General Description

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The Golden Retriever is a well-balanced, symmetrical dog with an active, powerful appearance. They possess an alert, self-confident demeanor and a friendly, intelligent expression. The breed’s body is short coupled and the chest is wide and well-developed. Their neck is comparatively long, and it merges gradually into their well laid-back shoulders. Their back is strong and level from the withers and it slopes gently at the croup. They have long, well-sprung ribs that extend towards the hindquarters and a short, muscular loin with very little tuck up. Their long tail is thick at its muscular base, and it is never curled or carried between the dog’s legs. The limbs are straight and well-boned, and the pasterns are short, strong, and slightly sloping. Their compact feet are medium-sized, round, and thickly padded. They have a broad, slightly arched skull and a well-defined stop. The muzzle is straight, wide, and tapered, and it blends smoothly into the dog’s skull. The eyes of the Golden Retriever are relatively large-sized and brown in color, and the ears are medium-sized and pendant. They have a dark nose and their teeth close in a scissors bite. The breed’s medium length coat is dense, water-repellent, and feathered. Coat colors for this breed include a variety of rich, lustrous golden shades.

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Character

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The Golden Retriever is an intelligent, well-mannered breed with a charming, affectionate personality. Because of their patience and gentleness, they are outstanding with children. They are loyal, self-assured, and they constantly aim to please. They make terrific family companions. They get along well with everyone, including strangers, and they have very few natural guarding instincts. While they won’t attack an intruder, they will bark loudly if they detect a threat. This breed needs to be in the company of people in order to be happy. If left alone for extended periods of time, they may become mischievous or distractible. Golden Retrievers also love to swim.

Golden Retrievers have webbed toes making it easy to swim. They are very intelligent and easy to love. This breed is known to be very gentle and kind and they will not attack intruders; however, they may bark loudly to raise awareness. They are good with other dogs, cats, children and guest especially if they are properly socialized from birth.

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Size

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20 – 24 inches

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Weight

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55 – 80 pounds

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General Health

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Like many other large dog breeds, the Golden Retriever is prone to hip dysplasia. Potential owners of this breed should ensure that the specimen’s parents are OFA and CERF certified. These dogs should also be checked for heart problems and Von Willebrand’s disease. Other health concerns for this breed include congenital eye defects and skin allergies. The Golden Retriever typically lives for 10 to 12 years.

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History

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The Golden Retriever was initially developed in the British Isles. It’s likely that the breed is the result of crosses between a yellow, Flat-Coated Retriever, light-coated Tweed Water Spaniels, other varieties of spaniels, the Newfoundland, and possibly the Bloodhound. Not only is the Golden Retriever a highly coveted family companion, but it is a highly talented bird and hunting dog. They have a fine nose and have been used for tracking and narcotics detection. They also serve as guides for the blind, therapy dogs, and service dogs for the disabled.

These dogs were initially developed in British Isles and England to be promoted as show and field dogs. There were bred for finding and retrieving birds that had been shot, but hunters noticed there were teeth marks in the birds. So they decided to breed new retrieving dog with softer jaws. This new breed became known as the Golden Retriever, and to this day they still have a soft jaw which could be the reason they have such a good name.

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Maintenance

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The medium-length, smooth, double coat of the Golden Retriever is easy to groom and care for. It should be combed and brushed with a firm bristle brush, and extra attention should be given to the dense undercoat. This breed should be dry shampooed on a regular basis, but they should only be bathed as necessary. The Golden Retriever is an average shedder.

This breed sheds considerably. It's a good idea to setup weekly brushing sessions to limit the amount of hair that could distribute around your house. Their hair may also become knotted if not properly brushed. This breed loves exercise. Make sure to keep them mentally and physically active or they may become anxious and destructive to your home. Golden Retrievers love people and they love interaction. Long periods of isolation should be avoided. This breed is long known for it's grace, confidence and gentleness. They are great with children and make excellent family pets.

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Ideal Environment

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The Golden Retriever is content to live in a small household or apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are a moderately active breed indoors, and they are happiest with at least a medium- to large-sized yard. They should receive a good amount of daily physical activity.

This breed enjoys a good sized yard or a large place to stretch their legs and run. They require a good amount of daily exercise. If a large yard is not an option, consider taking this breed on several long leash walks a day with frequent trips to the dog park.

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Golden Retriever Information