They Have Beautiful Coats
Most of us look not only for pets but rather for beautiful pets. Although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, most would prefer to opt for an aesthetically better pet as a lifelong companion. This is where the Golden Retriever shines. This amazing canine does not need its long list of wonderful attributes to amaze you, as its brilliant and outstanding coat would do the job.
Golden Retrievers are known for their lustrous, distinctive fur coats that come in different shades of gold, which are fairly easy to maintain with regular grooming. Gloating and attractive, a Golden Retriever will surely compliment the beauty of your home, in addition to being an amazing companion.
What Are The Three Types Of Golden Retrievers
There are three different types of Golden Retrievers based on regional differences:
1. English Golden Retrievers
2. American Golden Retrievers
3. Canadian Golden Retrievers
They dont differ significantly enough for dog organizations to consider them separate subtypes of the breed. However, there are some dissimilarities between them in terms of size, color, and hair texture.
English and American Goldens are somewhat smaller than the Canadian ones, and the British type has a stronger, more muscular build compared to the other two.
The English Golden Retrievers are also lighter in color while the American type is typically dark golden.
The main thing that sets the Canadian Goldens apart from their cousins is their shorter, less feathery coat.
When it comes to personality, all of them are loyal, obedient pups that would do anything for their humans.
They Love To Please Others
If you have ever spent time with golden retrievers, youll know that they have this burning desire to please human beings. They are always looking for ways to please and delight their owners and just make them happy at all times.
This is probably the main reason why golden retrievers are so friendly and why they exude such levels of sociability.
In their attempts to please their owners and sometimes other people, too, they tend to obey all your commands and orders both willingly and enthusiastically.
Also Check: Is Golden Retriever Is A Family Dog
They Are Eager To Please
There are some pets out there who are simply a mess, or those that are very clingy and take up a lot of attention, time and energy of their owners. Not the Golden Retriever! This particular breed of dogs are so intelligent that they are always looking for ways to please their owners and make them happy. Goldens will always ensure that you enjoy having them around. They will willingly and enthusiastically obey your commands and always be there for you when you need them, be it during happy or sad times.
Substance & Bomb Detection
Golden Retrievers have an incredible sense of smell. They can detect and recognize a plethora of odors just by smelling. Unlike humans, the average dog has more than 200 million receptors in the nose, while humans only have six million.
Also, the part of the brain responsible for analyzing smell is greater in dogs compared to humans.
Law enforcement agencies involved in security and threat detection use canines regularly. The dogs are exposed to substances and taught to detect explosives at crime scenes.
They are useful for assignments at borders, airports, public events, and high-alert secure facilities. Golden Retrievers and Labradors make excellent detectors because of their sensitive noses.
Retrievers are well suited for areas with large crowds because they have a calm and playful temperament. Theyre people-friendly and affectionate. They dont cause the public to become nervous, like a Rottweiler or Doberman would, as they move through large groups of people.
You May Like: How To Trim Golden Retriever Nails
Feed Them Their Favorite Food
Our mental health is often associated with our daily food intake, and the same can be said about our canine companions. If your golden retriever isnt acting like its usual self, try feeding them their favorite food as that is likely to boost their mood and uplift their spirits.
Now that you know exactly why golden retrievers are so friendly, you must take good care of your adorable, furry little companion and enjoy their company. Keep their friendly and entertaining nature alive by showering them with love, care, and attention because it is important to keep your pup healthy and happy at all times.
Bring Home A Great Family Dog
So, is a golden retriever a good first dog? Although goldens are large, high-energy dogs, their friendly nature, intelligence, and willingness to please make them an ideal choice for many first-time dog owners.
With help from a professional trainer, adorable golden puppies grow up to be friendly, warm-hearted dogs that bring joy to their families.
Lauretta Williams is one of the co-founders of PawMaw.com, a website dedicated to creating happy endings by reuniting people with their lost pets.
*DogsBestLife.com participates in the Chewy Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to let our site earn fees by linking to Chewy.com.
-
PetFinder.com compiles info about pets on rescue websites across the
Also Check: How Often Should I Bathe My Golden Retriever
Which Dogs Make The Best Police Dog
There are a variety of breeds that law enforcement agencies prefer. These are Belgian Malinois, German and Dutch Shepherds, Doberman, and Rottweiler.
Some law enforcement agencies even use Boxers and Akitas. But the most common police dog is the German Shepherd, followed by the Belgian Malinois.
Police dogs are most often used to detain or chase suspects, which is why Shepherds and Malinois tend to outshine other breeds for this type of work. German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are agile, strong, and intelligent. They are highly obedient and can be utilized in various aspects of law enforcement.
On top of that, they can be quite intimidating to criminals during apprehension!
