Golden Retrievers Are The Third Most Popular Breed On The Akc Listing
Theyve held that spot on the listing for years with no sign of change. Theyre popular because they appeal to different people. Hunters love them for practical purposes, for the breeds ability to track and retrieve game. People who show dogs love them because of their gorgeous appearance, easy temperament, and how trainable they are for different competitions. And theyre beloved by regular dog lovers because of their happy-go-lucky personality and their gentle way with all people.
Finn is a young Golden Retriever puppy. Hes just a few months old, and hes already learning basic obedience commands. His owner would like to train him to be a therapy dog when he is older, so she has started young.
Are Golden Retrievers Hypoallergenic
No, Golden Retrievers are not allergy-friendly. Their waterproof double coat sheds twice a year, just like Huskies.
Those with sensitivities might want to look for a different breed because this canine is a heavy shedder.
But Goldies come in all shades of gold. If youre planning to join dog shows, know that the darkest and lightest golden shade is considered undesirable.
That includes being too white.
Those Golden Retrievers with white markings on their face are an exception because its often due to old age.
Their coat can be straight or wavy, where some have thicker feathering, while others have close to none.
These are acceptable in conformation events since there are three types of Golden Retrievers the Canadian Golden Retriever, the American Golden Retriever, and the British Golden Retriever.
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Golden Retriever Vs Labrador Retriever
These two dogs are very similar, and people often have a hard time choosing between them. So, which is the better breed?
Its hard to say because they share the same wholesome nature. Labradors are a tad bit stubborn and hard-headed.
If youve seen Marley & Me, it shows Labrador puppies having boundless energy and requires more attention. Because of that, theyre prone to separation anxiety and have strong destructive tendencies.
However, this hasnt stopped the Labrador from being Americas top breed for 29 consecutive years.
One distinct feature that separates the two is their coats. Labrador Retrievers also have a double coat, but they require much less grooming.
Their fur is short and neat, with no feathering. They also come in three colors yellow, chocolate, and black.
Labs also have slightly longer lifespans, capping on an average of 14 years.;
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What Is The Temperament Of The Golden Retriever
One of the most things people love about Golden Retrievers are their lovable and cheerful personalities. Their faces are so welcoming and friendly. How can you not fall in love with them? Its no wonder they are the staple for the all-American family dog.
They are extremely intelligent and therefore makes them one the easiest dogs to train. Thats why a lot of Retrievers make excellent candidates for sniffing out drugs and explosives and being trained as guide dogs and LLC K-9 Comfort dogs. Their intuitiveness makes it seem like you are spending your time with another person rather than a dog.
Golden Retrievers are some of the most trusting dogs which doesnt make them the best guard dogs. They would most likely greet and play with an intruder than try to scare them away so remember that.
They just love to be everyones friend and often wag their tails in happiness which means they need to be around people as they have a tendency to get sad from a lack of social interaction.
While Golden Retrievers are widely known for being one of the gentlest breeds, they can from time to time exhibit aggressive behavior. Though this behavior is rare, there are a few factors that can lead a Retriever to be aggressive:
- Being territorial
- Pain/Illness
- Genetics
When Retrievers show violent or aggressive behavior, the problem should not be that hard to fix. The best way to deal with an aggressive Retriever is to try and avoid the behavior all together and be sure to get them proper training.
They Make Lousy Guard Dogs
Golden Retrievers have a gentle and trusting disposition, which makes them horrible guard dogs.
However, they do make great watchdogs and will bark loudly at strangers. When a stranger comes to the door they will bark, but soon their tail will wag and they will become fast friends with the stranger.
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Why Do Two Goldens Look So Different
The Golden is supposed to be a mid-to-large size dog, suitable for sitting in a duck blind all day, while small enough to haul over the side of a boat all wet . The standard has a range of acceptable sizes, for females it is 21 1/2-22 1/2 inches at the shoulder, for males it is 23-24 inches at the shoulder, with an inch allowance either way. So, just in size, if you have a small female and a large male there is a BIG difference. Now, if you add variations in coat, which may come from the “type” of breeding, you can get quite a physical difference. Through the years, breeders have bred for different qualities. Some breeders are interested purely in physical appearance for show purposes. Since “big and hairy” looks stunning in the show ring and wins, these breeders have bred for those characteristics. Other breeders have bred only for field ability. Since the smaller dogs have been the ones that are faster and flashier in the field, these breeders have tended to breed for those characteristics. There are other types, as well, but these are the most common. Just because a dog is of the “conformation” type does NOT mean that it cannot work in the field, just as being of the “field” type does NOT mean that that dog cannot win in the show ring.;
False Myths About Golden Retrievers
Besides the best traits of Golden Retrievers you should be familiar with, we would also like to dismantle five false myths about this noble breed. Pay attention, especially if you’re thinking about adopting a Golden Retriever.
