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Golden Retriever Dog Breed Introduction
Golden Retriever is a Scottish breed of dog that was first recognized in 1913 by the Kennel Club. This kind of breed is commonly kept as a pet and is also a frequent competitor in dog shows. Not only is a Golden kept as a pet but also as a guide dog and gundog. This is also a pack dog that should be engaged in all family activities including waking up family members.
As compared to other retrievers, a Golden is typically slow to mature. Goldens take a playful and joyous approach to life and maintain this puppyish trait into adulthood. Furthermore, the breed is wildly known to make excellent family dogs and pets since it is extremely tolerant of children and keen to accompany any member of the family. Due to this reason, a Golden is often completely void of guarding instincts.
History of Breed
Originally, the breed was created in the late 19th century by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks at his Scottish estate Guisachan. He kept records of breeding effected to create a desired gundog for use at his estate in the highlands between 1840 to 1890. While aspiring to create an ideal gundog, Sir Dudley wanted a dog that was suited to the rugged terrain area and rainy climate. Therefore, he crossed his Yellow Retriever with the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel with some further infusions of Labrador Retriever, Bloodhound, and Red Setter.
The dogs created by Sir Dudley first attracted attention for their prowess in hunting. One of the popular descendants of his dogs was Don of Gerwyn, who was a liver-coated pooch and won the 1904 International Gundog League trial. These dogs first participated in the British dog Show in 1908, and good specimens of the Goldens started to arrive in the USA by way of Canada.
The breed’s name was officially changed in 1920 from Retriever – Yellow of Golden to Golden Retriever. AKC recognized the bred in 1932. Currently, Goldens are the second most popular dogs in the United States. In addition, Winifred Charlesworth, the breed enthusiast was instrumental in the establishment of the Golden breed club as well as a separate Kennel Club recognition.
Life Expectancy
A Golden has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. However, there have been some records of this dog both male and female having a lifespan of 19, 18, or 17 years according to Golden Hearts. Moreover, Augie, a Golden Retriever, was 20 years old as of 2020 and was born on April 24, 2000. Unfortunately, Augie passed away on March 31, 2021, three weeks shy away from turning 21 years old.
In the 70s’, a Golden Retriever had a lifespan of 16 to 17 years old. However, since then the Golden has been suffering from lymphoma, bone cancer, and cancer of the blood vessels more than any other breed. This explains the shortened lifespan. Therefore, scientists from the Colorado-based Morris Animal Foundation are studying the breed to find out why the Golden’s average lifespan has gotten shorter over the years.
Lifespan in Human Years
They have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years which is 60 to 69 human years.
Golden Retriever Grooming
For effective grooming of your Golden, begin by training your pet to let you touch its mouth, feet, head, and ears. This is according to the President of the California Professional Pet Groomers Association Terri Becker DiMarino. Once your dog gets used to your touch, schedule regular daily, weekly, or monthly grooming spurs when you will be always available.
On the grooming day, gather the tools before you begin. Regular cleaning of your Golden’s coat, feet, eyes, ears, and mouth will pay off in health benefits. This is because you will be able to spot any skin infections or lumps when they show up for a timely visit to the veterinarian.
Brushing your pets’ teeth at least thrice a week using a canine dental wipe or dog-formulated toothpaste will help in the reduction of tooth decay. After a visit to the Veterinarian, ask when your Golden may need professional teeth cleaning. In addition, a Golden coat should be brushed once or twice every week to avoid painful matting and avoid too much shedding.
Grooming Tips
The Golden’s coat only needs a trim and not a full haircut. This is usually done on the ears, tail, neck, and feet. Moreover, trimming helps to neaten your Golden’s appearance. It also has a repellant double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily twice or once a year. Regular brushing after and before bathing helps remove the old hair.
During heavy shedding, brush your Golden at least once a day to remove the dead hair and prevent it from landing all over your home. This is according to the Director of Education for the Golden Retriever Club of America, Nancy Talbott. It is also important to avoid using a bristle brush as it won’t get through the double coat of your pet.
If the coat has tangled tresses, spray it with water or a coat conditioner to make brushing easier. Brushing before bathing is highly recommended. Nail clipping should be done once every two weeks if the nails have not worn out naturally. Overly grown nails click on the floor and they may be painful when the dog is walking or running.
