How To Put Your Golden Retriever Puppy On A Sleep Schedule
If your Golden retriever puppy is waking up during the night or being disruptive when they should be asleep, you will need to put them on a sleep schedule. Like human babies, puppies have to learn to sleep through the night. Having a consistent routine can help your puppy get more restful sleep, which will keep them healthy and happy!
The following is a general routine to give you an idea of what I’m talking about. Feel free to make any changes that will fit your lifestyle better. Just remember that consistency is the key.
What Is A Miniature Golden Retriever
A Mini Golden Retriever is a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Cocker Spaniel or a Poodle.
These dogs are also called Small Golden Retrievers, Petite Golden Retrievers, or Little Golden Retrievers.
The name ‘Comfort Retriever’ is trademarked for Mini Goldens bred only from Golden Retrievers and Poodles.
Breeders see to it that every Mini Retriever puppy gets 50% to 75% of the Golden Retriever’s genes so the pup is more likely to inherit the purebred’s traits and temperament.
This is a fairly new crossbreed. Kathy Burgess bred the first documented Comfort Retriever in 2003.
A Standard Golden Retriever was crossed with a Cocker Spaniel to create a miniature dog, which was called a Golden Cocker Retriever.
The Verdict: Normal Growth Is Not The Same For Each Pup
Every Golden is different and will grow at their own rate. The key is to ensure they aren’t growing too quickly or too slowly –steady growth is ideal.
Aside from other factors we mentioned, a nutritious diet and an active lifestyle will help keep your Golden healthy and happy.
Remember, their final size will vary from one another, depending on variation and pedigree.
Golden Retriever Size Chart
To help you evaluate your Golden Retriever’s growth process, we’ve included this chart down below, separating the growing stages of both the male and the female Golden Retriever.
If you’re a first-time Golden Retriever owner, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the chart correctly, to be able to check whether or not your pup is hitting the average weight according to their age—or at the very least, hitting the minimum sizes.
On the left side of the chart, you’ll find the column dictating the age of your Golden Retriever, which can be measured in weeks.
Since the first seven weeks of your pup’s life are pretty standard and unpredictable in growing times, the chart first starts at this week number, where they should be reaching the standardized sizes.
At seven weeks, a Golden Retriever male puppy should be weighing at the very least 4 lb, whereas the female puppy actually has a bigger stature at a 5-pound minimum.
As the weeks progress, you’ll notice the minimum weight going up just a few pounds to even as much as almost 20 pounds at certain stages!
We would recommend consulting with your veterinarian about any particular questions you may have about your specific puppy’s size.
How To Care For A Pregnant Golden Retriever
Whether you’re a breeder or have a dog that accidentally got pregnant, you need to observe proper care to produce a healthy litter. Here are some of the key things you need to keep in mind:
??Provide ample nutrition
The key to a healthy litter of Golden Retrievers is a healthy diet. It’s not just about feeding your dog more but feeding it with the right food that meets its needs.
Most of the time, you only need to make changes to your dog’s diet once it’s in the last weeks of pregnancy. Your Goldie’s veterinarian can advise about the best food selection. You can also consult a pet nutritionist if your dog has sensitivities or special dietary needs.
Take note that as your pregnant Golden Retriever’s weight increases, its food requirement also escalates. You need to feed the expectant mother more until she eats 50% more of her original diet. The most important thing is that you invest in high-quality dog food.
Also, be modest when it comes to supplements. Always consult a veterinarian since not all pregnant Golden Retrievers need too many minerals and vitamins.
In fact, too much calcium consumption among lactating dogs can lead to a condition called . Too many vitamins and minerals are also detrimental to your dog’s health. It will subject the kidney to excessive load, which can lead to infections or full-blown kidney disease.
??Always communicate with the vet
??Be careful with the amount of exercise
??Keep the mother dog comfortable
??Reschedule vaccinations
Start With Their Parents
This is your best chance at figuring out how big your puppy will get, especially if they are a mixed breed.
If you have a German Shepherd puppy, you will know from their breed standard, when fully grown they range from 48 to 90 pounds in weight.
But, if you know Mom weighed 50 pounds, and the Dad 65 pounds, you are more likely to have a small German Shepherd at around 60lb.
Should I Ask To See The Parents Of My Puppy
This is an easy answer, yes. You absolutely should ask to see the parents. Remember, however, that the mother may look thin and not at full size, mainly because she is feeding her puppies and not eating as much as usual. A mother dog will be more concerned about her puppies than the well-being of herself.