This is why Goldens are not used in this area of police work. Can you imagine being chased down by a Golden Retriever? Its gentle and loving nature might lead it to pin you down and start licking your face! Not nearly as intimidating, is it?
Rottweiler Golden Retriever Mix: Loyal And Friendly Dog
When two different breeds of dogs are mixed together, they form a new type of dog that has qualities of both breeds as a designer dog.
The mixes are usually cross-bred in order to have even more desirable qualities in the puppies. Designer dogs can be truly amazing family members.
Read Also: How Do You Trim A Golden Retriever Rear
How Big To Field Golden Retrievers Get
Field Goldens fall on the smaller end of the Golden Retriever size spectrum, which ranges from 65 to 75 pounds for males, and 55 to 65 pounds for females. The height for males can be between 22.5 and 24 inches, while for females, its 21.5 to 22.5 inches.
Even though they are smaller than the typical Goldens, field-breds are still considered medium to large dogs.
Their smaller size helps them to be more agile when theyre swimming in water and retrieving shot waterfowl.
Rottweiler Golden Retriever Mix And Other Pets
Remember that your little ball of fur will grow up to be quite a large-sized dog at maturity. You should start socialization at a young age and definitely teach him the commands of down and sit.
This will help in the future when he comes charging at you after you arrive home from work so as not to bowl you over.
This mix of dog breeds gets along exceptionally well with other pets in your household, such as other dogs, cats, and especially with children.
Dont be surprised if your Golden Rottie comes to the rescue of your children when they cryhe may even cry himself as he tries to console them.
So, now youve learned about the traits of a Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix and you should be able to start seeking your new best friend. Make sure you have room for this big baby to play and keep him occupied so he doesnt get in trouble.
You can teach your new puppy commands starting at the young age of about 6 to 8 weeks. Socialization should also begin at this age, so he knows how you expect him to react to people that are strangers.
This may be the most intelligent and beautiful dog that you have ever seen and he will mind you exceptionally well too.
Read Also: How To Draw A Golden Retriever Puppy
Provide Them With Mental Stimulation
Did you know that one way to keep your golden retriever healthier and happier is to keep them mentally stimulated?
This can include teaching them tricks and basic dog commands, taking them swimming, doing any physical exercise with them, or playing their favorite games with them. Another great option is to arrange a play date for your dog where it likely to get along with other dogs, play with them, and have a good time.
This kind of mental stimulation prevents these dogs from getting bored and keeps their mood up.
Is This The Right Dog For You
Exercise Needs
HIGH: Golden Retrievers can be prone to obesity, so yours will need rigorous daily exercise.
The dogs are active and energetic, and they need this regular physical activity to stay healthy. A lack of exercise can also lead to chewing or behavioral difficulties.
Grooming Needs
MEDIUM: The Golden Retrievers water-repellant double coat sheds seasonally, so youll need to brush yours regularly.
Experts recommend brushing these dogs at least twice a week, or more often as needed in the warmer months.
Golden Retrievers long fur shows dirt pretty easily, so bathe yours as needed. Check and clean the ears weekly and trim the nails, too.
Health Problems
HIGH: Golden Retrievers are prone to experiencing a long list of health problems, but theres no guarantee your dog will suffer any of these conditions.
Also Check: How To Bathe A Golden Retriever Puppy
Golden Retrievers And Kids
Although some dog breeds are better suited for households with children more than others, no matter what type of pup you bring home, its important that everyone know how they are expected to behave and interact with each other. Its always important to prepare your children for the new doggy addition to the home, teaching your kids the appropriate way to interact with animals and also setting expectations ahead of time.
Give some of the responsibility of caring for your new pup to the kids who are old enough to handle it. For example, young children can help feed the family dog, older children can be in charge of dog walks, and children of any age can be expected to participate in playtime and picking up after their new furry friend.
Training A Golden Retriever
Being the smart pups they are, Golden Retrievers are very easy to train. They love having something to do, especially if it pleases their owners, so they pick up new tricks very quickly.
Positive reinforcement training methods are the way to go when shaping your dogs into good boys and girls. All youll need is some patience, lots of toys, and high-quality treats.
Whether youre teaching them basic obedience or youre preparing them to win a title in one of the sporting competitions, these intelligent, friendly dogs wont disappoint you.
In fact, the first three dogs to ever win the AKC Obedience Trial Championships were Golden Retrievers. Its no wonder theyre fit for many professional jobs as well, from detection work to search and rescue.
Goldens are considered to be fully grown by the time they reach two-and-a-half years of age. Its always best to start early when it comes to training, but youll need to plan your training sessions according to their age.
From puppyhood to adulthood, theyll go through a few training milestones.
Before you bring home a Golden Retriever puppy, you should prepare to take on the first stage of training, which will last until theyre about six months old.
