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Golden Retriever Character, Care and Feeding

The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world - and for good reason. With its friendly nature, intelligence, and balanced character, it captures the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. Whether as a reliable hunting companion, loving family dog, or dedicated therapy dog, the Golden Retriever excels in many areas and is always a faithful companion by your side.

In this article, you will learn interesting facts about the Golden Retriever: from its origins, character and appearance to feeding and support. Find out whether a Golden Retriever suits your lifestyle and what you should know before acquiring one.

01 | ORIGIN & HISTORY

Where does the Golden Retriever originally come from?

The origin of the Golden Retriever lies in the 19th century in the Scottish Highlands. Lord Dudley Marjoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth, was eager to breed a perfect hunting dog that possessed excellent retrieving abilities both on land and in water. By purposefully crossing a yellow Wavy-Coated Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel, he laid the foundation for today's breed. Further crossings of Irish Setter, Bloodhound and again Wavy-Coated Retriever refined the characteristics of the Golden Retriever. Its name is derived from the characteristic golden coat color and its task as a retriever ("to retrieve").

The official recognition of the breed took place in 1913 by the British Kennel Club. Since then, the Golden Retriever has gained popularity worldwide and has established itself as a versatile working dog.

02 | BREED CHARACTERISTICS & APPERANCE

What does a Golden Retriever look like?

The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized, powerfully built dog with harmonious proportions. Its expression is friendly and intelligent, which is underlined by the dark eyes and well-set ears. The coat is medium-long, smooth or wavy and is characterized by a dense undercoat that protects it from cold and wet. Typical are the pronounced feathering on the chest, belly, legs and tail.

How big does a Golden Retriever get?

Males reach a shoulder height of 56 to 61 cm, while females are slightly smaller and have a size of 51 to 56 cm. This size gives them the necessary presence without appearing too massive, and makes them ideal companions for various activities.

Colors of the Golden Retriever

The color spectrum of the Golden Retriever ranges from light cream to rich gold. Red tones or mahogany shades are not desired according to the breed standard. The uniform coat color gives the dog a noble appearance and reflects its gentle character.

What eye colors do Golden Retrievers have?

The eyes of the Golden Retriever are dark brown, well apart and surrounded by dark pigmented eyelids. This gentle yet alert gaze is a characteristic feature of the breed and conveys intelligence and friendliness.

What is the physique of a Golden Retriever like?

The physique is balanced and strong. The deep chest provides plenty of room for the heart and lungs, which benefits its endurance. The back is straight, the loin muscular. The forelegs are straight and well muscled, the hind legs strong with well angulated joints, allowing for a flowing and ground covering movement. The tail is carried level with the back and should reach the hocks.

How old does a Golden Retriever get?

The average life expectancy of a Golden Retriever is between 10 and 14 years. With good care, a balanced diet and regular veterinary checkups, health and lifespan can be positively influenced.

When is a Golden Retriever fully grown?

Golden Retrievers usually reach their final body size between 12 and 18 months of age. However, physical and mental maturity often does not occur until about three years of age. During this phase, character and temperament solidify, and the dog becomes a balanced companion.

03 | CHARACTER TRAITS

What are the characteristics of a Golden Retriever?

The Golden Retriever is known for its friendly, outgoing and people-oriented nature. It shows a high degree of intelligence and willingness to learn, which makes it easy to train. Its pronounced "Will to Please" - the desire to please its human - facilitates training and cooperation. Aggressiveness or shyness are foreign to golden retrievers, instead it shows remarkable patience and tolerance, especially towards children.

Its versatility is evident in the different tasks that it masters with flying colors: Whether as a hunting and retrieving dog, assistance dog for people with disabilities, therapy dog or simply as a faithful family companion - the Golden Retriever is always ready to take on new challenges.

Is the Golden Retriever a family dog?

Yes, the Golden Retriever is an excellent family dog. Its loving and patient nature makes it the ideal playmate for children. It integrates quickly into the family and loves to be part of everyday life. Its affection and need for closeness ensure that it feels most comfortable in company.

Is the Golden Retriever a beginner dog?

Due to its balanced temperament and eagerness to learn, the Golden Retriever is also suitable for dog beginners. However, it is important to be aware that every dog - even a good-natured Golden Retriever - needs time, attention and consistent training. Early socialization and attending a dog school are recommended to ensure a harmonious coexistence.

04 | CARE, HEALTH & DISEASES

How much grooming does a Golden Retriever need?

Grooming the Golden Retriever requires regular attention. The medium-length coat should be thoroughly brushed at least twice a week to prevent matting and remove loose hair. Daily brushing is recommended during the shedding season in spring and fall. In addition, ears, eyes and paws should be regularly checked and cleaned to prevent infections.

Dental care also plays an important role. Regular brushing or giving chew snacks can prevent tartar buildup and bad breath. The claws should be checked at regular intervals and shortened if necessary.

What is the best food for a Golden Retriever?

A high-quality, balanced diet is essential for the health of your Golden Retriever. Their food should contain an appropriate amount of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Special breed-specific foods can be tailored to the needs of Golden Retrievers, especially in terms of joint health and weight management.

Because Golden Retrievers are prone to obesity, it's important to adjust the amount of food to their individual energy needs and to give treats in moderation. Fresh water should always be available.

