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If you are after a big fuzzy golden lump of love, look no further than a Golden Retriever. Goldens are gentle, typically easy to train and can make a great breed for a first-time dog owner.
However as wonderful and (sometimes silly) as this dog breed can be. There is always a lot to consider before bringing a dog into your family. So, to help you understand this happy breed better, here is everything you need to know about Golden Retrievers.
Temperament & Personality
What is a Golden Retriever like to live with?
Hairy!
Prepare to find fur everywhere if you are planning on living with a Golden Retriever…
The shedding aside, Goldens are a gentle natured and intelligent breed who will love being with the family and getting involved in activities. They enjoy playing in the garden, hanging around the dinner table (if it drops it’s theirs!) and going out for walks.
Goldens are well known for being affectionate dogs and are generally considered confident around people.
This is however an intelligent and active breed, so they will need exercise every day to keep the zoomies at bay. Remember retriever is in their name and nature, so of course they love to fetch things!
It is also worth remembering that a Goldens tail is powerful and has a mind of its own. So, when sharing a home with a Golden Retriever be sure to keep your precious items up on higher shelves!
Is a Golden Retriever a good family dog?
Golden Retrievers are calm and tolerant, so can be wonderful with children and a great family dog. This breed is known for their gentle nature, soft mouths, their love for people, their toys and absolutely anything edible!
Although Goldens are typically very easy going, they must be trained and well socialised from a young age.
Much like any puppy, Goldens can mouth a little during play and can eventually run out of patience. Golden Retrievers are also large dogs when fully grown. Young children might be more at risk of being accidentally knocked over by a playful retriever so it’s important to always supervise.
Making sure children know to give dogs space when needed (for example when sleeping or eating) is important for a healthy and happy relationship.
Can Golden Retrievers live with other cats and dogs?
Absolutely!
There will be many Goldens who live very happily alongside other dogs and cats.
However, all pets should be introduced slowly and carefully, and of course all introductions should be closely supervised.
Are Golden Retrievers calmer than Labradors?
Every dog is an individual but typically yes Golden Retrievers have a calmer more laid-back disposition than Labradors.
Of course, during the puppy months and years you can expect any dog to be excitable. Both Golden Retrievers and Labradors are highly intelligent so just as easy to train, and proper training is the key to a well-behaved dog.
Golden Retriever Care Requirements
Are Golden Retrievers easy to train?
Yes, Goldens are very intelligent and willing to learn. Although some are known for having a slight streak of stubbornness when it suits them.
Positive reward-based training is the perfect way to teach Goldens and ensure they understand household rules and walking etiquette. Being a clever and energetic breed, they will benefit greatly from using their problem-solving skills.
Remember all dogs can have ‘naughty’ moments, and a bored dog is likely to exhibit more undesired behaviours. Goldens will need to be kept mentally and physically stimulated and of course it’s important to not leave them alone for long periods.
How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need?
Goldens need a lot of exercise.
At least two hours of exercise per day is recommended. However, this can be split into different walks across the day.
Some Golden Retrievers are water obsessed and will love being allowed to go swimming as part of their daily activity. Just ensure it’s a safe place for them to jump in and remember to bring a towel!
Like all dogs, Goldens will also need playtime at home and the opportunity to use their nose/brain to solve puzzles. Snack mats, interactive toys and brain games are important for keeping Golden Retrievers mentally fulfilled.
Do Golden Retrievers need a lot of grooming?
Yes, they will need a lot of grooming support.
Golden Retrievers love nothing more than leaving their beautiful hairs EVERYWHERE. So, if you are considering a Golden, it’s important to invest in a good vacuum cleaner.
This breed has a medium to long length coat which unfortunately will shed a lot. Due to this longer coat length, Goldens are known for ending up with all sorts of foliage and debris from outside stuck in their coat.
Generally, Goldens will need grooming at least 3-4 times per week. However, giving them a daily brush will be extremely beneficial and hopefully keep the shed to a minimum.
This is not a one brush dog, so here is a list of the grooming tools required for this fluffy breed.
- Detangling Comb
- Slicker Brush
- De-Shedding Tool
- Nail Clippers
- Dog Safe Shampoo (for the fox poo rollers!)
Professional grooming can be extremely helpful for dogs with long coats, so for any potential Golden Retriever owner it is worth checking for reputable natural salons.
Golden Retriever Health
Is a Golden Retriever a healthy breed?
Golden Retrievers can be healthy, however being a purebred dog means there are some points of concern that potential owners should be aware of.
