Golden Retriever Information

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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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Their colors can range from a bright golden/white to red.

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Character

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. Most Golden Retrievers love to swim and will do so at any chance they get.

They are very loyal and loving to their owner. Usually, lighter retrievers are more gentle. Because of their social nature, they make superb P.A.T. dogs. Golden Retrievers love agility courses and will always do a lot of running. They need a lot of exercise, but once inside, they fall asleep quickly.

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Size

20 – 24 inches

Male: 23-24 inches Female: 20-22.5 inches
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Weight

55 – 80 pounds

Male: 65-80 pounds Female: 55-65 pounds
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General Health

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

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 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

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

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. This breed enjoys the colder climates versus hot. If in a hot climate, they enjoy having access to water they can submerge themselves in.

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Dog Training!

If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site. Update: I've been using and recommending DogProblems for three years now. I, as well as my users, value the techniques we've learned. I get weekly emails from users who have become better owners from the information they received.

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Golden Retriever Q&A

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What do you suggest for itching/hot spots,probably allergies, although no testing has been done.

I suggest a special spray from the pet store or just try natural sprays. Blessings =)

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My golden retriever has been having scabs on his ears. Could you tell me what is wrong?

Probably an allergin to the enviroment. Try asking your veterinarian about it. It is either that or he just has an infection.

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how many puppies do they have?

About 6-10 on average. It is not unusual that 1 or 2 could die during, or shortly after, birth. Puppies are adorable!

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My Golden Retriever is about 12 years old and has many hotspots and the odor that comes from them is terrible. Is there any way to treat this.

my parents golden had hot spots ofter. They switched his food to Blue Buffalo and he had not had one since. It has been about a year and a half now. The food is more expensive but still cheaper than the vet bills they were paying.

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My Golden may have eaten our beef rib bone. Should I be concerned?

if she ate it whole you probably should worry.

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My Golden Retriever has been paired up with my German Shepard for 7 years how would her breed typically respond to the separation of her companion? We might have to sepatate them but do not want to cause harm to either one. What do you thinK?

I think she will miss him extremely. One of my neighbors dogs had a companion and once the companion had to go, because the neighbors couldn't keep a big dog, their little one stopped eating and drinking, and died in a short time. BUt i don't know about your dog and their relationship.

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is golden retriever suitable to live in the Caribbean? Will it do ok in the heat? Could it sun burn?

Yes but it would shed more fur and would have a shorter life span.

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I have 12year old golden. She is constantly licking her front paws. Does it all the time. Why? What can I do to stop it? or should I?

My golden was about 10 or 11 when she started doing that. It's no concern unless there are wounds. Mine did it because she had bad arthritis and I guess it was as close to a foot massage as she could get.

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My 11.5 yr golden retriever has stopped eating her dog food, for 3 days, her back legs are weak, she can hardly get up. What's wrong with her? I gave her some of her hip joint pills, she can finally stand, but still wont eat.

The best thing to do now is to get her checked out at the vet - my Retriever got very weak and lethargic as she got old, age related health concerns are a worry as they pass the 10 year mark. She could be fine but it is best to check it out with the professionals! I hope she is OK! Good luck!

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Is the Golden Retriever part of the Labrador family?

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