Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever breed is originally from United Kingdom. Also known as Yellow Retriever, Golden Flat Coat.
Golden Retriever has friendly and gentle temperament which means that it is unsuited to being a professional guard dog, but its temperament has also made it the third-most popular family dog breed (by registration during 2015-2018) in the United States. The breed is also the 5th-most popular one in Brazil and Australia, and the 8th-most popular in the UK.
Breed information
| Popularity |
|
| Name | Golden Retriever |
| Other names | Yellow Retriever, Golden Flat Coat |
| From country | United Kingdom |
| Standards | |
| Breed groups | Sporting (AKC),Gun Dog (UKC) |
| Type | Purebred |
| Size | Medium, Large, Giant |
| Life span | 10 - 12 years |
| Temperament | confident,friendly,intelligent,kind,reliable,trustworthy |
| Height female | 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) |
| Height male | 22-24 inches (56-61cm) |
| Weight female | 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) |
| Weight male | 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg) |
| Colors | golden,dark golden,light golden |
| Litter Size | 5 - 10 puppies |
| Puppy Price | Average $1000 - $2000 USD |
Golden Retriever breed image
Golden Retriever Pros and Cons
There are 3 pros and 5 cons of owning Golden Retriever.
| Pros 👍 | Cons 👎 |
|---|---|
| Kid-friendly | Tends to shed a lot |
| Dog-friendly | Difficult to groom |
| High intelligence | Needs more attention to his health |
| Needs a lot of exercises | |
| Not hypoallergenic |
Breed Characteristics
| Sensitivity Level |
Low-sensitive
High-sensitive
|
High-sensitivity dogs can take some of the owner's actions close to the heart. If you shout too loudly at the dog, ignore the dog or your kid pulls its tail It may take offense. Low sensitivity dogs or "tolerant" dogs take it easier. If you are an emotional person, too busy, sometimes ignore the dog, have young kids, then we don't recommend taking a high-sensitivity dog. |
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| Kid-Friendly |
No-Kid-Friendly
Kid-Friendly
|
Kid-friendly dogs are tolerant to kid's behavior like hugs and attempts to saddle and other "games". It behaves kindly to kids. A no-kid-friendly dog doesn't tolerate such an attitude. You need to know that it's possible to teach dogs of any breed to be kid-friendly. But anyway You mustn't leave the kid and dog alone! |
|
| Dog Friendly |
Low-friendly
High-Friendly
|
Dog-friendly characteristics highly depend on dog socialization, breed isn't the only factor. Dogs with high friendliness will play with other dogs or just be calm. Low-friendly dogs will try to fight, bark or run away. |
|
| Friendly Toward Strangers |
Not-friendly
Everyone Is My Best Friend
|
The stranger-friendly dog will show nice behavior when your friends or visitors come to you. No stranger-friendly breed can be aggressive and attack them. Others will be shy or even afraid of your guests. But anyway if your dog has got good socialization lessons It will be stranger-friendly no matter what breed. And also if you have found that breed has a five-star rating of Stranger-friendly and you are not going to train this dog It can be aggressive to your visitors. |
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| Amount Of Shedding |
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
|
Dogs tend to shed, and it is completely normal for a certain amount of dog hair to end up either on your clothes or inside your house. Importantly, the amount of shedding differs from breed to breed. For example, some dogs shed throughout the year, others shed at key seasonal times, and some may do a little bit of both. However, some dogs barely shed at all. Depending on your preferences and standards, be sure to pick a dog breed with this in mind. |
|
| Easy To Groom |
Easy
Hard
|
It is important to remember that some dog breeds require more maintenance than others. While some can be brushed on the go, other breeds may benefit from regular clipping, grooming, and bathing. Assessing how much time and money you are willing to spend on maintenance needs is certainly something to consider. |
|
| General Health |
Need more attention to health
Healthy as an ox
|
Some dogs are victims of irresponsible breeding practices, and this may cause them health problems down the road. One example of this is hip dysplasia, which is a genetic health problem. However, keep in mind that not every dog will develop these issues, although they are more likely to. If you decide to adopt a puppy, it is best to find out about any genetic illness that may be associated with its breed. For more information, you may also wish to consult with a shelter or rescue that can supply you with the knowledge of the physical health of the puppy’s parents or siblings. |
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| Easy To Train |
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