The obvious thing youll need to do when your puppy starts living with you is potty training. Be understanding if they dont get it from the start theyre still young. Cleaning a few messes here and there is nothing too troublesome considering the love youll get in return.
You May Like: Best Golden Retriever Breeders California
Is A Golden Retriever The Right Dog For You
Intelligent, loyal, and eager to please, the golden retriever is ranked third on the American Kennel Clubs list of the most popular dog breeds, right behind Labrador retrievers and German shepherds.
What is it like to have a golden retriever puppy? And what happens when that puppy grows up? Do golden retrievers shed much? These are just a few of the facts well cover in our guide to goldens.
What Makes Golden Retrievers So Amazingly Loyal And Friendly
Golden Retrievers have many wonderful qualities, but the most outstanding seems to be their loyalty and friendliness. The breed is known as one of the most hardworking because they were bred to work closely with hunters.
The qualities bred into Goldens make them extraordinarily patient and intelligent, as they were intended to be a hunters right hand. These qualities make them very patient with children and very receptive to obedience and skill training. The Golden Retriever breed is one of the most intelligent dog breeds and is very easy to train. This makes it effortless to create strong bonds between the dog, owner, and family.
Recommended Reading: Best Golden Retriever Breeders California
The Cast Against Goldens
Put down the pitchforks! Golden retrievers are great, but they aren’t the only type of pooch that can fit fantastically into a family. PetMD cites bulldogs, beagles, bull terriers and Newfoundlands as being typically great with kids, and that’s by no means a comprehensive list.
As Petfinder puts it, you really “can’t go wrong with a dog that has a gentle demeanor, friendly attitude, trainable nature and an ability to keep up with your family.” And that dog can belong to many breeds.
Why Golden Retrievers Are Everybodys Best Friend
Loyal and beloved, Golden Retrievers have been a part of more American families than almost any other dog breed. While the Golden has long proved immensely popular as a house pet, it has also long turned heads on the show circuit.
What the average Joe might look for in a Golden might differ somewhat from what makes one stand out to a dog show judge. When it comes to the physically perfect Golden Retriever pooch, most agree that it should exude athleticism, and weigh between 65 and 75 pounds if male, and between about 55 and 65 pounds, if female.
Golden Retrievers have two coats. One is a thick undercoat, while the other is an outercoat that the dogs use to protect themselves. The outercoat is often the first thing a judge will notice, so it is essential that it be well-maintained and free from clumps, dirt or tangles. When it comes to color, the ideal Golden can be really any variation of gold, from light yellow shades to a darker, more copper-colored coat.
Just as critical as a smooth, clean coat is an ideal temperament. Goldens are known for its affectionate, friendly nature and general reputation as mans best friend, and has an uncanny ability to adapt his or her energy level to nearly any situation.
From their pleasant temperament to their easy trainability, Golden Retrievers are historically among the most beloved dog breeds for owners young and old. Have your puppy trained accordingly and watch it progress into a loving and loyal lifelong friend.
Don’t Miss: Is A Golden Retriever Right For Me Quiz
In The United Kingdom
Golden Retrievers were first accepted for registration by The Kennel Club in 1903, as Flat Coats Golden. They were first exhibited in 1908, and in 1911 were recognized as a breed referred to as Retriever .
In Scotland
In July 2006, the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland organized a gathering of Golden Retriever enthusiasts at the ancestral home, Guisachan House. A photograph taken by photographer Lynn Kipps to commemorate the occasion captured 188 Golden Retrievers, and so holds the record for the most Golden Retrievers in one image.
Rottweiler Golden Retriever Mix Exercise Requirements
The best home for a Golden Rottie mix is to have a backyard thats accessible through a doggie door. You will find your puppy will love to be active outdoors almost all year round.
The double coat keeps him warm in the winter and it sheds rain too. Dont be surprised if your Golden Rottie loves to play in the rain and splash in mud puddles whenever he can.
If your Golden Rottie is inside most of the day, make sure to leave him several toys to play with while you are away.
This will save your furniture from sharp little teeth when he gets bored with no one to play with. The treat balls are great for this designer dog breed.
You can stuff them with small kibble, dog treats, or even some peanut butter. Your pooch can have hours of fun figuring out how to get the treats out of the puzzle ball and get some tiny rewards as well.
Your Golden Rottie will rejoice when you get home each day from work and definitely want to play with you and have some attention.
Dogs need about one hour of exercise per day or more. You can play fetch with him or take him on a nice long walk around the neighborhood or take him to hang out at the dog park with his friends.
When choosing chew toys for your puppy, make sure you get ones for hard chewers. Most Golden Rotties, even puppies, will tear through stuffed animals and make it look like it snowed in your living room. The stuffing can also make your pooch very sick if he eats some of it.
You May Like: When Do Golden Retrievers Tails Get Fluffy