When you look at golden retrievers, it is so hard not to fall in love with them.  Their gentle intelligent manner and their playful temperament make them ideal dogs for families big and small.

Are Goldens right for you?

But, is this the right breed of dog for you?  Put aside their lovely open faces for a moment, and really do some soul searching to determine honestly whether this is the ideal breed that will suit you and your life style.

Exercise, exercise and more exercise

Golden retrievers are devoted to their owners and love human contact. They also love to play and exercise. In fact, exercise is a big part to consider when you have a golden, as they need at least an hour of exercise a day to keep them healthy and happy.

Remember they are a hunting and retrieving breed: long walks, running along a beach, playing fetch in a park, rambling on the hills, swimming in a river – these are all the things that they need to do daily. So if you do not have the time, or the inclination to do it every day, then this breed of dog is not for you.

Love human contact and companionship

They also love human companionship, which means if you have a lifestyle that can only devote a small amount of time to them, then you need to look elsewhere. Nothing will depress your golden more than to be left alone all day, or chained outside night and day with no contact, no stimulation and no exercise. In fact, if you have this type of lifestyle, get a goldfish instead.

Golden retrievers are very intuitive and intelligent. They are the dogs of choice for services such as search and rescue, guiding the blind, and drugs and narcotics. They do not need to be shouted at, or worse yet beaten to be trained. They need patience, understanding and lots of positive re-enforcement and in return they will do their best as they are so eager to please.

Mental stimulation

This is a breed that also likes to be stimulated and challenged mentally. Hiding things for them to find, agility training, learning new tricks are all great games for the golden retriever. For them, it will be like doing a job, which is what this breed is trained to do and they will take great pleasure in doing a great job for you.  Your approval and praise means everything to them.

Even if you are a first time dog owner or an inexperienced dog owner, with the right care, patience and time devoted to your golden, you will have a happy loyal dog in no time.

Everyone is their best friend

Golden retrievers consider everyone their best friend. That’s fine with friends, family and even casual strangers but useless when it comes to guarding property. So if you are looking for a fierce guard dog, do not even consider this breed.  The only thing the intruder will risk is being licked to death.

Loves food (too much)

Many golden retrievers can become overweight and suffer from obesity because they just love to eat. More often than not, it is that doleful expectant look that makes you give them too many snacks and too much food. You must try and resist as much as possible because although a young retriever will burn it off more readily and have a smaller chance of obesity; an older obese dog will be plagued with health problems.

Chewing nearly everything

They also love to chew. Shoes, clocks, TV remotes, sunglasses… anything they can get a hold of that looks nice to chew they will do it. So be careful where you put your things (out of reach) and provide your golden with lots of toys and chewy bones to gnaw on to avoid unnecessary surprises.

Hair balls

There are also their grooming requirements to consider. Although they only require a moderate amount of grooming, a good brush of their coats about twice a week is usually what is needed; they do tend to shed. At certain times of the year they can shed quite heavily (allergy sufferers take note) and you will find tufts of hair all over the place.

If you are house proud, this could pose a problem as not only do the golden sheds, they will happily run into the house after getting wet from the sprinklers and rolling in the mud. So be warned!

Um… another kid?

Regular body checks are also needed to make sure their floppy ears are clean, their coats are thorn free from running through bushes and that their nails are trimmed regularly. In truth it is like having another kid in the house, only a furry four legged one.

Related articles for Golden Retriever Adoption:

• Top Dogs: Which Breed Is Right for You? (lifescript.com)
• Trends from the 2009 list of AKC top breeds (doggies.com)

When we look at golden retrievers, they can range from a light off white color to a dark almost red or mahogany color.

For golden retriever owners, their dog could be anything from the palest cream to an almost rusty red gold color, and the standards vary from each different country.

White or cream golden retrievers are called a large variety of names including English cream golden retrievers, English golden retrievers, European golden retrievers, blond golden retrievers, British cream golden retrievers, white goldens,  platinum blond goldens or light golden retrievers.

This differentiation is found mainly in America to tell the difference between the Kennel Club Standard for British golden retrievers and those that were bred in America.

Differences between American and English Golden Retrievers

The White Golden Retriever

Although the European pure bred cream golden retrievers can be registered with the American Kennel Club, there are a lot of differences between American and European golden retrievers.

Coat Color

The color of the dog’s coat is the biggest difference between the two continents. In America, the golden retriever standards call for a golden color of various shades.  Both extremely pale or an extremely dark color is undesirable. The European standard on the other hand, calls for any shade of gold or cream but frown upon red or mahogany.

The density and the consistency of the golden coat differ too from the American golden retrievers to the white European golden retrievers.

American Goldens tend to have “too much coat”

The original golden retrievers were bred solely to be hunting dogs.  The breed was expected to survive cold climates, run through underbrush and swim across lakes and rivers to retrieve game.

