Golden Retriever Dog Breed
Golden Retrievers are medium- to large-sized dogs with sturdy, athletic bodies and strong gaits. Please remember that the following growth and weight numbers are estimates and should only be used to gather a general idea of what your Golden Retriever puppy may weigh at different ages.
If your Golden Retriever pup is significantly ahead or behind the following numbers, contact your veterinarian to check that your puppy is growing appropriately. However, dont fret if your dog is a little ahead or behind the growth numbers, as every puppy grows at their own rate!
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Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult
Rating:
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult is one of 14 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, ground brown rice, barley, peas
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for:Adult goldens
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult derives the bulk of its animal protein from chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 13% fat and 50% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
The classic, grain-inclusive, large breed design contains no meat by-products and no BHA or other cancer-causing synthetic preservatives. Easily recommended for adult goldens.
Sample buyer reviewOur dog had developed a bit of a gas issue with another leading brand that featured mostly red meat, so I wanted to go back to a food with mostly chicken. After a lot of research, I settled on Wellness Complete, and weve been very happy with it. Our dog readily goes for the food, and for the first time with any kibble, she will eat a few pieces out of our hand as a treat. I am impressed by the nutritional balance and the glucosamine and chondroitin since she is 80+ pounds, and it seems to have eliminated the gas problems.
Golden Retriever Personality Traits
Golden Retrievers possess a number of endearing qualities that have helped cement their spot as one of the nations most beloved breeds. Foremost, theyre kind and loving. Their biggest goal in life is to please their humans, says Greco. Theyre very affectionate and extremely loyal. Theyre the definition of unconditional love.;
Goldens are also smart and eager to learn, which is a huge plus when it comes time to train them.
The typical Golden Retriever is a bundle of energy and can destroy things if not given enough exercise. They are also super friendly, says Barnes. Given this, along with their energy, they tend to get overly excited with new people and are known to jump and turn in circles.
Because Goldens are people-oriented, patient, and friendly, they tend to do well with kids and other pets. This does mean they enjoy and benefit from training and need help building confidence to be sure they do not become overly-attached leading to separation anxiety, adds Romine.;
If your Golden has separation anxiety, it can be tough on him or her when youre not around. If you have travel plans and cant bring your pet along, he or she may do better at home than in an unfamiliar environment like a kennel. Luckily, there are in-home pet sitting services, such as TrustedHousesitters, that can give you peace of mind knowing your pet is safe and happy at home with a verified and reviewed sitter.
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What Is The Size Of A Full
Per the American Kennel Club Official Golden Retriever Breed Standards, a male Golden Retriever should weigh between 65 to 75 pounds, and a female Golden Retriever should weigh between 55 to 65 pounds.
Male Golden Retrievers will stand at 23 to 24 inches, while female Goldies are slightly shorter at 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall. As adults, Golden Retrievers will appear overall symmetrical and have a powerful body hidden beneath beautiful, golden fur.
Pacific Northwest Miniature Goldens
Last on the list of Mini Golden Retriever breeders in the United States is Pacific Northwest Miniature Goldens. Located in a small, family home, Miniature Golden Retrievers raised here are given intentional care, attention, and love. Puppies are bred with special attention paid to size, temperament, and excellent health. Before breeding, each dog is thoroughly health tested and screened for any genetic concerns or health conditions. When puppies are ready to be welcomed into their forever homes, puppies are provided a two-year health guarantee, giving you complete assurance of their quality and excess of standards.
Puppies are also given their first round of vaccinations appropriate for their age and have been dewormed for maximum support of their health. If youre interested in a puppy, you can check their website to see if they have any availability of litters. Keep in mind that they may not always be accepting applications at all times of the year if their currently planned litter is already full. If they accept applications, youll be required to complete an application and submit an initial deposit to secure your interest in an upcoming litter.
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At What Age Is A Golden Retriever Considered A Senior
Golden Retrievers are larger dogs so that automatically shortens their lifespan. Larger dogs age faster than smaller dogs, the reason why is still a mystery but scientists believe that its simply because large dogs grow faster. Growing faster can lead to an earlier incidence of tumours and other abnormal tissue developments including cancer.
The lifespan of a Golden Retriever is 10-12 years on average. Decades ago Golden Retrievers lived to be 16-17 years old. The reason for their reduced lifespan now is believed to be because this breed is more prone to certain types of cancer than any other breed.
A Golden Retriever is considered a senior at the age of 7.5-10 years old.
Many people believe that 1 human year is equivalent to 7 dog years, but this is not the case and it all depends on the size of the dog. Scientists have come to the conclusion that for every 4.4 pounds of body mass a dog has, their life expectancy is reduced by one month.
To find out how old your dog is in human years you can check out this chart.
Make Sure The Food Has Omega
Omega-3s and fish oil for dogs will not only help to keep your puppy healthy, but ensure they stay active and their bones are strong.
This supplement can also help to reduce inflammation in their body and keep their coat shiny. Because of this, its important to check to make sure the food has Omega-3s in them. If they dont, you can also add some into the meals yourself with special puppy fish oil supplements.
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History Of The Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is believed to have originated in the 19th-century in Scotland, mainly due to Lord Tweedmouths documentation of them. It is believed that Tweedmouth bought a yellow-coated retriever from a litter of mainly black retrievers.
He then bred the retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel which eventually produced four yellow puppies. Eventually, the breed came to have the characteristic it is known for today, such as a bright yellow cup and long wavy coat.