|
Interestingly, some dog breeds are easier to train than others. For example, select breeds may form a greater number of associations between words (“stay”), actions (staying), and outcomes (receiving a reward). Others may take more time and attention to train. Dogs are extremely intelligent but may want to know what is in it for them if they comply with your request. This is where games and rewards may come in handy. |
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| Intelligence |
Low
High
|
Certain dog breeds are adept at specific jobs. For example, a dog that is bred for its intelligence, concentration, and quick decision-making may be used to successfully herd livestock and need more mental stimulation than a dog that is bred to be a runner and needs more physical exercise. Knowing your dog’s needs helps you know how to keep them properly engaged and out of mischief (such as chewing and digging). Examples include interactive toys and activities, including obedience training for those who need mental engagement, as well as search and rescue activities for those who are meant to be more active and employ their keen senses. |
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| Tendency To Bark Or Howl |
Only To Alert
Avid singer
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It is important to note that vocalization differs among dog breeds. Some are more vocal, and all of them bark and howl with different pitches. One example to consider is a hound. Would the pitch of their barking and howling get on your nerves or would you think it was somewhat musical? Is your dog breed notorious for hunting and would constantly chase and howl at nearby wildlife? If your dog is more alert and makes a good watchdog, will it bark at everyone it meets? These are some elements to consider when choosing a dog breed, as well as whether you have neighbors, or any noise restrictions are in place. |
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| Energy Level |
Couch Potato
High Energy
|
Dogs who have a lot of energy may have been bred for certain jobs, including herding livestock or retrieving game for hunters. Therefore, they will need quite a bit of interaction and exercise. They will be more energetic and probably engage in activities like playing, running, tumbling, and checking out new smells and sights. Conversely, other breeds may be low-energy and like to lounge on the couch with you, nap, and watch Netflix. Whichever dog breed you choose, simply consider what your own activity level and lifestyle are like and pick a dog breed that suits it. |
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| Exercise Needs |
Low
Need a lot
|
Different dog breeds require different levels of exercise. Some may be content with a leisurely stroll in the evening, and other breeds may want to make several vigorous laps around the block. Depending on what they were bred to do, such as hunt or herd, their energy levels will match those activities. Dogs who are high-energy and do not have enough exercise might gain weight and engage in behaviors such as digging, chewing, and barking. High-energy dogs will likely match the best with individuals who are active and love the outdoors or are interested in training their dog for competitions. |
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| Potential For Playfulness |
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
|
Personalities of dog breeds vary widely. Some are always up for playing and stay in a puppy state of mind. Other breeds tend to be more serious and enjoy their downtime. It is best for individuals to consider whether the thought of a playful puppy is exciting or whether they mainly just want a couch companion. Other factors to consider include whether you have children or additional pets. Another option is adopting a dog that is a bit older and less demanding but still enjoys interacting and playing. |
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Basic moments
- Ideal hosts for the Golden Retriever are families with children, as well as active people who love outings and long walks. For couch potatoes and adherents of laxed pace of life, the dog will deliver more in convenience than in positive emotions.
- Representatives of this breed are quite silent and patient. They do neither raise a fuss over trifles and nor annoy with loud barking.
- These dogs are smart and quick-witted. Ranked 4th in the list of the most intellectually developed breeds according to Stanley Coren.
- Among hunters, golden retrievers have a reputation for being the best game carriers, capable of wading in search of prey even through difficult thickets.
- Due to the abundant spontaneous molting, the breed is not suitable for fans of cleanliness and allergy sufferers.
- Golden Retrievers are capable learners, grasping even the most difficult material with ease. With a timely completion of the training course, they become excellent guides, rescuers and search engines.