The retriever’s coats therefore should neither be too long nor too short, but still dense enough to withstand the wet and cold.  The American goldens tend to have fur that is longer and in most cases they have too much coat.

Build and Body Structure

American and European goldens also differ in their build and body structure. The European cream golden retrievers tend to have a mouth that is larger and a nose that is more elongated than their American counterparts.

The English cream has a body structure that is also heavier and stockier with heads that are more squared in shape.  The American Kennel Club makes allowances for lighter amber colored eyes whereas the European Kennel Club would find it unacceptable.

Ear Positioning

The positioning of their ears is different as well.  The American Kennel Club has set standards whereby the ears are set well behind and above the level of the dog’s eyes while the European Kennel Club’s standard for the golden is to have the ears the same level of the eyes.  This alone can make the same breed of dog look very different.

Whether a golden retriever is white, cream, gold or rusty in color, they are still dogs that are affectionate, intelligent, energetic and sweet natured. A breed that is sought after by dog lovers everywhere and getting more and more popular each and every year.

A huge interest in the cream or English golden retriever has developed over the years and although these goldies may not win any prizes in an American Kennel Club show, the white golden retriever has firmly entrenched themselves in the hearts and minds of dog lovers with their endearing personalities.

Golden Retriever Breeders

So you have done your homework and thought long and hard about getting a golden retriever. You know to avoid pet shops that look at the bottom line of their profit sheets rather than the welfare of the dog and go with a reputable golden retriever breeder.

Beware Of Shady Breeders

But, where do you start?  There will be a multitude of shady dog ‘dealers’ ready to make a few bucks off of this popular and in demand breed, with total disregard to the animal itself, which makes finding a knowledgeable breeder with high quality dogs a challenge.

However, considering you will be living with this dog for the next 15 years or so, it pays to put in the effort now to look for a healthy and strong dog with a good disposition.

Knowledge is king when it comes to being an educated buyer. Read all you can about the breed, speak to people who has golden retrievers, talk to your vet about them especially regarding health issues.

Although goldens are great dogs, it does not mean they come problem free.

One of the more common health ailments that may affect a golden retriever is hip dysplasia.  Hip dysplasia is the abnormal wear and tear of the hip joint that can lead to painful arthritis and even lameness.

Health Certificates

Every reputable breeder will have the parents of the puppy checked by the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) for signs of this disease. It is an X-ray and hip score based diagnostic protocol that can perform by a vet and is an essential piece of information.

Do not let any type of excuse come in the way of seeing these vital test results, in fact, this should be a pre-condition before you even proceed with viewing the puppies.

A reputable breeder should be forth coming in showing all the latest and most up to date health checks, vaccinations and test results of their breeding pair.  Remember, in the case of hip dysplasia, signs will show only when a dog has reached adulthood and so a test done when they were still too young will not qualify.

Other health ailments that can affect golden retrievers include the eye condition cataracts.  Cataracts occurs when the crystalline lens of the eye becomes opaque, or ‘clouded’ over covering the pupil of the eye with a white film. Although this is harder to test for as it happens later in life, it is still vital to inquire about this condition and to know whether the breeding pair has been checked recently for it.

Signs Of A Reputable Breeder

If your breeder is a reputable breeder, you will be able to tell by other signs:

• Do they genuinely enjoy talking about the breed and show pride in what they do?
• Are they happy to show off any prizes or ribbons their dogs may have won?
• Are they happy to leave you with the parents of the puppies so that you can have an idea of their temperaments (which has been passed on to the puppies)?
• Are you asked a multitude of questions about your home (house, apartment, garden), your life style (energetic, easy going, hectic), your working arrangements (someone is always at home, or the house is empty all day), and how the dog will fit in the family?
• Are they quite firm in letting you know the temperaments of this breed (loves people so do not leave them alone), what they require (long walks, stimulation, good quality nutrition, lots of affection) and query your ability to look after them properly.

Do not view this as an intrusion into your privacy or being nosy about your life, a true high quality breeder will want their dogs to go to the best homes possible – this will be their top priority and they will not know if they do not ask.

Finally, if for whatever reason you decide to take the puppy back, are they willing to take it back without a reimbursement?

You may need a bit of trial and error before finding the golden retriever breeder you want, but the result will be well worth it. You are now set to getting a lifelong faithful, loving and loyal companion. Well done!

Golden Retriever Puppies

Falling in love with golden retriever puppies is very very easy. In fact, you will be cooing over them after a few seconds and will not be able to keep away. With their open furry faces, their cute little looks and happy disposition – it is super hard to resist them.

But the puppy grows and you are looking at anything up to fourteen to fifteen years of companionship with your golden, which is why buying one should be a well thought out process and not based on impulse and sudden urges.

