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The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized Scottish breed that is normally used as a family pet. Some people train them as gundogs or as guide dogs. They are considered the perfect pets because of their friendly, lovable, affectionate, and gentle nature.
Dog owners can easily train them as they are highly intelligent and obedient. This dog breed originated in 1860 in Scotland.
Their coat type is flat or wavy and has a dense water-resistant undercoat. They generally come in any shade of gold and cream.
These dogs have an excellent sense of smell and also have a strong instinct for power.
If you want to own a Golden Retriever, you have to spend time with them because they cannot sit in the apartment for the whole day.
As they are highly energetic, they require a lot of physical activity, otherwise, they become restless.
Generally, this breed is a healthy one, and health issues rarely occur in this breed. In this article, you will read about the popular breed, the Golden Retriever.
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The Golden Retriever’s history:
Earlier, Golden Retrievers were known as “Flat-coated Retrievers, Golden” and were believed to be a color variety of the former breed. Then, in 1911, a breed club in England gave the Golden Retriever a new name, i.e., “Yellow or Golden Retriever.
After this, in 1920, the word “yellow or” was removed from the breed name, and this breed was officially announced as the “Golden Retriever”.
In 1925, this dog breed was first registered with the American Kennel Club. In 1927, they were recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club, and in 1932, this breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Then their popularity continued to grow and they became the most popular dog breed in the Western world. These dogs established themselves as hunting dogs, working dogs, and great companions. Golden Retriever has a high level of intelligence and energy with which they can learn any task.
Golden Retriever Physical Appearance
· The weight range is 25-34 kg.
· A dog’s height is 56 to 61 cm, and a bitch’s height is 51 to 56 cm.
· Available in any shade of cream or gold,
· They have a good feathering, flat or wavy double coat. Their undercoat is dense and water resistant.
· Life expectancy: 12 to 13 years.
Golden Retrievers are a medium-sized breed of dog. They have a broad head, dark eyes, and a large black nose, and their ears are hung with a slight fold.
Dogs’ legs are straight, they have muscular thighs, and their feet are like cats’. Their outer coat is flat or wavy, and their undercoat is dense and water-resistant. The color of their coat can be any color of gold or cream.
The temperament of a Golden Retriever
- The Golden Retriever is an affectionate, gentle, and playful breed of dog.
- Because of their loyal, stable, and intelligent nature, they are considered the best service dogs.
- Golden Retriever’s loving nature makes them the perfect family pet.
- This dog breed is calm, so you can easily train them.
- Golden enjoys playing with other dogs and children in the family.
- This dog breed is energetic, so they require a lot of activities.
- These are people-oriented dogs and cannot stay alone at home.
- Dogs seek the attention of other people and also get along well with other dogs.
- Golden Retriever is best suited for those owners who have an active lifestyle.
- They have an excellent sense of smell and also have a strong instinct to retrieve.
- These dogs mature slowly compared to other breeds.
Health Issues:
Generally, golden retrievers’ life expectancy is about 12 to 13 years. This breed is healthy, but they have a higher risk of getting hip dysplasia and cancer as compared to other dog breeds.
It is advised that you regularly check their ears to prevent them from getting an ear infection and also regularly brush their teeth to prevent plague or tartar issues.
Keep in mind that this breed can be affected by a number of health problems such as elbow dysplasia, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, allergy, itching, gastric issues, hypothyroidism, etc.
You can keep them healthy and extend their lives by giving them a balanced diet and maintaining their weight.
Grooming of Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers have a thick and water-resistant double coat, and they shed their hair in the winter and summer seasons, but they shed heavily in the spring.
You should bath and brush your dog on a regular basis to prevent tangling, and it will also remove the dead hair. A dog’s nails should be trimmed once or twice a month. Their teeth should be brushed two or three times a week.
As their ears are folded, you must check their ears to prevent ear infections. If you find their ears are red or have a bad odor, then gently wipe out the outer ear with a cotton ball and pH-balanced ear cleaner to protect them from infections.
A Golden Retriever requires regular exercise, at least one hour a day, or you can give them toys to play with. If they do not get enough exercise, then their behavior changes, like digging and chewing.
They like mental challenges like learning new tricks and playing with toys. Owners must give their dogs training and socialize them so that they can adjust themselves to society.
Nutrition of Golden Retrievers
Golden retrievers have a tendency to become overweight, so owners should give them a balanced diet, i.e., twice a day, and their treats should be given in a balanced amount. To maintain the weight of your Golden Retriever, you must consult with your vet.
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Conclusion
If you want to own a Golden Retriever dog as a pet for your house, then you should keep a few things in mind. If you don’t have proper time to spend with your dog, his behaviour may change.
These dogs need proper exercise and grooming, so you must check that your lifestyle matches the dog’s requirements. For their own good health, you should regularly take your dog to the vet.