- Golden Retrievers are eager to please humans. This is, to put it simple, false and absurd. It speaks volumes about our selfishness that we still believe that dogs are born with an innate desire to please us.If you want your Golden Retriever to follow your commands, you need to make it worthwhile for them. Just because they are a calm and gentle breed, it doesn’t mean a Golden Retriever will always be willing to do whatever you want – you need to praise them and reward them to get results, and of course you have to put some effort into training them.
- Golden Retrievers catch and collect things by instinct. This is absolutely not true! Retriever dogs have to be trained to learn to catch and collect prey and objects; while they do have a predisposition to look for moving objects – a bird, a ball or a stick – they don’t innately put them in their mouths and carry them back to their owner. Even if your Golden Retriever returns things without being trained to do so, it doesn’t mean they have it written in their genetic code.
These are the main 10 things you should know about Golden Retrievers; if you have anything to add, please tell us in the comments section. Don’t forget to learn how to care for Golden Retrievers from puppy to adulthood!
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They Make Amazing Therapy Dogs
Apart from being so enthusiastic, fun-loving, sociable, and good-humored, golden retrievers are also extremely loving, warm, affectionate, and caring. This ideal blend of qualities makes them amazing therapy dogs. The fact that they know exactly how to bond with their owners is an added quality that makes them able to offer you great emotional support.
Golden retrievers have been blessed with this beautiful ability to reach out to humans, display a whole different level of kindness, and shower them with unconditional love. This is the main reason why they are used as therapy dogs for people who are going through some kind of emotional or mental trauma. These fluffy creatures can help you feel better in an instant and bring a wide smile on your face.
Golden Retriever Dog Breed Information 14 Things To Know
Golden Retrievers are among the most beautiful, popular, and instantly recognizable dog breeds in the world.
Known for its sweet nature and charming personality, this dog breed has been sought after in America for almost a century. But what do you really know about the breed? Is it right for you when you consider your family and your living arrangements?
Read on to find out more about this fantastic dog breed, what makes it so popular, and if the Golden Retriever is the right dog breed for you.
Contents
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Golden Retriever Facts 40 Amazing Things You Never Knew
How many Golden Retriever facts do you know?
Are you a Retriever whizz or trailing at the back of the pack? Lets find out!
Weve got 40 amazing Goldie nuggets of information right here for you.
Including a fabulous Fact vs Fiction bonus section at the end!
From the side-splitting to the deadly serious, lets take a plunge into the wonderful world of the gorgeous Golden Retriever.
What To Expect In A Purebred Golden Retriever
While there are a few cosmetic distinctions between one golden retriever to the next, they usually share many of the same characteristics. Here are some of the most common features that define the golden retriever breed:
- Personality:;Golden retrievers are playful yet gentle and tend to be quite affable, even with other pets and strangers. They are eager to please and usually respond well to obedience training. Theyre also even-tempered, affectionate and intelligent.
- Color:;The golden retrievers signature golden coat can display a range of shades dark golden, light golden, cream golden, red golden and white golden.
- Tail:;Golden retrievers have long tails that extend to the hock but not below. The length varies and can be anywhere from 4 to 12 inches long. Some dogs have shorter, fluffier tails, while others have less feathering.
- Ears:;Golden retrievers have short ears that fold over.
- Coat and hair:;The outer coat of a golden retriever;is dense and water-repellent, while the undercoat is thick. The hair can be wavy or straight. Golden retrievers have feathering on the back of the front legs, along the tail and on the chest.
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Things To Consider Before Buying A Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers have long been one of my favorite dog breeds.
Here are some things you should consider before you get a Golden Retriever. They are great dogs, but you have to be aware of what you’re getting into.
I was born a dog lover, but my love for Golden Retrievers didn’t really begin until 1997 when Duke joined our family. For over 20 years, Golden Retrievers have remained one of my favorite dog breeds.
If you’re thinking of adding a Golden Retriever to your family, I don’t blame you. However, there are 13 things I think every potential Golden owner should be aware of.
Golden Retriever Puppies Bite
This is one of the important things to know about golden retriever puppies for first-time pet owners. Pet parents are shocked and disappointed and frustrated after the initial honeymoon period with the cute puppy. All puppies bite, golden retrievers more so.
