Big Dog Breeds, Dog Maintenance

A Guide to the Friendly, Family Loving Golden Retriever

A Guide to the Friendly, Family Loving Golden Retriever

Andrew Alpin, M.Sc.

Andrew Alpin, M.Sc.

One of the dog breeds that is considered to be the most popular in the United States, as well as the rest of the world, is the Golden Retriever. Because of their affable nature and capacity for tolerance, dogs of this breed make excellent companion animals for families. Their high level of intellect also makes them particularly capable working dogs. Find out everything there is to know about Golden Retrievers.

Origins

golden retriever greeting a beach
A golden retriever greeting the beach! Image by mvaligursky via depositphotos.com

The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands during the late 19th century, bred by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth. His goal was to develop a versatile hunting dog adept at retrieving game from both land and water. By crossing the now-extinct Yellow Retriever with the Tweed Water Spaniel (a breed known for its excellent water skills), and later incorporating Irish Setters and Bloodhounds into the lineage, he achieved the breed’s signature traits: intelligence, a gentle temperament, and a lustrous golden coat. Officially recognized in the early 20th century, the Golden Retriever quickly became beloved worldwide for its loyalty, adaptability, and endearing nature.

Characteristics and Nature

Golden retrievers drinking water from bowls
Golden retrievers drinking water from bowls. Image by tan4ikk via Depositphotos.

Golden Retrievers are ranked as the fourth most intelligent dogs and are exceptional at locating a lost game for hunters, tracking, and detecting illegal substances for law enforcement – in addition to their roles as therapy and service dogs. Additionally, they possess a natural athleticism that allows them to excel in canine sports such as competitive obedience and agility.

These dogs are moderately simple to instruct and adapt well to living in virtually any kind of household or family. They are wonderful with children and highly protective of the people that are part of their family. If you are looking for a companion who will be devoted, loving, and energetic, you should seriously consider adopting one of these puppies into your family.

Appearance

golden retriever swimming in lake
Golden retriever having fun in a lake. Image by dkaubo via Depositphotos.
  • Weight: males weigh 65-75 pounds, and females 55-65 pounds.
  • Height: males measure 24 inches at the shoulder, and females 22 inches. 
  • Breed group: Retrieving
  • Origin: Scotland
  • Lifespan: 10-12 years

Although all Golden Retriever dogs are golden in color, there is a wide range of tones within the breed. Some Goldens are light in color, like the white Golden Retriever or the English cream Golden Retriever. On the other hand, others are very dark, with darker streaks on their backs, fronts, thighs, and tails. Their perpetual puppy appearance results from their long, floppy ears and lively disposition.

The coat of a Golden retriever is a magnificent golden double coat, consisting of an outer coat resistant to water and a softer undercoat that helps maintain a constant internal temperature regardless of the season.

Intelligence

Golden Retriever guide dog
Golden Retrievers make good guide dogs after their cousin, the Labrador. Image by IgorVetushko via Depositphotos.

Ranked as the fourth most intelligent dog breed, there is no easier dog to train than the Golden Retriever because of its intelligence, eagerness to learn, and low level of distraction. They require frequent grooming, as well as plenty of opportunities for physical and mental activity. Dogs, as social creatures, thrive when they have access to both human companionship and canine companionship. The Golden Retriever can be an excellent pet if trained and cared for properly.

Diet 

Golden retriever eating
Golden retriever lying on the floor eating dog food. Image by chendongshan via Depositphotos

Golden retrievers require a very particular diet to maintain their high activity level. Golden retriever puppies require a steady and balanced mineral supply, particularly calcium, to maintain their high energy needs. Avoid giving them anything excessively high in fat, sugar, or sodium. Food quantity should be based on their current and expected adult weight.  Active goldens require a high concentration of carbohydrates, whereas a moderate dosage is sufficient for less active retrievers. Another option is to give them wet food, which is more palatable for them. It is healthier for the dog’s digestive system and assists in maintaining a healthy weight by reducing excess fat. Feeding your golden puppy at the proper time and with the right food is crucial. Negative effects on the puppy’s growth and development will be seen if meals are skipped.

Grooming

Golden Retriever Grooming
Golden Retriever Grooming. Image by kzenon via Depositphotos

Golden Retrievers have a dense double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and tangle-free. Weekly brushing is essential to manage shedding and prevent matting, especially during seasonal shedding periods. Your Golden Retriever will shed like any other dog with a double coat. Brushing a Golden Retriever once per week and more frequently when shedding can prevent them from having massive blowouts in the fall and spring. When cared for properly, a Golden Retriever should only need an occasional bath.

Bathing every 4-6 weeks or as needed keeps their coat clean and shiny, but over-bathing can strip natural oils. Routine ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are also important to maintain their overall health. With consistent grooming, Golden Retrievers stay comfortable, clean, and looking their best.

Mating and Life Cycle

Golden retriever couple
Golden retrievers lying on floor with heads up at home. Image by tan4ikk via Depositphotos

Male Golden Retrievers mature faster than females, with breeding possible as early as six months. They begin showing sexual behaviors around 11 months but reach full sexual maturity between 12-15 months. Healthy males can breed throughout their lives. Female Retrievers also reach sexual maturity at six months, typically experiencing their first heat cycle during this time and repeating it every six months. However, it’s advisable to wait until a female has gone through at least one heat cycle before breeding to allow for proper physical and emotional maturity.

Concerns of Golden Retrievers

Golden retriever on beach
Golden retriever on beach. Image by .shock via Depositphotos
  • Overbreeding: Excess breeding leads to increased levels of inbreeding, which can cause health issues, genetic abnormalities, and weakened immune systems.
  • Lack of Exercise: Without proper exercise, they may become overweight and suffer from joint, digestive, and other health problems.
  • Poor Diet: A poor diet can lead to malnutrition, which can cause health issues like weakened immune systems and digestive problems.
  • Poor Socialization: Golden retrievers require early socialization to become well-adjusted and friendly dogs. Without it, they may become fearful, anxious, and aggressive.

Conclusion

golden retrievers
Image by FotoJagodka via depositphotos.com

Acquiring a Golden Retriever is easy, but you should make sure that you are ready for the commitment. If you get a Golden Retriever puppy, you can expect to devote a lot of time to basic obedience training, socialization with other people and animals, and teaching useful puppy skills such as sleeping through the night and getting them house-trained.