Golden retriever breed profile

The Golden Retriever, also known as a Golden, is one of the most popular dogs in the United States. They are currently ranked 3^rd on the popularity scale of the American Kennel Club.

With their loving smile, deep eyes and silly exuberance, Golden Retrievers have made families all over the world enjoy the benefits of having a family dog. They are considered to be a large breed with medium energy, so they do need a family that is active and able to incorporate their dog into the daily routine and activities.

These dogs don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time. They enjoy spending time with their family and going for adventures. If you enjoy swimming, hiking, biking or walking with your dog, the Golden Retriever will be a good fit for your family.

Fans of this breed love the Golden’s unmistakable appearance and their affectionate nature. A Golden will make himself known when visitors arrive at your home, but it won’t take him long to warm up to the new faces. These dogs love to play with people and receive attention.

Golden Retriever Breed Profile

Video: The Golden Retriever Breed Profile from New You Network

Main Characteristics of Golden Retrievers

These large breeds dogs make great family pets. They enjoy being around children and soaking up all the attention they can get. It’s really no wonder they are one of the most popular dog breeds.

Golden Retrievers are smart, making them easy to train. They love to have a job to do, which is why they are also commonly used as service dogs. Their loving nature pairs perfectly with their high intelligence to make this breed a great candidate for a working dog.

Many owners love the Golden’s beautiful, long coat. It’s certainly one of their distinctive features, however, it requires a lot of grooming. Without daily brushing and proper maintenance, this dog’s coat can become matted and tangled very quickly.

Size of Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are part of the large breed category. They can stand between 21.5 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh between 55 to 75 lbs. Like all other breeds, the females tend to be on the smaller size of the scale compared to the males.

Lifespan of Golden Retrievers

Many things can affect how long your companion will stay with you – how well he’s exercised, how much he eat, and even genetics. Most Golden Retrievers will live to the age of 10- 14 years old. Keeping your dog in optimal shape can add a couple of years to his life, while letting him become obese can take years off of it. The less strain that he has on his body, the happier and healthier he will be.

Physical Characteristics of Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are named such because all of them have the coloring of a gold coat. Their golden coat can come in many different shades, but it will be of a golden hue. Their coats, as long as they are groomed properly, are lustrous, shiny, and sleek. Their coats can also be either straight or wavy. Some Golden Retrievers have longer hair than others.

One characteristic they all have is a double layer coat- a water-repellent outer coat that is dense and a thick undercoat that will help to keep them warm in the colder weather. These coats combined will help to keep the dirt and debris off of the dog’s skin and also make the water just slick off their fur.

RELATED ARTICLE: Labrador Retriever Breed Profile

Golden Retrievers have a broad skull, but none of their bones will protrude. They have an aerodynamic design for their head. Their muzzle is medium length and blends smoothly into their skull.

When looking into the face of a Golden Retriever, you should see a happy dog that is looking for some loving and who is eager to please. You will see a dog that will enjoy some affection. When you look into their eyes, they will appear to be alert and self-confident. Goldens have fairly large brown eyes that make you just want to fall in love with them.

Their heads sit on a medium length neck that eases into their shoulders. Their necks should be sturdy and muscular and able to handle their play and work. A Golden Retrievers’ jaws are strong, and they are able to pull at trees, tires, or anything else you have for them to play and work with.

The Golden Retriever has a sleek looking body. They are strong but should not be robust looking, or have a barrel chest. They will have a nice long, straight back with legs that are straight and slim. Their dewclaws should be left on. Their feet are medium sized and will have thick pads on them.

They have a nice long tail that will have a lot of feathering of hair coming off of it. It will fan out. When they are alert or in action it should be level with their backs or with a slight curve up. The tail should never curve over their back. When at rest it may hang down. A Golden’s tail will be thick at the base and taper off to a point at the end.

Living Arrangements for Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are a medium energy dog. They need a home that is active and will have lots of time to be around their family. They’re best suited for active singles, couples, and young families. They should be included in all of your family events.

These dogs are best suited to a home where someone will be home with them most days.

Golden Retrievers do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They love being able to go with you when you have to leave. They want nothing more than a nice family drive or to go out for a hike.

Golden Retrievers can live in any living condition – city, suburb, or rural – just make sure that they know their boundaries, and give them daily exercise to keep them happy.