Considerations For Pet Parents
Golden Retrievers make great family dogs due to their jovial and friendly disposition. They have moderately high energy, so a daily exercise routine is needed. Their heightened energy level and size means that you should keep a close eye on them around young children or fragile individuals, to prevent your dog from knocking them over. Its also important to train them early about what are and are not appropriate things to eatthis may mean preventing access to things like garbage cans, laundry, and house supplies.
However, Golden Retrievers do have a lot of predispositions for illnesses. This means that regular vet visits and additional vet costs will be common while caring for a Golden Retriever. They also have a thick, long coat that is prone to matting, so consistent grooming and brushing are necessary to keep the coat healthy and manage their shedding.
What About Golden Retrievers And Allergies
Now, if youre looking for a golden retriever with a short coat for allergy purposes, you might be barking up the wrong tree.
For one, its not exactly the fur that causes allergic reactions.
Most people are allergic to dander , and possibly the saliva and urine .
So getting a golden with shorter fur wont necessarily help you if youre allergic to goldens.
There will still be dander everywhere, and theyll probably have a hard time not licking your face because theyre so full of love
What Are The Hair Growth Stages For The Golden Retriever
Now that we know a bit more about when the full coat starts to come in for the Golden Retriever, it is time to learn more about some of the hair growth stages that this dog will go through.
The initial growth that is going to start showing up at three months old is going to be really subtle and you may not notice it as much until they are one year old.
The Golden Retriever is going to have a full coat that they will keep in their adult lives when they reach the age of two.
The long adult hair will be one of the first places where the hair will grow longer.
This is a process that will start at the tail and then the feathering process will proceed to the legs and to the stomach.
With time, the entire body will end up with the full coat and longer hair.
It will not only be longer, but it is likely that the adult coat is going to come in at a slightly darker color than the puppy fur.
Feathered fur that is found on the tail, legs, and stomach, will often be light and soft, especially when compared to the longer hair that is on the top.
This is a good thing because it provides for temperature regulation.
This same fur will be able to thicken when it gets cold out, allowing the dog a way to stay warm.
Keep in mind here that this breed will not shed off their puppy fur.
This can seem a little strange, especially if you have worked with other dogs in the past.
Instead, the new hair is going to start to grow and this will nudge the puppy fur to the side.
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Clean The House Frequently
Since shedding is unavoidable in Golden Retriever, you can never stop your pals hair fall. But seeing the hair strands of your pet everywhere is something you can control.
Therefore, daily cleaning the house is the best idea because it keeps the house clean. Besides this, it also prevents allergies, skin diseases, and ear infections in your pal.
However, you may find it difficult to clean the house daily. So, why dont you make a schedule and clean the house thrice a week?
Bathing A Golden Retriever With Long Hair
Use warm water to bathe your golden retriever with long hair. Make sure that you invest in a good-quality dog shampoo so that it doesnt irritate the dog. It will also make its fur shinier and healthier. You can also bathe the dog after trimming it so that all the loose hair is washed away. If the puppy is especially dirty or smelly, it then bathing it becomes all the more necessary.
A regular bathing schedule can also reduce shedding and keep the fur coat shiny. However, its also perfectly fine if owners bathe their golden retrievers with long hair only when they get dirty.
Rinse the body of the dog carefully so that every part of the thick coat is soaked thoroughly. Begin working in the lather of the shampoo from the tip to the tail of the dog. Wash it off to make sure that you dont leave any shampoo in the fur since that can increase matting. Use a towel to dry off the dog or blow dry for show-worthy results. If you use the latter option, make sure to keep the heat low.
Comb or brush the fur one time before starting the trimming process to straighten the fur so that it is easier to cut. You can even use an undercoat comb so that no fur is left matted.
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How To Care For Your Golden Retrievers Coat
Once your Golden Retriever acquires a full coat, you need to ensure that you maintain it well so it remains healthy. Here are some useful suggestions on how to accomplish this:
- Keep your dog clean. Long hair coats can trap twigs and leaves, which could cause the hair to tangle and mat. Always remove such items before your dog takes a bath every 6-8 weeks for adults but more often for puppies as they get dirtier.
- Brush the coat often. Have a regular brushing routine. Brushing promotes new hair growth and eliminates dead skin cells, allowing skin oils to spread evenly throughout your pets hair. Brush your Golden Retriever more often during shedding season like daily.
