Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are an all American dog. Time Magazine has reported Goldens as America’s number four dog in 2012. Maybe it’s their brown eyes, how well they get along with everyone in puppy class, maybe it’s that they're good with kids, Golden Retrievers are “the dog next door.” They were originally bred to assist hunters recover game birds from grassy ponds. They especially enjoy playing in water and fetch. Water fetch is considered heavenly. Goldens have a life expectancy of around ten years, yet they can be prone to unique health issues. That doesn’t stop them from being one wonderful breed.

 

 

Goldens may have a long fluffy coat and love to prance, but they’re a sturdy breed. About 60-80 pounds in weight and strong chests make them pretty good at pulling on leashes on walks and Golden Retriever puppies should be trained to not jump up on people in excitement. Owners do themselves a favor when they teach Goldens semi-complicated games like fetch and hide-and-seek. This breed needs to have meaningful play and plenty of exercise in their lives. Emphasis on the exercise-- Golden Retrievers in small apartments have been known to become nervous chewers while their owners are away. Complicated games will decrease a Golden’s boredom and increase their sense of reward felt during training.

 

 

Comb and brush your Golden with a firm bristle brush, paying particular attention to the dense undercoat. Dry shampoo regularly, but bathe only when necessary you may deplete the oils keeping your dog’s coat the envy of every other dog on the block. Golden Retrievers are prone to skin allergies, so watch for any rashes or rough patches as you comb their undercoat (which can tend to get pretty tangled).