This is largely due to the dogs natural responsiveness to its owners emotions. Healthy fats are an important ingredient for overall health, and skin and coat health. This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. They are a wonderful breed and great with kids. MANY golden owners report that their dogs have experienced digestive issues. The golden retriever is the definition of a family dog. Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on February 06, 2020: Golden Retrievers have always been one of my favorite breeds of dogs. Start out with low-intensity separation scenarios using gates, pens, and tethers, while you remain at home, with the goal of gradually increasing the intensity over time (read more about preventing separation anxiety, If youre not sure youre ready to raise a puppy, adopting an adult or senior Golden from a rescue is a great idea. Experts suggest 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dog food twice a day. Its critically important to avoid overfeeding your golden because this breed is. The golden retriever is an active and intelligent dog that requires a significant amount of daily exercise and mental stimulationyou should aim for at least an hour a day of walks and/or play. I gave her salmon, sardines, grass-fed beef, probiotics, etc., but always the same result. High-quality dog food is appropriate for all stages of the Golden Retrievers life, including its puppy, adult, and senior years. Although Golden Retriever puppies can be a little too rough and rowdy for smaller pets in your household (with a tendency to carry smaller pets in their mouth), early socialization with other animals (and obedience training) can go a long way in correcting these bad behaviors before they become permanent personality fixtures. Set on a muscular base, the tail typically follows the natural line of the croup, with bones in the tail extending to the point of the hock (AKC, 111). The Golden Retriever Club of America was founded in 1938. Signs to look out for include frequent head shaking, scratching at the ears or rubbing the face on carpet, and discharge and/or an odor coming from the ear canal. But, like any breed, they demand ample mental stimulation, exercise, and training. Rapid growth can put strain on your puppys bones and joints which may predispose them to musculoskeletal issues in adulthood. In true golden fashion, a tennis ball is never more than a paw-length away from Sullivan, says Sullys owner, Cait Maas. Females are a little smaller, standing up to 22.5 inches tall and weighing between 55 and 65 pounds on average. They make excellent candidates for dog sports and therapy dog training. Its a health hazard as its linked to a raft of diseases including cancer. It cant be emphasized enough: being overweight isnt simply a cosmetic issue for dogs. If you're looking to welcome a Golden into your home, here's a little more information to help you decide whether it's the right fit. Skin Allergies: Dogs can develop allergies to a wide variety of things ranging from fleas and other external parasites to food, pollen, mold, and other environmental irritants. Socialization and obedience training are a must for any dog, and especially an active, energetic breed like this. I think this very informative article would encourage anyone to rush out and buy that beautiful puppy. What a great story! Golden Retrievers have a naturally friendly disposition, which makes them poor guard dogs. Better for them, easier for you. Just make sure to introduce your golden to other family members slowly and monitor early interactions to ensure the safety of all involved. The average male golden stands between 23 and 24 inches tall and weighs 65 to 75 pounds. In fact, the Golden Retriever is often considered one of the best family dogs in the world due to its gentle and playful demeanor. Regular grooming of the animal is also crucial for maintaining proper hygiene and preventing a variety of pests (most notably ticks) from sticking to the Golden Retrievers coat. Cataracts can develop at any age but are most common in older golden retrievers. For these reasons, modern-day Golden Retrievers are renowned for their gentleness, affection, and intelligence. The Golden Retriever is also remarkable in that it is capable of understanding human emotions to a large degree. Known for its waterproof properties, the dogs coat is neither coarse nor silky and typically lies close to the animals body (AKC, 111). If left untreated, outer ear infections can spread into the middle or inner ear which could affect your dogs hearing. You may also want to consider that all that gorgeous golden fur has to go somewheregoldens tend to shed pretty heavily. Stamina was also crucial for the breed, as hunting excursions could prove both exhausting and taxing to the animals body. ), however, should not expect positive results. If your dog spends a lot of time swimming, try to clean their their ears frequently (more, : It is an unfortunate fact that goldens are more predisposed to cancer than most other breedsroughly 60% of all golden retrievers will die from some form of the disease. The only major difference for the Golden Retrievers hindquarters is the relative