A Golden is susceptible to ear infection, weekly cleaning for the eye to remove excess wax and debris using a cotton ball dampened with a ph-balanced ear cleaner will go a long way in preventing infections. Regular ear cleaning helps to check for bad odor or redness in the ear.
Haircuts
There are several grooming styles or rather haircut styles for your Golden. Furthermore, it is only advisable to trim your dog even if you are tempted to completely shave it during summer. This is because they need their double coat to protect them from bugs, sun, and other issues as well as keep them cool. Some of the grooming styles for your Golden include:
- Simple Trim – This is a haircut that doesn’t involve much cutting, therefore, it is the most preferred grooming style by owners and professional groomers. To attain a simple cut, your pet will need some light feathering, trimming, and maybe a little thinning of the hair around the chest and neck. A Golden that has a simple cut should be brushed regularly to keep the coat healthy.
- Show Cut – This is the preferred cut for dogs that participate in conformation shows. The trimming is kept to a minimum to show off the Golden locks that this pooch possesses. For this cut, the paws, ears, and sanitary areas should be trimmed appropriately to attain a certain shape. Getting a professional groomer will help in attaining this haircut.
- Teddy Cut – Dog owners of Goldens are advised against shaving the double coat. However, some are desperate to keep their pet’s hair hot during humid weather. Fortunately, there is a teddy cut that will keep the hair short without sacrificing the double coat. To attain this haircut, the hair on the body is clipped to a shorter length while the hair on the legs is scissored in the natural shape of the Golden’s coat. For this grooming style, the tail and feet are also trimmed.
Shedding
Goldens shed moderately throughout the year. However, this dog sheds heavily during the seasonal change once or twice a year. During the heavy shedding season, brush the coat daily to confine the hair in the brush than rather around the house. When shedding moderately, a Golden should be brushed once or twice a week using a slicker brush.
Shedding Season
A Golden has a thick double coat that is water repellant and sheds at moderate levels throughout the year. However, Golden’s shedding is rampant during fall and spring when they blow off their coats.
Coat
Goldens have a water repellant coat that is double-coated. The coat is made up of an outer coat and an undercoat. The outer coat is long and may be wavy or flat with good feathering on the forelegs while the undercoat is dense providing weather resistance. The coat of a Golden also becomes paler with age.
Coat Stages
A Golden puppy is born with a fluffy coat that starts transitioning to an adult coat by growing some feathers between the age of 3 to 4 months. The precise time that the feathering starts depends on genetics. The long fur that grows on the puppy coat starts on the tail which indicates the onset of blending.
An adult Golden has feathers on the belly, legs, and tail. The rest of the adult coat will grow all over his body and will be slightly darker than the puppy coat. The complete transition of the coat is complete when the puppy is 18 months old. Unlike other breeds, a Golden does not shed its puppy coat. Instead, the puppy makes an undercoat as it is protected by a newer and longer outer coat.
Coat Types
All Goldens have a double coat that is water repellant. The double coat is made up of an outer coat and an undercoat. The outer coat may either be Wavy or Flat.
Best Supplement For The Coat
Maintaining a healthy and glossy coat may be attainable through regular brushing of the coat that removes the loose hair and promotes new hair growth. Regular brushing allows the spread of dog oils on the skin. Even with the brushing, the coat may become thinner and dull due to lack of supplements, especially omega supplements. Giving your dog supplements rich in minerals, vitamins, and Omega 3 will ensure your pet doesn’t have dry and itchy skin.
Hypoallergenic
Goldens have a double coat that is made up of an undercoat and outer coat. The undercoat is likely to shed more dander. This is an allergen that has a protein that causes allergic reactions in people who suffer from dog allergies. Therefore, Goldens are not hypoallergenic.
The shedding level of this breed is moderate throughout the year and heavily during spring and/or fall. Shedding will also allow the spread of dander around the house.
Apart from dander, the urine and saliva of dogs also have protein that causes inflammation in people who are allergic to dogs. Goldens are more likely to drool during feeding time or when they are excited which allows the dripping of saliva from their mouths.
Golden Retriever Training
This kind of breed is affectionate, intelligent, loyal, and sociable making it a great student when it comes to training. Golden’s training kicks off immediately when the puppy is between two to six months old with basic obedience and group-based Puppy Kindergarten.
Furthermore, these classes offer the opportunity for your pet to meet its social, physical, and mental needs. While training, it is recommended to have a variety of activities to burn off energy as well as increase the attention span of the Golden.
