From having a pleasant personality to being a hunting dog, it’s no surprise that golden retrievers are considered one of the most iconic dog breeds in the canine world. They are intelligent, sporty, and devoted to providing love and support for their owners.
We all know these lovely canines couldn’t get any cuter because of their golden fur and superior dog personality traits…but what are the other things we should know about them?
We’re sure that you don’t really need much convincing, but if you’re looking into more reasons as to why you should adopt a golden retriever, here’s a quick look at why this breed remains well-loved by dog owners:
Golden retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds out there!
As members of the Sporting Group of Canines, golden retrievers are the type to stay active for the vast majority of their lives.
They are always prepared for sporty activities with their hoomans, whether it be a walk in the park, a weekend hike, or even a simple game of fetch.
Veterinarians have repeatedly encouraged 40 to 60 minutes of daily exercise for golden retrievers since they prosper on both physical and mental training.
If you’re a dog owner who loves fitness and the outdoors, golden retrievers are surely the perfect breed for you. They are gentle, loyal, and extremely active!
Golden retrievers love mouthing, nibbling, and play biting, but it’s not always bad.
Every time you see a cute goldie video on the internet, you would notice that they always carry something with their mouths — it can be a ball, a tree branch, or random pieces of clothing.
Golden retrievers’ mouthing and nibbling tendencies are their distinct trait as natural-born explorers. They love interacting with their environment using their mouths, noses, and bodies, and they even use mouthing as a way to interact with their owners.
Mouthing may be more evident when you have a goldie pup to tell you that it’s hungry or it needs a good cuddle, so you have to be observant!
Golden retrievers make for excellent therapy dogs.
Many dog owners and veterinarians consider golden retrievers one of the calmest and most gentle pooches in the world, and so they are an exceptional choice for a therapy dog.
They are very smart and easy to train, and they seem to have an enormous amount of empathy towards their owners.
Their unconditional love, combined with their loyalty and intelligence, allow them to be of service to people in need of a therapy pooch. It’s one of this dog breed’s best personality traits.
Doggo experts have likewise praised Goldies for their quick memory of directions and specific routes, so they are perfectly suited to be an emotional support animal especially for families with kids.
Golden retrievers are forever young!
When humans grow old, we try to wake up every day and enjoy each minute as a “blessing.” We live life to the fullest by being young at heart, but did you know that golden retrievers have the exact same mindset their entire lives?
Goldies are praised for being fun and playful for the vast majority of their time on Earth. With a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, most senior goldies retain their youthful charm. They show lots of energy and happiness when they are outdoors. Their once golden fur does fade into a greyish white when they grow old, and they can even lose their hearing as well. But one thing’s for sure: golden retrievers will never lose their vibrant and high-spirited personality!
There is absolutely no denying that golden retrievers are a popular canine breed for first-time dog owners or for humans in need of emotional support. They are kind, loyal, and able to provide unconditional love their entire lives— and these dog personality traits are ideal to make every home a little happier.
Once you’ve decided to get a goldie, you’ll need to know how to properly keep them happy and healthy in their new home. You must be able to cater to their specific needs because each dog is different.
Here are few reminders for taking care of your golden retriever:
Give them the space they require: When getting a dog, you must always consider if your space will allow them to comfortably move around and sometimes even run freely (preferably in a garden or a backyard). If dogs are not given the space that their body and breed require, it may result in behavioral and health problems.
Golden retrievers are labeled as a medium- to large-sized breeds. Breed standards state that adult Goldens will typically weigh between 55-65 lbs (female), and 65-75lbs (male). Some adults can weigh more or less depending on genetics, so space really is an important factor to consider.
Create lots of physical or mental stimulation: This breed likes to be active. Remember, golden retrievers are bird dogs at heart, so they love a good game of fetch or a swim. If exercise is provided daily, golden retrievers can adapt to any type of home, even if it is a city apartment.
If daily walks aren’t always a possibility, consider getting your pup a snuffle mat or other mental enrichment toys. There are a lot to choose from, you can even make one yourself!
You can also take them out for bird hunting if that’s your jam.
Socialize them: Golden retrievers are very social dogs. They’re playful and they tend to get along well with other pets and strangers. They’ll thrive better if they are not left cooped up inside without any other interactions.
Regular grooming: Golden retrievers are considered average shedders, nonetheless, shedders.
The undercoat is what sheds heavily in the spring and fall, and there is moderate shedding throughout the rest of the year. Their double-coat offers protection from the elements, keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
If you don’t want pet dander all over your sofa, brushing about once weekly will not only keep their coat looking nice but also help keep the dander scatter to a minimum.
This breed loves water, so baths should not be a problem. Also, make sure that you take them to the groomers every month for an overall groom.
Now that you have all that information, we hope that you’re a bit more prepared for your new adventure as a golden retriever parent! Always remember, a pet is a lifetime commitment and it’s up to you to make their time spent here memorable.
