GOLDEN RETRIEVER DOG BREED
THINGS YOU TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING A RETRIVER PUPPY
You are right to take this decision seriously, because there’s a price to pay for life with a Golden Retriever – and it isn’t just the money!
You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed?
Nearly everyone has an opinion on whether or not you should ‘take the plunge’.
But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family.
Dogs need space, both indoors and outside.
Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about, and Golden Retriever as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space.
This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Golden Retriever puppy. Somewhere that your dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you.
Golden Retriever can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves.
If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged.
You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing.
Golden Retriever also need to go outside regularly for ‘bathroom breaks’.
With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you.
If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you.
You’ll need to set up a system where the puppy can toilet indoors, using puppy pads or newspaper, then retrain him to go outdoors when he is older.
Some people successfully use a dog crate to help with their puppy’s toilet training and to keep them contained in the house.
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Overview
The Golden Retriever was developed in Britain during the 1800's. The man responsible for this illustrious breed, Lord Tweedmouth, wanted a dog that was loyal, kind, spirited, and energetic. He also wanted a dog with a love for water and the ability to retrieve. Golden Retrievers are the embodiment of beauty and brains.
Character
The Golden Retriever is a gorgeous, large, and energetic breed. They are the world's foremost family pet and companion. They are sturdy, well proportioned, and are well known for their hunting capabilities on land and in the water. The Golden is perceptive and agile.
Temperament
Golden Retrievers are loveable, polite, and highly intelligent. They exude charm and confidence. They are sweet, eager to please, and devoted family companions. They do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time or they will become mischievous and destructive. They have a tendency to be overly exuberant and distractible. They are always gentle and patient with children. They are friendly with other pets. In fact, they are friendly with everyone. They tend to bark as a form of greeting. The Golden Retriever is not well suited for a two career family as they require an inordinate amount of human interaction and companionship.
Care
The Golden Retriever requires daily and thorough brushing with a firm bristle brush. They should be dry shampooed regularly, and bathed only when absolutely necessary with a mild shampoo. They are prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, and skin allergies. It is important to not over feed the Golden Retriever, as they have a tendency to gain weight.
Coat
The Golden Retriever has a double coat that is water repellent and weather resistant. The outer coat is firm, resilient, and can be wavy or straight. The tail and legs are feathered with longer hair. The under coat is dense and soft in texture. The coat color is rich, lustrous, and varies in shades of cream to gold. The Golden is a heavy shedder.
Training
The Golden Retriever is one of the easiest breeds to train. They excel in obedience and are popular therapy and service dogs. They have many talents including competitive obedience, narcotic detection, agility, and performing tricks.
Activity
The Golden Retriever requires daily exercise. They enjoy play sessions with their family, retrieving balls and other toys. They will do okay in an apartment dwelling provided they are sufficiently exercised. Golden Retrievers are moderately active indoors and does best with a medium to large sized securely fenced yard.
Weight
Male: 65-75; Female: 55-65 lbs
Height
Male: 23-24; Female: 21.5-22.5 inches
Color(s)
various shades of gold