It is not an accident that you see Golden Retrievers on so many television shows and in the movies. They are a highly intelligent, beautiful, and elegant breed with a calm temperament. They make wonderful pets, assistance dogs, and working dogs for many different types of search and rescue groups. Fun fact: Golden Retrievers are said to be the best breed for service animals!
The Golden Retriever is unmistakable in its physical appearance. They have a dense, double, wavy to straight outer coat and a thick, silky undercoat. There is significant fringing on the backs of the front legs, the hindquarters and the tail. The coat can be a dark, rich gold to yellow color or it can be lighter and more cream in color. When puppies are born, their coat is much lighter than what they will be as adults! It’s good to keep this in mind when choosing your Golden puppy! The body and legs are strong but not bulky and most Golden Retrievers will weigh between 50 and 80 pounds and measure 20-24 inches at the shoulder.
The head is very much like the other retrievers with a wide, open face and a moderately long, tapering muzzle. The eyes are large, round, and very friendly in appearance. The ears are actually smaller than some retrievers and should not extend past the inside of the eye and the bottom of the cheek area.
Training the Golden Retriever is often simple and rewarding. It is important to only use positive reinforcement and never use punishment when training as it can confuse and frighten the dog. The Golden Retriever seems to have an uncanny ability to sense people’s emotional state and is often used as a therapy dog with children and seniors. As assistance dogs, they are often able to anticipate their owner’s wants or needs and can be trained to recognize an emergency.
There is a significant amount of upkeep to their coat. Prospective owners need to be willing to routinely brush their pets to keep the coat free from tangles and mats. The dogs enjoy the grooming routine and it is a great opportunity to bond with their owners. It is also a good time to check for skin allergies, which can be problematic with the breed. Early treatment of allergies can prevent complications and ongoing skin infections. Your veterinarian can advise you on how to manage your pet’s allergies before complications arise.
of their retrieving instinct, Golden Retrievers have very soft and gentle mouths. The Golden Retriever is a good natured, highly affectionate dog that loves everyone. While they will bark to let you know someone strange is approaching, they are not a guard or watchdog by nature. They are great with children and other pets with early training and obedience.