Introduction:
Golden Retrievers are beloved for their friendly nature, intelligence, and strong bonds with their families. Known as great companions to children, therapy dogs, and even police officers, this breed is more versatile than most people realize. Originally bred in the 19th century for hunting game birds, the Golden Retriever has evolved into one of the most popular family dogs. With their love for water, gentle demeanor, and playful spirit, they make ideal companions. However, their care requires attention, from grooming to exercise, making them suitable for active families willing to meet their needs.
Golden Retrievers are known for being great companions to kids, the blind, dog therapists, police officers, and rescue workers. Obedient and always up for a game.
It might surprise you to know that this dog was originally bred to hunt game birds. After all, we now know it as an extremely friendly family companion.
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The breed had its roots in the 19th century when Sir Dudley Marjoribanks purchased a Wavy-Coated Retriever from a shoemaker in 1864. This dog was born with a yellow coat. He started a kennel to develop an excellent retriever for hunting game birds.
Lord Marjoribanks crossed Nous (a cream-coloured male dog he’d bought from a shoemaker) with a female dog named Belle, a Tweed Water Spaniel. It was the cross with the Tweed Water Spaniel that gave today’s Golden Retrievers their love of water and their ability to retrieve.
Over the next 20 years, Marjoribanks crossed the offspring of Belle and Nous with Tweed Water Spaniels, Bloodhounds, and Irish Setters. The Golden Retriever we know today came about through these crosses.
Appearance of the Golden Retriever
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This breed typically stands between 56 and 61 cm tall at the withers (for males) and 51 to 56 cm (for females).
The standard weight varies between:
Dogs weigh between 29 and 45 kg, while bitches weigh between 24 and 29 kg.
There are two main types of Golden Retriever: English (European) and American (from the USA).
Dogs from the English line have yellow or cream-coloured coats, and their fur is either straight or wavy. The American line, on the other hand, comes in a wider range of colours, from gold to brown and chocolate. The American Gold Retrievers have a finer body structure than the other American Retrievers.
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The going rate for a healthy Golden Retriever puppy is around PLN 3,000. As with poodles and all other dogs, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the kennel the dog comes from, as well as whether the selected breeder has carried out health checks and vaccinations. It’s also a good idea to ask about the health of the dog’s parents and grandparents. If the breeder is reliable, there shouldn’t be an issue.
A healthy puppy from a proven breeding site will bring many years of joy, and there’s a lower likelihood of illness, too. Dogs of this breed typically live between 12 and 16 years.
Caring for your dog
Grooming should be pretty straightforward, but it’s important to brush your dog’s coat regularly. Depending on what you need, this should be done about twice a week and daily when shedding to remove excess undercoat, dust, and dirt.
The brush should have straight teeth with smooth tips so it doesn’t get tangled and doesn’t tear the hair.
Ideally, you should bathe your dog no more than every two to three months. Of course, sometimes you have to bathe your dog more often, especially if it comes back really dirty after a walk. It’s best not to bathe your dog too often, though, because washing it too much can damage its natural lipid layer, which can cause allergies and skin infections.
This breed of dog sheds a lot. If you’re not willing to spend the next few years removing excess hair from all corners of the world, it might be best to consider a different breed.
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Health
Golden Retrievers are usually healthy dogs, but their increasing popularity has had a negative impact. Some breeders crossed dogs in a very careless way, which unfortunately led to diseases that often affect members of this breed.
The most common diseases include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, obesity, diabetes mellitus, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Golden Retrievers are working dogs, so it’s important to give them enough exercise and take them on long walks every day, if possible, in the forest or suburban areas. It’s also worth noting that they enjoy water. It doesn’t have to be perfectly clean or deep. Mud is also a great chance to bathe the dog’s head, so there’s really little chance that it will come home clean. Not getting enough exercise, along with these dogs’ appetite, leads to obesity, which contributes to these four-legged friends dying prematurely.
Character: Golden Retrievers like to be around people and form strong bonds. They love to cuddle and be by their family’s side. If you’re looking for a dog that can sometimes act as a protector, this breed might not be the best choice. They’re super friendly, and it’s often joked that if there was a break-in, they’d rather help the burglar take valuables than bark and stop them.
They’re affectionate, friendly, and have a strong bond with their owners, which has many advantages.
They love to play and retrieve, especially in the water.
Here are a few interesting facts about Golden Retrievers:
– They have a membrane between their fingers that makes them great swimmers and divers.
They’re also ranked 4th in the world for smarts. They’re excellent trackers and are valued for their gentle grip, so the prey they catch isn’t damaged. They can even detect drugs, flammable substances, gas explosions, and explosives. They’re also often used as rescue and detection dogs.
They can even help people with epilepsy by warning them of an impending seizure.
Golden Retrievers make great, loyal friends, but it’s important to remember to train them properly and give them plenty of exercise and fun. They get lonely if they’re not used to their owners being away, so they might destroy things if they’re left alone for too long. So, if you’re not going to be home much, it might not be the best idea to get one of these dogs.
Conclusion:
Golden Retrievers are much more than just friendly family dogs. Their history, dating back to the 19th century, reveals a purposeful breed designed for retrieving game, which explains their love of water and keen intelligence. While they are affectionate and loyal, these dogs require proper care, training, and ample exercise to thrive. Potential owners should be mindful of health concerns and the need for consistent grooming. With the right environment and attention, Golden Retrievers bring years of joy and companionship, making them an excellent choice for active families who can meet their physical and emotional needs.
FAQs:
- What was the original purpose of breeding Golden Retrievers?
Golden Retrievers were originally bred in the 19th century for hunting game birds, particularly to retrieve them from water without damaging the prey. - What are the main differences between English and American Golden Retrievers?
English Golden Retrievers tend to have cream or yellow coats and a stockier build, while American Golden Retrievers come in a wider range of colors, including gold and brown, and have a finer body structure. - What common health issues do Golden Retrievers face?
Golden Retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, obesity, diabetes, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy, especially due to irresponsible breeding practices. - How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need?
Golden Retrievers need plenty of exercise, including daily long walks and playtime, ideally in areas like forests or water, to stay healthy and avoid obesity. - Do Golden Retrievers make good guard dogs?
No, Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and trusting nature, which makes them poor guard dogs. They are more likely to greet strangers with friendliness rather than aggression. - How often should you groom a Golden Retriever?
Golden Retrievers should be brushed at least twice a week and daily during shedding seasons. Bathing should be done every two to three months unless they get particularly dirty. - Can Golden Retrievers be left alone for long periods?
No, Golden Retrievers form strong bonds with their families and may become destructive if left alone for long periods, as they can suffer from separation anxiety.
References:
- American Kennel Club – Golden Retriever Breed Information
- VetStreet – Everything You Need to Know About Golden Retrievers
- American Humane – Promoting Animal Welfare
- PetMD – Golden Retriever Breed Profile
- RSPCA – Caring for Golden Retrievers
- The Kennel Club – Finding a Puppy
- Dog Training Nation – Tips for Training Your Golden Retriever