Why? Because they are bred to hold things and retrieve it back to their owner. All puppies explore the world around them by trying to bite and feel. Its kinda holding something to see just that puppies bite instead of holding. Their teeth are sharp, and it hurts.
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Trust me, you will wish you didnt buy the puppy when it bites As it grows, it bites harder and harder until about 6 to 8 months and then it should reduce. Dont worry, once grown Goldens are known to have the softest bites of all dogs so much so that a Golden Retriever can hold an egg in its mouth without breaking it!
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Are There Different Types Of Golden Retrievers
You might have heard that there are three types of Golden Retrievers
But is it really true?
Well, there are gold Goldens, white Goldens, red Goldens, and all sorts of shades in between.
So it would make sense that there are different types
But according to the Golden Retriever Club of America, there is just one breed of Golden your regular ol Golden Retriever.
That being said, there are several styles of Golden.
The articles below will explain all the different styles for you:
Dont let their sweet smile or goofy play style fool you.
Golden Retrievers are very smart.
According to canine psychologist, Dr. Stanley Coren, Golden Retrievers are the fourth smartest dog breed .
The only dogs smarter than Goldens were Border Collies, Poodles, and German Shepherds.
This can be an advantage when it comes to training them, but it is also something to watch out for, as their intelligence can lead to mischievousness.
To avoid common Golden Retriever behavior problems , youll need to give them lots of mental challenges, like puzzle toys and training.
Golden Retriever Puppies Are Hyperactive
If you are a first-time golden parent, you will go crazy trying to match up with the puppys super-charged energy. They will demand for your attention all the time they are awake.
Luckily, they sleep all day long, so there is a small window of awake time which you have be prepared for and save all your energy to play with your energetic puppy. Dont blame me, you have been warned!
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How Much Exercise Do They Need
Golden Retrievers are energetic dogs who need plenty of exercise to help them stay in shape. An active lifestyle can also help prevent stress, frustration, and boredom, which can result in bad behaviors like chewing up your favorite shoes or damaging the furniture.
Your veterinarian can tell you how much exercise is right for your dog, but a good rule of thumb for Golden Retrievers is to get them moving for at least 30 minutes two times a day. That should tire out your four-legged friend. If its too hot for a walk, you can take your Golden Retriever for a swim. These dogs were bred to fetch birds from the water and tend to enjoy a nice dip in a lake or pool.
How To Crate Train Your Golden Retriever Puppy
Have you ever seen a dog lay down under a table or chair?
Dogs are den animals and they naturally like to be in sheltered spaces.
Yes, they wont like their crate at first, but theyll learn to love it eventually, and it will be one of the best tools you have for raising your puppy.
Here are some advantages of crate training your puppy.
- It helps with potty training
- It can keep your house safe from your puppy chewing up everything
- It can keep your puppy safe from accidentally swallowing something dangerous
- Its a safe way to teach your puppy to be calm when alone
You might be thinking, Isnt it mean to put my dog in a cage?
Considering the fact that dogs are den animals and all of the advantages of crate training, its not mean to crate train your puppy.
Instead, its great and necessary.
Yes, the above meme is funny, but thats at least a couple hundred bucks in home repairs, plus the dog might have ingested some wood or drywall that could get lodged in their stomach, and Ill bet there are a few exposed nails in there.
If your dog is in a crate when theyre home alone, this wont happen.
So now that youve decided to crate train your Golden Retriever, how do you actually do it?
Like potty training, its simple, but not easy.
Here are some tips to get your puppy to like their crate:
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Owning A Goldie Takes Money
Though Golden Retrievers are great dogs for many different people, theyre not the best breed for those on a budget. It can cost at least $500 to buy a Goldie from a breeder who owns the dogs and more than $3,000 to buy a registered pup. Some of the top breeders in the country show Golden Retrievers at American Kennel Club and other shows. They take those same dogs and breed them before selling their puppies. Some breeders will take the time to register those puppies or to provide you with the paperwork that you need to register your new pet. This can save you some time and gives you a registered puppy that you can show yourself.
The cost of buying and raising a Goldie includes much more than what you pay upfront though. It can take a few hundred dollars to cover its first vet appointment and a few hundred dollars more for the vaccinations and check-ups that it needs in the future. Youll also spend at least $100 a month on food and even more for the grooming that a Goldie needs, including nail trimming and teeth brushing.
Golden Retrievers that suffer from serious health conditions will require more money out of your pocket too. The cost of treating CID can easily cost $1,000 or more. Those with thyroid conditions may require expensive treatments too. Its really important that you consider the cost of ownership before deciding that a Golden Retriever is the best dog for you.