- Provide high-quality nutrition. Healthy dog food is essential for your dogs healthy skin and coat. This should contain the right nutritional balance and include minerals, vitamins, fiber, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
How To Take Care Of A Golden Retriever Coat
Golden retrievers are amiable dogs perfectly suited as companions at home. These animals are ideal companions for children, and although in their veins flows the blood of hunting dogs, they have no problems acclimatizing to the home thatch. Taking care of a golden retriever will not be a big challenge. All you need is a bit of goodwill to properly take care of this dog’s upbringing, health, and appearance.
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Golden Retriever Puppy Facts
Also known as Americas Sweetheart, golden retrievers are playful, loyal, and carry their puppy-like personality well into adulthood. Golden retriever puppies may be friendly, but they do need plenty of socialization and training to help prepare them for a well-mannered adulthoodwhen theyre much bigger, but still want to sit on your lap.
Finding A Golden Retriever Breeder
The first step is to do your research. Sadly, there are many puppy mills posing as reputable breeders along with plenty of online scams. Be aware, and reach out to different online forums for conversations about getting your future furry family member.
Be sure to ask questions, make arrangements to meet the parent dogs or mother, and follow your gut. If something seems wrong at a breeder you visit, or the golden retriever puppy seems too good to be true, theres likely something sketchy going on. The AKC also offers resources for finding a breeder, with fairly strict guidelines on who they let participate.
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When Do Golden Retrievers Grow Their Full Coat
Another thing to consider when looking at a golden retrievers coat is how old they are.
Goldens grow very fast and reach their full height at about a year.
However, their coats dont fully fill out until theyre about a year and a half.
So if you see someone walking down the street with a beautiful golden sporting a short coat, know that unless the golden was over a year and a half old, chances are their coat might grow a little longer.
Golden Retriever Dogs For Adoption In Puppies & Dogs In Uk
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How Often Should We Comb Golden Retrievers
Being an owner of a golden retriever, we cannot forget about grooming treatments. It is true that in this area, we will cause problems if we do not reach for the comb for a long time. At the same time, this does not mean that the care of the pet’s appearance must take a lot of time. However, it’s enough to brush the pet’s coat regularly, and the animal will certainly take pride in its beautiful and neat fur.
The top layer of the dog’s coat requires a bit more effort. It should be brushed for 5-10 minutes at least 3 times a week. The bottom layer can be combed a little less often, for example, once a week. A little more work in maintaining the coat will have to be done during the molting period. It is worth remembering, however, that more frequent brushing of golden retrievers will minimize the amount of hair scattered around the house and make cleaning easier.
Brief History Of American Golden Retrievers
All Golden Retrievers, whether they are American, Canadian, or English, originated in Scotland in 1868 where they were used as superior hunting dogs by sportsmen. The first goldens were registered with the British Kennel Club in 1903. Back then, they were listed as flat-coat goldens. The breed didn’t become popular in the U.S. until the 1920s when anything British was cherished, including dog breeds. In 1932, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed.
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Side Effects Of Medication
Golden Retrievers are susceptible to various health hazards like cancer, eye disease, heart disease, hip dysplasia, joint problems, thyroid problems, etc. Thus, they need different medications to manage these issues and live healthy life.
However, some of the prescribed medications have side effects like constipation, hair loss, allergies, etc. Thus, the long hair of your Golden Retriever fails to grow and becomes shorter and thinner.
Lint Roller Can Be A Great Help
If you have a pet, clinging hairs in the clothes, shoes, curtains, cushions, etc., is your usual problem. Isnt it?
And even though you love your pal, walking around with their hairs clinging in the clothes is very unhygienic and disturbing. Thus a lint roller can remove the hair from the clothes of the owners struggling with this problem. Furthermore, some lint rollers available in the market are:
For better use of blow dryer, read Step By Step Guide To Get Your Golden Retrievers Hair Straight.
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Are Cream Or White
The color of the coat has nothing to do with a dog’s health. But ancestry could possibly have an effect on health.
- There is at least a little evidence that, on average, English bloodlines are healthier.
- A 1998 study found that 61.8 percent of American Goldens died from cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, mast cell tumors, and osteosarcoma, whereas a 2004 British Kennel Club Purebred Dog Health Survey for Golden Retrievers found that only 38.8 percent of Goldens from English bloodlines were affected by cancer.
- Research also found that goldens from English bloodlines had an average lifespan of 12 years and 3 months whereas American goldens lived for an average of 10 years and 8 months.
- This data does not necessarily mean that an English retriever is immune from cancer and will die only at a ripe old age.
- There is plenty of anecdotal evidence of English retrievers dying from cancer and living shorter lives than expected.
- The health of your dog will depend on good breeding lines not on whether it is English or American, cream-colored or toffee-colored.
