Have you ever wondered about these big, golden retriever dog breed with cuddly, happy faces and shiny fur? Meet the Golden Retrievers. They are every dog lover’s favorite breed and best friend. It is incredible to know how far they’ve come from fetching games for the hunters to being the playful, most energetic pet.
Keep reading to know more about these big, sun-kissed furballs. Our Golden Retriever Guide answers all kinds of questions including where did Golden Retrievers originated, what were they bred for initially and how are they the perfect active individuals, big families, and people seeking therapy.
History of Golden Retrievers
The history of Golden Retrievers is quite intriguing, originating in the 19th century in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. Many people still wonder, why and what were Golden Retrievers bred for. They were initially bred to assist hunters in retrieving their game from the sea and the land, a task that required both strength and agility. Today, it might feel unnatural for Golden Retrievers to be part of a hunting activity due to their lively and jolly personality, but they still excel in various roles, including companionship, therapy, and even dog travel companions.
They have soft tongues and mouths that minimize the chance of damaging the game. The Golden Retrievers are a product of breeding a current retriever line with Tweed Water Spaniel, which is now unfortunately extinct. Later a mix of Irish Setter and Bloodhound was added to improve its versatility and talent for hunting. They were quickly recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 and now are famous for many other purposes such as therapy dogs, service animals, or just an energetic friend in the house.
Appearance of Golden Retrievers
Even though they were bred for hunting assistance, Golden Retrievers have an appearance that looks extremely friendly and graceful. With a blend of light cream and luscious golden coats, they are the most easily recognizable dogs in the world. Their toned muscles and strong build indicate that they used to run and retrieve games skillfully for their masters.
Their smooth movement is contrasted with their other aspects. For instance, their long floppy ears and incredibly gentle eyes give them a loving and dependable personality. Another known feature in Golden Retrievers’ appearance is the thick flapping feathering they have behind their legs, under their stomach, and at the tips of their tails. This feathering looks magnificent when they are running in a green, lush field. Their body also has a thick undercoat that keeps them warm and dry on cold, rainy days. They are visually beautiful creatures with high functionality.
Personality of Golden Retrievers
Knowing what were Golden Retrievers bred for gives us plenty of characteristics of their personality. Golden Retrievers are known for their easygoing and ready-to-oblige nature along with their calm and amiable attitude. They are just like bright sun rays that bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Their innate behavior of helping anyone and everyone is why they are not used as security dogs. However, they make really good friends with their interactive and social aura. They look for loud and bustling surroundings as they don’t like being alone for a long time. Moreover, they are exceptionally intelligent and obedient making them perfect for training and sports. Their personality is a perfect blend of Puppy-like energies, patience, and kindness. It makes them an ideal pet for homes with children.
Grooming of Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers, with their lush fur and beautiful color, need a good maintenance routine to keep their appearance and health in top condition. They have a double coat of fur that sheds every season, which is why it is necessary to give them brushing sessions frequently. Probably 4-5 times a week to keep their fur healthy and glossy. Along with brushing, they need baths every few months or more based on their lively lifestyle and excessing routine. Grooming also helps in finding any hidden skin issues, hair matting, or ticks. Additionally, Golden Retrievers are prone to ear infections because of their floppy ears. Add a nail trimming and ear cleaning session to your routine.
Health of Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are usually healthy and fit but they do carry familial health conditions. This includes heart diseases, leg and hip dysplasia, and even cancers. Looking at what Golden Retrievers are bred for, they require regular exercise, a balanced nutritious diet, and regular checkups to detect any kind of disease in its early stages. Moreover, keep a close eye on their weight as obesity can worsen their health conditions. They live up to 10-12 years, but with proper care and attention, you can enhance their life expectancy.
Training of Golden Retrievers
The history of Golden Retrievers proves that they are bright, obedient, and highly trainable. Training them can be a joyful process; they showcase a willing nature along with an intelligent mind. Outside of what Golden Retrievers were bred for, they are ideally suitable as therapy dogs, and service dogs. Tu fully develops their capabilities; consistent and interactive training exercises are necessary. A little secret? They respond great to reward-based training such as appreciation and little treats. Golden Retrievers love to learn and face new challenges with occasional unbending stubbornness. Keep the training light and engaging and they will go with the flow.
Ideal Environment for Golden Retrievers
To understand the perfect environment, consider where Golden Retrievers originate. The open, rocky, and beautiful Scottish Highlands prove that they need open, bright spaces to keep their body and mind engaged. They enjoy engaging in activities such as playing fetch, and swimming. They are their happier self when they are in an active interactive lifestyle. Moreover, they are flexible as long as you are keeping them satisfied.
Ideal Human for Golden Retrievers
Just like their happy-to-go personality, an ideal human for a golden retriever is someone who has an active lifestyle. It should include energetic auras, free time to play, and extroverted personalities. Golden Retrievers are an ideal pet for families and individuals who are avid enthusiasts who love to hike, jog, run, and play wildly. If you are thinking of getting a golden retriever, make sure to be responsible for their training and exercising as they boom when they mingle. If you fail to give them an upbeat environment, they might think they are being neglected and experience anxiety and sadness.
How to get a Golden Retriever
It is very important to understand the character and nature of a golden retriever before getting them. Getting a golden retriever requires a lot of work and dedication. When young, they require constant interaction along with long sessions of training and exercise. Look for a rescue organization or a breeder which is ethical and sincere. This will ensure that you get a healthy, hearty, and happy puppy. Research all the candidates before making up your mind, and don’t forget to design a new schedule with lots of free time, because your soft-mouthed golden boy will need it.
Are Golden Retrievers Expensive?
Naturally, all kinds of pets require close attention and care that requires a good bank balance. However, the cost of owning and maintaining a golden retriever differs greatly based on its origin, owner’s location, and the level of care it wants to provide. The first basic costs for a new puppy include veterinarian appointments, neutering, and vaccinations along with fundamental necessities such as a bed, collar, and a leash. The regular expenses that you will have to focus on are our food, grooming products, daily checkups, and of course extra reward treats. To avoid distress, pet insurance is also an important part of your expenses. This all sounds a little scary but with a little budgeting, you can create a loving and caring home for your golden retriever.
Rescue a Golden Retriever
There’s nothing better than giving a second chance of happiness to a dog. Rescue is a great way to choose a dog you need. Golden Retrievers in rescue organizations are skilled and somewhat trained and already have a unique personality. Meeting and getting a golden retriever that matches your nature and home environment can be an advantage as it will remove the initial training step. It is also a cost-effective option as rescue dogs are already sprayed, neutered, and vaccinated. Helping and giving a home to a rescue dog also decreases the need for overbreeding. Instead, it allows us to help and foster dogs that are alone and give them a happy loving home.
Choose Breeders for Golden Retrievers
If you have made up your mind about a new, little golden retriever puppy, then it’s time to look for a breeder. Reliable breeders are significant to ensure you get a perfect puppy. Research and look for those breeders who provide health clearances along with guarantees that the little golden ball of fur has no common inherited diseases. Make sure the breeders you choose are transparent and honest with their work, and give extra information about puppies and breeding along with warm welcomes when visited. An ethical and true breeder will ask a lot of questions concerning the well-being of the puppy and your focus on the responsibilities you are about to accept. It is key to confirm a relationship between you and your new puppy.
Consulsion
By asking the question of what Golden Retrievers were bred for a good look, we can clearly understand why they are everyone’s favorite. Bred to be skillful game retrievers, they are now the jolliest and happiest king of dogs in the world. If you think you are just getting a pet, think again. They will be a pack of sunshine on a leash.
