Golden Retriever - friend of the whole family

Golden Retriever - what does it look like?

Golden Retriever is a large dog whose intelligence goes hand in hand with exceptional beauty. Its silhouette is proportional, while the skull has a distinct stop.

Adult dogs reach from 56 to 61 cm in height at the withers. They weigh from 30 to 40 kg. female dogs measure 51 to 56 cm. Their weight is from 25 to about 35 kg. Probably the biggest - next to the great character - pride of Goldens is their smooth or slightly wavy coat in a shade of cream or light gold. Interestingly, the fur of individuals from the American line ranges in color from gold to chocolate. Golden Retrievers have a thick undercoat that protects them from even the greatest frosts.

History of the breed

The Golden Retriever was bred at the end of the XNUMXth century. How did it come about? Well, there are many legends and legends about the origin of this breed. The most famous of them takes place during a circus performance by a Russian troupe of artists. The performance was watched by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks sitting in the audience. His attention was especially drawn to the yellow dog on stage. The animal delighted Sir Marjoribanks with its obedience and intelligence so much that after the performance he went to the owner of the circus and bought several dogs of this breed from him. Naturally, his goal was to establish a breeding of the described quadrupeds.

Although there is no certainty as to the truth of the cited story, it is certain that Golden Retrievers came to our country only in the 80s. This does not mean, however, that the Goldens are not a popular breed. On the contrary! Their fame is so great that in the United States even a variety of it, known as the American retriever, was created.

Dogs of this breed are often used as rescuers. They are also trained to be carers of the elderly or disabled. They also work well as tracking, sporting and even hunting dogs.

Temperament and behavior

Golden Retriever is a dog with a generally gentle, balanced and happy disposition. He is strongly attached to each family member and is ready to accompany the caregiver during literally any activity. Golden Retrievers are very effusive dogs, but they are also very patient. For this reason, they are considered perfect companions for the whole family. However, it is worth remembering that in the case of children, playing with a canine friend should always take place under the watchful eye of their parents, so that the toddler does not violate the borders of the four-legged friend, allows him to rest or eat in a calm manner.

Although Goldens show a strong instinct of possession (e.g. in relation to a playpen, toys or the contents of a bowl), they usually do not have much difficulty accepting other animals. As a rule, they will easily find themselves in a house where there are rats, cats or other pets.

Golden Retrievers are active dogs that love long walks and swimming. For this reason, it is worth getting a durable one lanyards i collars, created for lively dogs, full of energy. The tape from which our accessories are made dries very quickly. They will be great for dogs that do not spare themselves a bath!

Education and training

Because the golden retriever is intelligent and its breeding was focused on close cooperation with people, it learns at a fast pace. He learns commands and new tricks with enthusiasm. However, it is important not to forget that dogs of this breed have an innate hunting instinct that must be properly directed. When raising puppies, absolute consistency and patience are required. Moreover, as with all dog breeds, training should be based only on friendly methods, especially positive reinforcement. It is important to often offer your pet something new and a variety of activities. After recognizing your four-legged friend's preferences, you should slowly increase the difficulty level, trying not to overwhelm your pet with too many challenges that could deprive him of his desire to play. Assuming that partial successes perfectly maintain the dog's motivation, it is worth dividing complex tasks into small, individual steps.

Physical and mental activity

Although the golden retriever likes to cuddle while lying on the sofa, he also has a great need for exercise. He loves long walks and physical and mental challenges. Considering that the golden retriever is an energetic and active breed, both frisbee (interchangeable with other throwing accessories) and agility are a great form of physical activity and fun for this breed. Varied activities, hiking, running, swimming, various games and command training allow him to release excess energy and maintain good condition. They also make your pet happy, joyful and not bored.

It is important to match the form and intensity of activity to the age, general health and condition of the pet. You should also remember to visit the veterinarian regularly and monitor the behavior and reaction of your four-legged friend during physical activity.

Care

The golden retriever's coat requires regular care. It is best to brush it once or twice a week, and daily during shedding. Brushing regularly has many benefits. First of all, by removing dead epidermis particles, hair, dust and dirt, the condition of the coat improves. The treatments prevent it from matting and reduce the risk of skin irritation. In addition, they ensure good blood circulation in the skin and promote healthy hair growth. If the coat is very dirty, bathing it with a special dog shampoo will help, which helps maintain the appropriate pH level of the skin. To keep its coat in good condition, it is recommended to bathe your golden retriever once a month. It is important to dry your pet's fur thoroughly after bathing.

Grooming your golden retriever should also include regularly caring for your four-legged friend's ears, teeth, claws and eye area. To clean the ears, you can use a special preparation available in pet stores or use gauze soaked in boiled water or saline solution. We gently wash only the outer part of the dog's ear. If necessary, the eye area can be cleansed with a cotton pad moistened with warm water or herbal infusion (e.g. chamomile).

