Golden Retriever Vs Lab Size
Both Goldens and Labs are popular choices for people interested in medium to large sized dogs. How do Goldens and Labs compare in size? When looking at size, remember that males tend to be larger than females, and height is measured at the tallest point on the bodythe shoulder blades or withersand not the head.
Generally, the Lab is a slightly larger dog than the Golden. Male Golden Retrievers are 23 to 24 inches in height females are 21 ½ to 22 ½ inches. Males weigh between 65 and 75 pounds females are 55 to 65 pounds. Labrador Retriever males should be 22 ½ to 24 ½ inches high at the withers female height ranges from 21 ½ to 23 ½ inches. Male Labs can weigh between 65 and 80 pounds, while females should be between 55 to 70 pounds.
While breed standards are exacting for show quality dogs, remember that a pet quality dog can be larger or smaller than the breed standard, depending on the individual animal. The overall body type of Golden vs Lab reflects the size difference between the two breeds. The proportions of the Golden tend to be elegant and symmetrical. Labs are generally more solid and sturdy than overly refined.
Why Does My Golden Retriever Mouth Me
If your Golden Retriever has a habit of mouthing you this post will show you why it might be doing it and what you can do to get it to stop.
So, why does my Golden Retriever mouth me? Possible reasons are that it is looking for attention, its teething, it has not been trained not to or that you have inadvertently rewarded it.
Your Golden Retriever might be doing if for a number of reasons and it could be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are also a number of things you can do to get it to stop.
Is It Possible For Golden Retrievers To Be Aggressive
Although golden retrievers are generally friendly dogs, they can be aggressive, just like any other canine breed .
Golden retrievers who are aggressive are usually bred, not born.
Neglect, abuse, and a lack of basic socialization all contribute to their development.
What role does socialization play in aggression?
Most golden retrievers aggression stems from a fearful state, which is usually caused by a lack of socialization.
Perhaps your golden retriever has never seen someone wearing a hat and sunglasses.
Youre going down the street one day when you come across a young man wearing a hat and sunglasses.
He asks if he can pet your dog, and you say yes since you know how much your golden loves children.
However, because your golden has never seen a boy wearing a hat and sunglasses, he is scared of him. He may bite him as he boldly approaches your golden and puts his hand to his face.
So, as you raise your golden retriever puppy, make sure to properly socialize him or her to avoid future anxiety and aggressiveness issues.
To help them grow into confident adults: get them used to be around other animals, noises, items and different types of people.
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Is A Golden Retriever Right For You
Its no surprise that we, as members of the Golden Retriever Club of America , think Golden Retrievers are just about the best breed ever! And thats because the sum of all the features that define the breed are a good fit for what we want in a dog, and the inconveniences are manageable to us. Not everyone agrees with us, of course, and thats exactly the reason that there are literally hundreds of dog breeds. Each breed was created with its own set of physical characteristics, temperament, and aptitude that make it desirable to some people, but less suitable for others.
Predictability of traits is the primary reason that purebred dogs exist. But not all purebred dogs are created equal, and serious hobby/competition breeders offer the highest level of reliability for good health, temperament, and appearance. With breeding programs guided by knowledge, purpose, and passion, these breeders strive to produce puppies that closely match the breeds ideal trait profile as described by the AKC Breed Standard. Thats the breeders responsibility.
Top 10 Most Common Health Issues For Golden Retrievers
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If Youre A Couch Potato Then This Dog Is Not For You
Golden Retrievers have high energy levels and they need to burn this energy off. Give your dog one or two hours of exercise every day otherwise shell mess up your home. Theres plenty of activities you can do, as Goldens are great companions for walking, running, playing in the park, swimming, and even hiking.
Besides running, Golden Retrievers need mental stimulation to thrive. You can teach her obedience training by yourself, as these dogs are known to be among the most obedient breeds. Other stimulating activities where Golden Retrievers register great results are canine freestyle and agility training.
Golden Retrievers were bred to work, so they need to be active to stay happy. Furthermore, the lack of exercise will generate a series of medical problems, including obesity and other related issues, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or problems with ligaments and tendons.
Theyre Great As Friends
They say a mans best friend is their dog, and this is undoubtedly true with a golden retriever.
