Golden Retriever

How big do Golden Retriever dogs get?

This medium sized dog breed may differ in size depending on gender.

Male Goldens typically reach 58-60cm in height and a healthy Golden Retriever’s weight will fall between 29 and 32kg. Female Goldens fall just a bit shorter at 53-56cm fully grown and 25-29kg for an optimal weight.

How long do Golden Retrievers live?

Given the right care and attention, this popular dog can typically have a life expectancy of between 10 and 13 years of age. With continuous research and advanced care, some can even live longer than that!

What do Golden Retrievers look like?

You may recognise a Golden Retriever from their, you guessed it, golden coats. This water repellent mane is long and sometimes wavey, that varies in shades of golden - from cream-like to white.

They have a long feathery tail as well as feathering around the chest, neck and legs. Their heads appear strong and broad with their ears small in comparison.

They are high shedders but their grooming needs are moderate. Brushing around once a week will keep their coat manageable.

What are the personality traits of a Golden Retriever?

These dogs have friendly and sociable personality traits, which make them fantastic family dogs. They are slower to mature than some other breeds – mental maturity can take up to three years!

To be completely truthful, these sunshine dogs stay young at heart for the majority of their lives, making them very popular with kids. They love to play fetch (their retrieving nature!) and exercise in general - they are an active breed of dog. 

Their mental and physical exercise or training should be between one and two hours a day. Lack of exercise for Golden Retrievers may lead to problems such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes.

They are big people pleasers which makes them easy to train with rewards based training being a popular choice and generally respond well to obedience training too. They love companionship and have a strong loyalty to their families. They are also highly sociable which is part of the reason why they make for good family dogs.

Golden Retrievers love to swim and be playful - they also have goofy tendencies. 
They can however become destructive when bored - most commonly known for their desire to chew!

We also wouldn’t count on them too much as a guard dog either, they lack any guarding instincts!

Here’s some additional info about Golden Retrievers:

Hair Length and Grooming:

• Golden Retrievers have a long, water-resistant coat that can sometimes be wavy or straight.
• Their coat requires regular grooming, typically at least 2-3 times a week, to prevent matting and manage shedding.
• They have feathering around the chest, neck and legs, adding to their beautiful appearance.
• Grooming helps keep them comfortable and healthy.

Similar Dog Breeds:

• Labrador Retrievers: Labs have similar personality traits, such as being friendly, outgoing and active. However, Labs have a shorter coat and a slightly different temperament.
• Flat-Coated Retrievers: Another similar breed, Flat-Coated Retrievers, share the Golden’s playful and social nature but have a flatter, glossier coat.
• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers: These dogs are also retrievers, like Golden Retrievers, but they tend to have a more reserved and protective nature.

Golden Retriever Colours:

• The coat of a Golden Retriever typically varies from a light cream to a rich golden shade.
• Some may have darker or lighter tones, but they are most commonly golden, fitting their golden retriever profile.
• Their coats are always glossy, with the signature golden hue being one of their most recognisable features.

Which diseases are Golden Retrievers prone to?

Diseases in dogs can be related to many things - genetics play a big part, the way they are cared for and their nutrition are just a few other things to consider.

Golden Retrievers are more prone to cancer than other breeds. In fact, studies show that it falls at around a 60% chance, making them one of the most prone breeds in the world.

Common inherited diseases that Golden Retrievers may experience are joint related – arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia – or eye related – cataracts. These can be kept a close eye on or even prolonged with preventative care. Joint supplements like Hip + Joint for Dogs help to keep your dog’s joint lubricated and healthy as they age.

Goldens are susceptible to environmental allergies which commonly show in the form of skin diseases - making them itchy and often causing ear infections too. You may more recognisably know this as hotspots, (atopic dermatitis).

Supplements high in omega 3 help to build allergen barriers and minimise external allergies that may be associated with seasons. Dry, itchy, flaky skin can be a thing of the past with Skin + Coat for Dogs!

Being a deep chested dog breed also means that Golden Retrievers are more prone to bloat, (GDV). This is a condition where the stomach swells with gas and twists itself. If left untreated can be fatal.

Other problems such as dental, parasites and liver that may appear during a Golden Retrievers life - just like other dog breeds. Keeping your dog’s gut health up to scratch will have an onset of positive effects in protecting against other common diseases. Use Probiotic for Dogs to help balance your dog’s gut bacteria and strengthen their immune system.

It's important to be aware of when things just aren’t right. Understanding which diseases are more likely in a Golden Retriever will help you care for your dog in the best possible way.

Given that Golden Retrievers are known for their wonderful temperament, this makes them the perfect fit for families. Knowing your dog’s breed inside out is crucial when it comes to raising a Golden Retriever. If you already have a Golden and have any concerns, always consult with your vet – it’s better to be safe than sorry!
 

If you’re wondering whether a Golden Retriever is the best dog breed for you, consider the information in this article along with further research. With a new Golden in the family, you'll never have a dull moment!