The medium-sized Golden Retriever dog breed has a thick, fluffy coat with floppy ears and large eyes, and boasts a well-tempered demeanor. These active and intelligent dogs serve as working, hunting, therapy, and companion animals and are available in two types. Although Golden Retrievers are easy to train, they require plenty of exercise and grooming. This article will explore their breed characteristics and behavior to assist in determining whether these long-haired dogs fit your family, children, and lifestyle. Furthermore, we will guide you through the process of adopting or purchasing friendly and healthy Golden Retriever puppies that will flourish into happy adult dogs with a long lifespan. Lastly, we will provide some insight into how to care for and raise these beloved dogs.
The Golden Retriever originated from a breeding of Tweed Spaniels and Flat Coated Retrievers and was initially used as a hunting dog that had a loving temperament. Nowadays, Golden Retrievers are excellent pets for novice canine caregivers, highly-regarded show dogs, sporting companions, and even service animals for people with disabilities. They make excellent watchdogs, but they are not suitable for guarding, making them ideal for families with children and pets as they usually get along with them well.
What is a Golden Retriever?
The Golden Retriever has been a beloved breed in the United States for several years due to its charming demeanor and attractive appearance. It’s not hard to understand why this dog is so popular.
- Popularity: AKC no. 3
- Country Of Origin: Scotland
- Role/purpose: Sporting and show dog
- Weight: 60-70lbs
- Temperament: Friendly, co-operative
The History of the Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever originated in the early 1800s through selective breeding by Lord Tweedmouth, a resident of the Scottish Borders. It is speculated that Lord Tweedmouth paired a yellow Flat Coated Retriever with the now extinct Tweed Spaniel.
There is an assertion that Retrievers and Setters with wavy coats were also included in their initial breeding program, in addition to the Bloodhound, although I have been unsuccessful in locating the reference for this claim.
The lovely canines were originally bred and exhibited as Flat Coated Retrievers until they obtained their own classification in the early 1900s, ultimately becoming known as Golden Retrievers in 1920. In the past century, Golden Retrievers have proliferated and are now one of the most prevalent dog breeds for justified reasons.
Golden Retriever Types
Similar to various other breeds meant for sports, the Golden Retriever has experienced a division in recent times between those that are bred for show purposes and those that are intended for working needs.
Although the difference is not as noticeable as in other breeds, it is important to note. If your intention is to use your dog for work or competitions, it is necessary to ensure that their breeding is appropriate. Golden Retrievers bred for show tend to be bulkier and have lighter, thicker fur, while those bred for work have a narrower skull, longer legs, and darker, thinner fur.
Although their overall appearance is alike, there is not a significant difference in their temperaments. Show bred dogs may seem less mature and serious, while working bred dogs may not resemble the typical Golden Retriever depicted on postcards.
Golden Retriever Appearance
Golden Retrievers possess a hefty build, strong physique, and long-haired appearance, displaying an athletic constitution alongside their intrinsic loyalty towards their owners. Designed to work hard, these dogs are reliably powerful.
There is a considerable variety in the coat type and color of golden retrievers. Although there are some with short hair, the majority have longer hair that tends to be fluffy. This is a contributing factor to their widespread reputation as one of the most adorable dog breeds. Their coat requires significant upkeep, composed of lengthy, wavy fur with a thick, water-resistant undercoat.
The fur texture of Golden Retrievers can vary from extremely wavy to nearly flat, and the shading ranges from a very light cream to a dark gold color. Retrievers bred for work usually have a darker fur color, and their shade can almost reach reddish tones when at the darkest point. On the other hand, puppies bred for show usually have fur that is very light in color, either a pale cream or a lighter shade of gold.
In certain areas, they could also possess white fur. A white chest to a varying degree is possible in every dog of the breed, but the American Kennel Club regards it as a flaw.
Golden Retriever Size
As your Golden Retriever pup matures, it will develop into a sizable canine reaching a height of approximately 22 inches and weighing between 55 to 75lb.
Puppies from working bloodlines are expected to fall towards the lighter side of the spectrum while those from show bloodlines tend to be on the heavier end. However, there is a noteworthy overlap in the middle.
In general, males tend to be heavier than females. The distinguishing feature of females is their dark brown eyes that are encircled with a dark “eye liner” marking, which contributes to their distinctive and expressive faces. Additionally, their ears are covered in well-furred, floppy fur, yet they should retain their ability to move.
Golden Retrievers of pure breeding have well-proportioned bodies, featuring a straight back and legs in harmony with their backs. They sport distinctive muzzles with sturdy, wide jaws and a black nose, which adds to their classic wolfish appearance. As your Golden Retriever puppy develops, they will become a strong and agile dog, able to exercise with ease and perform graceful feats such as running, jumping, and swimming. However, be prepared to spend some time cleaning the mud out of their fur after an active and muddy day!
Golden Retriever Temperament
The majority of Golden Retrievers possess truly charming characteristics. They exhibit cheerfulness, obedience, intelligence, and loyalty as companions. They not only show affection towards their families but also demonstrate a tendency to warmly welcome acquaintances and unfamiliar individuals into the home.