- Despite their friendly and outgoing nature, retrievers need training and a steady hand. A dog that does not recognize the master’s authority becomes uncontrollable and can create a lot of problems.
- Golden Retrievers have a real passion for water and take a bath with pleasure in any open water, and if overlooked, in puddles.
- The owners often call their pets simply golden.
History of the Golden Retriever breed
The main prerequisite for emergence of the breed was an eternal passion of the English aristocrats for hunting. In the 19th century, the main entertainment of British and Scottish Esquires was hunting and shooting ducks. The venerable peers disappeared for days in the forests and in the swamps, boasting to each other with their trophies, guns and, of course, dogs. However, if the gentlemen had complete order with the hounds, then four-footed hunters, able to find as hot quail in the heather thickets or swim after a duck that fell into the lake, were in great deficit. Commercial demand generated supply, and soon shaggy dogs with an unusual golden coat began to dissect through the valleys of Scotland.
The emergence of Golden Retrievers as an independent breed is usually associated with the name of Dudley Marjori banks, a Scottish lord and part-time breeder-amateur. He showed the world a completely new variety of the hunter dog, who was not afraid of water and who skillfully imported a padded bird. For a long time it remained a mystery, whose blood flows in the wards of the lord, until in the middle of the 20th century, the secret records of his studbooks were made public. As it turned out, the Goldens were given their genes by the Water Tweed Spaniel, Labrador, Bloodhound and Straight-haired Retriever. At the same time, the first offspring were obtained as a result of mating a tweed water spaniel and a straight-haired retriever, which had a yellowish coat.
By the 20s of the last century, the breed was already quite popular not only in Europe, but also among breeders of the New World. In addition, the USA and Canada have formed their own standards for the appearance of Golden Retrievers. So, for example, overseas, individuals with a more intense and dark coat color were preferred.
Golden Retriever's appearance
Golden Retrievers are moderately pumped up handsome men with heartfelt eyes and luxurious iridescent hair. Goldens owe their recognition not so much to their own charm as to the efforts of marketers. The breed was especially actively promoted by American cinema. It is enough to watch a couple of comedy melodramas produced in the USA to understand, if an American family ever decides to have a dog, then in 9 cases out of 10 it will be a Golden Retriever.
The sexual type in representatives of this breed is pronounced. The growth of an average males ranges from 56-60 cm, and his weight can reach 41kg. Females are much lighter (average weight— 25-37 kg) and smaller than males (height— 51-56 cm).
Despite the presence of a single breed standard approved by the FCI, experts divide golden retrievers into three types:
- English;
- American;
- Canadian.
Representatives of the first group are the natives of Foggy Albion, with extremely massive legs and a wide skull. They are distinguished by a lighter coat color, up to white. It is the English type that is most common in Europe and Russia. The range of American breeders wards is less impressive, but from USA Golden Retrievers boast a graceful posture and generally more elegant appearance. At the same time, the shade of their coat is so me what darker than that of their British counterparts. A distinctive feature of Canadian retrievers is a thin physique with a fairly high growth. The coat color of the “Canadians” is even more intense and darker than that of the “Americans”.
Head
The skull is massive, convex-angular. The transition from forehead to muzzle is distinct and smooth. The occipital protuberance is smoothed, the cheeks are flat. The animal’s muzzle is long, even, gradually tapering from base to nose.
Lips
Black, moderately dense and dry. The upper lip hangs noticeably over the lower lip, but does not go beyond the jaw. The lips completely hide the dog's teeth and gums, forming small folds at the corners of the mouth.
Jaws and teeth
The retriever's jaws are strong and fairly wide, with a pronounced scissor bite. The teeth are white and large. The incisors are aligned.
Nose
The lobe is massive, mobile and black. The nostrils are wide open.
Ears
Moderately long, hanging, lowered along the cheeks of the animal. The base of the ear is wide, the tip is narrow, smooth and rounded. Placement - slightly above the line of the eyes.
