Take A Closer Look At This Beloved Breed And See Why The Golden And Many Other Kinds Of Canines Should Be Celebrated Every Day
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Happy National Golden Retriever Day! This beloved breed has the reputation of being the perfect family dog —and for good reason. Goldens are friendly, funny, patient, smart and eager to please. They also require lots of love, plenty of exercise and some basic obedience training.
Before getting a golden retriever or any type of dog, you should do your research. Different breeds have different temperaments and needs that may or may not suit your lifestyle. The American Kennel Club is a good place to start your search, and talking to other dog owners can be quite helpful as well.
There are many breeds — including mixed breeds, of course — that make wonderful pets for different people. That said, are golden retrievers still the best family dog? Let’s look at both sides of the argument.
Golden Retrievertemperament Lifespan Grooming Training Personality Behaviour And Health Advice
The Golden Retriever’s history as a gundog means the breed is popular as a guide dog, and also as a member of search and rescue teams because it’s soft mouth can pick up and carry things gently. With a friendly, fun-loving temperament and willingness to please, these dogs make reliable family pets and are very easy to train. Interested in owning a Golden Retriever? Here’s what you need to know.
| Large, most adult Golden Retrievers are between 51-61cm, weighing 25-34kg. | |
| Coat: | Although thick and resilient, a Golden Retriever’s coat is reasonably easy to clean. Groom at least once a week to keep it in top condition. |
|---|---|
| Exercise: | 2+ hours a day for adult dogs |
| Life span: | 10+ years. Healthy Golden Retrievers can reach 16 or 17 |
| Breed group: | Part of the gundogs group, bred to flush out, locate or retrieve game shot down by hunters. They are usually highly trainable, keen to please and have a balanced, pleasant temperament. |
You Love Golden Retrievers Here Are 5 Things You Should Know About Them
If you love playing with a furry friend for hours, a Golden Retriever is probably the perfect dog for you. These dogs are loving, playful and smart; they have limitless energy and have a very even temperament. They are eager and amiable and are a perfect family dog. If you are considering welcoming a Golden Retriever in your family, here are five things you should know about them.
1. Coat and Colour
Golden Retrievers are distinguished by their golden-brown coat, they are well proportioned and a charming smile. Goldens have quite a wide head and snout, a brown nose, brown eyes and hanging ears. They have a sturdy neck, broad muscular shoulders and a broad chest. They have long, straight tails and have thick water-resistant fur. Their fur can be flat, wavy or even feathered and they can be any colour from cream to a golden brown.
2. Friendly, energetic and confident dogs
3. Golden Retrievers like to have fun!
Golden Retrievers tend to pick a lot of things up in their mouths like a stick or shoe. If they find something they like, they will carry it around for quite a while! Make sure he doesn’t take a liking to one of your things, or it will become very slobbery. Retrievers are not the best guard dogs. They normally welcome strangers and are friendly with almost anyone. They have been known to sometimes bark at a stranger at the door though.
4. Nothing like seeing Goldens in action!
5. Taking care of Goldens
How To Properly Take Care Of A German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Dog
One very important detail with adding a Golden Shepherd to your family is that this is often not the best doggo for those who have never owned a pooch before.
While they come from fantastic genetics in both parent breeds, these dogs are high energy and take a lot of focus for training, socialization, and exercise.
Experienced dog owners will be able to transition smoothly to keeping up with a Golden Shepherd, but newbie pet parents can often find it overwhelming.
From newbie to the professional pet parent, however, here are some tips to help you take proper care of your new furry addition.
Larry Snagged Some Crayons From His Siblings While No One Was Looking
Nicole Del Rosario, Digital Content Producer
CHANDLER, Ariz. – Meet Larry, the 4-year-old golden retriever that lives up to his breed name — in quite a colorful way.
The Arizona pup retrieves anything he can get his paws on. Most recently, he’s snagged some red and blue crayons that got him into a big mess.
Larry’s owner said he snagged them off the table on Monday while her kids were coloring.
He then took them into the backyard where they melted into the grass, and of course, his fur.
Even after three baths, Larry’s owners said he still has blue highlights.
About the Author:
What Is The Life Expectancy Of A German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
As you may already know, the larger the dog breed, the shorter its lifespan. This is simply because larger dogs have more health issues with their bones than smaller dogs.
While this mixed breed dog is still relatively new when it comes to statistics, you can expect your dog to live between 10-14 years. You’ll learn more below about how to help him get the most years possible at your side.
