Take a look at the Golden Retriever and its love at first sight. Golden Retriever, also known as a water retriever in Scotland, is a medium-large strong gun dog, both friendly and intelligent. This dog breed is famous for its dense lustrous coat of golden fur. Golden Retriever stands as the most popular dog breed in the US, which loves to play games. The name retriever refers to the dog breed’s ability to retrieve shot waterfowl like birds, ducks, and others. Golden retrievers are shortly called as golden.
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Appearances of Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever appears powerful, well-balanced, symmetrical and devoted. This beautiful breed has medium length, dense water-repellant coat, and it can be straight or slightly wavy. Its ears are not very large. They sit high on the head and hang just below the jawline. All golden retrievers are blonde, yellow, or golden. The sweet, calm nature of having close eyes is the hallmark of this breed. Its height ranges from 21 inches to 24 inches, and they weigh about 55 to 75 pounds. Golden Retriever needs daily exercises like walk, jog, or run in beaches.
The appearances of the golden Retriever vary between its sexes. The big difference among the sexes is the shape of their head. In young puppies, both sexes’ head shape is apparent, but the difference will be seen when they mature. The male Golden Retriever has a pronounced and distinct block type of head shape, whereas the female Golden Retriever has a narrower head shape than the male ones.
Types of Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are the perfect pet for any family. They are gentle, trustworthy, and easy to train. There is some confusion about whether the golden Retriever comes up in different varieties or not? And its answer is yes.
There are three different varieties of golden Retriever: Canadian, British, and American. The differences between these three varieties are minimal. They differ mostly physically, but they have similar temperaments. All golden retrievers are loving, athletic, affectionate, and attention seeker.
Canadian Golden Retriever
The Canadian golden retrievers are somewhat different than the other two varieties. They are taller than other types having thinner, shorter, and darker coats. This variety of golden Retriever stands taller than other varieties by as much as two inches. The male Canadian golden Retriever stands 23 to 24 inches in height and weighs between 29-34 kg. The female Canadian golden Retriever stands 21.5 to 22.5 inches in height and weighs between 27-32 kg.
British golden Retriever
British golden retrievers are prevalent throughout Australia and Europe. They have long feathery cream coats with a broader skull and powerful forequarters, and their coat color is lighter than the American golden. The male British golden Retriever stands 22 to 24 inches in height. The female British golden Retriever stands 20 to 22 inches in height. The eyes of British goldens are round and dark as compared to American golden.
American Golden Retriever
The American Golden Retriever is lankier and less muscular than the other two varieties. Their coats are darker as compared to the British golden. They have triangular or slanted shaped eyes rather than round. The male American golden Retriever stands 23 to 24 inches in height at withers, whereas the female ones are 21.5 to 22.5 inches in height.
Golden Retriever’s color
The golden retrievers can also vary in terms of coat colors. There is color variation among the golden retrievers. They are known for its shiny, luscious golden looks. The three classifications of gold includes
- Light golden, including cream color
- Golden
- Dark golden, but not red.
You can also find golden retrievers in colors such as pure white, mahogany, red, and even black. These colored goldens are not commonly found, but they exist.
Average Weight of Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever reaches its mature weight by the age of two, and they have a fast growth rate. The growth of the puppy is influenced by sex, genetics, lifestyle, and neuter status. A newborn Golden retriever weighs around 14 to 16 ounces. The male puppies of Golden Retriever weigh about 4 to 17 lbs, whereas female puppies weigh about 5 to 17 lbs. The matured male Golden Retriever weighs about 65 to 80 lbs, whereas females weigh about 55 to 70 lbs.
Height
Golden Retriever reaches its mature height by a year. The average Golden Retriever has an overall height of 28.5 inches to 31.5 inches, withers height of 21.5 inches to 24 inches, and the body length of 37.0 inches to 42.0 inches. Male golden retrievers are 23 to 24 inches tall, whereas the female golden retrievers are 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall.
How long do Golden Retrievers live?
Golden Retriever is a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Cost of Golden Retriever pup
Golden retrievers are not cheap, but the love and happiness they bring to the family are worth it. There is a cost difference between purchasing and adopting the golden Retriever. The purebred golden Retriever is more costly than a mixed one. The purebred golden retrievers cost between $500 to $3000. Adopting the golden Retriever is less expensive than purchasing one from the breeder. It usually costs about $200 to $1000.
