A Golden Retrievers Lifespan Is From 10 To 12 Years
The Golden Retriever is known for being a healthy breed, living long and happy lives. However, like the majority of dog breeds, they are prone to some health issues.
Hip Dysplasia is a concern for this breed.
Caused by an incorrect formation of the hip joint, approximately seven in 1,000 dogs characterized by lameness in the rear of the dog.
Milder cases of hip dysplasia can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication, whereas more severe cases will require corrective surgery.
Cancer is also an issue for Golden Retrievers. It is estimated that around 60% will pass away as a result of a cancerous tumor.
Evidence suggests that early neutering can help prevent mammary cancer in female Golden Retrievers.
They are also prone to developing sight issues from eye conditions. Inherited Uveitis is a common issue with symptoms including: swelling of the iris, or colored parts of the eye.
Due to their naturally sunny temperament, they can be quite bad at communicating that they are in pain. Consequently, it is important to keep your eyes peeled for any subtle behavioral or physical changes that may indicate that your dog is sick.
On average, Golden Retriever owners pay between $33 and $49 USD each month to insure their dog.
A Golden Retrievers Coat Is A Thing Of Beauty
The fur on this breed is stunning, and also manages to serve a purpose. It has three breed standard colors dark golden, golden, and light golden and its fur is a dense, double coat that is water-repellant for all the times it retrieves hunted fowl from the water. The breed does shed heavily in fall and winter, and will require a daily brushing during those times to keep the fur under control. During the rest of the year, this dog is low maintenance, only requiring a weekly brush and occasional bath.
This is the characteristically thick coat that is classic of a Golden. Note just how dense the fur is and fluffy it makes the dog appear.
Miniature Golden Retrievers Myth
An adorable Goldie at half the size? There is certainly appeal in that cute little package. But unfortunately, once again there isnt really such a thing as a miniature Golden Retriever.
At least not in the purebred dog world. Mini Goldens are either a Golden mix where one parent is from a smaller breed.
Or occasionally one with the gene for dwarfism or bred from runts of the litter.
In these last two examples you are best off avoiding them for health reasons.
Reason #7: Golden Retrievers Are Fearless
Like I said in the previous tip, goldens were bred to be hunting dogs.
You cant be fearful and be a hunting dog at the same time!
And that fearlessness still persists today.
Have you heard the story of Todd, the golden who saved his mom from a rattlesnake bite in Arizona?
He took a bite to the face while on a walk that could have easily been for his mother.
Additional Golden Retriever Dog Behaviors And Personality Traits
If theyre not trained, exercised, and socialized on daily basis, the well-nurtured energy of these dogs, particularly as adolescents can be overwhelming, and even terrifying to small kids, in spite of the dogs best intentions to be friendly. Also, these dogs can develop intolerable levels of , barking, food stealing, and other unwanted Golden Retriever dog behaviors if hes bored, unsupervised, or untrained. So, start training early enough, be consistent, be patient, and one day youll wake up and realize that youre living with a really great dog with admirable Golden Retriever dog personality traits.
Golden Retrievers And Cancer
Unfortunately, this breed is at risk of developing cancer.
Statistically, 61% of Golden Retrievers experience cancer. This is one of the highest percentages of any dog breed.
It is not yet fully understood which specific genes are leading to the inheritance of cancer-risk genes.
This makes it a disease that neither the breeder nor owner can control.
It is not guaranteed that they will develop cancer over their lifetime. They are just genetically predisposed to receiving genes that may mutate.
All You Need To Know About Golden Retriever Dogs
With every passing year, the Golden Retriever ranks amongst the top 3 breeds of popular dogs in the United States of America, and its not really that complicated to fathom why.
Golden Retrievers are known for their amicable and loving personalities and picture-perfect good looks. This makes them the most popular and ideal family pet for most families.
A typical Golden Retriever is super friendly, easy-going, and absolutely adorable. It might even easily give off an impression of being a low-maintenance dog. However, they demand plenty of training, exercises, and mental stimulation.
Golden Retrievers can be quite chill compared to other breeds, but most of them arent too thrilled to laze around on the couch all day.
If you are considering whether a Golden Retriever dog will be a good addition as a pet for your family, then this is the ultimate guide for you. We have pulled up some essential facts on this beloved dog so that you can use these valuable insights to your advantage.
Keep reading to get all the insights on Golden Retrievers and the best way to care for them.
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. Its 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
Grooming: Are Golden Retrievers High Maintenance
It depends on how well you maintain his coat. If you brush him once or twice a week, you can keep grooming down to 30 minutes per session.