Moreover, Golden puppies experience a fear stage. Therefore, group-based training assists the owners to identify and work through the normal fears that arise during this development period. Since training is a continuously ongoing process, the dog owners should establish rules, boundaries, routines, and expectations at home for their Goldens.
Training Tips
In order to raise a well-mannered and well-adjusted adult Golden, you should start socializing the dog at the age of 3 to 12 weeks. Socialization will expose your dog to new sounds like babies crying, fireworks, vacuums, and lawnmowers as well as unexpected movements such as people with disabilities, toddlers, and unsteady elderly movements.
The use of positive reinforcements method such as praise and high treats when training your dog makes training sessions interesting. Avoid harsh correction methods such as yelling or raising your voice when the dog fails to take your cues. The training sessions should be short since Goldens like other breeds have a short concentration span. Teach your dog command words such as sit, stay, down, leave it, etc. one at a time until your pet understands before proceeding to another command word.
Potty training is effective through crate training and establishing a schedule for feeding time. Taking your dog out when they wake up, after meals, and every one to two hours in a secluded area will help your dog learn potty training. This kind of training is also effective through consistency and patience.
Crate Size
A Crate is a safe place for your dog as it keeps it safe when it is in the house. However, a crate should never be used as a form of punishment. The best crate size for a Golden is 42 inches length ( approx. 107 cm), 28 inches width ( approx. 71 cm ) and 30 inches height ( approx. 76 cm ).
Training Book
Training is significant when socializing your dog to your liking. Therefore, there are books that may be of help when training your Golden including:
- Golden Retriever Training: Breed Specific Puppy Training Techniques, Potty Training, Discipline, and Care Guide (February 2013).
- The Complete Guide to Golden Retrievers: Finding, Raising, Training, and Loving Your Golden Retriever Puppy(February 2019).
- Golden Retriever Training | Dog Training with the No BRAINER Dog TRAINER(August 2015).
- Golden Retriever Training: The Ultimate Guide to Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy: Includes Sit, Stay, Heel, Come,…
- Golden Retriever: A Dog Training Guide on How to Raise, Train and Discipline Your Golden Retriever Puppy for Beginners, etc.
Training Hunting
Goldens were bred as the ultimate retriever during hunting. Most Goldens also have retained their gundog instincts and traits including an excellent sense of smell and a strong instinct for retrieving even among those that have not been trained. Therefore, this dog loves to chase birds, rabbits, and other small animals when they are off the leash. Teaching your Golden how to hunt may provide a fantastic way for bonding as well as an opportunity for your dog to learn a new range of useful commands.
While teaching your dog to hunt, remember to use the right rewards such as a generous supply of tasty treats and get a scent spray, and decoy toys. For effective training, set aside fifteen minutes every day for training bearing in mind the frequency of training determines how soon you will realize the results. How quickly your dogs acquire hunting skills is also determined by age.
A puppy will learn faster as it wants to please the owner. Whereas an older Golden may be stubborn and may not be such a great listener. This means you will need several months to teach your dog hunting skills. It is recommended to teach your dog from where it will be hunting or in a large yard or local fields. Start teaching your dog how to hunt after it has already enrolled in puppy obedient classes as it has already picked the useful command words.
Golden Retriever Characteristics
- Loyal.
- Intelligent.
- Affectionate.
- Gentle.
- Calm.
- Tolerant with Children.
- Friendly.
- Playful.
- Easy to train.
- Outgoing.
- Kind.
Barking
This is a kind of breed that is generally quiet and barks occasionally. However, if they do bark, Golden’s barking is often more friendly than aggressive. At times, your pet may bark if it needs attention.
Aggressive
Goldens are considered affectionate and gentle-natured animals. They are extremely tolerant of children and keen to please their master and they are devoid of guarding instincts. Therefore, Goldens are less likely to be aggressive to strangers and other dogs. Behavior problems in dogs are determined by breeding, trainability, and upbringing. A Golden that is not properly socialized may be fearful or aggressive to new stimuli.
Bite Force
Even though this breed is less likely to be aggressive, it may bite out of fear. A Golden has a bite force of 190 PSI, which has been ranked in position 30 among the strongest bite force in dogs.
Biting
In Goldens, it may be a result of distress, pain, or fear. However, puppies of this breed are also prone to biting and nibbling while playing with their littermates and owners. It may occur when puppies are exploring new objects, textures, and people. Biting may seem adorable for puppies but not so after they grow older and larger in size. Therefore, the habit should be discouraged to avoid raising an adult Golden that has serious biting issues. Puppies that are teething are also likely to bite. This behavior in Golden puppies may be tamed through redirection and bite inhibition training.
