Golden Retriever
One of the most jovial dogs around, Golden Retrievers are known for their highly cheerful and outgoing nature. They are exceptionally intelligent that makes them learn tricks faster and are often used as guide dogs because of it.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
51-61 cm
25-34 kg
10-12 years
Scotland
pure
sporting
Characteristics of the Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are cheerful dogs who will do anything to please people. Also, they are exceptionally intelligent and will learn tricks faster than you could ever imagine. This special trait has made them good guide dogs, who just simply aces in vigilance purposes. An amazing trait of Golden Retrievers is that they get along well with children, making them great family pets. These dogs do well in all climates, something that has made their popularity very high in recent decades here in India and around the world.
Coat
As the name implies, Golden Retriever's hair has a golden yellow tone colour, with a dense and semi-long coat type. Though they don't usually form knots, you do need to brush their hair frequently. You may consider bathing your Goldie once every month as it will help him to maintain good hygiene. Also, avoid using human shampoo and use only dog shampoo to cleanse their skin and coat, as the former can throw the skin's pH balance out of whack. When it comes to combing their hair, you may consider using a bristle, pin or slicker brush that will effectively prevent the problem of matting and tangling. Regular brushing does wonders in keeping excellent hair health. Lastly, feed them a diet rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that will keep their coat healthy and shiny.
Pet Profile
Recommended Treats for Golden Retriever
Pedigree Adult Dog Treat Sticks Meat Jerky Stix, Roasted Lamb, 80 g Pouch
Jerhigh Dog Treats Strip 70 gm
Choostix Calcium Plus Stylam Dog Treat 450 gms
Goodies Dog Treats SpiraStix Strawberry And Milk 450 gm
Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers
As an active breed, Golden Retriever needs a high-quality protein rich diet consisting of 18-22% protein. This ensures that your dog maintains lean muscle mass and also a healthy hair. Also due to their dense coat, it is important to have Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids in their food, as it promotes a glossy skin. Likewise, select a diet which has a fat content between 5-8% to fulfils the high energy needs of the dog. Because of their innocent face, you may be tempted to give them more food, but consider refraining from that. You should note that Golden Retrievers can quickly become obese and hence, you should control their diet.
Grooming Your Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are among those dogs who need regular grooming. This is mainly because they have a long and dense coat, and it can quickly get entangled and matted, when not given enough attention. Make sure you brush the dog's ears, arm-pits, legs, and tail every week as it will reduce the problem of shedding to a greater extent. Using a high quality slicker brush can effectively clean their double coat. You may also cut their nails once in a month, but ensure you are doing it safely and properly.
Taking Care of a Golden Retriever
The main care that must be taken with a Golden Retriever dog is with regard to its fur. As they have a thick coat, they may suffer from dermatitis and other skin problems, especially in the scorching heat of the summers. Hence, it is absolutely necessary to brush their fur frequently and give them regular baths. Water activities are a lot of fun for the goldies and can be fundamental to the health of these pets. An exercise like swimming helps in muscle strengthening, heart health and also in weight maintenance. Talk to your pet's veterinarian to see if he is able to perform this type of exercise. Your dog will surely love it!
History of Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland around the middle of the 19th century. During then in Scotland, wildlife hunting used to be a popular sport mainly among the wealthy elite. But the existing retriever dog breeds were inadequate for retrieving downed games from both land and water. It was a necessity as the hunting grounds of the time were pocketed with marshy ponds and rivers. For this reason, the best water spaniels were crossed with the existing retrievers, resulting in the creation of the breed today known as the Golden Retriever.