As far as a cause of death is concerned — a tough topic, we know — Golden Shepherds tend to die mostly of cancer or complications related to their breed-specific health risks .
As you will learn, the more your prioritize your pooch’s health from the first year and up, the longer they will be able to be your family dog. Speaking of families…
What Exactly Is A Curly Coat Retriever And Where Do They Come From
A Curly Coat Retriever is a type of hunting dog from Great Britain. Origins of this breed are yet not entirely known, but somewhere in the mid-eighteen-hundreds, this breed made its first appearance in the show ring. They are believed to be the original retrieving dog, and while they are hard to find today as their popularity has decreased with another breed of retrievers, it is still possible to locate them.
They were once prized for their hunting and retrieving abilities, and periodically throughout history, there has been an increase in their popularity and number. This breed has seen an increase at times and a decrease as other retrievers have gained popularity, but they have much that makes them appealing.
They have a unique coat of fur that is different from other retrievers that are more popular, for starters. When it comes to size, they range from twenty-three to twenty-seven inches in height to the wither.
Their weight ranges from sixty-five to one hundred pounds. Females are smaller than males.
When it comes to personality, they have the typical retriever traits but can be more reserved around strangers than some other retriever breeds. This breed does take longer to mature from puppyhood to adult, and it is a regular occurrence for pet parents to see an adult Curly Coat Retriever acting like a puppy well into their advanced adult stage of life.
Are Golden Retrievers Boring How Fun Is This Perfect Family Dog Behavior
With great popularity, comes a lot of questions, myths, and misconceptions. One of these that has come to my attention lately is that some people think that because golden retrievers are such good family pets, they must be boring dogs.
But really, are Golden Retrievers Boring? No, Golden retrievers are not boring at all; Golden Retrievers are people-oriented, lots of fun, obedient, hilariously funny partners who are always curious with a sharp intelligence still shining in their wild, crazy character.
If you have ever been told that golden retrievers are boring or overrated, I’ve heard it all before, so keep on reading and let me tell you about all the fantastic traits of a golden retriever that make them anything but boring.
How Do I Prepare My Family For Welcoming A Curly Coat Retriever
The best way to prepare your family for welcoming a Curly Coat Retriever into the household is to teach them what is expected of each of them. Children especially need to learn and understand how they are treated the dog if there isn’t another dog in the house. They should learn to respect the dog, including their bed and place where they rest. They should learn not to mistreat the dog physically or verbally and know that there are consequences to such behavior.
Besides that, they should be encouraged to spend time with the Curly Coat Retriever, forming a close, positive bond with the age-appropriate and acceptable dog.
Beyond that, they need to have a safe place that is theirs to escape when things get too stressful or chaotic, which can happen in even the most comfortable and relaxed households.
The family members should be involved in selecting the dogs’ necessary items and planning where things will go, and the family schedule regarding caring for the dog.
The more involvement each family member has, the more they will feel like the dog is their dog and form a close bond based on that connection.
It can help introduce the family members to the dog before the Curly Coat Retriever joins the family home. This can allow them to get to know the dog before it is a part of their home life.
The selecting of a dog, welcoming it into the family unit, and caring for it should be a family venture. One that includes everyone’s thoughts and feelings.
You Shouldnt Leave Your Golden Retriever Alone For More Than 4
Goldens create strong bonds with their owners, meaning they’re great family dogs. They’re willing to please their humans and love being around children of all ages because kids are always ready to play.
Leaving your Golden by herself all day will only make her suffer, which in time can generate depression, separation anxiety, and in some cases destructive behavior.
Hiring a pet walker or taking your Golden to dog care during the day can help, but none of these solutions replaces your presence. Only buy or adopt one of these dogs if you or other family members have time to play with her every day.
Golden Retrievers: What’s Good About ’em What’s Bad About ’em
Golden Retriever temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
The Golden Retriever’s kindly expression says it all. This is one of the finest family dogs in the world: cheerful, demonstrative, trustworthy with everyone, and forgiving of any mistakes made by inexperienced owners.
Give this breed two brisk walks each day, play fetch games, and take him out for a good run once a week, and he is adaptable to almost any lifestyle.
Friendly with everyone , his bark is welcoming rather than protective.
You must control his tendency to chew on objects and to mouth your hands — provide a box filled with toys so he can carry things around in his mouth.
A Golden Retriever remains enthusiastically puppy-like for many years, so early obedience training is required to instill calmness and good manners.
Eager to please and wonderfully responsive, he is nonetheless distracted by exciting sights and sounds, so you must be both patient and persistent.