How To Care For A Golden Retriever
A Golden Retriever puppy or adult dog may be friendly people-pleasers, but that doesnt make the breed low maintenance. They need daily exercise, regular brushing, and training. The good news is theyre so easy going, theyll adapt well to almost any home, especially homes with small children.
Golden Retrievers have a thick undercoat and long outer coat, but grooming is still relatively easy as long as you brush them consistently. They dont typically need a haircut for their flat coats, but they do need brushing every one to three days. Focus on the hind legs and the backs of the ears, where tangles and mats can develop quickly. While grooming needs dont vary for coat color, wavy-haired Retrievers are more prone to tangles than their straight-haired counterparts and may need a little more brushing.
A bit of mess comes standard with Golden Retrievers, so if you hate stray fur and dirt, look elsewhere for a canine companion. You can more or less make a new dog every week with the fur they shed, and they love to swim and get muddy. Just keep up with the regular grooming, being sure to rinse them off if they happen to take a dip in the water, and things wont get out of hand.
Of course, they have that mischievous side. So no matter how well-trained they are, youll still get an occasional moment when theyre more interested in goofing off. That just makes your Golden Retriever experience more fun!
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Bernese Mountain Dog Vs Golden Retriever Breed Comparison
When choosing a dog, its important to pick a breed that will fit into your home and your lifestyle. A new dog will be a part of your life for many years to come, and youll want to make sure youll be able to fulfill their needs and take care of them long-term.
Similar in many ways but still very different, Bernese mountain dogs and golden retrievers make wonderful family companions. If you cant decide which one of these is a better choice, keep on reading! In this article, Ill tell you everything you need to know about Berners and goldens and help you choose the perfect breed for your family.
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:
- Loving
- Attention-seeking
- Athletic
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 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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Interesting Golden Retriever Number Facts
Facts About a Golden Retrievers Appearance
Regularly Groom Your Golden
In addition to keeping his coat as beautiful as it can be, grooming has other health benefits. It will help keep his skin in good shape.;
And youll be more likely to detect lumps and bumps and other irregularities before they become life-threatening.
Keeping your goldenâs nails appropriately trimmed is also important for his structure.;
And having flop-type ears, goldens are more prone to ear infections. So they must be checked and cleaned as appropriate.
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What Is Causing My Golden Retriever To Appear Small
The only real way to know if your Golden Retriever is too small is to notice a problem with height or weight when the dog is a fully grown adult. If your dog is under 18 or even 24 months in age, your dog could very well still be in the development process.
If your Golden Retriever is over 18 months old and well-under the average measurements in the growth chart and size guide, it could be related to any of the following:
- Poor diet
- A smaller breed
- Old age
Each of these possible problems presents challenges to the development process and the degenerative attributes that can present themselves with senior dogs. Lets take a detailed look at each.
The Basics Of Golden Retriever Grooming
It takes some dedication to live with a Golden Retriever. The Golden’s profuse coat requires regular brushing and bathing to remove debris and mats. And while all dogs shed, Goldens do it with the same enthusiasm they bring to swimming and retrieving. You can keep it under control with daily brushing to remove the dead undercoat, but if shedding is a deal-breaker at your house, this is not the breed for you.
Like most retrievers, Goldens love water. When your Golden gets wet — and he will — give him a thorough freshwater rinse to remove chlorine, salt or lake muck from his fur, all of which can be drying or otherwise damaging to the coat. Keep his ears dry to prevent infections, and use an ear cleaner recommended by your veterinarian after he goes swimming.
The rest is basic care. Trim his nails as needed, usually every few weeks, and brush his teeth for good overall health and fresh breath.
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Make Sure To Give Them Baths Often
Because of their long coat, Golden Retrievers need to be given baths often. This can help to keep their coat smooth and healthy while removing any dirt or particles from their fur.
Youll find plenty of shampoos and other grooming tools you can use on your dog which are designed especially for large breeds.
On the other hand, you could also take your puppy to a groomer who will bathe your dog and give them a haircut. However, this might be a little expensive.
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Are Golden Retrievers Obedient
One thing that owners fear most with large breeds is that they will naturally be more difficult to physically control. However, Golden Retrievers are actually one of the most obedient dog breeds, which makes them less likely to be dominant and aggressive. The breed typically strives to be a submissive companion, craving praise and love from their owner.
Despite the Golden Retrievers natural tendency to be obedient, the breed still requires proper training and socialization with other dogs to get to this stage. Check out these top ten dog training tips to make sure you get the right handle on the training process from the start.
What Affects The Labrador Retrievers Growth And Whether They Are Medium
For the most part, genetics plays a vital role in the development of a Labrador retriever size.; Diet and exercise levels and their overall health can also play a part in their size.; A very well-fed puppy may put on a few extra pounds than what is typically seen. At the same time, another Labrador puppy may not be fed as well and never reach their full growth potential.
Diet and exercise are a part of living a healthy lifestyle for everyone, including the Labrador Retriever.; Other factors can include overall health.; Health problems can potentially cause issues with growth for the Labrador retriever if left untreated.
Annual checkups with a qualified and trained professional veterinarian can promote Labradors overall health and well being.
Hormones are another area that can affect a dogs size and whether they are a medium-sized or large-sized dog.; Hormonal changes related to health problems or pregnancy and lactating can cause a dog to be larger than what is typical of their breed. This issue usually resolves itself after the pregnancy, and lactating is over, or the health problem is addressed.
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