No other friend is available to you whenever you want to hang out, always wants to do whatever youre doing, never mocks you or tells you that thing youre excited about is a bad idea. Who needs human friends when youve got a dog on your side?!
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Bringing Home A Golden Retriever
This is just the start of the benefits youll reap by welcoming a golden retriever into your family. Having a loving, attentive dog brings joy to any household.
If you fit the profile as someone who is active and loves the outdoors, then this may be the dog for you. If you enjoy cozy nights inside, a golden is still the pet for you. You really cant lose with these affectionate and gentle creatures.
If your family is ready to commit to a dog, there is no better dog than a golden. They will protect your family and keep everybody happy.
Your Golden Retriever Puppys Health
When it comes to your puppys health, heres the most important thing you can do: have a good relationship with your vet.
Theyll be the ones get you started on vaccines, help you choose an appropriate food, and prevent or treat any illnesses or injuries that may occur.
In addition to having a good relationship with your vet, here are some other tips to keep your pup healthy:
- Dont let your puppy eat poop which could potentially be infected with a virus, bacteria or parasites
- Dont let your puppy drink from standing water, which can often hold bacteria and parasites
- Choose a good food to help strengthen your puppys immune system
- Avoid places with other dogs, like the dog park, before your puppy is fully vaccinated
- Talk to your vet about supplementing with vitamins
- Talk to your vet about vaccinations
You can read more about common golden retriever health problems here.
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Do You Still Want A Golden
We believe that it was important for you to know up front all the reasons that you might not want a Golden, so that you can make a well thought out decision that is best for your family and best for a prospective puppy. But we also know that a well-bred, well-trained Golden can be a joy for its lifetime and if this is the right breed for you, we are very happy to help you connect with reputable breeders. So lets get started!
How To Prevent Aggression In Your Golden Retriever
One of the best ways to prevent aggression in your golden retriever is to properly socialize them.
Show them that other people and other dogs are ok by giving them positive experiences with them.
Now, if your golden is being aggressive, go get professional help.
A professional trainer will help you understand why your dog is being aggressive, what triggers their aggression, and how to fix it.
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Bone And Joint Problems
A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Golden Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. With diligent observation at home and knowledge about the diseases that may affect your friend’s bones, joints, or muscles, you will be able to take great care of him throughout his life.
- Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. Stiffness in your Golden’s elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritisthe sooner the betterto minimize discomfort and pain. Well take X-rays of your dogs bones to identify issues as early as possible. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering!
So Is A Golden Retriever The Right Fit For You
I hope I havent completely spoiled this breed for you but opened your eyes to some of the harsher realities of Goldens. I believe its healthy to research all sides of any decision so you can make an educated choice knowing all of the facts.
Overall, they are incredibly loving, fun, and loyal pets that will give you more of their hearts then almost any other breed Ive ever met.
If after reading all of the negative parts of this breed, you still want one as your fur-baby, I say youve absolutely earned the right to do so! Im sure your heart is in the right place, especially after being made aware of all of the downsides.
Follow your souls tug in whatever directions your instincts deem as right. Golden Retrievers will make stunning additions to any family, but did I mention they shed?
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How To Pick A Golden Retriever Puppy From The Litter
Im going to be honest here
There are no tricks to getting the perfect puppy for you.
The most important thing is to find a breeder that breeds parents that resemble the dog you want.
Do you want a sweet, calm golden?
Then look for a breeder that breeds sweet, calm goldens.
Do you want a dog to go hunting with?
Then look for a breeder that breeds hunting dogs.
After finding a good breeder, talk with them and tell them what you want.
For instance, when my wife and I went to pick up our golden retriever, Oliver, we told the breeder that we wanted a big, calm golden.
It was obvious to see which of the puppies were going to be big, and from being with these puppies the previous eight weeks, they were able to help advise me on which ones seemed to be on the calmer side.
Here are a few other tips for picking a puppy:
Grooming A Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever has a medium length double coat, consisting of a water repellant top coat and a soft undercoat. They have longer feathering fur on the neck, legs, and tail. Goldens are sometimes bred for longer, silkier coats than what is described in the breed standard. Many owners like soft, flowing coats while breed purists say that Goldens, as hunting dogs, should have more moderate coats.