Some breeders may not want you to see the mother. Mothers dogs can become very protective and territorial of their puppies, but most breeders should at least allow you to view the mother in the kennel, and if not, this could be a red flag about the breeder.
American Vs Canadian Vs British Golden Retriever
There are three recognized breeds of golden retriever: American, Canadian, and British.
- American Golden Retriever: This breed is usually less muscular and lankier than the other types. Their coats are normally darker and they come in shades of gold with feathering. They have a smooth gait.
- Canadian Golden Retriever: The Canadian golden retrievers are normally taller and leaner than the other breeds. They are the tallest type of golden retriever that you can get. Their coat is usually darker and their eyes are more triangular than round.
- British Golden Retriever: The British retriever is more muscular than the other varieties. They have thicker coats and normally weigh more. Their coat is lighter in color and sometimes is so light, that they are a soft cream color and even look white.These are still golden retrievers, though in American they are specially called English Cream golden retrievers. They are not commonly red or mahogany like the other breeds. They also have round dark eyes, which is a little different than other varieties. They are desired because of their happy temperament.
#11 Where To Buy Goldador Puppies
Here are 4 reasons why you should find a good breeder when looking for Goldador puppies for sale:
Here are several breeders to help you begin your search for a Goldador puppy for your family:
Stage Three: Adolescent Phase
A golden retriever puppy’s juvenile phase will last up to about six months. This is when the puppy’s growth starts to slow down because they’re almost fully developed.
Female dogs will reach around 44 pounds of weight on average by the time they hit the six-month milestone, while male dogs will be about 52 pounds .
Signs That Your Golden Retriever Is In Heat
Dogs are fertile when they are in heat. It’s the perfect time to get them stud, but make sure that your Goldie has reached the right age.
You can expect your Golden Retriever to experience its first heat cycle within its first 10 to 14 months of life. It could be earlier or later, depending on the specific dog.
Once your dog is in heat, it will undergo these four stages:
- Stage 1 . This phase can last from 4 to 20 days, characterized by swollen vulva and vaginal discharge. Take note that Goldies in heat can have a vulva that’s four times larger than its normal appearance. Aside from that, you’ll notice a grumpier behavior.
- Stage 2 . This is the fertile period for your Golden Retriever. This can last for 6 to 14 days, characterized by reddish vaginal discharge, tail moving to the side, and willingness to mate. A female Goldie in the estrus stage may lick her genitals profusely.
- Stage 3 . At this period, your dog is no longer fertile. The discharge will also stop, and your Goldie will start avoiding a male from mounting her. The doggo may also become aggressive if another canine tries to mate.
- Stage 4 . In the last stage, your female Golden Retriever is back to its normal phase. This can last for 60 to 90 days, which is basically the window time before the next heat cycle starts.
Golden Retrievers And Short Hair
As discussed earlier, golden retrievers can have short hair but not so short that you mistake them for labrador retrievers or other short haired dogs.
This leads us straight to the first question we should discuss, which is what exactly controls and determines the characteristics of your golden retriever’s hair length?
Their Environment & Exercise
Genetics has a large part to play in estimating a puppy’s adult weight, however, the environment will also impact it.
Over-exercise can cause injury and damage to both the skeleton and ligaments of your puppy, which will then require rest.
This is not ideal for a developing puppy as exercise is how puppies increase their bone density.
Golden Retriever Weight And Growth Chart: The Complete Guide
Monitoring your Golden Retriever puppy’s health in the formative years and ensuring that they hit all of their growth milestones is one of the best ways to ensure the long-term health of your dog. Malnutrition and stunted growth, or overfeeding and growing too quickly, can have significant long-term impacts on the health of your dog.
But how do you know whether your puppy is on track? While each Golden Retriever pup is unique and individual, they go through similar growth stages and should be hitting similar weight targets. Here is everything you need to know about your puppy’s growth stages in order to monitor your Golden Retriever’s growth and development.
We will start by going through the five main stages of puppy growth and listing the key developmental milestones that they should be hitting in each period. Below this you will find a comprehensive weight chart for both male and female Golden Retrievers, telling you exactly what kind of weight range they should be in at each stage. Finally, we will discuss a little bit more about why it is important to ensure your dog is neither too small nor too big for its age.
Table Of Contents
How Does Food Affect The Size Of My Golden Retriever
Food has a huge impact on the size of your dog. Some golden retrievers will eat until the food is gone. This can be a huge problem if you are overfeeding. Golden retrievers need exercise, and not given enough, you must lower the amount of food intake. Over feeding a dog is very unhealthy.
The size of your golden retriever is similar to the size of humans. Exercise is also valuable for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is to keep their weight in check.