The mind and heart of a Golden is sweet and gentle, but his body is robust — until he’s taught not to pull on the leash, you’ll need good biceps to walk him.
If you want a dog who…
- Is large, athletic, and natural-looking
- Has a pretty feathered coat
- Has a cheerful, tail-wagging nature
- Is steady-tempered and dependable with everyone
- Is peaceful with other animals
- Is eager to please and very responsive to training
What About Exercise I Hear Golden Retrievers Are Very Active
Golden Retrievers are a sporting breed and require a fair amount of exercise.
Goldens were bred to be active and outdoors and make great companions on activities like runs, hikes, bike rides, and camping trips.
How much exercise depends on age. Puppies up to one year need about 5 minutes for every four weeks of age. Golden Retrievers beyond one year of age require about one hour per day of exercise.
Issues such as advancing age, injuries, or health issues may require that you adjust exercise needs accordingly.
Dogs are individuals, and differences in personalities and breed lines may also warrant more or less exercise.
Golden Retrievers are very well suited to active families. Golden Retrievers will also benefit from families with school-aged children through play activities.
Not only will mutual play help meet the exercise needs of your Golden Retriever, but your children will benefit as well. A win, win.
Family Consideration: Undesirable behaviors in Golden Retrievers are often due to lack of exercise. Busy families that cannot meet the exercise requirements should contemplate other options or consider if a lower energy dog might be a better fit.
German Shepherd Vs Husky Bonus Tip: How To Pick The Right Dog
When you’re looking for a dog but don’t know what breed to get, these nine easy questions can help quickly narrow down your search and find a four-legged friend who perfectly fits your lifestyle.
This guide will help you in the German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever debate and give you a clearer idea of which one is for you.
1. Why Do You Want a Dog?
First things first, let’s talk about why you want a dog. This will guide you more than you realize!
For example, do you love cuddling up on the couch and want a furball to curl up in your lap and keep you company? Or do you want an energetic and enthusiastic dog who fits your active lifestyle?
Stop for a minute, close your eyes and think about it.
2. What Type of Dog Did You Have Growing up?
Believe it or not, the dog you grew up with often have an impact on what type of dog you want when you’re older.
That’s certainly not to say you couldn’t pick a different type of dog by any means. It’s just that people often have a comfort level with the type of canine they were conditioned to growing up.
3. Do You Have Any Allergies?
Dogs can be awful for allergies. But fortunately, there are many hypoallergenic dog breeds that make it easier for allergies sufferers.
Always learn more about the breed before bringing it into your home.
4. Who’s in Your Household?
Another important thing to think about is who is in your household.
Is it just you? Or do you have a partner? Roommates? Children?
5. Where Do You Live?
9. Breed Finder
A Note On Advanced Dog Training And Watch/guard Dog Training
While basic puppy training is recommended for all puppies and a key part of helping them grow up with healthy boundaries and expectations, anything above that should be on a personality-based schedule.
Basically, only train in roles that you doggo enjoys doing! Maybe you want to train him to bring you your slippers every morning. Or, to open doorknobs. But, maybe he doesn’t like that!
Maybe he’d prefer to run through tunnels and through a training course instead. While you don’t necessarily have to do the latter option, it’s important to force him to do the former option, either.
Your doggo has needs and wants he should never be forced into doing anything he truly doesn’t enjoy doing.
He’ll only associate you with the bad activity, and this can create distrust as well as aggression towards you.
This is especially relevant when looking to train your Golden Shepherd as a guard dog.
While most of these mixed breed dogs will be okay with being a more active guard dog, some won’t. This comes back to their heritage. German Shepherds make excellent guard dogs as they tend to be slightly more aggressive.
However, the Golden Retriever is loving towards most strangers. So, your doggo may have more Golden Retriever in him and, as a result, may feel uncomfortable actively attacking someone who is invading, even on your command.
In this case, he could be a better watchdog than a guard dog. Make sure you respect your doggo’s wishes in this situation as well.
Comparing Golden Retriever Traits For First Time Dog Owners
As a starting point, first-time dog owners need to determine the pros and cons of the Golden Retriever and how it fits a person’s lifestyle.
Lifestyle fit is the single most important factor in choosing a dog and it is much more important than the breed of dog.
Consider a family with kids and how that lifestyle might differ from a single person who works 12 hours per day. Each is a markedly different lifestyle and would not be suited to the same type of dog.