- The secret to health and longevity is ultimately a combination of nature and nurturegood genes plus optimal care by responsible owners.
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Golden Retriever Personality And Temperament
Golden Retrievers generally have a great temperamentthey are often friendly with children, other pets, and even strangers. They enjoy being the center of attention.
Golden Retrievers also love affection and being petted and will nudge you gently so that you continue to pet them.
It is very rare for a Golden Retriever to show any sign of aggression.
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Do Golden Retrievers Shed How Much A Little A Lot
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Golden retrievers are such great family dogs.
Theyâre handsome, intelligent, sociable, and loyal. And their beautiful coats are legendary.
Our family has had goldens my entire life. So, when asked do golden retrievers shed? I kindly laugh and reply: Yes, goldens shed. A lot. Year-round.
Even the American Kennel Club in its description of golden retrievers notes that they shed a lot.
Of course all dogs shed. But goldens shed more than many other dogs.
You may find their hair everywhere. Golden hair tumbleweeds are not unheard of.
But donât despair. There are measures you can take to help manage the problem.
What Is The Standard Coat Characteristics For A Golden Retriever
According to American Kennel Club , there is a specific standard for the coat of Golden Retriever. So, the official accepted Golden Retriever must have a double-layered, water-resistant, and dirt repellant coat.
Besides this, the outer skin coat must consist of long feather hairs in different shades of gold. But the undercoat must be notable and distinct. Along with this, the hair should be longer in the tail and under the body of these breeds.
Furthermore, the skin coat of the neck and back must be denser than other parts. And the hairs around the face, paws, and legs of these dogs must be short. Moreover, the AKC doesnt accept the dogs that fail to fall in these criteria as a pure breed.
What do you think is your pal a pure breed?
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Are White Golden Retrievers Rare
No.Those who are looking for a “white” or “platinum” golden retriever will be disappointed. While some Goldens may appear very light in color, they are not actually white. The color white doesn’t genetically appear in this breed. Any ad offering “rare white golden retriever puppies” should be interpreted as a scam! Terms like “white,””platinum,””rare,” or even “English Cream” are marketing words used to trick buyers into paying more for an ordinary retriever with a lighter coat color.
A “white” golden is also frowned upon by both British and American kennel clubs. Any amount of light-colored hair is considered a fault and will be penalized.
English cream golden retriever puppies tend to darken in color as they grow.
Golden Trvs Gol twister – Wikipedia Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
What To Expect From All Varieties
No matter which variety you choose, all golden retrievers have similar temperaments. And despite their physical differences, each variety is easy to house train, and eager to please, which makes this breed a great choice if you are a novice owner.
In general, you can expect a dog that is:
- Attention-seeking
That being said, when you think of a golden retriever, you likely think of an American or a British variety. This is because of the long wavy coats that are characteristic of the breed.
Keep in mind, while goldens make amazing companions and loving pets to people of all ages, they are, foremost, working dogs. This means your golden will enjoy hunting or any type of work or water activities and require daily vigorous exercise.
The best way to keep your golden retrievers energy in check is to keep them occupied with regular exercise and play sessions. Activities such as jogging, cycling, hiking, swimming, running, or brisk walks are all great ways to keep your golden exercised and on the best behavior.
Dont forget to keep your pooch mentally stimulated with puzzle toys, and make sure your golden has an array of different toys.
Since all golden retrievers were bred to retrieve downed game, they are naturally mouthy and have a strong urge to carry something in their mouth. To prevent your pooch from taking a liking to your favorite shoes, make sure there are fun and interesting toys your dog can mouth instead.
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First Signs Of Hair Growth On The Golden Retriever
It is a good idea to look for some of the first signs of hair growth on your Golden Retriever.
While you may be excited to see that full coat come in, you will have to wait a few months to see much of it.
Most Golden Retriever puppies are not going to start seeing the longer hair until they are close to three months, and this is often going to be the hair that grows on the tail first, rather than the lush and thick hair that you want over the rest of the body.
Once the tail starts to grow longer hair, the dog owner will start to see other areas growing as well.
It does not take long for the puppy to start showing some of the longer hair that will make up that full coat later on.
This growth marks a departure away from all the puppy fluff and will be the beginning of the full coat that you should see with the adult dog.
If the coat of the puppys parents took a long time to grow in, then it is more likely that the puppy will take longer to grow that full coat as well.
Under most circumstances though, the short, fluffy coat of the puppy will last for the first three months.
Then it will slowly start to change into the longer coat.
This does take a few months to happen and there are exceptions, especially if the dogs parents took longer to get the full coat.