Intelligent, loyal, and eager to please, the golden retriever is ranked third on the American Kennel Club’s list of the most popular dog breeds, right behind Labrador retrievers and German shepherds.
What is it like to have a golden retriever puppy? And what happens when that puppy grows up? Do golden retrievers shed much? These are just a few of the facts we’ll cover in our guide to goldens.
Breed characteristics
First bred as hunting dogs, goldens now are most popular as family pets.
Females stand 21.5 to 22.5 inches high, and males are a bit taller, at the height of 23 to 24 inches. The average female golden weighs 55 to 65 pounds, while the average male weighs in at 65 to 75 pounds.
Golden retriever colors vary from light cream to a dark golden red. That is just a shade lighter than a golden Irish, which is a cross between the golden retriever and the Irish setter.
Health issues
Is a golden a good dog to buy? The answer depends whether you’re working with reputable golden retriever breeders, and on the health clearances from the puppy’s parents. Insist on seeing the parents, and insist on viewing health certificates.
Hip, heart, and eye health certificates aren’t a guarantee that health problems won’t arise. But it is vital to get one before you purchase a puppy and fall in love!
There are a few common golden health problems; symptoms vary by condition.
Cancer, cataracts, sub-aortic stenosis, epilepsy, skin allergies, hypothyroidism, and hip dysplasia are the most common medical issues, while separation anxiety is the most common problem with behavioral health.
Goldens also can be prone to gaining weight, and hip and elbow dysplasia.The dogs also are prone to develop pigmentary uveitis, which causes vision loss, discomfort, and blindness in middle-aged and older golden retrievers.
Since genetics partly determine the price of a golden, you will pay more for a dog with healthy, certified parents.
Even with health certifications, there are no guarantees. Serious health issues can be expensive. For example, Embrace Pet Insurance quotes the average golden retriever hip dysplasia surgery cost anywhere between $1,700 and $4,700.
The average life expectancy of a golden retriever is ten to 13 years, although some dogs have longer or shorter lives.
Temperament
Goldens are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are affectionate, loyal, and make wonderful family pets. They are also intelligent, confident, and eager to please their owners.
Golden Retrievers are social dogs, and they thrive on human attention and interaction.
They are not typically aggressive, but they may bark to alert their owners of strangers or unusual activity. They are also known for their love of water, and many enjoy swimming and playing in lakes, rivers, and pools.
Golden Retrievers are natural retrievers, and they love to bring their families objects such as balls, toys, and sticks.
They have a gentle mouth, which makes them excellent hunting companions and game retrievers of game.
They also excel in obedience training, agility training, and other dog sports.
Overall, Golden Retrievers are wonderful dogs with a great disposition, and they make excellent pets for families and individuals alike.
Goldens have a reputation for being sociable, friendly, and fun to be around if they are properly trained, socialized, and get the exercise they need. Like many other dogs that thrive on companionship, golden retrievers don’t respond well to loneliness.
If left alone for long periods, they’re likely to develop anxiety and turn to destructive behaviors in an attempt to soothe themselves.
This breed typically gets along well with the entire family, including other pets and young children.
Most well-socialized goldens will alert their families when visitors are at the door but will greet new people with a friendly attitude.
If you’re looking for a protective guard dog, a golden probably shouldn’t be your first choice.
Goldens are popular for crossbreeding including Goldendoodle, Golden Shepherds, and Golden Border Retrievers or Coltrievers.
Grooming
Golden Retrievers have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and shiny. Their coats are water-repellent and keep dirt and debris from the skin.
These dogs shed year-round, but daily brushing and grooming can prevent matting, tangles, and keep their coat looking beautiful.
During the winter to spring transition, it is essential to groom them more intensively either at home or with the help of a professional.
Apart from brushing, grooming includes regular nail trimming, cleaning the tear ducts, and keeping their ears clean.
It is important to train your puppy to accept toothbrushing to maintain their dental health.
Here are some grooming tips for Golden Retriever puppies:
Brushing
Brush your puppy’s coat at least once a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Use a slicker brush or pin brush to gently brush the coat in the direction of hair growth.
Bathing
Bathe your puppy once a month or when they get too dirty or smelly. Use mild dog shampoo and ensure to rinse thoroughly to avoid any residue.
Nail trimming
Trim your puppy’s nails once a month to prevent discomfort and ensure they don’t get too long. Use a sharp dog nail clipper and trim just the tip of the nail.
Ear cleaning
Check your puppy’s ears once a week for any signs of infection or debris. Use a cotton ball and a gentle ear cleaner to clean the ear flaps and outer ear canal.
Teeth brushing
Brush your puppy’s teeth at least twice a week to prevent dental problems. Use a dog toothbrush and toothpaste to brush the teeth and gums.
Remember to reward your puppy with treats and praise during grooming sessions to make it a positive experience.
Training
Golden retrievers are known for their high intelligence and trainability.
They are quick learners and eager to please their owners, making them excellent service dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Golden retrievers excel in obedience training, agility training, and other dog sports.
They also have a natural instinct to retrieve objects, which makes them great companions for hunting and outdoor activities.
With consistent and positive training, a golden retriever can excel in a variety of activities and make a wonderful companion for its owner.
The ease of training Golden Retrieve puppies is one reason why the dogs are so popular.
Training should begin as soon as your golden retriever puppy comes home.
Start immediately with basic crate training and obedience training. Once your puppy learns basic commands, you can move on to more advanced training.
Since goldens are active, high-energy dogs, you’ll be glad that you took time for basic obedience.
A golden retriever won the first-ever AKC National Obedience Championship in 1995, according to the Golden Retriever Club of America.
Exercise
If you’re active, then a golden retriever will likely make a fantastic companion. While these dogs have a reputation for being laid-back and easygoing, they do need plenty of daily exercise.
Walking, running, and playing fetch top the list – and as water-loving dogs, the dogs enjoy swimming, too.
They also benefit from mental exercise and stimulation.
If you’re looking for a dog that’s happy with life as a quasi-couch potato, consider a dog breed that needs less exercise.
Low-energy options include Pugs, Basset hounds, and English bulldogs.
Of course, you also might adopt an older golden since these dogs do slow down as the years pass by.
Finding a Golden Retriever
If you’re hoping to buy a golden retriever, be sure to work with reputable breeders rather than puppy mills.
Rather than buy a puppy, consider getting a dog from a golden retriever rescue such as PawMaw, GRREAT: Golden Retriever Rescue, Education, and Training, or Golden Retriever Rescue Resource. You also can search for goldens on PetFinder.com.
Bring home a great family dog
So, is a golden retriever a good first dog? Although goldens are large, high-energy dogs, their friendly nature, intelligence, and willingness to please make them an ideal choice for many first-time dog owners.
With help from a professional trainer, adorable golden puppies grow up to be friendly, warm-hearted dogs that bring joy to their families.
Lauretta Williams is one of the co-founders of PawMaw.com, a website dedicated to creating happy endings by reuniting people with their lost pets.