Try not to give your golden retriever table food. Two reasons that you want to avoid this is to avoid weight gain and also to avoid begging. Golden retrievers, like many dogs, will beg for food. As an owner it is imperative to not fall into the trap of “feeling bad.” Dogs do not feel slighted or ignored if you do not give food to them when they beg. In fact, dogs need boundaries, so establishing this at an early age is extremely beneficial.
Are There Health Issues That Can Affect My Golden Retriever Because Of His Or Her Weight
There are health issues caused by weight for golden retrievers. Just like humans, the heart works extra hard if your dog os obese. For many owners, it is difficult to say not to a begging dog, but it is imperative to do so. The more the heart works, the more risk there is for heart disease.
Keeping a healthy dog is important and the heart is what keeps your dog going. Make sure that you are aware of your dogs weight, that your dog is getting exercise, and ultimately keeping your golden retriever healthy, happy, and alive for as long as possible.
Neutering Can Cause Health Issues To A Golden Retriever
Researchers at the University of California have discovered that has negative effects on Golden Retrievers, increasing your dog’s chances of getting joint disorders and cancer. In this post, Dr. Karen Becker talks about alternative methods of keeping your dog from breeding, such as a vasectomy or tubal ligation.
Even if you choose not to neuter your dog she’s still prone to a long list of medical conditions, which include:
- hypothyroidism;
- eye disorders;
- skin problems.
If you own a Golden Retriever you need pet insurance that covers her for a wide range of health issues, besides accidents. This can increase your regular expenses, but it’s usually a good investment as Goldens are in the top of the most expensive breeds in terms of medical costs, with an average of $961 a year.
How To Properly Weigh And Measure A Golden Retriever
Weighing your Golden Retriever enables you to know how much food they should be eating daily and identify any signs of health conditions early. It is recommended that you weigh your puppy every six months to be able to monitor their weight to ensure it is ideal for their age.
To weigh your puppy at home, use your bathroom scale.
Step 1– step on the scale and write down your weight.
Step 2– step on the scale while holding your puppy and record the number.
Step 3 – subtract your weight from the weight of you holding your puppy. This is your puppy’s weight.
To measure the height, let your puppy stand next to a wall and find the withers, which is the highest point of your puppy’s shoulder blades. Use a measuring tape to measure from the ground to the withers. This is your puppy’s height.
How To Identify An Overweight Golden Retriever
Use your eyes and hands. If you can see her ribs, she’s too skinny. But if you can’t feel them, she’s too fat!
A survey in 2012 showed that 62.7% of Golden Retrievers in America are either obese or overweight.
While it might look cute or funny, overweight dogs actually have shorter lifespans. Being excessively chubby shaves off two years and causes health issues.
How Big Are Golden Retriever Puppies
All dogs are individuals, including Golden Retriever puppies. Keep in mind that your puppy could be above or below the average size and still be within a healthy range. If a puppy falls well below the small end of the typical size range, it could be the runt of the litter. While it’s easy to fall in love with a runt, be aware that small size could come with some health issues, including a fatal condition known as fading puppy syndrome.
How Much To Feed A Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers usually weigh from 55 to 75 pounds and reach their full height and weight when they are 12 to 18 months old. Keep in mind that every dog is an individual and that it can take more or less time for your Golden puppy to reach his adult size. However, your Golden’s caloric needs will greatly decrease when he reaches 12 to 14 months and he will no longer need the same amount of food as before.
An adult and active Golden will need to eat between 1,300 to 1,700 calories per day. However, keep in mind that age, weight, activity level, health problems, and overall lifestyle will determine how many calories your Golden needs per day.
For example, nursing mothers and dogs that perform heavy work will need more than 2,000 calories per day in order to maintain their weight and stay healthy. On the other hand, if your pooch is more of a couch potato type than an athlete he will probably need around 1,000 calories a day in order to maintain a healthy weight.
During adulthood, your Golden Retriever feeding schedule should consist of two equally spaced meals – ideally, you should feed your dog in the morning and evening. If you opt for feeding high-quality large breed dog food, an optimal Golden Retriever food amount will be:
- Females: 2 to 2 ½ cups a day
- Males: 3 to 3 ½ cups a day
- Active Males: 4 cups a day
- Nursing Females: 5 to 6 cups a day
Stage Four: Sexual Maturity
Starting at around six months old and continuing until as late as sixteen months, Golden Retrievers will grow to their full size, and if they have not been neutered, they will reach sexual maturity and start entering heat cycles and displaying mating behavior.
