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Regardless of whether you are a dog lover or not, you have most likely heard of Golden Retrievers. It is a breed of canines that can be identified from the thick golden coat and those adorable facial features. In fact, for the past couple of decades, Golden Retrievers have ranked as one of the top three breeds in North America. These adorable fur babies are the perfect addition to pretty much every household because they are incredibly adaptable. So if you are considering adopting or buying a Golden Retriever, we are happy for you.
However, we strongly believe that choosing the right breed of dog is a challenge that often gets overlooked. If you want to be a better pet parent, it is your responsibility to make sure that you are a suitable match for the breed. And we think one of the ways of making this possible is by learning a thing or two about the breed in question; in this case, Golden Retrievers. In this article, we are going to talk about the things you need to know before you consider bringing home a Golden Retriever.
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Origin of Golden Retrievers
Regardless of their popularity in the USA, Golden Retrievers are not native to North America. They were first mentioned in the 1800s in Scotland. In the early days, they were bred and raised by gamekeepers in Scotland and were used to fetch the hunts like ducks and other birds. Perhaps this is where they get their name from. Golden comes from the thick golden coat and retrievers because that is what they were intended to do.
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They are energetic
If you are a couch potato, this breed is definitely not for you. You need to understand that Golden Retrievers were introduced and trained as sporting dogs and they continue to foster these traits. These dogs are extremely energetic and require a regular dose of physical activities and exercises. These dogs were literally born to fetch. So you can also play with them to your heart’s content.
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They shed a lot
Golden Retrievers boast of a thick and beautiful fur coat that can make even us feel envious. However, this majestic coat comes at a cost – shedding. Golden Retrievers experience intense shedding twice a year. Once in the fall and other during spring. And some light shedding occurs throughout the year. So you need to be mentally prepared to spot dog hair everywhere in your home.
- They love eating
When we say Golden Retrievers love food, it is an understatement. These dogs literally live for food. However, this can at times lead to overeating issues, which further lead to obesity. The solution to this is to ensure some tough love while the early stages of training. You may also need some additional training on how not to fall prey to the sad puppy eyes.
- They love water and mud
Golden Retrievers love playing in the water. This is why it is recommended that you regularly take them to a pool or the beach. And if that isn’t possible, consider bringing home an inflatable pool. Trust us when we say it will be worth it because if a Golden Retriever cannot find water, he or she can make do with the mud too.
- They are not aware of their size
Adult Golden Retrievers weigh anywhere between 55 to 75 pounds. So yes, they tend to get very heavy. Only, they don’t seem to understand the concept. They won’t hesitate even for a second while pouncing on you while playing around. However, they may not be a pleasant experience for you.
- They are intelligent
Golden Retrievers were used as hunters back in the day. Even today, they are used for search and rescue operations by the police and guide dogs, and therapy dogs. This is because Golden Retrievers are an extremely intelligent breed. They are quick learners and adapt to their surroundings very easily.
- They are not watchdogs
While there are some exceptions, understand that Golden Retrievers aren’t the most ideal choice if you want a watchdog to guard your home. These dogs are extremely friendly. If a stranger shows up on your doorstep unannounced, chances are your Golden Retriever may lead the ‘welcoming committee’ as opposed to the ‘neighborhood watch’. However, don’t underestimate the loyalty of these fur babies.
Although Golden Retrievers are fairly good at living in this outdoors, understand that they were bred to work closely with humans. And this is what makes them ideal as family members. These are just a few of the things that you should know about Golden Retrievers before bringing one home.
