Probably one of the most recognisable and best loved dogs, the Golden Retriever is outgoing, playful, and probably the perfect pet for just anyone. Their tolerant attitude and the fact that they’re intelligent and easy to train makes them excellent family dogs for either experienced or inexperienced owners.
You won’t be able to count on a Golden Retriever to be a guard dog though, as they will try to befriend anyone who gets close to them. Plus, they love being the center of attention so they will thrive with a loving owner who can give them all the care and affection they need.
As with many breeds, the Golden Retriever can suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Glaucoma which is a painful condition where the pressure in the eye builds up.
- Multifocal retinal dysplasia which is an inherited eye condition that can seriously affect a dog's vision.
- Progressive retinal atrophy which is an inherited disorder where part of the eye degenerates and wastes away which can result in blindness.
- Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy which is where deposits form in the eye and this can result in damage to the eye and blindness in dim light.
- Hereditary cataracts which is a condition where the lens in the eye becomes cloudy and this can result in blindness.
- Ichthyosis which is where the skin on the footpads become thickened, greasy and dry.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- Hip dysplasia screening scheme
- Elbow dysplasia screening scheme
- Eye screening scheme
- Eye testing for pectinate ligament abnormality testing to look for signs that a dog is affected by glaucoma.
The Golden Retriever is known for their lustrous, medium-length golden coat and ever-wagging tail. This large retriever has a friendly expression with perfect symmetry and superb, flowing movement covering the ground with long, powerful strides. As for the Golden Retriever colours, they can be various shades of gold from light to dark.
The Golden Retriever is a gentle dog with a level disposition, and usually adapts well to family life. They love to be involved in all matters, whether indoors or outdoors. They are foremost a retriever and will attempt to drag, pull, or carry anything they can fit into their mouths. They also love water and care should be taken to ensure their safety when any form of water is nearby. Golden Retrievers are, however, worriers, and great care should be taken during training, ensuring sensitivity is maintained at all times.
As long as they have been introduced to cats and other furries as a puppy, they will happily live with all other household animals.
The Golden Retriever will suit an owner or family who are active and love the great outdoors, and who want a friendly, trainable large dog that needs lots of exercise and will join in with all activities with joy — and love everyone.
Meet Molly
"I knew that they like to swim but I never expected she would lie down in every puddle she finds. The muddier the better!"
Meet Mac
"GRs really are the best family dog. They are kind, undemanding and affectionate."
Meet Norman
"The amount they shed is unreal; make sure you invest in a good brush if you’re thinking of owning one."
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 5/5 |
| Easy to train: | 5/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 1/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 5/5 |
| Energy level: | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 4/5 |
| Shedding: | 5/5 |
Sir Dudley Marjoribanks (Lord Tweedmouth) took a liking to the yellow colour of the retriever and acquired a dog called 'Nous' from Brighton, England, in 1865 and used him on a Tweed Water Spaniel bitch, which was a liver-coloured retrieving dog. In 20 years of further breeding, and bringing in Labrador Retrievers, Red Setters and possibly a Bloodhound or two to improve scenting and add bone, the Golden Retriever dog breed was developed. In 1908, it was registered and shown as Golden Flatcoats until 1913 when the listing was changed to Golden or Yellow Retrievers until finally, in 1920, they took the name they bear today.
Ideal Golden Retriever owners understand that this breed only becomes a loveable, cuddly best friend if trained and socalised well and given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. It takes a few years for them to mature into sensible adult dogs, so you’ll be prepared to carefully manage their behaviour whilst they learn and settle down. Long walks in mud and rain are part of the joy of the Goldie, cleaning up muddy pawprints and vacuuming shed hair will need to be also!
Adult Golden Retrievers require a reasonable amount of exercise to keep them in peak condition. As puppies, do ensure they are not over-exercised or bone/joint problems may develop. A couple of hours of daily exercise should be sufficient for a fit adult, though this dog will happily accept more if you can offer it!
Like many gundogs, they can easily become overweight if not given enough exercise - especially as they love their food!
At heart, this is a country dog that loves the great outdoors and long walks in the countryside. Plus, given the Golden Retriever size, they will most likely feel more comfortable with access to a large backyard. However, they can adapt to smaller spaces as long as they have a garden and plenty of daily exercise.
Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The Golden Retriever is prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk. When they’re provided with proper care and nutrition, the Golden Retriever lifespan can extend to 12 years.
Because of the density of the coat, the Golden Retriever grooming process has to be done regularly. The undercoat, because of its water-repellent nature, is extremely thick and must not be allowed to mat, causing unnecessary suffering to the animal. Whilst the length of the coat attracts water and mud, this is easily cleaned off once the coat has dried.
Golden Retrievers are great dogs to train — whether in obedience or more traditional gundog work— bas they are smart and enjoy pleasing their owners. They need sensitive reward-based training to help them gain confidence and excel. As well as walking exercise, they excel in any games that use their natural retrieving abilities and love working with their owners.
The Golden Retriever is an ideal dog for families as they love everyone, are gentle, and enjoy being involved in all activities. They’ll happily come along for car rides and go visiting as they’re highly social.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
No, Golden Retrievers are known to be high energy and very active so if there are signs of laziness, they might be experiencing medical issues or emotional distress. However, it’s best to always contact the vet if you notice anything unusual happening with your Golden Retriever.
It’s unlike a Golden Retriever to be making a lot of noise as they won’t bark very often and will keep quiet most of the time. When they do bark, however, it mostly sounds like a friendly bark instead of a menacing one.
Absolutely, Golden Retrievers make great pets for any potential owner, regardless of the experience they have with pets. They’re reliable, intelligent, and forgiving, so training them will be a breeze.
Depending on age, a Golden Retriever would need between 15 minutes and 2 hours of daily exercise.
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