Due to their popularity, golden puppies can be found in many pet shops across the country. Unfortunately, what many interested buyers do not know is that these puppies come from puppy farms, where their parents are kept in cages, over bred and unhealthy.

Many people then take on the view that they have ‘rescued’ their golden from a life of misery, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. Buying these farm bred puppies will only encourage these unscrupulous breeders to continue their unethical ways, as they will only see the profits in their hands.

In turn, this will enslave more breeding pairs to a life in cages, having far too many litters in their lives to ensure healthy puppies, and often suffering ill health themselves.

Another reason not to buy from a pet store is that you are unable to see the parents. Getting to see and interact with the parents will give you an idea of what the puppy will grow up to be like. A calm, friendly engaging dog will typically produce calm, friendly engaging off springs. Likewise, an aggressive trait in a parent will most likely surface in the puppy when it reaches adulthood.

Truly good breeders will be more than happy to discuss the traits of their dogs, and give you a wealth of information regarding their care and temperaments, even after the puppy has gone home with you.

A healthy and good natured golden retriever puppy is really a joy to behold. As they are very eager to please, it makes them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement and patience. There is nothing a golden likes better than to be rewarded with a small treat after a task well done. They love their food!

These naturally intelligent dogs need you to spend time with them as they can get bored easily and when they do, they will go and find mischief! As great chewers, they will start to look for something, anything to chew. Shoes, slippers are standard, but they would just as easily go for alarm clocks, TV remote controls and sun-glasses (three pairs to date!).

So it is advisable to have a good range of toys for them to play with and chew on, and to set aside regular play time for you and your new furry friend.

Golden retrievers are truly an ideal family dog. They are great with adults, kids and other pets alike which is also why they make the ideal choice for search and rescue and other types of services, such as guide dogs for the blind.

They have a true capacity to give affection and love unconditionally, but as their owner, you must be able to return that love and affection. It is not a one way street where you are all take and the dog is all give. It must be reciprocated – it must be a two way relationship
where you love it back as much as it loves you.

And that is not as hard as you think! A good game of fetch in the yard or regular long rambling walks will keep your four legged friend happy and healthy. Their highly energetic nature makes them perfect jogging, hiking or hunting partners.

You may even want to put your golden puppy into an obedience class not only to train them, but also to develop their instincts and capabilities further. They are very eager and willing, but sometimes that willingness needs a bit of direction!

If you have thoroughly thought it through and are truly considering purchasing a golden retriever puppy, make sure you put in the effort to locate the right breeder in your area, or contact the American Kennel Club for a list of reputable and qualified golden retriever breeders near you.

golden retriever breed

There is no doubt that over the years, the bouncy, loyal and good nature golden retriever breed has become many families’ choice for a family pet.

Origins

Originally bred in the cold and wet climates of northern Europe as hunting and tracking dogs, golden retrievers have very quickly become the breed of choice for search and rescue operations due to their tracking abilities, and service groups such as the blind for their loyalty and gentleness.

Their bouncy, cheerful personalities make them the ideal pet for families large and small. But do not underestimate the strength and tenacity of this breed.

Normally, when golden retrievers are mentioned, we immediately think of a dog with a big fluffy wagging tail and their tongues hanging out. In fact, these dogs belong in the large breed category, and their powerful, active bodies often reflect that.

Hunting Breed

Under that silky soft luxurious coat is a formidable muscle machine. As a hunting breed, their job was to power through the undergrowth and bushes of dense forestation, or swim across freezing running rivers to track game and help the hunters retrieve animals. Conditions were often cold, wet and difficult, but the eagerness of this breed to please and to do their jobs properly makes them compelling hunting dogs.

Size

Golden retriever males can be 23 to 24 inches in height (35-37cm) at the withers and 65 to 75 pounds (30–34 kg). Females tend to be a little smaller at 21.5 to 22.5 inches in height (33-35cm) at the withers and 55 to 65 pounds (25-30 kg).

They may be large and strong, but there is no denying that a golden retriever has the capacity to melt many hearts with their sweet and gentle faces.

The ‘Golden’ Name

Part of their name is derived from the color of their coats and golden retrievers come in various shades of golden. From a milky cream color to a rusty golden red color, golden retrievers have a thick, water repellent coat that is instrumental in protecting them in the damp marshy conditions often found in northern Europe, where this gentle engaging breed originated from.

Grooming

Golden retrievers do not require a lot of grooming but they do need moderate grooming. There are times when they shed more heavily and require more brushing but generally a good brush twice a week will suffice.

Although it is not necessary to get them completely clipped like some other breeds of dogs, it is recommended to have stray straggling bits of hair trimmed. A golden retriever’s dense coat may be straight or slightly wavy but should lie flat against their body.  Their great tails are feather like and are fuller, longer than their body fur. Some people like to keep it trimmed for a neater look.