straightness of the dogs legs (particularly when viewed from behind). As a retriever, Welly loves to spend at least part of his walk walking himself. Tweedmouth bred the animal through a combination of Black Wavy Coated Retrievers and a Tweed Water Spaniel, affectionately named Belle.. He has 15+ years of experience with dogs and various pets. Its critically important to avoid overfeeding your golden because this breed is prone to obesity. So glad you enjoyed. This results in a sudden drop in blood pressure which can cause the dog to go into shock. (GRIN) Rescue cautions against golden retriever puppies and young goldens for individuals who arent committed to training and exercising with their dog. Elbow dysplasia, also a heritable condition, is characterized by laxity in the elbow joint which can lead to lameness. While goldens are not known for being aggressive, any dog can develop aggressive behavior if theyre improperly socialized or poorly treated. Simply put, they require a lot of attention. Careful monitoring of the retrievers diet is also necessary, as this particular breed is prone to obesity due to excessive calorie consumption (and its natural love for eating). Dairy Products (Such as milk or ice cream), Liberty (former President Gerald R. Fords prized pet), Victory (former President Ronald Reagans pet), Kira (2019 pet that rescued two dogs that had fallen through the ice into a frozen lake), Orca (Awarded the PDSA Gold Medal for bravery). Although many owners allow their retrievers to eat table scraps following large meals, scraps should be checked for foods (or contaminants) that could prove harmful to their dogs. (Unsurprisingly, this makes them extremely popular service dogs!). While there are a number of causes of stomach problems, many owners report that eliminating processed food and switching to a fresh diet alleviates digestive woes. Sweet as they are, these dogs can act up if they dont receive enough training and exercise (and their constantly-wagging tails have been known to send things flying off coffee tables). HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Golden retrievers are a healthy breed for the most part but, like all dogs, they have predispositions to certain health issues. This article examines the Golden Retriever and provides an in-depth analysis of the dogs behavioral patterns, temperament, and general characteristics. Jesse loves everything and everybody. No dog responds well to being left alone too much, but with their intensely people-oriented nature, goldens can be especially prone to separation anxiety. I love the breed but one must be prepared for a very challenging first two years of puppy rearing, says Nancy McCarty, mother of Bailey the golden. Goldens are all about food, so its important to maintain some dietary guard rails. Good with children and other animals, the retriever is an ideal pet for most individuals and families, as it is highly adaptable to a variety of environments and situations. A senior golden will have already outgrown its puppy-like behaviors and will be more likely to adapt well to a more sedate lifestyle, though theyll still need to get out and walk daily. Golden Retrievers as playful and energetic as they are gentle and sweet, making them wonderful family dogs. Some goldens have slightly wavy fur while others have completely straight coats. Its no secret that dogs thrive on routine and this is certainly true for the golden retriever. For city-dwellers, regular visits to the park (or maintaining a well-fenced yard) should be a priority for owners of Golden Retrievers. Following this pattern, the Golden Retrievers paws are considered medium in size, and follow a rounded (yet compact) shape. Following his success, it wasnt long before the newly bred Golden Retriever was gaining popularity as both a working dog and companion to humans. The golden retriever wants nothing more than to make you happy and to spend their days by your side. Courtland Palmer, says his very active golden-husky mix, Jake walks twice a day, runs in fields or on the beach, and tows his dad around for 1.5 2.5 miles.. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, ongoing digestive issues, and general problems with 2022 The Farmer's Dog. President Ford and his golden retriever Liberty, David Hume Kennerly, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Because of their friendly demeanor, however, the Golden Retriever is far more likely to greet intruders with affectionate kisses and tail-wagging rather than barking or growling. At the time, they were known as the yellow retriever because they were developed as a cross between the yellow wavy-coated retriever and the Tweed water spaniel. People will buy the cute little puppy with a vision of the dog lying in front of a fireplace and they end up with this active, energetic dog, says McGee. We had a Retriever when I was a child and I have fond memories of him jumping into the lake to retrieve his ball when we went to the park. Regular baths can aid in the shedding process, as soap and water help to loosen dead hairs. Kibble and canned food just cant supply fresh, whole vegetables like a fresh diet can. Friendly and outgoing, these dogs are known to