog as soon as possible is important to keep them healthy.

Skin Problems

Golden retriever owners also tend to complain about skin issues with their dogs. These types of problems can be hot spots. This is an appearance of inflammation of the skin that presents itself as red lesions on the canine’s skin that may be filled with pus. These skin lesions can be located anywhere on the pet’s body. This is uncomfortable for the dogs themselves, as they are painful and itchy. These kinds of issues can be the result of irritation or improper care. Dogs of this breed are also susceptible to allergies, which can appear as skin issues. This is the primary reason why grooming this breed is essential!

Eye Problems

Reduced vision, cataracts (which can lead to blindness), are other problems to note. A common breed issue is Glaucoma, which may be inherited or a result of injury. The disease causes a rise in eye pressure that harms the optic nerve. High eye pressure leads to the expansion of the eyeball. A properly performed examination enables the veterinarian to assess the stage of the dog’s disease. Quick detection helps dogs keep their eyesight longer.

Golden Retriever Care

If you are thinking about getting a Golden Retriever, there is something that must be known about what the breed needs most. After all, you are the caretaker of your furry companion! Hence, consider some of the important things we will discuss below.

An appropriate environment matters for our lovely pets to live harmoniously with us. It is important to tailor the environment to the specific requirements of a breed—temperature, space to rest and play. A quality diet according to the needs of a specific breed is also essential in preventing numerous diseases among dogs.

Do not forget about physical activity, which is another important part of care for the dog to keep it healthy. Some must be walked or played a lot to fulfill their exercise requirement. Moreover, regular brushing is essential to keep the dog free of mats and potential skin problems. Equally crucial is the socialization and training of the dog as it is connected with its behavior. Learning about the breed’s individual requirements will prepare you to care for your new friend.

Safe Environment

These dogs require a lot of exercise. Experts say they should live somewhere they can roam free, both inside and outside. Golden Retrievers are delightful, medium-sized, energetic dogs, making homes with a garden the ideal space for them. The anatomical dispositions of this breed make it possible for them to play outside in complete comfort and security. However, fencing is essential to ensure the pooches do not escape.

Golden Retrievers are extremely social and, thus, must be physically near human beings as well. That is why they are most at home with people accompanying them to participate in daily life. Another noticeable quality about the breed is its patience with children, making it the perfect pet to have in a family. You need to make sure that they interact with other pets and people regularly, which is essential to their social development. And if you leave a dog alone at home, it may suffer very badly.

This breed of dog also needs mental stimulation. They are smart dogs, so make use of them! You can do this with active and interactive toys, obedience training, and activities.

Diet and Nutrition

Experts note that you should balance and adjust the diet according to the dog’s age, weight, and activity status. Adult Golden Retrievers are fairly big dogs. They will require plenty of food due to their more active nature. As a dog owner, you must have sufficient protein for your dog to build up muscles and support healthy tissues. They also need carbohydrates that act as support for energy. The Golden Retrievers’ diet can include whole grains like brown rice and oats as their preferred choice.

Adding vegetables and fruit, which provide essential vitamins and minerals, is also advised to supplement the diet. Some people purchase canine supplements containing components to help skin and coat well-being. Also, especially in adult dogs, regular weight checks may be important as Golden Retrievers are prone to obesity. And do not forget to hydrate them accordingly. There should always be access to fresh water.

Physical Activity

The prime thing to note about the Golden Retriever is that these pooches require high volumes of exercise. Hence, this breed best fits someone who loves a more active and sporting lifestyle. You have to be ready to spend a lot of time walking and playing with the dog daily. Ideally, these dogs require at least 1 to 2 hours a day of vigorous exercise.

Golden Retrievers dogs love to work and learn; therefore, implementing formal obedience training into their schedule and mind-stimulating interactive games is a good choice. Regular exercise for dogs not only benefits their physical well-being but also helps in reducing behavioral issues.

Grooming

Grooming their light coat is another vital part of caring for a Golden Retriever. Their coat is susceptible to dirt because of their light color and length. Thus, if these pups spend significant time outside, they need frequent baths. Their long and thick fur can easily tangle. It is advisable to brush regularly. Also, be ready for the Golden Retriever to molt plenty of fur through the molting time of year. As a result, these dogs are not ideal choices for those who suffer from allergies.

In addition, Golden Retrievers have long ears that gather dirt and moisture. Regular ear inspections and cleansing with appropriate products will help prevent infections. Make sure to check for skin irritation, parasites, or allergies with your dog regularly as well. It is also a good idea to take care of your dental health.

Training

One of the most intelligent breeds of dogs is the Golden retriever. So we can train these dogs quite easily. They are willing to cooperate, so their training is fun for the dog and the owner. Golden Retrievers are also very sensitive to the emotions of their owners, which means that the proper approach and patience are key to success in training.

Not only are these dogs great companions, but they can also play numerous other roles in society. They often work as therapy dogs, assisting individuals in overcoming different emotional or physical challenges. This is why they thrive well as pets for children and seniors.

Golden Retriever Dog FAQs

At this point, you know quite a bit about the breed of Golden Retriever. But it doesn’t end there! Here are the most common questions people ask when considering this type of dog breed.

How Much Does a Golden Retriever Cost?

The price of obtaining a Golden Retriever puppy from a good breeder will not be modest. A puppy can cost anywhere between a thousand dollars and several thousand. However, you probably won’t be paying more than 6,000.

What Size Is Golden Retriever?

Golden Retrievers fall into the medium-sized dog category. The adults of this breed ought not to be more than 60 cm/24 inches. Also, adult dogs of this breed usually weigh about 30 kg/65 lbs.

How Long Does a Golden Retriever Live?

Although the Golden Retriever is likely to live a long time, with an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. But it can also be so exposed to cancer, causing it to die earlier than usual.

Source

• Larry Glickman, Nita Glickman, Roland Thorpe (1999). The Golden Retriever Club of America National Health Survey 1998-1999.
  https://grca.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/healthsurvey1-1.pdf