For the Golden Retriever, take a moment to review the table below that compares the traits of the Golden Retriever and consider how these traits might fit your lifestyle as a first-time Golden owner.
| Personality | |
| Generally healthy dogs. Fewer issues if obtained from a reputable breeder. | Can be prone to health issues if not acquired from a reputable breeder. |
Is A German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix A Good Family Dog
The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix dog breed makes a wonderful family dog, mostly because both parent breeds are thought to be especially great family dogs.
These doggos are great with kids, other animals and are sure to blend in with the modern family in their indoor and outdoor activities.
Golden Shepherds are loyal, protective, and sociable. Since they love humans, they’ll enjoy being playmates for children of all ages and even other animals .
However, your doggo will also keep a close eye on your children and make sure they are safe from threats of all kinds, which can be a relief for parents!
Thanks to their Golden Retriever dogs roots, these dogs are great with strangers, adjusting their reactions to your needs. While they will alert you to new people coming up your driveway or those who are coming towards your household members, they’ll look to you for direction.
If you show them that they aren’t threats then your pooch will be the picture-perfect dog that will be friendly and welcoming to the newcomers. If you are wary or uncomfortable, they’ll act the part of the guard dog and warn them away while you get to safety. A true helping hand for those who love the extra support.
If you enjoy camping or hiking and your kids love playing in the snow in the backyard, this doggo will fit right in!
They’ll explore everywhere with you and will fit in with any situation. For this reason, they tend to be great dogs to travel with.
Golden Retrievers And The Quest For The Perfect Family Dog
Finding the perfect dog to complete your family is exciting. Golden retrievers are generally viewed as a typical “family dog,” but are they a good fit for your family?
Golden retrievers are excellent dogs for most families. They are a loving and intelligent breed and one of the easiest dog breeds to train. While they’re great around children and other animals, they have a lot of energy and require frequent physical exercise.
With my background as a veterinary doctor, I’ll look into everything about Golden Retrievers. Read on to learn more about their temperament, what makes them great family dogs, and the different advantages and disadvantages to consider before adopting.
In this post, we’ll look at:
Youll Have To Hide Your Shoes Because Goldens Love To Chew
These dogs like to carry things and, often when they’re bored, will start moving your stuff around the house. They’re famous for their chewing habits so provide her with resistant toys, specially made for heavy chewers, and don’t let her get too bored during the day.
Lock up your shoes, telephones, remote controls, games, kitchen utensils, clothes, and small pillows, or they’ll meet a very messy end. Also, move your garbage can inside a cabinet or in a place your dog can’t access.
She should never go through your dinner leftovers as eating human food can harm Golden Retrievers. For safety reasons, hide all electric cables before bringing your puppy or new dog home.
The crate is a good way to keep your dog away from temptations when you’re not around. This way she’ll be in a safe place and you won’t have to worry about the Nintendo you’ve forgotten on the sofa before going to bed.
+ Of The Best Most Cutest Golden Retriever Dog Names Ever
August 10, 2021
Golden Retrievers are one of the most lovable dog breeds in the world. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and friendliness. If you are looking to welcome a new Golden Retriever member into your family, then it is important that you find the perfect name.
In this blog post, we have compiled 400+ of our favorite Golden Retriever puppy names. We hope these will help you choose the perfect name for your new furry Golden friend.
What Traits Make A Golden Retriever A Good Fit For First
Golden Retrievers are medium to large dogs and are very well suited to first-time dog owners because of their friendly personalities, exceptional smarts, average maintenance needs, and adaptability. Dog owners who are active and looking for an outdoor companion are particularly well suited to this breed.
What Traits Make A Golden Retriever A Poor Fit For First
All dogs have traits that may make them a poor fit for some lifestyles and owners. Golden Retrievers are no exception.
Golden Retrievers shed a lot and can be prone to some health issues. Owners must ensure the dog’s physical, mental, and social needs are met, and failure to do so could result in a bored and mischievous dog. In addition, the breed is not a one-person dog and can be too large for smaller living spaces.
Not all dogs are well suited to all people. As noted earlier, a dog’s fit with a person’s particular lifestyle is much more important than a specific dog breed.
Let’s explore why some of the Goldens traits might align well with a first-time dog owner.
Things You Should Know Before Getting A Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a dog breed that originated from Scotland, bred to retrieve shot waterfowl, like ducks or other upland game birds. It’s a medium to large dog at about 20 to 24 inches tall, weighing between 55 to 75 pounds. The lifespan of the Golden Retriever is around 10 to 12 years.
Golden Retrievers are some of the most popular dogs both in the US and worldwide, thanks to their beautiful appearance and their nice characters.
