The benefits of owning a golden retriever are endless. Besides being gorgeous dogs, they’re gentle, intelligent, and friendly. They make fantastic family pets, as they’re great with children. These are among the reasons the golden is consistently one of the top five most popular dog breeds in the United States.
Though they share these wonderful traits, not all golden retrievers are created equal. Petite goldens can weigh as little as 50 pounds, while sturdier ones can weigh 75 pounds or more. Also, they’re not all golden in color. Their coats can range from shades of deep red to light cream, though they’re most commonly honey-colored. They can be soft and fluffy, but they can also have flatter coats. Show dogs typically feature the flowing flaxen coat, while field dogs have a more streamlined, redder coat. This breed can shed quite a bit, due in part to the fact that they have two coats: the top coat of soft hair that we can see and feel, and the undercoat, which is thick and dense and helps keep them warm in the winter. The undercoat is the source of most of the shedding. Regular grooming can reduce this dramatically. Though these dogs may look different from one another, they all have the unmistakable golden characteristics.
Golden Retrievers’ Temperament and Needs
Golden retrievers are known for being extremely social dogs. They’ll make fast friends with anyone who walks through the door. Therefore, they don’t make good watchdogs. They love company and want to be around people at all times, even if it means following their masters from room to room. When left alone for long periods, they are likely to get bored or anxious and may chew on inappropriate items. They’re very tolerant and patient with children, making them an unbeatable choice for anyone looking for a new four-legged family member.
As wonderful as they are, they do need gentle guidance and clear boundaries. They’re quick learners and, in many cases, will work for ample praise. Beginning obedience training immediately can help establish a solid basis for learning later on. It also helps them learn their place in the home. It’s much easier to train a dog as soon as it comes into the family than to try to undo bad habits down the road.
Golden retrievers need regular exercise and are happiest when they have a job to do. Originally bred for hunting, they have maintained their curious nature through many generations. They’ll retrieve for hours, and you’ll probably be tired of playing fetch long before they will. They love to swim and won’t hesitate to jump into the nearest body of water for a quick dip. Very athletic, they also excel at agility competitions. Not only is competing fun for the dog, but it’s also a great form of exercise and a wonderful bonding opportunity for both dog and trainer. If you’re thinking about owning a golden retriever, be sure you’re ready and able to provide it with regular daily exercise.
A popular job for goldens is that of a guide dog. They’re perfect candidates for this role thanks to their gentle temperament, intelligence, and eagerness to please. They can be trained relatively easily to lead the blind and assist the handicapped. Because of their agreeable nature, they’re also well-suited to become therapy dogs. It’s not uncommon to see golden retrievers walking the halls of hospitals and retirement homes, bringing smiles to patients and staff. Though they never seem to tire of belly rubs and toys, when it’s time for them to work, they’re calm and focused.
As they get older, many goldens show their age on their faces. The hair on their muzzle and around their eyes slowly turns white. Though their face may indicate their age, they generally remain as playful as puppies throughout their lives. Their average life expectancy is approximately eleven years. During that time, most goldens are perfectly healthy, but they are predisposed to certain diseases. Cancer is the number one cause of death in goldens. Due to the popularity of this breed, puppy mills have contributed to the pool of available goldens. However, irresponsible breeding practices by these volume-driven outfits have led to a disproportionate number of goldens being born with hip dysplasia, allergies, and other afflictions.
By owning a golden retriever, many dog owners learn the true meaning of loyalty. In general, these dogs are all-around great family pets. Their strong sense of duty and their desire for companionship ensure that you’ll have a devoted friend for life.
