Golden retrievers are a stunning and remarkable dog. They come in shades from pale cream to deep red and all shades of gold in between. Often mistaken for long coated labradors, they are in fact closer in kin to the flat coated retriever. But what are some other real facts about golden retrievers?
PERSONALITY
The average golden retriever is everyone’s friend. A few are protective, but that is not in the nature of a golden retriever. I did however, have one who tried to sneak up behind a man and bite him when he entered the house uninvited. It is a rare golden that would square off with an intruder. However, golden owners usually joke that a golden would greet a robber at the door then happily show him where the silver was. It is a very rare for a golden to be shy. They will bark in a deep, rich boom when someone comes to the door.
Most goldens are safe around any age child and delight in children. Most are usually more than happy to allow a child to climb all over them. Most are very careful of young children, once they themselves are grown, and take great care not to step on or “mow down.” Goldens are one of the breeds that are the quickest to forgive and the most eager to please.
Goldens reach maturity between 1 1/2 years and 2 years when a sharp decrease in energy level can be seen. The healthy golden remains playful all of his life. They love to swim and love to retrieve.
Most goldens also love all other animals.
ORIGINS
There are rumors that goldens originated from Russian circus dogs. This is charming, but untrue. The golden retriever was delevoped by Lord Tweedmouth sometime during the 1800s. The breed was originally called the Tweed Water Spaniel.
COAT and STRUCTURE
As mentioned above, the coat varies in shade. It varies in length as well. Most coats have a hair that is at least 2 1/2″ long, with longer “feathering” around the hindquarters, tail and chest, which gives the dog a distinctive look. Feathering varies in length. If the length is important to you, judge by the parents of the dog. It is unlikely to vary dramatically. The coat should not have white spots or black spots, though it is common for feathering to be a lighter shade of gold. Nearly all goldens experience a graying in the hair around their face as they get older. It usually begins to show around the age of 8.
The bone structure of a golden is somewhat blocky. The AKC has standards, if you intend to show your dog, and a dog that is either too tall or too short will be disqualified.
CARE
Goldens are not known to be picky eaters. However, they are more prone to being overweight than underweight, especially as they age.
They are known for sking sensitivities such as occasional hotspots and sometimes dry skin. Your veterinarian can give you medicine that will quickly and easily relieve the hotspot problem. A hotspot is just a moist little sore on the skin, usually about the size of a quarter.
Goldens should be brushed avery few days and most adore the attention.
Goldens shed a LOT! If you are a fastiduous housecleaner, plan on frequent vaccuming.
TRAINING
Goldens are one of the top 5 smartest breeds and are extremely easy to train. The only true trouble spot may be in teaching them to heal, as their nature dictated that they range ahead of the hunter to flush birds. However, even this does not prove too much of a challenge. They can be taught to do nearly anthing and excell at anything related to “fetch.” This can mean retrieving a remote from across the room, for true couch potatoes.
AS HUNTERS
The breed is extremely soft mouthed. I had a golden that used to steal eggs from the nest of my ducks when he went outside and bring them to me as presents. He never once cracked one, nor did he ever drop one.
HEALTH
Goldens are an overall healthy breed. Most common problems are hotspots and dry skin. However, hip displaysia does occur in the breed and attention should be given to that fact when choosing a puppy. Von Willibrand’s, a blood disease, is uncommon but has been known to occur.
EXERCISE
While a golden could live in an apartment, it would need daily walks. They do best in areas where they have a yard to play in or a dogpark nearby.
OVERALL
As a hunting companion – Excellent
As a family dog – Excellent
As a guard dog – Not so great
Golden retrievers often are a good compliment to other, more serious, breeds such as german shepherds. They make a wonderful family dog and a fantastic companion. They are the dog I would recommend to most families.
