| Photo by: @TinaVal via Twenty20 |
Very few dog breeds are as polyvalent as the golden retriever. The golden retriever is recognized as a game bird retriever and a companion dog, but it also makes a good service dog for the blind and disabled. It is also used in search and rescue missions.
The Golden Retriever, this water dog, game retriever, has been one of the most popular dog breeds in USA for nearly thirty years. He is a gentle and affectionate dog, who knows perfectly how to fit into a family with children. On the other hand, it should not be forgotten that this breed remains a working dog with a need for activity and important occupation. without it, its behavior will be likely to pose a problem. Moreover, some lines have remained true working lines while others have been mainly selected for their beauty and will have the particularity of better adapting to the life of a companion dog. It will be necessary to get information from the breeder to make the right choice according to your expectations.
Brief background:
In 1999, the golden retriever was the second most popular dog according to the AKC census. This result is not surprising, given the golden retriever’s many qualities that make it an ideal family companion. However, he hasn’t forgotten his roots, which are in the fields and waterways of Great Britain.
The golden retriever, which was developed as a game bird retriever, particularly for waterfowl hunting, is the result of cross-breeding with other breeds such as spaniels, setter and Newfoundland (which was not, at the time, the breed as we know it today), and perhaps even the St. Hubert’s breed. The result was a strong and robust dog, at ease in water and able to withstand cold water, that knows how to track and retrieve wounded game.
Today, the golden retriever excels in hunting game birds and as a pet, but it is also popular as a service dog for the blind and disabled. Golden retrievers are also used for search and rescue missions and contraband detection. Very few breeds of dogs are as versatile.
The male golden retriever is 23 and 25 inches high at the withers and weighs between 64 and 70 lbs. The female Golden Retriever is 21 and 23 inches tall at the withers and weighs 55 to 64 lbs.
The coat is flat or wavy, cream or gold in color, and does not allow water to penetrate. The fringes on the front of the neck, back of the front legs, back of the thighs, on the belly and under the tail are one of the most attractive features of the breed.
The head is broad and powerful. The ears are not very large, set high on the head and hanging flat, below the level of the jaw. The chest is deep and the body well balanced. The life expectancy of the golden retriever is about 10 to 13 years.
Character:
In addition to being intelligent and affectionate, the golden retriever has an even temperament. Despite their playful nature, they are gentle with children and tend to get along well with other pets and strangers.
Golden Retrievers are eager to please, which is probably why they are so easy to train for obedience and why they are so popular as service dogs. They like to have a task to perform, whether it’s chasing birds or bringing their master’s slippers.
Because the golden retriever doesn’t bark much and doesn’t have a natural guardian instinct, he should not be relied upon to make a good guard dog. However, some golden retrievers do warn their owners when a stranger approach.
Daily life:
The Golden Retriever, like most dogs, can live in an apartment because in any case with or without a garden your dog will have to go out and walk every day. On the other hand, the Golden Retriever remains a large dog, so its integration in an apartment can be complicated depending on the layout and size of your home.
The golden retriever loves to be active. It is important to keep in mind that it is primarily a retriever for game birds; it loves to swim and play retrieving. As long as he exercises daily, this dog adapts to all types of housing, even apartment life.
The golden retriever has a moderate shedding. We recommend brushing him about once a week to keep his coat beautiful.