Leaving your Goldens coat untended for extended periods will lead to mats and tangles. This can be a nightmare to remove, and youll spend hours trying to get his coat gleaming again.
Properly groom your Golden Retriever by bathing him first to help loosen dead hair. When hes completely dry, break out the slicker brush and run it thoroughly through his fur.
Overbathing can ruin his undercoat and encourage more shedding, so schedule showers once a month.
Dont shave your Golden Retriever, as well. Their double coat has a purpose, and doing so wouldnt minimize shedding.
Keep his nails trimmed. If it clicks on the floor, its too long. And dont forget about the dewclaw. His ears also need to be checked regularly for discharge or mites.
Brush his teeth or give him a dental bone twice a week to prevent plaque buildup, which can cause bad breath and oral problems.
What Does A Golden Retriever Look Like
Its hard to miss a Golden Retriever. Theyre stunning dogs that stand out from the crowd, mainly because of their dense waterproof golden coat and high-held, feathery tail.
According to its breed standard, they have a solid and broad head. Its more apparent in males, but both genders should have well-defined skulls.
Aside from that, they have eyes that are friendly and intelligent lookers that will melt the coldest heart.
Their soft, floppy ears arent too long. When you gently pull them forward, they should just cover the eyes.
Do Golden Retrievers Really Smile
All dogs can smile. Goldens just happen to have a sweet face that makes it seem like theyre always cheerful.
But, there are three different kinds of smiles, and its essential to recognize each one.
Panting Smile: You can generally see this after a good romp. Theyre relaxed, tongues out, big goofy grin with mouth wide open.
Submissive Smile: This comical smile will have your Golden baring his teeth with his body close to the ground to show deference. This smile is about avoiding confrontations, so there wont be much eye contact.
Aggressive Smile: Goldens are hardly ever aggressive, so youll rarely see this. You can recognize it by a wrinkled muzzle and a full show of his teeth.
Sometimes, it is accompanied by an intense glare or even a growl.
The Golden Retriever Makes Great Service Dogs
Largely because of their temperament, Goldens make fantastic service dogs. They are also used because they love to be used and given tasks to do. Primarily due to their hunting background, these dogs have the strength to carry out the physical duties that some service dogs are required to do, but they never use that strength to harm people. Theyve long been used as seeing eye dogs for blind people, drug detection dogs for police forces, and therapy dogs in all sorts of settings.
Golden Retriever History Facts
This section obviously includes the history of goldens, but also some facts about the breed today.
- Golden retrievers are originally from Scotland .
- They are a mix of a Tweed water spaniel and a wavy-coated retriever . The first pair of these two dogs were named Nous and Belle .
- The first litter of goldens was born in 1868.
- Lord Tweedmouth was the founderof the golden retriever breed.
- They were originally bred to hunt waterfowl, as Lord Tweedmouth was a hunter and wanted a dog that could retrieve game both on land and in the water.
- Like all good stories, there is some controversy surrounding the origin of the golden retriever breed. Some say that there were golden retrievers around before Lord Tweedmouths first litter.
- Golden retrievers are part of the sporting group. This includes such as retrievers, spaniels, setters, and others.
- Golden retrievers are one of six retriever breeds. This also Labrador retrievers, Chesapeake Bay retrievers, curly-coated retrievers, flat-coated retrievers, and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retrievers.
- Golden retrievers are the 3rd most popular breed in America. This is according to the AKCs most popular breeds list.
- Although goldens were originally bred as hunting dogs, today theyre also therapy dogs, service dogs, and search and rescue dogs.
- Golden retrievers were recognized by the AKC in 1925. This is 57 years after the first goldens were bred.
Is A Golden Retriever Dangerous
As excellent this breed is, any dog that was abused and treated negatively can be considered dangerous. If a
Golden is in fear because of a threat, their adrenaline and instinct will kick in, which can force him to attack.
But theyre not inherently aggressive. Adequate training and early socialization, as well as treating your dog with respect, will avoid any behavior thats exceptionally undesirable.
Golden Retrievers Hold Two Guinness World Records
Charlie, a Golden Retriever that lives in Australia, holds the record for the loudest bark. Clocking in at 113.1 decibels, it is akin to a rock band. You can hear it for yourself here:
Now, how many balls can a Golden Retriever hold in his mouth at once? The answer is 6, along with a world record! Finley from Canandaigua took the title on the 23rd of Feb, 2020.
They Need Around Two Hours Of Exercise Each Day
Ideally, they should be walked for one hour in the morning and one in the evening.
