golden retrievers

Few dog breeds are as iconic or as recognizable as the Golden Retriever. Intelligent, friendly, and loyal to a fault, it's easy to see why Golden Retrievers continually rank among the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and across the globe.

Characteristically gentle, intelligent, and eager to please, the capable breed is both easy to train and incredibly devoted to its owners. The Golden Retriever's highly sociable temperament and affectionate personality make them a great decision for first-time dog owners, and dog owners with children.

Initially bred as "gun dogs" for the purpose of finding and retrieving games, the breed is well adapted to its role of retriever. In fact, Golden Retrievers are known to sometimes retrieve items throughout the house without command, like slippers or even the morning paper.

The Golden Retriever is one capable pooch. The breed is so versatile that the very term Golden Retriever is synonymous with guide dogs, therapy dogs, and service dogs of all kinds.

Typical Golden Retrievers are active, and fun-loving animals with the exceptionally patient demeanor befitting a dog bred to sit quietly for hours in a hunting blind. Unsurprisingly the affectionate breed is well known for its friendly temperament and incredibly social personality.

Cheerful, trustworthy, and very eager to please, Golden Retrievers make great family dogs.

Barking is friendly, not defensive. In fact, the Golden Retrievers have a reputation for being exceptionally gentle and sweet with children and other pets, even cats.

The Golden Retriever is a popular family-friendly dog with an average life expectancy of 10-12 years. Preventative vet care is the first step in providing them with a long and healthy life. While most Goldens will encounter at least one of these health concerns in their lifetime, it is important to know what to look out for. Always contact your veterinarian to address any physical or behavioral changes. Most vets will most likely recommend running basic health screenings to diagnose or even rule out potential health risks associated with this breed.

Health Concerns
• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Cataracts
• Cancer
• Heart Conditions
• Eye Conditions

Minor Health Concerns
• Allergies
• Hypothyroidism
• Hot Spots

Suggested Screenings
• Cardiac Exam
• Eye Exam
• Hip & Elbow X-ray
• Blood Test

Routine Care
• Neuter or Spay
• Regular Dental Exams
• Weight Management
• Controlled Exercise

Golden Retrievers are also instinctively drawn to the water. Therefore, it's always a good idea to fence off potentially dangerous areas like pools and backyard ponds.

Golden Retrievers are affectionate, intelligent and very eager to please. Compared to other high energy breeds, caring for a Golden Retriever is relatively straightforward. Golden Retrievers are easy to train and forgiving of any mistakes made by first-time dog owners.

The breed is exceptionally friendly and very gentle, which means Goldens don't make the best guard dogs. Large, intelligent dog breeds such as the Golden Retriever are also prone to separation anxiety when left alone for an extended period of time. Therefore, while separated from your Golden Retriever it’s always a good idea to ensure they have plenty of toys and distractions in the dog's environment.

Golden Retrievers possess a medium-length double coat that is dense enough to repel water and insulate the body from the elements. Therefore, they also shed a great deal. Regular brushing will remove a significant amount of loose fur from your Golden's coat, and incidentally your home.

Golden Retrievers are known for their energy and playfulness. They require rigorous activity to burn up the excess energy inherent in the breed. However, Golden Retrievers are also notorious coach potatoes when given the opportunity. Inactivity can lead to obesity in Golden Retrievers.

Golden Retrievers are sporting dogs and also need regular mental stimulation. Agility training is a great way to provide exercise for your Golden's body and mind. Golden Retrievers love outdoor exercise, especially swimming. However, as sporting dogs, Golden Retrievers can be easily distracted by birds and other animals. A leash is always recommended when outside a safe fenced-in area.