Basic Things You Should Know About The Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever (also known as the Goldie or Golden) is a sporting breed of dog. They feature a recognizable gold coat and eager-to-please attitude. The breed first appeared in the late 1800s. They were originally bred for their hunting ability. These days they are popular for families, hunters and people with disabilities. They can be recognized by their friendly, obedient and active nature. They are thought to originate from Scotland and are a descendant of the Tweed Water Spaniel, Irish Setter, Bloodhound and St. John's Water Dog.

They are classified as a medium sized dog. The recommended male size is 23-24 inches high with a weight of 65-75 pounds, while the female size is 21.5-22.5 inches high with a weight of 55-65 pounds. Their temperament is well-known to be friendly and confident. They are typically trusting with strangers, and this makes them unsuitable as a guard dog. The breed is known to be extremely intelligent, and ranks 4th compared to all other breeds when learning new obedience instructions.

They are patient with children, which can make them suitable as a family pet. They do get along well with other animals such as dogs, cats and livestock. Grooming them is a fairly simple task. They need moderate brushing every few days, and full grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. They enjoy having a medium to large yard to run around in, but can be suitable for apartment life.

Like most medium sized breeds, they are primarily longer-lived with a life expectancy of 10-14 years. Their most severe health concern is cancer, and they are also susceptible to hip dysplasia, eye diseases, heart diseases and allergies. They enjoy hobbies like swimming or retrieving balls. They have a medium to high level of energy, which means they need long walks each day to prevent destructive behavior.

If you own the Golden Retriever you need to be prepared to give them consistent training and mental challenges plus take them for long walks. They are less suitable for a guard dog, but highly suitable for active families or owners that love the outdoors. Here are a few things you'll love about the Golden Retriever:

One of the best things about this breed is that it is a highly versatile and intelligent dog that will fit into almost any situation.

Another good thing about them is their high intelligence and easygoing nature that makes them very easy to train.

Another good thing about them is their love for family life and the outdoors means you can include them in just about any activity.

If you want to learn more Golden Retriever information and other related topics take a look at this page.