The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the world for its versatility and intelligence. Designed for people with disabilities, for hunting, as a police dog or firefighter, and even as a rescue dog.
Here are some Golden Retriever facts every (new) owner should know:
Golden Retriever Fact 1: Physical traits
Golden Retrievers are strong and large dogs. There are two breed types with some slight differences: British and Canadian-American. The British have the broadest muzzle, the deepest chest and a somewhat shorter tail. They are heavier than their American cousin. Their head is large, as is their body, which looks strong and athletic.
They have a medium to long coat that is usually smooth, golden in color and water repellent. There are darker specimens in Canada.
Golden Retriever Fact 2: Character
The Golden Retriever is a friendly, affable and energetic dog. He has a good temperament; he is a mentally agile dog. These dogs are very loyal to their owners, showing them their intelligence, adaptability, docility and great willingness to please. All these qualities characterize the breed and make it unique and special.
They are not one man’s dogs; they tend to be friendly with strangers and for this reason are not used as guard dogs. In general, they are not aggressive, and even a little shy.
Golden Retriever Fact 3: Health
As with any breed of dog, you need to be checked regularly at the veterinary clinic, have the appropriate vaccinations. They suffer from certain genetic disorders and other diseases, such as:
- Dysplasia of the hip or elbow joint;
- Obesity and overweight;
- Cancer;
- Cataract;
- Progressive retinal atrophy.
Most of these conditions develop in older dogs.
Golden Retriever Fact 4: Care
The Golden Retriever can easily adapt to life in an apartment or house. It is important that he gets the necessary exercise on three daily walks. They are very active dogs.
The coat of a Golden Retriever should be brushed a couple of times a week. Bath treatments should be done every 2 or 3 months.
Golden Retriever Fact 5: Behavior
Like all dogs, the Golden Retriever must be socialized with people and pets from an early age. They do not require complex training like other breeds. The Golden Retriever will be ready to obey without any problem. They perfectly adapt to coexistence with children and other animals.
Except in very special cases, the Golden Retriever is usually an obedient dog.
According to Stanley Coren, they are among the smartest breeds. A dog ready to perform many tricks and commands.
The Golden Retriever is a breed that will enjoy a variety of daily activities, especially if it receives some sort of award. Swimming, picking up newspapers or playing with different dolls will exercise their physique and mind.
Golden Retriever Fun Facts
- The Golden Retriever is the second most registered breed in European Kennel Clubs. Only the Labrador Retriever can compete with him.
- Due to its beauty and trainability, the Golden Retriever is widely used in television and cinema.
- American President Gerald Ford (1913-2006) was extremely fond of his pet – the Golden Retriever named Liberty (from English – freedom) and often took pictures with him in the Oval Office of the White House.
- Although the Golden Retriever is fully grown by the age of two, its behavior remains puppy until the age of three.
- Golden Retrievers are especially prone to cancer. A 1996 study by the American Golden Retriever Club shows that about 61% of this breed will die from cancer.
- The Golden Retriever was not known until the Scotsman Lord Tweedmouth started breeding them on his estate in the 1800s.
- The first three dogs to receive the American Kennel Club title for obedience and trainability were Golden Retrievers.
- The Golden Retriever is considered one of the three smartest dog breeds along with the Collie and Poodle.
- The Golden Retriever is considered the best breed of service dog.
- Initially, this breed was bred as a hunting, but today it is most often used as a service or domestic. Hunting is the least common application of the Golden Retriever.
- The Golden Retriever belongs to the so-called “night” dogs: during the day it can sleep for a long time, and is active in the evening and at night.
- Golden Retrievers love to swim and are among the best swimmers.
- The Golden Retriever breed was first officially registered in 1925 by the American Kennel Club.
- One of the legends says that the Golden Retriever descended from eight Russian shepherd dogs that performed in the circus.
- The English Golden Retriever differs from the American one primarily in its coat color. English is usually a light cream color, while American is darker and sometimes red in color.