British vs American Goldens

The very first and original golden retrievers came from the wet windswept Scottish highlands, but over the years, there have been noticeable differences between the same breed from America and the breed from Britain.

The British golden retrievers are more heavily built than their American counterparts and are typically lighter in color. Other differences can be seen in the shape of the eyes, head and muzzle.  The Canadian golden retriever breed is right between the British golden and the American golden as it has the height and weight of the American golden but a lighter color more like the British golden retriever, though not quite as light.

Dedicated Working Companion

Many associate the golden retriever as a dog breed with a totally amiable and gentle disposition, and they are not wrong. But they are also one of the most trainable breeds around as they are very eager to please and love praise and affection. As a result, they can be formidable working companions.

A People’s Dog

One thing is clear and this is vitally important : This is a people’s dog and not one to be chained up alone all day. They crave and love human contact and need stimulation and exercise on a regular basis. If you cannot be around to give them love and attention throughout the day, or give them the exercise they need, then do not get a golden retriever.

Not A Guard Dog

If you are looking for a guard dog or an intimidating dog to deter unwanted visitors, then the golden retriever breed is not the right dog for you either. They love people and consider everyone as friends, so they would be quite useless as guard dogs.

Two Golden Retrievers

What is it about golden retrievers that makes them so irresistible?

Well, the golden retriever ranks top five of the world’s most favorite dog and with good reason. It is athletic, intelligent, gentle and confident – making them the ideal choice for hunting, search and rescue, services and families.

Origins

The origin of the golden retriever breed can be traced back to Baron Tweedmouth, who resided in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s. Realizing a more versatile breed of dog was needed than the traditional setters and pointers for tracking and retrieving game, he proceeded to bred a yellow colored retriever with the tweed water spaniel (now extinct) to get a breed of dog that is strong, calm, not afraid of water, and with a soft mouth to retrieve game unharmed.

The inclusion of Irish setter, bloodhound, and the St. John’s water dog – all hunting dog breeds, were the basis for the retriever we are familiar with today.

This is why the golden retriever needs to be exercised every day. Their hunting and tracking instinct are all very much intact and they need to be able to run, exercise and swim on a regular basis (ie: everyday).

What They Need

So if you have a busy life and do not have enough time to walk and exercise your dog every day (we are talking about minimum an hour a day), or live in an apartment and have no time to spend with them to play and socialize, then this is not the breed of dog for you.

Golden retrievers are very much people dogs and they love human interaction. As such, it is not a dog to have either if there is no one in the house all day and it is left alone and unattended. Chaining them outside and separating them from people will make a golden very miserable indeed.

Highly Trainable

Golden retrievers also belong to the top five most intelligent dog breeds and are highly trainable. You will find that in no time at all they will have master the game ‘fetch’ and can retrieve balls and Frisbees all day long. Their agility skills are well known as well – in fact, the first AKC Obedience Trial Champion was a golden retriever.

The glass is always half full for the golden, and they have a zest and passion for life that is very infectious. Nothing will please them better than to make their owners happy, and so every task they are set to perform is performed 110% with much enthusiasm and gusto. Just be careful not to over work them though as they do not know when to stop!

This is why so many search and rescue, services such as for the blind, police and drug operations find these dogs so valuable. Out on the field, they are really hard to beat.

Not The Breed For…

Even though the golden retriever is ideal for many homes and services, these bouncy enthusiastic dogs are not recommended for the elderly as they can be too energetic.

Similarly, an untrained golden (much like all other dogs) can lead to destructive behaviors so it is well worth spending time on obedience and training.

Life Span & Health

You can expect your loyal furry companion to live anywhere between 10 – 15 years. But, beware they can suffer from health problems as they grow older. Diseases and illnesses include cataracts (a white film over the pupil of the eye), cancer (the most common being Hemangiosarcoma, a tumor that is often only detectable after it ruptures), allergies (most common is flea allergies), congenital heart murmurs, joint diseases and hip dysplasia (an abnormal formation of the hip socket that can lead to arthritis and even lameness).

Choosing A Puppy

This is why when choosing your golden puppy, it is crucial to buy them from reputable breeders who have the animal’s best interest at heart. The breeding pair must have OFA and CERF certificates to prove their good health which means there is less likelihood these genetic problems will be passed onto their off springs.

A Dog Is For Life

Finally, a dog is for life and your decision to buy a golden must be something you have weighed and considered from every possible angle before purchasing one.

They are the most loving, gentle, sweet and loyal dogs but that affection must be returned by taking good care of them through daily exercise, good nutrition, regular health checks, up to date vaccinations, and lots and lots of love and affection. Your golden will in return love you and your family unconditionally back.

Now that you know a little more about golden retrievers, find out if you are ready for an experience of a lifetime!