Medium Golden Brown

When choosing a dog, it is important to choose the breed for you. To do this, you need to know the characteristics and temperament of the breed you are considering adopting or purchasing before doing so. The Golden Retriever is just one race among many others to choose from.

The Golden Retriever was first developed in the British Isles, probably from crosses between yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, light-coated Tweed Water Spaniels, other spaniels, setters, and even the Newfoundland and possibly the Bloodhound. It has been primarily bred for hunting and made a fine bird dog, both on land and in water. It has not only been used for hunting and tracking, but also for narcotics detection, such as guide dogs for the blind, therapy dog and service dog for people with disabilities. The Golden is a global leader in the family pet dog.

The Golden Retriever has an average height of 20 to 24 inches and an average weight of 55 to 80 pounds. He is handsome, strong and well proportioned. The coat is feathered, medium length cream to golden color. The outer layer is waterproof while the undercoat is dense. The tail is long, but never curled. The nose is black gold, and eyes are brown with dark rims. The ears are pendulous and of medium size. This race is an average shedder.

Golden Retrievers are generally kind, gentle, loyal, confident, well educated and eager to please. They are patient and gentle with children. They are intelligent, easily trained and excel in obedience competitions. They can learn about 240 commands, words and phrases. They are a family dog in traffic and are very attached to their owners and enjoy pleasing them. They are friendly, even to strangers and other dogs, with very little guard instincts, however, make good watchdogs and strong signal of an approaching stranger. These dogs love to swim and love to work with the ability to focus on a given task, and work until the collapse. Goldens can become cruel and / or high strung if not properly exercised. They may become anxious or distressed if left alone in a room. Golden Retrievers make excellent surrogates for different species. Some of their talents include hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience and tricks of the stage.

Health concerns include hip dysplasia and congenital eye malformations. Skin allergies are common and require immediate veterinary attention. Parents should be checked for Von Willebrand disease and heart problems.

The Golden Retriever is prone to obesity without exercise. They need a brisk walk every day, jogging or running. They love to retrieve balls and other toys. They must be exercised to avoid and hyperactivity.

Grooming this breed of dog is simple and consists of combing and brushing at least once a week with a firm brush, paying particular attention to the dense undercoat. Daily grooming is required during heavy shedding. They must be dry shampoo regularly, but bathed only when necessary. The ears should be cleaned regularly or ear infections may occur.

Golden Retrievers do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors, but do best with at least one medium to large yard.

This breed of dog is lovable, friendly, well educated, easy to train, gentle with children and makes a great family dog, but requires regular grooming and daily exercise and perhaps too active for the elderly. If you are able to provide sufficient exercise and regular grooming, so maybe a Golden Retriever dog breed is right for you.