Eyes
Large, deep-set, rounded. The golden retriever has a smart, friendly look. The color of the iris is from brown to dark brown. The eyelids are black, dry, close to the eyeball. An important condition: in a dog looking straight, the whites of the eyes should not be visible.
Neck
Massive, set high and of moderate length. The neck muscles are strong, developed, there are no folds or sagging.
Body
Adults have a strong, tightly knit body with prominent muscles. The back of Golden Retrievers is straight, with a prominent loin and pronounced withers. The croup is massive, slightly sloping, rounded. The rib cage is of moderate width, sufficiently deep. The tucked-up belly line ends with a short and well-fitting groin area.
Tail
Moderately long, with a wide, thickened base and a tapered tip. Located below the back. In a calm golden, the tail is lowered, in an excited golden, it is raised to the level of the back.
Limbs
The forelegs are well muscled, dry and straight. The shoulders are strong, with massive shoulder blades and the elbows laid back against the body. The shoulder angle does not exceed 90 degrees. The pasterns are strong, but short, set at a slight slope.
The hind legs are strong, with well-developed muscles, well spaced apart from each other. The hock joint in Golden Retrievers is low and pointing backwards. Front and hind feet are of medium size, rounded. The pads are massive, with short claws; the fingers of the animal are folded into a ball.
Wool
The coat of the Golden Retriever is very hard and water-repellent. The hair is quite thick and fits snugly to the body, hiding an abundant undercoat underneath. The structure of the coat can be straight or have alight wave, and its length varies depending on the part of the body. The longest coat is found on the chest, ears, body, back of all four legs, and the lower part of the tail. Areas of the body with short hair are the head, feet and front of the limbs.
Color
All shades of gold are considered reference, up to the transition to cream color. Lighter colors are acceptable for feathering on paws and tail suspension.
Possible defects
The list of breed defects includes any deviations from the characteristics prescribed by the standard. For example, it is undesirable for a golden retriever to have sparse and long hair, white stripes on the chest, and eyes that are too light and close-set. The following vices may be the reason not to allow the animal to compete:
- square case;
- long or too short legs;
- malocclusion and skewed lower jaw;
- cryptorchidism;
- lips, eyelids and nose, painted in any shade except black;
- a white "scarf" around the neck and blurs on the forehead;
- black coat color, as well as the presence of spots on it;
- drooping tail.
Angry or conversely cowardly individuals, “goldens” with a small head, short ears or small teeth will also not make a serious career.
Video Is the Amazing Golden Retriever the Perfect Dog?
Video about Golden Retriever breed
Questions and answers about Golden Retriever
Yes, Golden Retriever's typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes it a family pet. But anyway You mustn't leave the kid and dog alone!
The average life expectancy of a Golden Retriever is between 10 - 12 years.
If your Golden Retriever is pregnant, it is safe to assume that litter can have anywhere from 5 to 10 puppies.
If you purchase Golden Retriever from a breeder it can be much more expensive than a shelter. A purebred Golden Retriever costs between US$ 1000 and US$ 2000 from a reputable breeder, but there are several advantages to doing so. First, a breeder will usually allow you to meet the parents to get a good idea about what the puppy will look like and behave. You will also see if the parents have any health problems. Breeders will also supply you with paperwork that documents your pet’s lineage.
Yes, Golden Retriever has captured the hearts of Americans and become a beloved and highly sought-after breed. It's in top 3 the most popular purebred dog in USA. Golden Retriever have got #4 rank in 2020, #3 in 2021 and #3 in 2022 by American Kennel Club (AKC).
No, Golden Retriever are not considered hypoallergenic dogs. If you are thinking about getting a Golden Retriever and have allergies, it's important to spend time with the breed to see how you react before bringing one into your home. This can help you make an informed decision about whether a Golden Retriever is the right pet for you, and if so, what steps you may need to take to manage any allergy symptoms.
- https://www.akc.org
- FCI standard
- Kennel club standard
- Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Retriever
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