Golden Retriever: More Than A Dog And A Companion

The Golden Retriever is well-known for its handsome, well-built, and proportioned body type. With its medium-length, cream to golden-colored water-repellent coat, powerful muzzle and kindly eyes, it presents a picture of a well-rounded working dog. It has a highly developed behavior and a benign disposition that goes with its imposing posture. Its character and nature makes it an excellent choice for companionship with small children and the elderly unlike other dogs.

Dogs in general whether it is a German Shepherd or a Hound are great pets and guard dogs but they are one man dogs and not family dogs. The golden retriever with its exceptional temperament can bond extremely well with families and especially children. This is what makes them a great family dog and a good guard dog as well. Originally from the United Kingdom, let us look at why a retriever is considered such a useful dog.

Compatibility and Usage: A Golden retriever is considered as a highly social dog that can bond with just about anyone. Qualities like calmness, and willingness to learn makes it perfect as a family dog, guard dog, mobility assistance dog, guide dogs, and rescue dogs. They are being used a lot of rescue missions and even for guiding blind people.

Physical Appearance: A purely athletic dog, the retriever is powerful and symmetrical. The height of the male retriever at the shoulders is 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm) while the female's height normally is 20 to 22 inches (51 to 56 cm). The total weight of the male retriever can vary from 60-80 lbs. while the weight of the female can vary from 55-70 lbs. Their coast is normally bright golden in color and is water repellent and Golden retrievers absolutely love water!

Temperament: The breed's gentle behavior and friendly attitude towards children is the most compelling factor in making it the choice as a family dog and a guide dog. During its days as a young puppy however, the Golden Retriever exhibits hyperactive behavior by running around, picking up everything it can family retrieve that is not tied down! When they reach adulthood, a dramatic change in behavior is exhibited as they can lie or sit quietly in a corner. If you play with them however they are more than willing to get up from their lethargic rest and be active for the day! Daily exercise including a good dose of retrieving will contribute the dog's balanced temperament and maintain its active behavior.

Caring & health: One of the important things that you need to take care of is grooming. A Golden retriever needs grooming once a week and daily during its shedding season, which is in spring. During that period, he sheds excessive hair because at this time he is losing his winter coat. A regular ear cleaning is important as they are highly prone to ear infections.

A golden retriever is an exceptional competition dog because it can fetch almost anything from anywhere whether you throw it in a pool of water, mud or into the thick undergrowth of a forest. They just have the nose of it! With proper training he can win you dog competitions whether that is about obedience, track running etc. According to a research, it is believed that he can learn as many as 240 commands and displays a high level of intelligence.

The lifespan of a Golden Retriever can vary from 10 to 13 years but within his lifetime, he is capable of achieving much more than your companionship. He not just another dog, he is a furry animal full of energy, childlike behaviors and a caring attitude that will anyone fall in love instantly!