How to groom Golden Retriever?
Golden retrievers are easy-going breed, and their coats are easy to care for. They shed profusely mostly in spring and fall, so you should groom your golden. Grooming a golden retriever is an enjoyable bonding time. A good quality slicker brush, a steel comb, and spray are some of the basic grooming suppliers of Golden Retriever. Some of the steps to groom your golden are:
1. Prepare your Golden Retriever’s coat for grooming
Spend some extra time for the Golden Retriever’s body where the fur is thick. Brush the coat from head to toe once a week. Remove matted hair with the help of a sharp pair of scissors. If your Golden Retriever is dirty and smelly then, bath it before grooming. Bath your golden with a quality shampoo and warm water, once in every two months. After bathing, comb, or brush your golden Retriever again to straighten out the coat.
2. Trim your Golden Retriever’s coat
A golden retriever has undercoat and overcoat, which helps to keep the dog at a comfortable temperature. This combination traps cool air between the coats on a hot day and catches a warm breeze on a cold day. So, avoid trimming your golden’s entire skin and use a pair of thinning shears for fur trimming. Trim the coat of golden Retriever from feet, leg, body, chest, neck, ears up to its tail. Do not trim the fur too short. Trim the length by tapering the coat from base to its tip.
3. Complete the grooming of Golden Retriever
The grooming of the Golden Retriever is not complete without paying attention to its ears, eyes, and nails. Use mineral oil and cotton ball to clean your dog’s eyes, but do not apply directly in the eyes. Take your time and cut your golden Retriever’s toenails. Use a good pair of dog nail trimmers for nail clipping. If you don’t want to bath your golden Retriever then apply dry shampoo. To complete the grooming rituals, remember to use flea and tick preventive.
Allergies
Golden Retrievers can be allergic to a variety of substances like food and pollen. Allergic to pollens make human sneeze, but the case is different in dogs. These allergies make their skin itchy, called atopy. The feet, folds of skin, belly, and ears are most affected. Licking the paws, hot spots, frequent ear infections, and rubbing the face are the most common signs of allergies. There are many treatment options available for the allergies, and get your golden Retriever checked by your vet.
Infections and diseases
The golden retrievers are generally healthy, but they are prone to some health conditions like other breeds. Many health conditions and diseases are genetic. Getting a golden retriever is similar to having a child. If you are planning on buying or adopting golden, you need to take good care of it.
1. Infections
Golden retrievers are susceptible to viral and bacterial infections such as rabies, distemper, and parvo. These infections are preventable through vaccines which are recommended based on their age.
2. Dental diseases
Dental disease is one of the common problems in Golden Retrievers. It starts with the tartar build-up on the teeth that leads to infections of the teeth’ roots and gums. If you don’t treat this disease, then your golden may lose his/her teeth and damage his/her kidneys, heart, liver, and joints—this further results in shortening the life cycle of golden Retriever by one to three years.
3. Obesity
Obesity in the Golden Retriever is a significant disease that causes joint problems, back pain, metabolic and digestive disorders, and heart disease. This problem can be treated by playing with your golden, taking for a walk, or brushing fur and teeth.
4. Parasites
Different kinds of bugs and worms can invade your golden Retriever’s body inside and out. Fleas, ticks, and ear mites are some parasites that can infect the ear and skin of golden. Other pests such as roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms can get into the Golden Retriever’s body by drinking unclean water, being bitten by an infected mosquito, or walking on contaminated soil. These parasites can cause pain, suffering, and even death. So, take preventive medicine to keep your Golden Retriever healthy.
Genetical Diseases of Golden Retriever
Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in older dogs. Some types of cancer are treated through chemotherapy, while many cancers are cured by surgical removal. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor, commonly form in the spleen. Lymphosarcoma is another type of cancer that makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes. This type of cancer is treated through chemotherapy. Most tumors are surgically removed, and they look similar to skin lumps and lesions.
Bone and joint problems
Numbers of musculoskeletal problems have been reported in golden retrievers. Dysplasia is an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly, which results in arthritis. You may notice that goldens have difficulty getting up from lying down, and they begin to show lameness in legs. It causes undue pain and suffering. Surgery is the best option to solve this problem.