When trained, because of their retrieval instinct, they are very good at coming back when asked . Until then, you shouldnt let your puppy off-leash as they may enjoy running a bit too much!
Due to their endless energy, this breed may enjoy a more active home where they can engage in sports, such as jogging, agility or flyball. For a more unusual sport, try dock jumping.
Until they are fully grown, puppies need five minutes exercise for every month they have lived. For example, a six-month-old puppy would need thirty minutes exercise daily.
Golden Retriever Health Issues: Common Problems
Health and NutritionBreed Information
Golden Retrievers are known for their beauty and great temperament, but unfortunately they are also known to be at risk for some health issues. Knowing what to look for can help your dog get a leg up on any serious health problems that may come their way.
Below we will cover many of the common health issues your Golden Retriever may face. At the end we will provide ways you can help ensure your dog stays healthy and happy.
Table of Contents
This Breed Needs Three Cups Of Kibble Daily
They will often sit by their owners side while they eat, acting like they havent been fed for days!
On average, they need three cups of high-quality food each day. This will vary slightly depending on the food type you are feeding and the size of your dog!
Their diet should be made up of approximately 30% protein, 12-18% fat and 30-35% carbohydrates .
It is perfectly natural to want to give your puppy treats every once in a while!
However, feeding excessive treats or unhealthy treats will result in your dog piling on the pounds!
When feeding your dog snacks, make sure its incorporated into their daily intake and try feeding them healthy foods, such as dog friendly fruits and vegetables.
Top Golden Retriever Claims
The ASPCA Pet Health Insurance program receives many claims from customers with Golden Retrievers, but these are the most common.* Its not surprising that there is a lot of overlap with the list of common health issues for this breed.
Notice to California Residents
*Pre-existing conditions are not covered. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For all terms and conditions visit . Preventive and Wellness Care reimbursements are based on a schedule. Complete Coverage? reimbursements are based on the invoice. Levels 1-4 reimbursements are based on usual and customary eligible costs. Products, schedules, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Discounts may vary and are subject to change. More information available at checkout.
The ASPCA is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. Products are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company , produced and administered by C&F Insurance Agency, Inc. , a Crum & Forster company. Through a licensing agreement, the ASPCA receives a royalty fee that is in exchange for use of the ASPCAs marks and is not a charitable contribution. C&F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United States Fire Insurance Company. Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group is a trademark of United States Fire Insurance Company. The Crum & Forster group of companies is rated A by AM Best Company 2020.
Finding A Golden Retrieverbreeder
The first step is to do your research. Sadly, there are many puppy mills posing as reputable breeders along with plenty ofonline 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 retrieverpuppy 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.
There Are Three Types Of Golden Retrievers
While you might think all Golden Retrievers look very similar, the breed actually has three different colors — golden, light golden, and dark golden — as well as three different types — English, Canadian, and American. There are subtle differences between the types of Goldens, but they all fall under the same breed.
How do you know what type of Golden Retriever you’ve got? Check their build and coloring. Canadian and American Golden Retrievers tend to have the same build; however, Canadians have a thinner coat than the Americans. English Golden Retrievers have a stockier build than the other types, and also tend to have a light golden to white color. To get an idea of what color coat your Golden Retriever puppy will have when it matures, take a look at its ears. The tip of the ears usually show what color the pup will be after they lose their puppy coat. No matter which type of Golden you have, they’ll have an even, enjoyable temperament. Goldens are renowned for their calm, playful, and friendly disposition.
Labs Can Be Yellow Black And Chocolate Goldens Can Only Be Gold
It is a common misconception that Labradors can be golden in color. In fact, if you ever do cross paths with a golden colored Retriever then it is probably a Goldador .
The color of Golden Retriever vs Labrador dogs is one of the major differences.
Golden Retrievers and Labradors have differences coat colors.
Their breed standards state:
Labrador Retrievers can also come in a red or . However, these two colors are not officially recognized.
Things You Might Not Love About Golden Retrievers
Although the 11 things above are absolutely adoring to golden retriever owners, theres also a flip side to many of those endearing qualities.
Here are a few:
Heres a good quote to keep in mind when considering the potential negative qualities of golden retrievers: A tired dog is a good dog.
Golden Retrievers Are Long Haired
The Golden Retriever has a very long coat that can be either wavy or straight. The Labrador has a short, smooth and straight coat.
Goldens have a very long coat when compared to the Labrador Retriever.
A Golden Retriever is best suited to a family who have plenty of time for grooming! The Golden also has furry feather-like fur around their body. These areas are extra fluffy and include their ears, neck, paws and tail.