make friendsboth canine and humanwith everyone they meet. Again, before bringing a golden home, be realistic about how much time you can really spend with them, both training and walking, and simply being together. : Characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in dogs like the golden retriever. Elbow dysplasia, also a heritable condition, is characterized by laxity in the elbow joint which can lead to lameness. The other health issues some goldens may be prone to include: Ear Infections: Dogs with floppy ears can be more prone to ear infections because moisture can become trapped in the ear and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Similar to most breeds of dogs, the Golden Retriever does best when it is trained at an early stage (puppy years). The coat can be either wavy or straight (depending on grooming preferences) and is well-known for its golden coloration that varies between light and dark. 2022 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Genes are most frequently cited as a likely contributor, but there are many environmental factors that might contribute to this sad predisposition. : Gastric dilation volvulus or bloat is a common condition in large and deep-chested breeds. Overall length follows similar measurements for both the males and females and usually deviates no more than an inch. Unlike other breeds, the Golden Retrievers intelligence is also classified as adaptive, in that the animal is capable of learning without the assistance of its owner (or an instructor). Senior golden retrievers are a particularly good option for individuals, couples, or families looking for a calm at-home companion. All rights reserved. Its important to start training your dog from a young age to spend time happily on their own. OCD is a condition that affects young large-breed rapidly growing dogs. Goldens are well-known for their people-pleasing personalities, but dog owners who are inexperienced with the breed often underestimate the amount of exercise and training the breed requires. But, like any breed, they demand ample mental stimulation, exercise, and training. Hypothyroidism: Characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in dogs like the golden retriever. He doesnt get mad. It may also be a good idea to use a slow-feeder food bowl that prevents your dog from inhaling all their food too quickly, and a smaller water bowl that you refill often instead of a large bowl to prevent your dog from drinking too much water at once, especially before or after meals. He is the sweetest and will never leave my side when Im home, affirms Nicole Oanes, owner of Golden-pit mix Diablo. Cataracts can develop at any age but are most common in older golden retrievers. How Long Does it Take For a Dog To Digest Food? Avoid sharing food from the table with your pup. With the right amount of exercise, Golden Retrievers can flourish in urban and rural areas alike. Golden Retrievers are definitely among my favorites as well. While goldens are not known for being aggressive, any dog can develop aggressive behavior if theyre improperly socialized or poorly treated. Ruth, who Escaped the Meat Trade, is Now Americas Favorite Office Dog. Golden retriever puppies tend to grow very quickly and, while this is normal, its important to prevent your puppy from growing too fast. If your dog seems to be scratching more than usual or if he starts obsessively licking his paws or rubbing his face, you may want to check in with your veterinarian. With proper care and nutrition, owners can expect a healthy Golden Retriever to live upwards of 10 to 12 years. The food comes pre-portioned according to your dogs unique caloric needs so its easy to manage your dogs weight, and to change their daily caloric intake as their needs change. want to be with their people. Golden retrievers may not be the biggest of breeds, but their energy level means they require space to move around. Read on to learn the basics about golden retrievers and golden retriever mixes, and insight from owners and experts to help you live the happiest possible life with this sunny companion. Its important to think about the time and resources you have before committing to a golden retriever, or any dog. Golden retriever owners often note that their dogs follow them from room to room no matter what theyre doing. The Golden Retrievers coat can be best described as dense, firm, and resilient. Golden retrievers tend not to outgrow their puppy-like personality until they are two or three years old. The best way to prevent bloat in golden retrievers is to keep your dog from eating too quickly or too much at once. For this reason, owners who desire extra protection should consider more suitable breeds (such as a Doberman or German Shepherd). Cataracts: A cataract is a cloudy spot that develops on the lens of the eye. Your Golden may bark to alert you to an intruder, but the moment that intruder steps inside theres a strong chance theyll become your dogs new best friend. Larry Slawson (author) from North Carolina on February 08, 2020: Thank you, Lorna! Like most dogs, golden retrievers are very social. Its important to start training your dog from a young age to spend time happily on