All Goldens, regardless of coat length and texture, require regular grooming. The undercoat grows denser in cold weather and sheds in warm weather. Use of an undercoat rake can help remove loose fur from the undercoat. For the top coat a good quality slicker brush is a must-have. Some also like steel tooth combs.
More than one brushing per week is recommended for Goldens. Grooming a Golden also requires trimming some of the longer fur with scissors, specifically thinning shears. Areas that require regular trimming with scissors include the ears, feet, neck, and tail. The coat of a Golden Retriever should never be shaved.
Besides maintaining the coat, basic grooming needs for a Golden also include baths, nail trimmings, and ear and teeth cleaning. Remember that drop eared dogs are prone to ear infections. So how does Golden Retriever grooming compare with Labrador Retriever grooming?
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They Are Very Friendly
If youre looking for an extremely friendly dog to welcome into your family, then a golden retriever is one of the best dogs you can bring to your home. Just about everyone that has been around a golden has fallen in love with them
They arent very protective and guarded, which makes them great for kids because they can get up close without having a fear of being snapped at.
It is very rare for a golden to get mad because of their easy-going nature, which is something many dog enthusiasts have come to appreciate.
In addition to all of this, a goldens desire to have a purpose and beloved will make them ready to please all members of the family and make their owners happy. make their owners happy.
Are Golden Retrievers Suitable For Children
Golden retrievers, like newborns, are noted for being gentle with toddlers.
Goldens are patient and enjoy being seen, while toddlers are interested and enjoy touching things, so theyre usually a good fit.
Olivers first Thanksgiving was spent at my parents place, where they held a large gathering.
One couple brought their two-year-old, and he and Oliver ran around the house chasing each other.
It was adorable, and the best thing was that it was impossible to determine who was having the most enjoyment. They were both having a great time!
You wouldnt leave your toddler alone with a dog, though, just like you wouldnt leave your baby alone with a dog.
Toddlers are prone to grabbing, stepping on, or tripping over pets, which may frighten or annoy them.
Golden retrievers are known to be nice with toddlers as long as you supervise the two of them.
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How To Train A Golden Retriever Puppy Not To Bite
- How to train a golden retriever not to bite: this can be one of the most important things you learn about owning this dog breed. Some golden retriever dogs will playfully bite your fingers or your feet. It looks cute, and you laugh, but often it can give your new golden retriever puppy the feeling that its okay to bite on your skin. Some golden retriever dogs like to pull on socks, and they appear so adorable when they do so.
- You may think that biting isnt such a big deal, but the fact is, your golden retriever puppy just learned a valuable life lesson. They learned that biting is not okay, even if you arent trying to hurt them. Golden retrievers are very responsive to positive reinforcement. So start training them right away by making sure they understand biting isnt okay and that they wont get it from you.
- One way to train your puppy not to bite is to teach him a no biting command. This is much easier than you might think. Most golden retrievers respond very well to food rewards, giving them dry food as a reward for not biting. The dry food is just an incentive, but its a lot better than reprimanding them in such a negative manner.
- Another way to train your dog not to bite is to play nip games. These games are usually played indoors, but theyll work just as well if you play in the backyard or anywhere else that your dog is allowed to go. Just use your voice with your golden retriever and say, nip! When he does this correctly, praise him and offer him a treat.
Golden Retriever Personality Traits:
- Perfect for families with children
Because of their docile, friendly and very gentle nature, golden retrievers make excellent family dogs. They love kids and playtime and have a very soft, gentle mouth. They are also very energetic and will get your kids off the couch to play with them, successfully tiring them out and making them sleep better and earlier once bedtime comes. Retrievers are great with kids of all ages and are often very protective of little children.
- Very loyal
A retriever is very loyal to his family, which is a major reason why so many people like having them as pets. Once a retriever feels loved and like an important part of the family, they will go to any length to protect the other members of the family.
- Patient
Children can often be rough with your dog. A golden retriever will never react with aggression and are generally very tolerant and patient with other pets and little children. This is a major reason why parents feel comfortable in letting their children play with the dog even without supervision.
However, it is very important to monitor both dog and child when they first start getting to know each other, and to teach your child how to be kind to your dog and play with them without hurting them.
- Good at training
- Boundless energy
- Natural swimmers
- Quiet
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