They both have a dense, double coat that makes their coat specialized for swimming.
Their outer coat is water-repellent and they have a thick undercoat to protect them from debris.
Both dogs are not a good choice for anyone looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
Fact 4: Crazy For Balls
In 2003, a Golden Retriever named Augie from Texas won the Guinness World Record for holding 5 regulation-sized tennis balls in her mouth. As of January 2017, she is still the undefeated champion. How many balls can your Golden dog fit in his mouth? Maybe your canine friend will be on a list of interesting facts about Golden Retrievers in the future!Dogs are playful animals and for many years scientist have hypothesized that their playfulness, even into adulthood, is a result of breeders selecting juvenile traits that are perpetuated into adulthood.
New research suggests that play may have been an important factor for dogs to socialize with humans. During play, dogs are capable of gathering social information from their human which makes them more trainable. The authors suggest that the amount of time you spend playing with your dog and the different ways in which you play with your dog may show the quality of your relationship with your canine best friend.
Reference: Bradshaw JW, Pullen AJ, Rooney NJ. Why do adult dogs ‘play’? Behav Processes. 2015 Jan;110:82-7.
The Golden Retriever Does Not Do Well In Apartments
While its true that any dog can learn to adapt, as weve shown, this is a breed that loves its exercise. The Golden Retriever needs to run and play several times a day to get all of its energy out. If its cooped up in an apartment for most of the day, its highly likely that the dog will turn that restless energy into destructive behavior.
Finn needs a lot of playtime, and one of his favorite things to do is chase a ball that his family throws for him. Golden Retrievers love this because they can control how hard they throw it and how far it goes, therefore controlling how much running Finn does.
Red Golden Retriever Puppies For Sale
While Golden Retrievers develop their coloring with age, it can be difficult to tell exactly what color your Golden Retriever will be when purchasing a puppy.
The best way to choose a Red Golden Retriever is to look at their ears as this will be most similar to their eventual adult coloring.
While a yellow Golden Retriever can cost around $800, the Red Golden Retriever will fetch a much higher price due to their rarity and the fact that they are highly sought after. You can expect to pay as much as $3,000 for this breed.
Golden Retriever Vs German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is bigger than a Golden Retriever. GSDs can grow up to 26 inches tall and can weigh up to 90 pounds .
Their wolfish look, coupled with their erect ears and low back, give them an intimidating appearance. But they also have thick coats which require as much grooming as Goldens.
German Shepherds are sharp creatures that rank as the 3rd most intelligent breed. This fido is a true working dog, and theyre more motivated by physical activity than treats.
Though theyre highly energetic, theyre one of the large dogs suitable for novice owners. So if youre looking for a guard dog that doubles as a family pet, the GSD fits the job.
Proper training is crucial, though, as they may become overprotective.
Golden Retrievers Love Water
Golden retrievers were originally bred to weather the forests and swamps of Scotland. Though you may not find yourself hunting in the highlands any time soon, your Golden likely still appreciates the feeling of splashing through cool water, and shaking it off in an explosive mist.
Regular trips to a nearby beach for a game of fetch and the chance to swim will almost certainly be appreciated by your Golden, reports . If regular trips to the beach arent possible, consider purchasing a hard plastic kiddie pool or even a sprinkler for your golden to play in. Not only does this play to their love for water, but it can also help keep them cool in the summer.
What You Need To Know About Golden Retriever Health
Golden Retrievers look beautiful, but are they healthy? An individual Golden certainly can be, but the breed as a whole can be affected by a number of health problems.
At the top of the list of health concerns in the breed is cancer, including hemangiosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, mast cell tumors and bone cancer. Some veterinarians call Goldens “Cancer retrievers,” and treatments for this disease can be emotionally and financially devastating. It’s not known to what extent all these forms of cancer are genetic or exactly how they’re transmitted from one generation to the next, but the sky-high rate of cancer in Golden Retrievers is suspected to be at least partly inherited. The Morris Animal Foundation and the Golden Retriever Foundation have teamed up to do a major cancer study that will focus on Goldens and may eventually benefit other breeds, and people, as well.
Goldens also suffer from a high incidence of the painful genetic hip deformity known as hip dysplasia, which develops when the head of the thigh bone doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket. Serious hip dysplasia can lead to crippling arthritis and requires costly surgical treatment.
Golden Retrievers can also have genetic elbow deformities. Eyes are another problem area in the breed, so make sure the parents have been examined by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist and certified by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.