Foggi's food recommendations for Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers love beef! No wonder, because it is not only tasty, but also provides important proteins, vitamins and minerals for a healthy four-legged friend. At Foggi's you will find a large selection of beef products for your dog's BARF diet:

More variety with chicken

To make your Golden Retriever's diet varied and to offer a lower-calorie alternative to beef, chicken is ideal. At Foggi's you will find, for example:

Prey für Golden Retrievers

The PREY method is a species-appropriate form of feeding that is becoming increasingly popular with Golden Retrievers. Especially popular are prey meals with beef, chicken, lamb or venison.

Natural treats made from dried beef & poultry

Spoil your Golden Retriever with healthy and delicious snacks! Here are our recommendations:

Breed-typical diseases in Golden Retrievers

The Golden Retriever can be susceptible to certain genetic diseases. These include:

  • Hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED): Malformations of the joints that can lead to pain and movement disorders.
  • Eye diseases: Such as cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), which can lead to blindness.
  • Heart diseases: Such as subaortic stenosis, a narrowing of the main artery.
  • Cancer: Golden Retrievers have an increased risk for certain cancers, such as lymphoma or hemangiosarcoma.
  • Allergies and skin problems: Can lead to itching and infections.

Regular veterinary checkups and preventive screenings can help detect and treat diseases early.

05 | TRAINING & KEEPING

How much exercise/activity does a Golden Retriever need?

The Golden Retriever is an active dog that wants to be challenged both physically and mentally. Daily exercise in the form of long walks, jogging rounds or bike rides is important. It also loves activities such as swimming or retrieving games, which correspond to its original hunting instinct.

Mental occupation through intelligence toys, search games or learning new commands keeps him mentally fit and promotes the bond between dog and owner.

How much training does a Golden Retriever need?

Consistent and loving training is crucial. Attending a puppy school and subsequent dog training can help solidify basic commands and promote social behavior. Dog sports such as agility, obedience or dummy training offer excellent opportunities to challenge the Golden Retriever and utilize its skills.

It is important that the training is varied and that positive reinforcement is paramount. Strict or harsh methods are counterproductive and can damage the dog's trust.

Can you keep a Golden Retriever in an apartment?

In principle, a Golden Retriever can also be kept in an apartment, provided it receives enough exercise and activity. However, a house with a garden is ideal, as it gives him the opportunity to move freely and explore his environment. It is important that he is not left alone for long periods of time and receives enough social contact.

Can a Golden Retriever be left alone?

Golden Retrievers are very social and people-oriented. They prefer the company of their family and can develop separation anxiety if isolated for long periods. It is therefore important to train being alone gradually and ensure that the dog is sufficiently exercised. However, a well-trained Golden Retriever can learn to be alone for a few hours.

06 | CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE PURCHASE

Is a Golden Retriever right for me?

Before you decide on a Golden Retriever, you should carefully consider your living conditions:

  • Time: Do you have enough time for exercise, grooming and training?
  • Space: Can you offer him enough space, both indoors and outdoors?
  • Family: Do all family members agree with the purchase and are willing to take responsibility?
  • Finances: In addition to the purchase costs, there are ongoing costs for food, veterinarian and accessories.
  • Allergies: Find out if family members are allergic to dogs.

If you can answer these questions with "yes" and are willing to give an active and loving dog a home, the Golden Retriever could be the right companion for you.

Where can I buy a Golden Retriever?

A reputable breeder is the best place to go to purchase a healthy and well-socialized Golden Retriever. Make sure that the breeder is a member of a recognized breeding association, that health checks of the parent animals are available, and that the puppies grow up in a family environment.

Alternatively, you can also look for a Golden Retriever in animal shelters or at special Retriever rescues. Often dogs of different ages are waiting there for a loving home.

How much does a Golden Retriever cost?

The purchase costs for a Golden Retriever from a reputable breeder are between 1,200 and 2,000 Euros. This price reflects the costs of health checks, rearing and socialization. Keep in mind that "cheap offers" often go hand in hand with poor health or poor breeding.

In addition, you should plan for ongoing costs for:

  • Food
  • Veterinary visits
  • Insurance
  • Dog school
  • Equipment (leash, collar, basket, toys)

Overall, the annual maintenance costs can amount to several hundred Euros.


07 | INTERESTING FACTS, TRIVIA & EXTRAS

Popular mixes

  • Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever x Poodle): Combines the friendliness of the Golden Retriever with the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat structure of the Poodle.
  • Golden Shepherd (Golden Retriever x German Shepherd): Combines the working joy of the German Shepherd with the gentle nature of the Golden Retriever.
  • Golden Husky (Golden Retriever x Siberian Husky): An energetic mix with a strong urge to move and impressive appearance.

Similar dog breeds

  • Labrador Retriever: Similar in character, but usually shorter coat and somewhat stronger in physique.
  • Flat Coated Retriever: Slimmer built with smooth, black or liver colored coat.
  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: Smaller retriever breed with reddish coat and lively temperament.

Did you know?

  • Golden Retrievers are excellent swimmers and love the water. Their dense undercoat and water-repellent topcoat allow them to be active in the water even in cooler temperatures.
  • They are often used as assistance dogs, for example as guide dogs or in rescue dog work.
  • The Golden Retriever regularly occupies top positions in the ranking of the most popular dog breeds.

Further articles

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