How To Properly Weigh And Measure A Golden Retriever
Weighing your Golden Retriever enables you to know how much food they should be eating daily and identify any signs of health conditions early. It is recommended that you weigh your puppy every six months to be able to monitor their weight to ensure it is ideal for their age.
To weigh your puppy at home, use your bathroom scale.
Step 1 step on the scale and write down your weight.
Step 2 step on the scale while holding your puppy and record the number.
Step 3 subtract your weight from the weight of you holding your puppy. This is your puppys weight.
To measure the height, let your puppy stand next to a wall and find the withers, which is the highest point of your puppys shoulder blades. Use a measuring tape to measure from the ground to the withers. This is your puppys height.
American Vs Canadian Vs British Golden Retrievers
There seems to be a lot of misinformation when it comes to American vs. Canadian vs. British goldens.
Remember, according to the Golden Retriever Club of America, and also the Golden Retriever Club of Canada, there is just one breed of golden retriever.
So to say that these are different types of golden retrievers is a little misleading
However, the breed standards are not so standard across the three nations.
| American Standard | |||
| Not specified | |||
| Coat colors | Rich, lustrous golden of various shadesPredominant body color which is either extremely pale or extremely dark is undesirable | lustrous golden of various shades. | Any shade of gold or cream, neither red nor mahogany. |
Here are some interesting notes from the table above:
- The British standard accepts shorter goldens
- The AKC specifically says extremely pale or extremely dark is undesirable.
- The British Kennel Club accepts cream as a color
Although these nations vary in accepted colors and sizes, one thing remains true: golden retrievers are typically sweet, loving family dogs.
So far this list has included different styles or fancy names of the same breed of golden retrievers, but thats about to change
Brief History Of The Golden Retriever
Welcome to the GRCA Historical Education site! We hope that you are anxious to learn more about the history of the Golden Retriever.
The GRCA is proud of the Golden Retrievers rich heritage and invites you to share it with us. All pictures on this site have been obtained from the Golden Retriever Club of America Archives unless otherwise noted.
An extensive list of suggested reading materials has been included here.
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They Were Bred For Different Jobs
The differences between the purpose of the Golden Retriever vs Labrador are subtle now because they both have similar jobs, however, historically they had very different jobs!
Golden Retrievers were actually a gentlemans dog, bred to retrieve waterfowl. Labradors were a fishermans dog, bred to retrieve fish nets and fish.
Both breeds were bred for their loyalty, intelligence, swimming abilities, and soft-mouths:
- Their loyalty makes them excellent companions.
- Their intelligence makes them easy-to-train.
- Their swimming ability helps them excel in their jobs.
- Their soft-mouths helping them fetch water-fowl without harm.
Golden Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve shot waterfowl during a gentlemans hunt. They were the perfect sporting companion for wealthy owners who enjoyed game hunting.
Unlike the Golden, the Labrador Retrievers first job was to retrieve nets, ropes and fish for fishermen.
It wasnt until after the St. Johns Water Dog was imported to England that aristocrats admired their loyalty, work ethic and love of water. After they arrived in England, Labradors were then bred to be sporting companions whose duty was to retrieve shot waterfowl .
At this point, both breeds became popular companions for shooting sports.
What Should I Feed My Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers should be fed a high-quality dog food thats appropriate for their age. Your veterinarian can offer recommendations and advise you on a healthy feeding schedule. Be careful not to overfeed your Golden Retriever. Use a measuring cup to make sure youre providing the right amount of kibble, and dont go overboard on treats, which can be high in calories.
Its important to help your Golden Retriever maintain a healthy weight to avoid problems like joint pain, heart disease, and liver and kidney issues. Like other large breeds, theyre also prone to conditions like hip dysplasia and arthritis, which can become more painful if theyre carrying extra pounds.
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Where Does The Golden Retriever Fit In
The aristocrat responsible for Golden Retrievers was the first Lord of Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks. He developed the breed in the Scottish highlands during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Tweedmouth wanted a dog who was excellent for the rugged terrain and rainy climate of his home in Scottland. Of course, the dog also had to be an excellent retriever for hunting. Tweedmouth wanted to create a breed that was good in the home as well with a gentle and sweet temperament.
He kept copious breeding records from 1840-1890. These records showed traits of the parents and then what the puppies were like. Building a knowledge base for him to work with.
He crossed the “yellow retriever” with the Tweed Water Spaniel and also threw in some Irish Setter and Bloodhound, Springer Spaniel, Newfoundland, and others.
Golden Retrievers, when first registered at a kennel club, were called Gloden Flat-Coats. In 1911 the name was changed to Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever Club of England was formed in 1913. The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925.
Golden Retrievers were first shown in 1908 and started to arrive in the USA around that same time. The breed quickly became a favorite. Hunters loved the functionality of the breed, show-goers loved the style and beauty, and the sweet temperament was loved by all.
In the first Obedience trials of the 1970s, Golden Retrievers won the first three shows. Again sealing their popularity.
Do Golden Retrievers Still Grow After Being Neutered
A common question is whether your golden retriever will continue to grow after being neutered. This is not a simple question to answer. The short answer is that yes, your puppy can still grow after being neutered.