Being nature’s guard dogs is definitely not their characteristic. However, socializing your puppy remains crucial to ensure the puppy feels confident when encountering unfamiliar individuals and visiting new locations.
It is desirable for him to have a generally optimistic attitude towards everyone he encounters. When meeting the mother of your new pup, ensure that she appears completely at ease in your company, eagerly approaching you with a wagging tail once you arrive.
Golden Retriever Training
Although Golden Retrievers are relatively easy to train, it’s important to note that they are large and powerful, which makes training essential. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending your time picking up toppled guests or being pulled around on walks.
Teaching your puppy proper behavior around people and other dogs is essential to make sure that outdoor walks with them are enjoyable and not stressful, as they are naturally prone to loving both. Whether your pup is on or off the leash, showing them how to walk to heel can greatly enhance your experience with your affable Golden Retriever.
BONUS: Dog training 101 — How to set realistic goals and where to get started
Essentially, there are two main categories of dog training. If you’re seeking to train your dog in skills such as sitting, staying, and lying down, or basic manners, then a dog trainer is the person you need. However, if your dog is exhibiting behavioral problems such as anxiety, aggressiveness, or fearfulness, then a dog behavioral consultant such as Brianna Dick of Pack Leader Help is what you require.
“The way that I approach dog training is behavioral psychology based,” says Dick, who is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. “We’re not looking at just the physical behaviors of dogs. We’re looking at their emotions and the relationship they have with their humans.”
Begin with behavior training if you require both skills and behavior training, as it is the more complex of the two. Even though a dog trainer may be capable of instructing your dog on how to sit, a dog behavior consultant will be more proficient in assisting your dog in managing separation anxiety.
Be realistic.
Fratt points out that not all dogs will enjoy attending the dog park, much like how not all humans will develop a fondness for attending raves.
Kim Brophey, who is the owner of The Dog Door Behavior Center, is an applied ethologist and a family dog mediator. She has also authored a book named “Meet Your Dog: The Game Changing Guide To Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior,” in which she uses a framework called L.E.G.S (learning, environment, genetics, self) to explain dog behavior. For instance, if your furry friend is barking at your visitors.
Brophey suggests that this breed of dog has been bred for centuries specifically to protect against intruders entering via the front door. As a German shepherd’s instinct to defend its space cannot be trained out of them, it may be necessary to adjust one’s expectations.
Decide how you’d like to train your dog.
You have a selection of training methods to choose from including group classes, one-on-one instruction, board and train, day training, and self-led training, with group classes being the most economical but less customized. Fratt warns that while board and train facilities are costly, they are also more hazardous.
“If the trainer spends all this time training the dog in this really specific context and then basically just hands you the leash, takes your check and walks away, there’s a very good chance you’re not actually going to be able to implement those new strategies and skills … successfully in your home.”
The decision you make will be based on both your training objectives and financial resources. For instance, if your dog is displaying hostility towards another dog in your house, attempting coaching outside your home may not be the most suitable approach.
It’s important to realize that you’ll be responsible for participating in your dog’s training, but it doesn’t have to consume a significant amount of your time. Fratt claims that she dedicates approximately five minutes each day to training her dog. Additionally, many of the tasks given by trainers can be enjoyable and conveniently integrated into your daily routine.
Our experts recommend free or low-cost resources available online if you prefer not to spend a large sum of money on dog training.
- Kikopup on Youtube and Instagram
- Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
- K9 of Mine
On her website, Dick has gathered a few no-cost resources, and Fratt has created a set of lessons called Free Training Tuesday.
Understand the methodologies.
The field of dog training lacks regulation, allowing anyone with a website, Instagram page, or storefront to assert themselves as a dog trainer. Consequently, there are no set guidelines for training methods, leading to a divergence of opinions among trainers. Generally, trainers can be grouped into two main categories.
Fratt is an example of a trainer who practices positive reinforcement. This technique involves rewarding your dog with something pleasurable, such as a treat, whenever they exhibit desirable behavior in order to encourage its repetition. It can also involve introducing your dog to something they find fearful by pairing it with a positive experience.
Another type of trainer, such as Brianna Dick, is known as a balanced trainer. These trainers implement positive reinforcement techniques, but are also open to integrating corrective measures, like e-collars, in their training approach.
According to Dick, E-collar training uses a collar that is placed on your dog and can be controlled through a remote to give your dog a correction through stimuli that can be a shock, sound, or even a citronella spray. The use of E-collars is a topic of debate within the dog training community, with some opposing the ones that give shocks.
Dick advises caution towards trainers who use e-collars on every dog, as this approach is generic and unlikely to yield satisfactory outcomes. Instead, it is preferable to seek out trainers who take the time to understand your unique connection with your dog, as well as your lifestyle.
Find a good trainer.
To begin your search for reputable positive reinforcement trainers or balanced trainers in your locality, a good starting point would be to refer to the lists of different professional organizations. There are several such lists including:
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
- The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- Karen Pryor Academy (KPA)
- Pet Professional Guild
- The Academy for Dog Trainers
- Pat Miller Certified Trainers
Subsequently, conduct interviews by contacting previous customers to determine which trainer puts you at ease. Verify their ability to articulate their training techniques.
