Often touted as the ‘best dog breed for families’, we look at the characteristics of the Golden Retriever.
Golden Retriever Facts
Breed Group: Gundog
Size: Large
Sheds?: Yes
Coat length: Medium
Exercise: 2x one hour walks per day
Grooming required?: At least twice a week
History of the Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever originated in Inverness, Scotland from approximately 1864. Lord Tweedmouth wanted to breed a strong, good-looking working dog, and crossed an attractive yellow coloured Flat Coated Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel (now an extinct dog breed). Tweedmouth gave the puppies to his family and friends to breed, and because the breed kept its form during breeding, Golden Retrievers were established.
Golden Retriever Health
Golden Retrievers have a long lifespan over over ten years on average. The breed is prone to joint and bone diseases, epilepsy, cancer and heart disease.
Characteristics
Energetic
When puppies, Golden Retrievers are incredibly energetic and have a tendency to jump a lot. They require a lot of mental stimulation and two long walks a day. Without this physical and mental stimulation they can become bored and destructive. Retrievers often have this exuberant nature until three years of age.
Chewing
As a Golden Retriever owner we recommend you provide a nice big box of dog toys readily available at all times. Retriever breeds are notorious for chewing and are mouthy as puppies. A box of toys will save them from destroying your home and furnishings.
Friendly and Cheerful
Often regarded as one of the best ‘family dogs’, Golden Retrievers are friendly (even with strangers) and are very relaxed when in the company of children. Their bark isn’t meant to be threatening or protective, it’s more of a friendly “hello”.
Are Golden Retrievers Easy to Train?
They are very eager to please, and, as such, are very responsive to training.
Because they are strong dogs, we recommend owners obedience train them to walk without pulling on the lead.
Are Golden Retrievers Easy to Housebreak?
Yes. Golden Retrievers are very easy to housebreak with consistency and persistency.
Where to find Golden Retrievers
Golden Retriever Groups
The Golden Retriever Club
Midland Golden Retriever Club
Eastern Counties Golden Retriever Club
Northern Golden Retriever Association
Southern Golden Retriever Society
Adopt a Golden Retriever
Adopt a Golden Retriever
Oldies.org
Labrador Rescue
Golden Retriever Rescue Cymru
Southern Golden Retriever Rescue
Irish Retriever Rescue
Golden Retriever Breeders
Here is the list of Kennel Club Assured Breeders
Do you own a Golden Retriever?
If you own a Golden Retriever let us know in the comments below and upload your picture to our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram tagging @DogBuddyCo. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #dogbuddybreed so we can filter your images!