Golden Retriever
| Breed Information | |
|---|---|
| Popularity (2015) | #3 |
| Name | Golden Retriever |
| Other names | Yellow Retriever, Golden Flat Coat |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Breed Group | Sporting (AKC:1925)Gun Dog (UKC) |
| Size | Medium to Large sized |
| Type | Purebred |
| Life span | 10-13 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent Kind Friendly Confident Reliable Trustworthy |
| Height | Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm) Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) |
| Weight | Male: 65-75 lb (29-34 kg) Female: 55-65 lb (25-29 kg) |
| Colors | GoldenDark GoldenLight Golden |
| Litter Size | 6-10 puppies |
| Puppy Price | Average $1000 - $2000 USD |
| Breed Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | 5 stars |
| Apartment Friendly | 4 stars |
| Barking Tendencies | 1 starsOccassional |
| Cat Friendly | 4 stars |
| Child Friendly | 5 starsGood with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. |
| Dog Friendly | 5 stars |
| Exercise Needs | 5 stars |
| Grooming | 3 starsModerate Maintenance: Grooming should be performed regularly to keep its fur in good shape. Occasional trimming or stripping needed. |
| Health Issues | 4 starsHypoallergenic: No |
| Intelligence | 5 starsRanking: #4 |
| Playfulness | 5 stars |
| Shedding Level | 3 starsModerate 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 | 5 stars |
| Trainability | 5 starsEasy 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 | 3 stars |
| Puppy Names | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rank | Male | Female |
| 01 | Bailey | Bella |
| 02 | Charlie | Molly |
| 03 | Rocky | Maggie |
| 04 | Jack | Sadie |
| 05 | Toby | Bailey |
| 06 | Cody | Abby |
| 07 | Buster | Gracie |
| 08 | Cooper | Sasha |
| 09 | Harley | Angel |
| 10 | Tucker | Annie |
| Overview |
|---|
|
The Golden Retriever is a sturdy, medium-large sized dog, capable of
carrying heavy game over land and water. For this, it needs a broad,
powerful head with strong neck and well-developed fore- and
hindquarters. It is just slightly longer than tall. The gait is smooth,
powerful and ground-covering. The water-repellant coat is dense, with
the outer coat straight or wavy. Everybody's friend, the golden retriever is known for its devoted and obedient nature as a family companion. It is an apt sporting retriever as well and yearns for a day in the field. Ignoring its active nature and powerful physique can lead to behavior problems, and it needs daily physical and mental exercise. It tends to be overly exuberant and boisterous, and its enthusiasm for everything often distracts it during training; however, it is eager to please and enjoys learning. The golden's achievements in competitive obedience are remarkable. It especially enjoys games that involve retrieving and loves to carry items in its mouth. |
| History |
| Originating in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s, the Golden Retriever was developed by Lord Tweedmouth, by crossing the original yellow Flat-Coated Retriever with the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel. He later crossed in the Bloodhound, Irish Setter and more Tweed Water Spaniel. The dogs were called the Golden Flat-Coat and only later were they given the name Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds known today, not only as family companions but for obedience competitions, hunting and tracking, as a birddog on both land and in the water, narcotics detection, service dog for the disabled, a guide for the blind and as a therapy dog. The Golden Retriever was first recognized by the AKC in 1925. |
| Size & Weight |
| Males should stand from 22 to 24 in (56 to 61 cm) at the withers and weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. Females should stand 20 to 22 in (51 to 56 cm) and weigh between 55 and 65 pounds. In the show ring, dogs that are more than one inch taller or shorter than the standard are disqualified, but there is no height that disqualifies a companion dog. |
| Coat & Color |
| Golden Retrievers sport a thick, water-repellent double coat. Some have straight hair, while other coats are wavy. There is feathering on the back of the front legs, underbody, chest, back of thighs and the tail. They come in many shades of gold, ranging from light to dark. Some breeders produce white Goldens, but the coloring is not recognized by breed standards. As the dog ages, the coat may become lighter or darker, and the face and body may whiten. |
| Temperament |
| Golden Retrievers easily get along well with their friends and companions, but can be belligerent with unknown visitors. They get along especially well with children, with whom they are gentle and patient. They are also friendly with other dogs and other household pets. The Golden Retriever is very devoted to family, and eager to please. The Golden Retriever is simply loving and loveable! |
| Health & Lifespan |
|
The average lifespan for a Golden Retriever is about 10 to 13 years.
They are susceptible to specific ailments, so should be taken to a
veterinarian for yearly checkups. Golden Retrievers are known to have genetic disorders and other diseases. Hip dysplasia is common in the breed; when buying a puppy, the pedigree should be known and be examined by the OFA or by PennHIP for hip disease. Obesity is also common in the breed because Golden Retrievers love to eat. Puppies should eat about three cups of food a day and adults three to five cups, depending on the food and how active the dog is. |
| Training & Activity |
|
The Golden Retriever is particularly easy to train. They are very
sensitive to harsh treatment, so excessive strictness is not
recommended. They learn very quickly and are extremely adaptable, making
them perfect for therapy or service jobs. Golden Retrievers can learn
many tricks and will remember what they are taught for the rest of their
lives. Obedience classes are recommended. 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. Socialization is one of the single most important things you can do for your puppy. |