Get the lowdown on Golden Retrievers with our Golden Retriever facts and information! Keep scrolling to watch our adorable video…
Golden Retrievers are not bred to be guard dogs, and considering the size of their hearts and their irrepressible joy in life, they are less likely to bite than to bark, less likely to bark than to lick a hand in greeting. In spite of their size, they think they are lap dogs, and in spite of being dogs, they think they are also human, and nearly every human they meet is judged to have the potential to be a boon companion who might, at many moment, cry, “Let’s go!” and lead them on a great adventure.
– Dean Koontz
Golden Retriever Facts
Initially bred in Scotland in the 19th century as hunting dogs to retrieve fallen waterfowl, Golden Retrievers are both excellent huntsmen and ideal family pets. At the time, waterfowl hunting was very popular among Scotland’s elite and the need arose for a hunting dog capable of navigating both land and water to retrieve birds shot from great distances. Noted for their superior hunting and athletic prowess, Golden Retrievers proved to be so successful that they quickly spread all over the world, their soft mouths gentle enough to carry game.
The Golden Retriever breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Association in 1925, and shortly after became a popular pet, show dog, and obedience competitor.
American Golden Retrievers are leaner than English Goldens and their eyes are slanted in comparison. Golden Retriever dogs remain one of the most popular breeds in America.
Golden Retriever characteristics include being highly intelligent, patient, obedient, athletic, and possessing an instinctive love of water.
Many of the traits that led to Goldens’ success in the hunting fields persist in the breed today. These traits, combined with their amiable temperament, make them eager learners who are easy to train. Golden Retrievers make great service dogs, effective for search and rescue and detecting drugs and explosives.
They are employed as guide dogs for the blind, assistance dogs for those with disabilities and as therapy dogs.
Their gentle, playful nature also makes them a perfect family pet, though they can be over exuberant and boisterous at times. Plenty of exercise will prevent destructive behaviors developing. If you can throw a ball, your Golden will retrieve – time and time again! They love to carry and retrieve items. The typical Golden Retriever temperament is to be patient with children and friendly towards strangers and family members alike (making them a poor choice for a guard dog!).
10 Golden Retriever facts that will make you smile:
Golden Retriever facts and statistics
Height
Females: 51-56cm (20-22in)Males: 56-61cm (22-24in)
Weight
Females: 51-56cm (20-22in)Males: 56-61cm (22-24in)
Energy
Highly energetic; require sufficient space to run and play
Demeanor
Friendly, playful, outgoing, confident, patient; good with children
Grooming
Regularly, at least twice a week. During times of heavy shedding (such as seasonal changes) grooming should be done daily
Health
Can be prone to genetic disorders, heart disease, allergies, eye disease, ear infections
Life Expectancy
10 – 13 years
Exercise
Requires at least 30-60 mins per day of hard aerobic exercise – usually 2 sessions per day. Goldens love to play outdoors.
If you are looking to welcome a Golden into your home visit Golden Retriever dogs for sale and Golden Retriever adoption. Researching Golden Retriever facts and information can help you decide if the Golden is the right dog for you.