Golden Retriever

The active and intelligent Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands, where these dogs were used for hunting in the late 19th century.

Personality

Playful and affectionate
Reliable, tolerant and trustworthy
Love to swim and retrieve
Good watchdog (will alert you to a stranger approaching), but does not have a strong guarding instinct
Rowdy as puppies

Size

55-75 pounds
21-24 inches at withers (shoulders)

Home Life

Suited to families with children
Fine living with other pets
Good as a first pet, provided you can handle his size
Good companions to disabled persons and good therapy dogs
Need a large yard to run in
Thrive on attention and will become mischievous if left alone for long periods

Training

Intelligent and highly trainable
Good at obedience training as they love to please

Exercise

They are very active and require daily exercise, which shouldn’t be troublesome, as they love to retrieve objects
Love to swim
Daily exercise is needed to avoid easy weight gain

Coat

Soft, though not silky, straight or wavy
Golden color with feathering (longer fur) on legs, belly, neck and tail
Year-round shedding
Moderately dense undercoat
Water-repellent outer coat
Daily brushing will keep the coat shiny, healthy, free from matting, and will decrease shedding

Care

Regular ear cleaning is necessary to avoid infection, especially after swimming
If allowed to roam outside, they must be checked for small foreign bodies which can become lodged under the eyelid or in the ear
Regular brushing is needed to avoid painful mats forming. Large mats should be attended to by a professional groomer or vet.

Lifespan

10-13 years

Rescue

To find an adoptable Golden Retriever, visit the website of the Golden Retriever Club of America National Rescue Committee.

PHOTO: ToB

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