Heart disease
Some of the golden retrievers inherit a heart problem called aortic stenosis. It causes a partial obstruction to the blood flow, leaving the heart. If this problem is severe, then your dog may have difficulty breathing, may faint, or run out of energy during exercises. They are also prone to a life-threatening heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Diabetes
Another common disease in the Golden Retriever is diabetes. It is a serious problem, which needs to be diagnosed and treated in the early stage. Goldens are unable to regulate the metabolisms of sugar and require daily insulin injection. The symptoms of this disease include weight loss, along with excessive eating, drinking, and urination.
Liver problems
Golden Retriever is likely to suffer from a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (PSS). If this disease is seen in your golden, surgery may be needed, or you can treat it with a special diet and medication.
Epilepsy
There are three different types of seizures: reactive, primary, and secondary. Reactive seizures are caused by the brain’s reaction to problems like organ failure or low blood sugar. Secondary seizures are the result of stroke, trauma, or brain tumor. And primary seizures result in no other cause. If your Golden Retriever has a seizure, prevent it from injuring himself, and he/she may bite you accidentally.
How to care for your Golden Retriever?
You should take special care if you are raising a Golden retriever. Make a schedule to care and help your golden to stay healthy and live longer. Proper diet and exercise routine are also important for their health.
- Golden retrievers have good teeth, so brush them at least twice a week to keep them perfect.
- The eyes and ears should be cleaned weekly.
- Brush the dense lustrous coat from head to toe once a week.
- They have a passion for water, and swimming is a perfect form of exercise.
- Feed them a high-quality diet appropriate according to the age.
- They are an active breed. Exercise your dog regularly for 20-30 minutes, but do not overdo it.
- Do not let your golden puppy play on the very hard substances until the joins are fully formed.
- They are built for action, and they love outdoor games.
- Golden retrievers are mouthy, and they love having something to carry in their mouth. Try giving them a ball, newspaper, or a soft toy but not hard ones.
- If golden show any kind of pain then, visit the vet as soon as possible.
- Keep your Golden Retriever in good shape.
Can the Golden Retriever be mixed?
The answer to this question is yes. The purebred golden retrievers are stunning, and its mixes are amazing too. This luscious blonde coat goldens can be mixed with many other adorable breeds to make some pretty cross-breeds.
Some of the golden retriever mixes are
- Poodle+ Golden retriever = Goldendoodle
- Dachshund + Golden Retriever = Goldendoxie
- Chihuahua + Golden Retriever = Golden Chi
- Rough Collie + Golden Retriever = Golden Collie
- Cocker Spaniel + Golden Retriever = Golden Cocker
- Boxer + Golden Retriever = Box Retriever
- Red Setter + Golden Retriever = Golden Setter
- Basset Hound + Golden Retriever = Golden Hound
- Labrador + Golden Retriever = Goldador
- Dalmatian + Golden Retriever = Golden Dalmatian
- Bernese Mountain Dog + Golden Retriever = Golden Mountain Dog
- German Shepherd + Golden Retriever = Golden Shepherd
- Border Collie + Golden Retriever = Gollie or Golden Collie
There are many other cross-breeds among Golden Retrievers and other breeds. Among different cross-breed, the best one is Galdador, a mix between Golden Retriever and Labrador. Goldador is highly intelligent and easy to train, and they have an average lifespan of up to 15 years. This is the perfect pet for your family.
The preferred food for Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are prone to certain health issues, and choosing high-quality food may reduce the risk of health problems. They need a protein-rich diet with moderate fat and calorie content. Do not give them human food. The golden retriever food should be made from natural ingredients, and nutritionally balanced. Feed your dog twice a day in a proper amount. The dog foods are available in Pet shops, online stores, or in some grocery stores.
Some of the best dog food for golden retrievers is listed below:
- Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large-Breed Recipe Dry Food
- Halo Holistic Chicken Recipe Large Breed Dry Food
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large-Breed Adult Lamb & Rice Recipe
- Earthborn Holistic Large-Breed Grain-Free Dry Food
- Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Recipe
- Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight Grain-Free Chicken Recipe