At this age, your dog may also be trying to understand and define their role within the pack, and as a result, may start challenging both human and animal members of the family. They can also start displaying territorial behavior.
During the early months of this period, you may feel like your dog has unusually long legs for their body, but this will even out over time. Their ears and nose also tends to grow faster than the rest of them, so they will go through a period of floppy ears as well.
Goldens grow very fast during this period, which leaves their bones vulnerable to injury. This is a good time to be wary of anything that puts excessive pressure on the joints, such as big jumps.
Key Development Milestones:
- If not neutered, begin displaying mating behavior
- Start of territorial and challenging behavior
- Legs, ears, and nose grow disproportionately faster than the rest of the body
- Fragile bones due to rapid growth
From Five Months Till It Turns One
Your little pup will turn into a furry young dog in about four or five months. Although they grow up to look adorable, this period would be a funny stage. That’s when its tail, legs, ears and nose start to grow. You may notice that the tail and legs seem longer, and don’t suit its small torso. There’s no need to worry if the hind legs seem to fall behind in terms of growth. The irregular growth is normal. You’ll eventually end up with a cute ball of fur.
In the second six months of puppy’s life, growth is fast paced. You’d want to avoid things that’ll put pressure on their joints, as this is the time their bones and joints are most vulnerable.
#10 How Much Are Goldador Puppies
The price of Golden Lab puppies varies greatly depending on the parents and the puppy.
On the higher end are puppies intentionally bred to be high-quality dogs fit for breeding. These will likely have parents registered with the American Kennel Club .
Top-quality Goldador puppies may sell for up to $4,500.
If you can’t spend that much, look for ones considered to be “pet quality” puppies. These dogs may not have the physical or personality traits that the breeder wants for future generations. Or, they may be the result of an accidental breeding between two purebreds, but unregistered, dogs.
These will cost around $400.
Overall, the average amount that you can expect to pay for a Goldador puppy is $600.
When Do Golden Retrievers Mature Mentally
Golden Retrievers typically mature mentally at approximately the age of 2-3 years old. Unfortunately, trainability and mental maturity are entirely different concepts. Your Golden Retriever puppy can be the most trainable dog out there but still quite naughty.
The period before your Golden Retriever achieves mental maturity; you should take the opportunity to teach them rules, obedience, valuable training and allow them to socialize with other humans and dogs. But, how to do it if you are unknown to it? Well, here are the best training books for your Golden that you should not miss out on.
Over-training your Golden Retriever will not make them mature quicker, but they will have a firm foundation when they mentally mature. Golden Retrievers are known for being active but loving dogs.
Do Labs Shed More Than Golden Retrievers
No, Golden Retrievers shed more than Labs and they also have longer hair so even if they shed the same amount of hair, it still looks a lot more than the labrador’s. Labradors still shed and they also have double coats like Golden Retrievers, but Goldens require more grooming.
At the end of the day, both dogs shed profusely and significantly more than the average dog, and you should be ready to handle their shedding all-year-round. You can learn 17 ways to manage your golden retriever’s shedding here, It’s a small guide that I think you will find pretty useful, actually.
Get To Know The Mini Golden Retriever
Have you ever wanted to own the cute, friendly, and intelligent Golden Retriever, but wished it was in a smaller and more manageable size?
Miniature Golden Retriever breeders had that in mind when they created this hybrid. They wanted a healthier and more compact version of the popular purebred.
In this article, we’ll find out more about this designer dog, from Mini Golden Retriever facts and the breed’s origin to the Mini Retriever’s pros and cons.
Table of Contents
Exercise & Living Conditions
The English Cream Golden Retriever is less boisterous than his American counterpart, but this does not mean he needs any less exercise. Being a traditional working breed, he needs a lot of exercise. Expect to spend at least 1 hour every day vigorously exercising the English Cream, come rain or shine. If you can’t do this, expect your English Cream Retriever to take out his energy on your possessions.
In between exercise sessions, he will need a lot of interactive playtime too. The Golden Retriever is the 4th most intelligent dog breed, meaning they need mental stimulation. Be sure to invest in plenty of toys for him to play with. Or design DIY brain games that you can both play, such as find the ball under the cup.
The English Cream Golden Retriever needs to live with an active family who can guarantee him his exercise needs and keep his intelligent mind occupied. Because of this, and the fact that he is a needy dog who craves the company of his humans, he needs a family that can spend most of their time with him.
Apartment living is not going to work for the English Cream. He needs a larger home with access to his own yard that he can roam and chill in til’ his heart’s content. Because he is an outdoorsy dog breed, he will get cabin fever very quickly.