To care for your Golden Retriever's claws, you should check their condition regularly to make sure they are not too long or damaged. You can cut the claws yourself using appropriate clippers. You can also go to a vet or groomer who will do this professionally. Special treats are helpful in taking care of your pet's teeth, as they help to naturally remove plaque and keep your dog's teeth and gums in good condition. However, the best results are brought by comprehensive action, i.e. regular tooth brushing, providing appropriate chewing treats combined with a healthy diet. If any changes or hypersensitivity to pain appear around the eyes, ears or mouth of your golden retriever, you should always consult a veterinarian.

Nutrition

A healthy and balanced diet is essential for a Golden Retriever as this breed tends to be overweight. Food portions should always be controlled and their amount adjusted to the age, health condition and physical activity of the pet. In addition, you should dose treats wisely and constantly monitor your dog's weight. The consequences of being overweight are serious, primarily they increase the risk of joint diseases (hip and elbow dysplasia) and diseases of the circulatory and respiratory systems. For this reason, it is recommended to feed appropriate meals twice a day, in the morning and late afternoon. High-quality food should contain, in particular, an optimally balanced amount of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, and it is worth adding oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. linseed) to meals prepared at home.

Health

The average life expectancy of representatives of the golden retriever breed is estimated at 10 to 12 years, although it is not uncommon for representatives of this species to live for 15 years. The Golden Retriever is considered a hardy breed, but like other breeds, it is prone to certain diseases.

Joint dysplasia

Joint dysplasia is a genetic disorder that most often affects the hip and elbow joints. It involves the incorrect shape of the joints, which leads to their faster wear and tear, pain and problems with movement. In the prevention of this disease, a key role is played by: proper diet with vitamin and microelement supplementation, appropriate dose and form of physical activity, regular veterinary examinations and avoiding excessive load on the joints.

Cataracts and retinal dysplasia

Cataract is a disease characterized by clouding of the lens of the eye, which causes difficulty in vision. Retinal dysplasia is an inherited disease that affects the abnormal development of the dog's retina. It may lead to vision loss or other vision problems. To prevent both diseases, it is important to regularly monitor the health of the animal's eyes and respond to emerging symptoms as quickly as possible. This means the need for regular visits to the vet, which gives you a chance to diagnose the problem at an early stage. It is also important to provide your four-legged companion with a proper diet rich in nutrients that support eye health.

Skin allergies

Skin allergies are a disease manifested by the dog's body's reaction to allergenic substances, such as parasites, food, pollen, foods or chemicals. Prevention of this disease depends on the factor causing skin lesions. To determine the appropriate therapy for a specific case, a consultation with a veterinarian is necessary.

Thyroid disorders

Thyroid disorders, most often in the form of hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism) or hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis). To prevent thyroid disorders in your dog, it is important to regularly monitor your pet's health through regular visits to the vet. If thyroid problems are suspected, the veterinarian orders blood tests to assess the level of thyroid hormones and, depending on the results, introduces appropriate pharmacological treatment. It is equally important to take care of your pet's healthy diet and regular physical activity.

Other health problems

Potential health threats to the Golden Retriever breed also include various types of genetic cancers, including lymphoma and osteosarcoma. To minimize the risk of such health problems in your four-legged friend, when deciding to buy a dog, it is worth choosing a proven breeder, paying attention to the breeding conditions and health documentation. If you suspect any genetic diseases in your pet, it is worth consulting a veterinarian who may recommend appropriate genetic tests and monitoring the dog's health.

Moreover, it should be remembered that keeping your furry companion in good health and condition, in addition to genetic conditions, is also influenced by proper care of its regular visits to the vet, including vaccinations and prophylaxis against parasites. It is also important to monitor any changes in the patient's behavior or physical condition and react quickly in the event of any disturbing symptoms.

Most frequently asked questions

1. What are the dimensions of an adult Golden Retriever?
   Adult males reach a height of 56-61 cm at the withers and weigh 30-40 kg, and females measure 51-56 cm and weigh 25-35 kg.
2. What kind of personality does a Golden Retriever have?
   The Golden Retriever is known for its gentle, cheerful and even temperament. They are very sociable dogs that get along great with children and other animals.
3. Is Golden Retriever a good choice for families with children?
   Yes, they are patient and friendly dogs, which makes them excellent companions for children. However, it is important to supervise their play together, especially with smaller children.
4. What are the care requirements for the Golden Retriever breed?
   Goldens' fur requires regular brushing, preferably 1-2 times a week, and daily during the shedding period. They also require regular bathing.
5. Does the Golden Retriever do well in an apartment?
   A Golden Retriever can live in an apartment if it is given enough exercise. However, dogs of this breed prefer a home with a garden where they can move freely.
6. How active should a Golden Retriever be?
   The Golden Retriever is an energetic dog that needs daily exercise, such as long walks, running or swimming, to stay in good physical and mental condition.
7. Is the Golden Retriever easy to learn?
   Yes, they are very intelligent dogs and eager to learn. They respond quickly to positive reinforcement and are known to be easy to train.
8. What activities are recommended for the Golden Retriever breed?
   Activities such as fetching, swimming, frisbee and obedience and agility training are recommended, which not only keep them in shape but also provide mental stimulation.
9. Does the Golden Retriever get along well with other animals?
   Yes, the Golden Retriever generally gets along well with other dogs and pets, thanks to its gentle and friendly nature.

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