The golden retriever is a very popular dog breed almost everywhere in the world. It is a great childhood friend with enormous hunting talent. They are intelligent, gentle, friendly and easy going. For these reasons they are very suitable as a family dog. Their intelligence also makes them easy to train which makes them very attractive as a first time dog. Yet they appear not to be suitable for everyone.
Breed info
- Height at the withers: male 56-61 centimeters, bitch 51-56 centimeters
- Weight: male 34 kilograms, bitch 29 kilograms
- Coat care: quite laborious, moulting
- Movement: demanding
- Nutrition: demanding
- Character: friendly, accommodating and intelligent
Origin
The Golden Retriever has its origins in Scotland where they were bred in the mid-19th century by the wealthy Scottish elite for hunting, on land and in the water. From Scotland and England they found their way to the European mainland.
Appearance
The golden retriever is a breed of dog that just about everyone recognizes. Golden retrievers have a deep cream-colored to golden coat, consisting of a soft undercoat and flat, slightly wavy outer coat. In terms of height at the withers, they sit at a maximum of 61 centimeters. That means that they are neither too big nor too small for many people. In addition, they have a sturdy physique, which means they can take a beating. Another quality is the gentle face. The longer coat of the Golden Retriever sometimes dares to bring in sand and dirt. However, this can be prevented by a gentle brushing after walking. The dogs are soft in the mouth and can carry shot game and even a newspaper without leaving a trace.
Temperament and character
Education is usually not difficult at all due to its smart and calm nature. Golden retrievers need to be treated consistently, but kindly. They don’t tolerate harsh words or a harsh approach. They also need some challenge in training as they get bored easily.
The golden retriever is related to the labrador retriever. It is an intelligent all-round hunting dog. They stay calm in just about any situation. Their strongest skill is retrieving game or toys. For that they were initially bred. However, vigilance is not their strongest point. They will warn the boss about strangers on the property, but it usually ends there.
The golden retriever is well-balanced and adapts to just about any family. It is an honest, kind and affectionate dog. The golden retriever is also a real childhood friend. Other animals are usually no problem for the golden retriever. He is also exceptionally sweet towards people with disabilities and does his utmost to understand them.
Fear of abandonment and destructiveness are behavioral problems that often result from a lack of attention and movement, so the boss’s fault. Dogs are social animals and need plenty of interaction. Attention and exercise are key factors for any dog’s health and happiness.
Nutrition
Nutrition is a major concern for Golden Retrievers. Their weight must be monitored precisely. They often consume everything you serve them at a rapid pace. For that reason, obesity is a common problem and that is always the fault of the owner. The Golden Retriever should eat smaller portions several times a day that are appropriate for their size and exercise. Dog foods that contain grains or rice (usually vegetable by- or residual products mentioned in the ingredients list) are completely unsuitable. Go for decent food with at least 70% pure meat. You will usually not find this in the supermarket but in pet stores or online. It will cost you more money, but it will benefit your golden retriever’s health, longevity and quality of life. That way you save veterinary costs again.
Movement
Golden retrievers need a lot of exercise. They move little by themselves, even if they have a large garden available. After all, they soon get tired of it. They would much rather do something with the boss. A few times a day around the block is not enough exercise for the golden retriever, especially on a leash. They love to fetch a lot. A ball with a throwing stick is not a superfluous luxury. Make sure you have a smooth ball, not a hairy or rough ball like a tennis ball that can get sand and dirt. This causes tooth wear. Lots of exercise is good for your Golden Retriever’s mental and physical health.
In summary
The Golden Retriever is a very suitable family dog. He also likes to see children, adapts to every family and does everything for it. A golden retriever is easy to train making it perfect as a first dog. A lot of exercise with the owner and attention to nutrition is important for the golden retriever.
Do you have an active lifestyle where you can involve the dog on a daily basis, regardless of the weather? Don’t mind using the vacuum cleaner or mop a little more often to deal with the dirt and hair your dog brings in? Are the costs for quality food and care self-evident for you? Do you have a warm family with a great love for animals? Then the golden retriever is definitely for you!