A longer answer is that you want to wait until your dog has fully grown before you neuter him. There has been recent information that has come about that has shown that dogs who are neutered before they are finished growing are more likely to develop hip dysplasia, arthritis, and, especially in golden retrievers, cancer.
If you wait, you will also not need to worry about whether your dog will continue to grow.
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Golden Retrievers Are So Popular In Movies Due To Their Obedient Nature
Golden Retrievers are often featured in movies and television shows, including Air Bud and Homeward Bound. While the breed is certainly cute, it’s not their beauty that gets Goldens so many television spots. It’s their mellow nature, combined with their trainability.
Golden Retrievers are easy to train, and they perform reliably and consistently. That’s what makes them such popular guide dogs, and it’s also what led the breed to take first in AKC obedience trials when they were introduced in 1977.
Health Status Of Your Golden Retriever
Goldens With Medical Conditions
If your Golden is sick or has a medical condition, extra warmth is needed to keep them comfortable. They are unable to regulate their body temperature as well as a healthy dog.
This includes dogs with heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or chronic conditions like arthritis.
Arthritis flares up when the cold weather hits and your dogs symptoms worsen. Their joints get stiff and become painful. Keeping your dog warm helps to alleviate the pain.
A winter coat is beneficial for the outdoors, and a sweater may be needed to keep them warm indoors.
Recovering From Injuries or Surgery
Any dog that is recovering from an injury or surgery should be taking it easy to help speed up healing.
Having added warmth from a winter coat while taking a short walk or going outside to pee may be beneficial to keep the immune system strong.
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Despite Their Titled Heritage Golden Retrievers Didn’t Win Breed Recognition Until The 1920s
Golden Retrievers were developed starting in 1850 by the Scotsman Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, the Lord of Tweedmouth. Hunting birds was popular at the time, both as sport and as a practical way of obtaining food. Marjoribanks sought a medium-sized bird dog to support the hunt. The breed was developed by crossing a Retriever with a Water Spaniel, then crossing their offspring with Bloodhounds, Irish Setters, the St. John’s Water Dog, and other Retrievers. Golden Retrievers were first shown in 1908, at the U.K.’s Crystal Palace. They were entered as “flat coats ” rather than the name we know them by today.
It took until 1925 for the breed to win official American Kennel Club recognition. Today, Golden Retrievers are still used for hunting and field trials, and they also perform obedience and guide dog work.
Two Presidents Enjoyed Golden Retrievers As Pets While In The White House
Both President Ford and President Reagan enjoyed Golden Retrievers while in office. President Reagan’s Golden Retriever, Victory, was one of six dogs the president owned. President Reagan also enjoyed a stable full of horses at his ranch.
President Ford had a Siamese cat and a mixed-breed dog in addition to Liberty the Golden Retriever and Liberty’s puppy, Misty.
Goldens are also popular as celebrity pets. Celebs who own Golden Retrievers include Miranda Lambert, Jimmy Fallon, Emma Stone, Adam Levine, and Oprah.
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Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers
When choosing the best dog food for your Golden Retriever, consider his size, activity level and life stage. Without adequate exercise, Goldens are at risk of becoming overweight. You want to select a food that will help him maintain his ideal body condition long-term. Here are a few foods that we recommend for Golden Retrievers.
- Purina Puppy Chow Large Breed Formula
History Of The Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers originated from the Scottish Highlands, where they were used primarily as hunting dogs. The Scottish estate owners needed a dog that could retrieve birds either in water or on land because their hunting grounds had many ponds and marshes. As guns were improved, retrievers needed to be able to bring back birds from farther distances.
To develop the ideal retriever, the Baron of Tweedmouth, Dudley Marjoribanks, crossed a Tweed water spaniel with a yellow-colored retriever. The four pups were then used in further breeding with lines including the Irish setter, bloodhound, St. John’s water dog, and black retrievers. He kept detailed records throughout the later years of the 19th century, showcasing the goal of developing a dog with a soft mouth for retrieving game but that was also strong and active. The breed gained popularity in England and was recognized by The Kennel Club of England in 1911.
During the early 20th century, golden retrievers were introduced to North America as both a hunting dog and a companion. The golden retriever was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925. When the AKC debuted the AKC Obedience Champion title in 1977, the first three dogs to earn the designation were golden retrievers. Presidential golden retrievers include those owned by Gerald R. Ford and Ronald Reagan.
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English Cream Golden Retrievers Are Popular
According to the AKC, golden retrievers are the 4th most popular breed in America, behind Labradors, French Bulldogs, and German shepherds.
This is great because theyre such good dogs and everybody deserves to have one.
Another plus is that its rare to see golden retrievers in the pound because theyre usually adopted right away.
But its also bad because irresponsible breeders have tried to jump on the bandwagon and make some money breeding them without worrying about health and temperament history.
If you do decide to get a golden retriever from a breeder, make sure to do your research before you choose one.
You can watch this YouTube video about the ugly truth about Golden Retrievers for more on irresponsible breeders.
Coming To Public Attention
The breed was developed mostly away from the view of the general public until, Lord Harcourt exhibited a collection of dogs from the breed at the Kennel Club show in 1908 and they proved very popular.