I wrote this article about some of the things you should know about Goldens, because many of them end up in shelters, abandoned as soon as their owners have realized what having a dog really means.
Contents & Quick Navigation
How Much Upkeep Are Golden Retrievers High Maintenance
Golden Retrievers are moderate shedders except for twice per year upon which they shed their double coats. Therefore, shedding during these twice-yearly events will be heavy.
Daily brushing is recommended during heavy sheds and once or twice per week for the rest of the year. On the plus side, Golden Retrievers do not require haircuts.
Owners should brush their dog’s teeth regularly and trim their nails often. In addition, ears should be cleaned frequently and checked weekly for infections.
An occasional bath is also required.
Ensuring your Golden Retriever remains healthy means regular vet visits and vaccinations kept up to date. No different than any other dog breed.
Golden Retrievers are mostly healthy dogs. However, they can be prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and heart issues.
Choosing a breeder that has tested for these conditions will help avoid these problems down the road.
Feeding requirements for a Golden Retriever are average for dogs this size. They require high-quality dog food and typically eat twice per day.
Overall, maintenance requirements for Golden Retrievers are about average – upkeep is better than some dog breeds and worse than others.
Shedding is the biggest issue.
Neutering Can Cause Health Issues To A Golden Retriever
Researchers at the University of California have discovered that neutering 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.
German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix An Amazing Fusion
A blend of the two most popular dog breeds, the German Shepherd dogs and the Golden Retriever dogs, a Golden Shepherd is a family-oriented dog that has the intelligence and energy level of a German Shepherd and the social skills and love of a Golden Retriever.
A German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is the best of both breeds. Growing to be about 20-27” and 60-85 lbs , this beautiful dog breed tends to live about 10-14 years depending on genetic and day to day health.
Often seen with a tan or gold coat color and featuring ears, tails, and muzzles in a tan or black, this distinctive dog is a common favorite of modern families. Their double coats can be either coarse or smooth and they have long, multi-layered fur that often comes in multiple colors.
This designer breed is all about intelligence and energy, making it a popular choice for active families.
show7A note on advanced dog training and watch/guard dog training
Golden Retriever Characteristics That Make Them Perfect
It’s no secret: golden retrievers are practically perfect, so much so that you can’t help but smile as soon as you see one. Chances are, because they’re smiling right back. Goldens are loyal, happy, fun-loving, caring and intelligent, and bring laughter and joy to anyone and everyone — whether it’s their person or a random person happening by. What’s not to love?
Is The Golden Retriever The Right Size For Your Family
Deciding if a Golden retriever is a suitable size for your family depends on several reasons, including your family’s current size and your living situation.
If you have a large family and not a lot of room in your house or live in an apartment complex, you might need to go with a smaller dog breed.
Male Golden retrievers can grow up to 23 to 24 inches in height and weigh between 65 and 75 pounds.
Female Golden retrievers are slightly below that, at 21 to 22 inches tall and between 55 and 65 pounds.
Therefore, only the older children or adults in the home should walk, carry or bathe them.
Training Golden retrievers on how to act during a walk may allow younger children to walk them.
However, without the proper training, Golden retrievers may get excited and try to pull on whoever is walking them.
Children may be able to assist in bathing them, but it’s not advisable.
Determining If A Golden Retriever Is A Good Family Dog
Let’s take a look at the most common traits that make the Golden Retriever such a well-suited dog to families. As I discuss each trait, I also include certain issues that families should consider for each trait.
If you want to read a more in-depth article on the pros and cons of a Golden Retriever, I suggest taking a look at this article when you have a moment: Golden Retriever Pros and Cons: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
What To Consider When Naming Your New Golden Retriever
There are many things to consider when naming your new Golden Retriever. The most helpful usually end up being his or her personality, coat color, resemblance to a favorite character, or just something you find adorable about the Golden Retriever breed. You may find yourself stuck in a naming rut, but the easiest way to get out of that is to spend some time reflecting on meaningful moments, objects, and words that can provide you hints on a naming direction.
How Are Golden Retrievers With Other Pets And Children
The Golden Retriever does so well in a family because the noise and hustle of children in the house does not phase it, in fact they rather enjoy all the chaos. Because it is a larger dog it may accidentally knock over smaller children, for that reason supervision may be a good idea. Teach your children how to treat it, no tail or ear pulling, leave its food alone and a well trained and socialized Golden Retriever can handle anything. This even extends to other animals, it will be happy to have a friend in another dog and when trained and introduced correctly will happily adopt other pets like cats or rabbits into the family too.