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The Golden Retriever, with its intelligence and eager to please
attitude, is one of the most popular breeds in the United States.
The working ability that has made the Golden Retriever such a useful
hunting companion also make him an ideal guide, assistance and
search and rescue dog. The golden-colored coat is the hallmark of
this versatile breed, and can range from light to dark gold. The
Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands in the late
1800s and was used predominantly for hunting. The breed was
developed by Lord Tweedmouth, whose goal was to create a superb
retriever suited to the Scottish climate, terrain and available
game. He crossed his original "Yellow Retriever" with the Tweed
Water Spaniel (now extinct) found on his estate. Later integrations
of Irish Setter, Bloodhound, and more Tweed Water Spaniel produced
the retriever we know today.
General Appearance
The Golden Retriever is a beautiful, sturdy,
well-proportioned dog with a feathered, medium-length, cream to
golden-colored coat. (The coat is not suppose to be red.) The outer
coat is water-repellent and the undercoat is dense. The head is
broad, with a tapering, but wide, powerful muzzle. It has a scissors
bite and a clear frontal stop. The nose is black and the kindly eyes
are brown with dark rims. The ears are medium-sized and pendant. Its
neck and thighs are muscular and the chest is broad. The tail is
long, but never curled.
Temperament
A very popular breed, the Golden Retriever is a dog that is stable,
loving, eager to please, and gentle. These dogs make wonderful
companions and family pets, and they love to give and receive
attention. The Golden Retriever is a loyal and devoted dog, with
mild manners, a responsive nature, and a playful streak. These dogs
love the company of humans, and are not suited to those that cannot
commit much time to their pet. They are quite energetic, and in
particular they love to swim. These dogs have a real passion for
life and for everything they do, and are extremely sociable dogs
that will get along with almost everyone. Their love for just about
everyone makes Golden Retrievers poor watchdogs, but the good news
is that they get on well with children, strangers, and other pets.
He loves to eat! Golden Retrievers suffer obesity because they eat
and eat and eat and eat, so you must watch how much you feed him.
These dogs do have a tendency to chew, and therefore should be
provided with appropriate toys so that your own belongings and
furnishings don't suffer. The Golden Retriever is a fast learner and
a highly intelligent dog, which makes training easy and makes this
breed suitable for inexperienced owners. He is a highly trainable
dog. Positive obedience training with lots of praise and treats
should begin from the moment you bring him home to ensure that he
learns his manners. Trusting, obedient, sweet natured, and loving,
the Golden Retriever is the perfect family pet and companion.
Grooming
The Golden Retriever's double coat is important to brush on a daily
basis. Many Golden owners complain about how much their dogs shed,
particularly in the spring months. A strong brush will be your most
prized tool when combating dog hair on your furniture, clothes and
carpeting. Trimming can be done on occasion. Golden Retrievers have
floppy ears that fold over. This as well as the activity level of
the dog can allow it to be susceptible to yeast and bacterial ear
infections. Because of this, it is important to be on the watch for
any signs indicating an infection, such as head shaking or
scratching, and know how to clean their ears carefully.
Health Problems and Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of the Golden Retriever is around 10-14 years,
and there are a number of health problems that have been linked to
this breed. This includes cataracts, entropion, allergies, thyroid
problems, cancer, epilepsy, OCD, HD, and
vWD.
Activity Level
While a youthful Golden Retriever is not as prone to weight issues
as other breeds, it can still be a concern for older dogs as they
become less active. They are an extremely active breed, and exercise
is an important part of their daily care. They must be provided
adequate room and time to play, beyond their outdoor potty breaks.
Allowing them to retrieve balls, throwing sticks or Frisbees for
them, giving them opportunities to play and socialize with dogs as
well as a nice walk are all wonderful ways to ensure your Golden
Retriever is well exercised. Some other activities your Golden may
enjoy include swimming, hiking, jogging or biking. Mental exercise
is also important. These dogs are eager to please, and enjoy having
jobs to keep them busy and gain approval. Creating fun games or
interesting things for your dog to do will keep them entertained and
prevent them from becoming bored.
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