their own. contain preservatives and possibly other carcinogens. Barbara Boyd of GRREAT notes that adopting an adult dog gives you an opportunity to get to know the dogs personality and behavior before you bring them home. If left untreated, outer ear infections can spread into the middle or inner ear which could affect your dogs hearing. They really want to be with their people. As active dogs, Golden Retrievers require a hearty diet to help them thrive. A healthy balance of these two essential fatty acids provides a range of health benefits including a lustrous coat. As a medium-sized breed, owners can expect their Golden Retrievers to reach a maximum weight of 65 to 75 pounds, with females reaching 65 pounds at maturity. Theres no sure way to eliminate the risk, but you can give your golden the best chance at staying healthy by doing everything you can to reduce inflammation and promote a healthy diet. I started Emma on an all natural diet from day 1, but she has always had a sensitive stomach and quickly lost interest in food. Watch our video about Sam, the super senior golden who was adopted at eight and won a New York familys hearts. Some research involving Scottish terriers has linked increased vegetable consumption to a lower risk of an insidious form of cancer in that breed. Due to their size and body build, Golden Retrievers often produce the illusion of a good guard dog. Veterinary experts say being even slightly overweight can cause health problems. Do you have someone, whether friend or professional dog walker, who can come in and provide exercise and company when youre out? Larry Slawson (author) from North Carolina on February 06, 2020: Thank you, Pamela. Patrick Ryan, owner of a golden named Wellington agrees that a tired dog is a good dog. He is so sweet. Sophia Ashley, owner of Jesse, As Boyd notes, golden retrievers are intelligent, loving, and sometimes silly dogs who respond well to training and direction. Many goldens love the water, and can spend a very, very long time chasing balls. Golden Retrievers were originally bred as hunting dogs and were prized for their ability to retrieve prey without damaging it. Due to the animals initial role as a working dog, however, it should be noted that the retriever is naturally athletic and extremely active (particularly during its puppy years). The Best Food For a Dog With a Sensitive Stomach. Note: Owners should pay particular attention to their retrievers grooming needs in the summer, as failure to brush away excess fur can result in overheating for their pets. Its more work than you might imagine. He was also very tuned in to our emotions and a wonderful friend. Cataracts are most commonly inherited, but other causes and risk factors include diabetes mellitus, abnormally low levels of calcium, exposure to radiation or toxic substances, and age. Some questions to consider: How many hours a day do you work away from home? Note: Scale of 1 to 5 (1 = lowest, 5 = highest). Keeping your dog at a lean, healthy weight, and feeding fresh, complete and balanced food that provides the right amount and proportion of Omega-3 fatty acids can help guard against inflammation and protect your dogs joints. Because golden retrievers are so intelligentand tend to be food-motivatedthey typically respond very well to training and they pick up new commands quickly. Although first bred in the 1800s for hunting, this Scottish breed is now considered one of the most popular in the world due to its companionship and family-friendly traits. If youre feeding a fresh, balanced food, you shouldnt need to add extra Omega-3 supplements to achieve a shiny, healthy coat. Dont allow your dog to be on top of you from morning till nightgetting them accustomed to hanging on their own will make it easier for both of you to spend time apart when you need to. High-quality, balanced food is especially important for your growing puppy . To prevent these issues from occurring (or to prolong their progression in some cases), owners should actively take their retrievers to a qualified veterinarian on a regular basis. If your dog spends a lot of time swimming, try to clean their their ears frequently (more here on how to safely clean their ears). Among their many talents, Golden Retrievers really know how to smile. Owners should also plan to invest a substantial amount of time into training, as the dogs remarkable degree of intelligence makes the animal prone to boredom if not mentally stimulated on a daily basis. Cataracts are most commonly inherited, but other causes and risk factors include diabetes mellitus, abnormally low levels of calcium, exposure to radiation or toxic substances, and age. Nutrition has a huge impact on the health and appearance of your goldens golden coat. They know all the tricks to get treats out of you, but they can be managed with a consistent walk and play schedule, he says. Their bubbly personalities border on clownish. Early socialization to a variety of animals, people, and places (between 7 weeks and 4 months old) will help the retriever tremendously in its overall development (and acquired mannerisms) into adulthood.
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golden retriever owner guide