Golden Retriever

Information

• NameGolden Retriever
• Other namesYellow Retriever, Golden Flat Coat
• OriginUnited Kingdom
• Size TypeMedium to Large sized
• Breed GroupSporting (AKC:1925); Gun Dog (UKC)
• Life span10-13 years
• TypePurebred
• TemperamentIntelligent, Kind, Friendly, Confident, Reliable, Trustworthy
• HeightFemale: 21–23 inches (55–57 cm) Male: 23–24 inches (58–61 cm)
• WeightFemale: 24.8–29.6 kg Male: 29.3–35 kg
• ColorsGolden, Dark Golden, Light Golden
• Litter Size6-10 puppies
• Puppy PriceAverage $1000 – $2000 USD

Characteristics

• Adaptability
  
• Apartment Friendly
  
• Barking Tendencies
  Occassional
• Cat Friendly
  
• Child Friendly
  Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.
• Dog Friendly
  
• Exercise Needs
  
• Grooming
  Moderate Maintenance: Grooming should be performed regularly to keep its fur in good shape. Occasional trimming or stripping needed.
• Health Issues
  Hypoallergenic: No
• Intelligence
  Ranking: #4
• Playfulness
  
• Shedding Level
  Moderate Shedding: Expect this dog to shed regularly. Be prepared to vacuum often. Brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the coat softer and cleaner.
• Stranger Friendly
  
• Trainability
  Easy Training: Training will be enjoyable. This dog is inclined to listen to commands and obey its owner. This breed will require fewer repetitions to obey specific instructions, pleasing owners who like to see quick results.
• Watchdog Ability
  

Overview

Golden Retrievers are fun-hearted and loyal creatures that are extremely patient and tolerant of kids, making them excellent family dogs.

Their high intelligence also allows them to effectively fetch game for hunters or serve as therapy/assistance dogs.

They thrive in doing work and love pleasing their owners, as they appear to like having, for the lack of a better term, a job to do.

They have also been noted to care and develop maternal instincts over an abandoned young, even if it belongs to an entirely different species.

Body Type

Golden Retrievers carry very well-balanced bodies with deep chests that are about as wide as a man’s closed hand, if measured from foreleg to foreleg.

These dogs may weigh around 24.8 to 35 kg, depending on their gender, while their height may range from 21 to 24 inches.

They are also characterized with long and well-sprung ribs that extend toward their hindquarters.

Their briskets reach up to their elbows and lacks depth. They also tend to have short and muscular loins with very little tuck-up.

Coat

These loyal creatures also possess thick and relatively waterproof coats that have a texture that is neither too coarse nor too silky.

Their fur may also be straight or wavy, depending on their heritage.

Their heads, feet, and legs are characterized by short, uniform hair.

Their thighs, backs, and tails, on the other hand, are feathered and fluffy.

Keep in mind that split-ended, overly soft and/or excessively long hair can reach an unruly state so fast if not managed properly, regardless of breed.

Hence, regular combing and trimming is encouraged. Brace yourself for some shedding, as well.

Color

You might find some areas of their body (feathery bits on their tails and thighs, for instance) lighter than the rest, but, generally, Golden Retrievers wear rich and lustrous shades of gold.

Whitening or graying of fur may be the result of old age, although it may differ from retriever to retriever.

Graying usually appears around the muzzle and the eyes.

Temperament

Golden Retrievers are very cheerful and kind, not to mention intelligent and reliable. Practically what anyone might look for in a best friend.

They might be extremely playful as pups, as well, so some obedience training is necessary to instill good manners and bring their hyperactivity down a notch.

Golden Retrievers are also very steady-tempered and peaceful with other animals, which definitely helps if you also have other pets at home or if you are planning on keeping one.

Tasty Tidbits

Here are some tasty tidbits about Golden Retrievers:

• They are flexible in regards with the living environment. If you live in an apartment, that’s fine, provided that it is roomy enough for your new pal to roam around and engage in some activities.
• Golden Retrievers are what you would call a “people person,” except they are dogs. They enjoy company and are very eager to please. They are also incredibly athletic and love to play around.
• The Golden Retriever is the third most popular dog breed in the U.S., according to the ranking released by the American Kennel Club in 2014.