These are some of the conditions that Golden Retrievers can develop:
- Elbow Dysplasia- This is when the elbow joint doesn’t fit together correctly. This can eventually result in arthritis. Screening schemes are available for potential breeders.
- Hip Dysplasia- A common condition that affects a lot of breeds, whereby the ball and socket joint doesn’t fit together properly. This can eventually result in arthritis. Screening schemes are available for potential breeders.
- Cataracts and other eye problems- Some conditions include; Generalised Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia and Glaucoma. There are screening tests that can be done annually.
- Ichthyosis – This is a skin condition where skin becomes rough and thickened and leads to flaking and greasiness.
- Ear Infections- Golden Retrievers are very prone ear infections, which are normally caused by allergies (typically environmental). Goldens are also blessed with big silly floppy ears that pick-up things like grass seeds easily. Weekly ear checks are essential.
Using a good reputable breeder will reduce the risk of these inherited diseases.
It is also worth noting that Golden Retrievers are prone to weight gain. They are often food orientated and will happily munch on anything if allowed to. Remember human food is not for dogs, regardless of how much they beg.
Golden Retriever should be weighed and body scored regularly to ensure they are an appropriate size.
What is the lifespan of a Golden Retriever?
You can expect a healthy Golden Retriever to live over 10 years.
Typically, the lifespan of a Golden Retriever is between 10-12 years old. However, some have been known to reach 14.
Regular vet visits, preventative care and a high-quality diet can help keep Golden Retrievers fit and healthy.
Nutrition for Golden Retrievers
What is the best diet for a Golden Retriever?
Golden Retrievers need a nutritionally complete and balanced diet that includes joint supplements and is rich in high-quality meat.
These foods will keep Golden Retrievers satisfied and their muscles and joints strong to help lessen the chance of joint problems in the future.
There are multiple diet types to choose from, however the most common way to feed is an ultra-premium dry diet. Remember Golden Retrievers are large breeds so will require bigger biscuits!
Some Golden Retrievers can be prone to weight gain as they get older, so a lower calorie diet that helps maintain their weight will be helpful.
Golden Retriever Living Conditions
Can Golden Retrievers live in flats or apartments?
Yes, they can however suitability will depend on the size of the home and how frequently the Golden Retriever is exercised.
You can expect an adult Golden Retriever to weigh between 25-35kg.
They are large breeds which could be a tight squeeze in certain flats or apartments. Dogs in smaller spaces may be more prone to boredom behaviours such as barking, overgrooming, and destroying items in the home. Daily exercise, mental enrichment games and play are essential.
It is worth considering the full adult size of a Golden Retriever before committing to owning one in a smaller home.
Are Golden Retrievers expensive to own?
Yes.
Much like every dog breed, there will be significant expenses to consider. The following will need to be budgeted for:
- Veterinary Care- Including vaccinations, parasite treatments, microchipping, neutering or spaying and regular health checks.
- Food & Accessories- Daily food, treats, toys, beds, endless poo bags, walking accessories and grooming tools.
- Insurance – Insurance is an essential for any dog or cat owner. While these can be expensive per month or year, the sudden cost of treating an uninsured pet can be crippling.
- Professional Grooming- All dog breeds benefit from some level of professional grooming. Golden Retrievers have a long fluffy coat that will need some professional support and attention.
The total cost of course is going to vary however you can expect a Golden Retriever to cost upwards of £17000- £20000 across their lifetime.
Initial costs per month are likely to be higher with a puppy. Once established and settled you can expect to spend a minimum of £110-£150 per month.
Golden Retriever Fun Facts
- Did you know Golden Retrievers were originally from the Scottish Highlands? Goldens were bred by a Scottish Aristocrat called Lord Tweedmouth. He was a keen hunter and wanted a dog that could cope with harsh terrain, so he crossed a Labrador with a Tweed Water Spaniel (extinct) and added in a dash of Red Setter.
- Did you know there are three types of Golden Retriever? You have the English, American and Canadian. However, the differences between them are so subtle they are all classed as the same breed.
- Did you know Golden Retrievers have a water-repellent double coat? The outer coat acts like a raincoat, with the dense guard hairs repelling dirt, water and mud. The thick layer underneath is soft and cosy and keeps Goldens warm. This special coat is because Golden Retrievers were bred for collecting waterfowl from rivers and lakes!
- Did you know Golden Retrievers are often used as therapy dogs? They are so sweet and calming that they make the perfect breed for comforting people… I’m not crying you are!
- Did you know Golden Retrievers have soft mouths? They have specifically been bred to have soft gentle mouths, so they are able to pick up wildfowl without damaging them. Apparently, they can even hold an egg without breaking it!