They were entered into a class available for Any variety of retriever as they were as yet unclassified, but it was at this time the term Golden Retriever was first used to described them and so the coining of the term is usually given to Lord Harcourt.
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European Golden Retrievers Are Less Likely To Die From Cancer Than American Golden Retrievers
According to this study in Cambridge, 40% of golden retrievers from Europe will die from cancer, while, according to the Morris Animal Foundation, 60% of golden retrievers in America will get cancer.
Heres a quote in Vet Street about why this is the case:
When studied in a laboratory, the genes of American and U.K. Goldens are significantly different, suggesting that the risk of hemangiosarcoma is related to a relatively recent genetic alteration.
Labrador Retriever And Obesity
Any Lab owner will tell you just how food orientated this breed is.
They LOVE to eat.
Unfortunately, their love of food can cause many health issues.
The Labrador Retriever is genetically prone to obesity.
Genetic factors leaves the Labrador genetically predisposed to excessive weight gain, increased appetite and obesity.
This genetic mutation is only common in Labradors and is not found in other dog breeds.
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Disagreement And Controversy Around The Breeds Origins
For many decades, the exact origins of the Golden Retriever breed was disputed, with many people asserting they originated from the purchase and development of a whole pack of Russian tracker sheepdogs from a circus that had visited.
But Dudley Marjoribanks journals being published in 1952 finally put an end to this popular myth.
There Is Only One Golden Retriever Breed
There is only one recognized breed of golden retriever, with many styles within the breed.
American, Canadian, English, cream, gold, red, stocky, field bred golden retrievers are all golden retrievers.
Yes, there may be some variability in appearance, energy levels, and even health , but theyre all golden retrievers and are more similar than they are different.
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English Cream Golden Retrievers Are Not From England
No, most English Cream goldens youll find in America are not from England.
Just like French fries are not from France.
All golden retrievers originated from Scotland in the mid-1800s when Lord Tweedmouth bred a Tweed water spaniel and a yellow wavy-coated retriever.
Most American breeders of these goldens either breed dogs from here in the States or import their dogs from all over the world, including:
- Denmark
- The Netherlands
So how did English Cream goldens get their misleading name?
According to Bev Brown, the Kennel Club and the Golden Retriever Club, were the first ones to write up the breed standard.
And in the early 1900s, all dog shows in Britain were held in England.
So in America, we called the champions of those dog shows, English Champions.
The English seems to have stuck with goldens that look like the English champions in those days, so 100 years later were calling them English Cream Golden Retrievers.
More About This Breed
It’s no surprise that the Golden Retriever is one of the top ten most popular dogs in the U.S. It’s all good with the Golden: he’s highly intelligent, sociable, beautiful, and loyal.
He’s also lively. The Golden is slow to mature and retains the silly, playful personality of a puppy until three to four years of age, which can be both delightful and annoying. Many keep their puppyish traits into old age.
Originally bred for the physically demanding job of retrieving ducks and other fowl for hunters, the Golden needs daily exercise: a walk or jog, free time in the yard, a run at the beach or lake , or a game of fetch. And like other intelligent breeds who were bred to work, they need to have a job to do, such as retrieving the paper, waking up family members, or competing in dog sports. A tired Golden is a well-behaved Golden.
As well as giving your Golden Retriever physical and mental exercise, you should also be prepared to include him in your family activities. The Golden Retriever is a family dog, and he needs to be with his “pack.” Don’t consider getting a Golden unless you’re willing to have him in the house with you, underfoot, every day.
There’s one other potential drawback to the breed: He’s definitely not a watchdog. He might bark when strangers come around, but don’t count on it. Most likely, he’ll wag his tail and flash that characteristic Golden smile.
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Ideal Environment For A Golden Retriever
A Golden Retriever dog needs plenty of exercise and prefers open spaces for retrieving. This is why a golden retriever is best suited for a house with a big yard or an owner who will take them to the off-leash park all the time. If you have small children, a Golden Retriever is a safe choice for a family pet, especially if properly trained.
Canadian Golden Retriever Size And Weight: How Big Will A Canadian Golden Retriever Get
When you hear about Golden Retrievers, you probably think about large dogs.
Well, in general, Goldens have a stocky and heavy build which is why they belong to the large breed category. However, is this also true for Canadian Golden Retrievers?
The short answer is yes. In terms of size, male Canadian Goldens stand from 23 to 24 inches tall while their female counterparts range from 21 ½ to 22 ½ inches tall.
The weight of male Canadian Goldens ranges between 65 and 75 pounds while the female Canadian Golden Retrievers fall between 60 and 70 pounds.
The Canadian Golden Retriever is known to outgrow the other variants for a few inches, making them the largest among the Golden variations. But then again, Im speaking in general.
The final size and growth of each Golden, regardless of its type, will be influenced by its diet, lifestyle, and health condition.
Most Canadian Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at the age of 16 months. But this does not mean that their growth will completely halt. Some may still gain a few inches and pounds as they grow old.
It would be safe to say that the final size and growth of a Canadian Golden can be determined after it turns two years old.
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