Golden Retriever Information For Prospective Owners
Information on the golden retriever breed can help a new owner understand the wonderful companion about to share their lives. Golden retrievers are known as one of the most intelligent dog breeds. Goldens are prime candidates as service dogs because of their intelligence plus strong wish to please their owner. A very popular breed in the United States, golden retrievers can be great dogs for kids with their steady, unflappable temperament.
At the same time, they are members of the sporting group of dogs and can be excellent hunting dogs. As service dogs, golden retrievers work well as search and rescue dogs. As a golden retriever size ranges from 55 to 75 pounds, they do best with a good yard in which to get exercise daily. Apartment living is really not the best environment for them to thrive.
With a friendly face, expressive eyes, and beautiful golden coat, they are also adaptable to a variety of living settings. At the same time, they need not only regular exercise, but also regular grooming. They have both an undercoat and overcoat and can shed, especially in certain seasons. In breed standard competition, white colored golden retrievers really are not considered to be good physical examples of the breed (even though they may be fantastic pets).
The golden retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands during the late 1800s, with a primary role as a hunting dog. In the course of breed development, the original golden retrievers were crossed with yellow retriever and with the tweed water spaniel (a now extinct breed) in order to create an even more effective retriever able to perform well in the Scottish climate, terrain as a game hunter. Later integrations of Irish setter, bloodhound, and more tweed water spaniel have made the golden retriever into the specific dog breed that people recognize today.
You can fall in love with many dogs, but their activity level and behavior can make or break your relationship and ability to care for them properly. Golden retrievers are loyal and devoted companions. They are known as energetic and love to swim. They love the companionship of humans and need a person who wants to spend time with their pet. While they can tolerate being alone for periods of time, it is not fair to the dog if you are out of the house more than you are home.
Golden retrievers are quick learners. Their instinctive retrieving ability makes them great at common dog games like chasing balls or catching frisbees. To keep them happy, some owners enjoy taking their dog to agility classes for fun or for competition.
When someone needs a dog for assistance, e.g., for limited vision or hearing or physical tasks, golden retrievers’ great work ethic makes them a good breed to consider. Their intelligence and eagerness to helps them excel in finding lost people in an avalanche or earthquake situation. They can also do well in police work finding missing persons. Their need for activity and exercise may make them a better pet for a family with children than a more sedentary older person.
The average golden retriever lives for 10 to 14 years. But, as with many purebred dogs, they do suffer from a number of different health problems. Some of these breed problems include cataracts, entropion, allergies, thyroid problems, cancer, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia. Reputable breeders will choose which dogs to breed in order to reduce the risks of puppies being born with common health issues, but no one can guarantee a completely healthy dog for life. At least a responsible breeder will make sure that their breeding pair have OFA and CERF certificates stating that their adult dogs are in good health and less likely to pass along certain genetic health problems.
So, overall golden retrievers are sweet, loving, trusting, and obedient. They are often the perfect family pet and companion. They may be a little too friendly to serve as watch dogs, if that is a reason why you are getting a dog. But they will bark to alert you to a stranger, even if they are wagging their tail on his approach. Make your decision well, based on good information — adopting a dog, especially a wonderful breed like the golden retriever, is a lifelong commitment on your part to be their friend, companion, and responsible protector as well.
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