Golden Retriever Size
A Golden is a medium-sized dog. However, Male Golden are larger in size in terms of both weight and size when compared to their female counterparts. A male Golden has a height of 23 to 24 inches (approx. 56 to 61 cm) and a weight of 29 kg to 34 kg (approx. 65 to 76 lbs) while the female Golden has a height of 20 to 22 inches (approx. 51 to 56 cm) and a weight of 25 to 29 kg (approx. 55 to 65 lbs).
Height
A male Golden has a height of 23 to 24 inches (approx. 56 to 61 cm) while the Female Golden has a height of 20 to 22 inches (approx. 51 to 56 cm).
Female Weight
A female Golden is slightly smaller than a male Golden in terms of both height and weight. A female Golden weighs between 25 to 29 kg (approx. 55 to 65 lbs).
Male Weight
A Male Golden has a weight of 29 to 34 kg ( approx. 65 to 76 lbs).
Healthy Weight
A healthy Golden retriever weighs between 25 to 34 kg ( approx. 55 to 75 lbs).
Food
For medium-sized dog breeds, feeding on a higher protein content food is good for providing the building blocks for strong muscles in puppies and supporting lean muscle maintenance in adult dogs. However, feeding a diet that has a higher concentration of calories may lead to unhealthy weight gain and even obesity. Therefore, Golden Retrievers need protein-rich dog food that has moderate fat and calorie content. A food diet that is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids is good for keeping the coat of Golden Retriever glossy and healthy.
Food Amount
A Golden can eat a lot and has a voracious appetite. The owner may be prone to overfeeding the pet which may lead to indigestion and obesity. Therefore, it is recommended to have a feeding chart for your Golden by age which applies to both males and females. The Following is the feeding chart for your pet for a Golden aged two months, it should be fed one and a half cups three times a day:
- Three months, 2 cups of food thrice a day.
- Four Months, two and a half cups three times a day.
- Between five to six months, a Golden should have 3 cups thrice a day.
- Between six to seven months, your male Golden should feed between 3 and a half to four cups two times a day while the female golden should have three cups twice a day.
N/B Senior adults should feed twice a day. Furthermore, Nursing females should have between five to six cups in a day.
Exercise
Goldens were bred for retrieving ducks and waterfowl for hunters. Therefore, they regularly need to exercise between twenty to thirty minutes a day. Some of the exercises that your pooch may participate in include walking, the game of fetch, or even competing in dog sports. For mental exercise needs, it is highly advisable to include your pet in your family activities.
Some of the other breeds of dogs include:
Pug.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Toys
While teething, your Golden needs teether toys. In addition, your pet’s temperament is playful so don’t be surprised when it brings you a toy.
Golden Retriever Health Issues
They are generally a healthy breed of dogs with an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. Irresponsible breeding to meet the dog’s demand has led to the prevalence of inherited health problems including eye problems, allergic skin conditions, and snappiness.
Moreover, they also have floppy ears making them vulnerable to ear infections. Some of the health issues that Goldens are likely to suffer from include:
- Lymphoma.
- Cancer.
- Canine hip dysplasia.
- Seizures.
- Mast cell tumors.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Additionally, senior dogs are susceptible to arthritis, hip & joint problems, and benign warts, cysts, fatty tumors, or other benign masses.
Golden Retriever Teeth
A Golden puppy has 28 razor-sharp teeth which will start to fall out at the age of four months. Furthermore, the milk teeth will be replaced by 42 adult canine teeth composed of six incisors, small pre-molars, and large molars. In addition, this breed is prone to teeth problems if there is no regular brushing at least thrice a week. Irregular teeth cleaning causes plaque buildup which may cause swollen gums.
If swollen gums are left untreated, they may lead to tooth decay and infection of teeth and gums. If the teeth problems persist long enough, they may cause damage to your Golden’s organs like kidneys. Furthermore, untreated dental problems may even shorten your pet’s lifespan by up to three years.
Seizure
The Golden Retrievers are prone to seizures. This refers to the involuntary disturbance of the normal functioning of the brain that is normally accompanied with uncontrollable muscle activity. There are three causes of seizures; primary, reactive, and secondary seizures. A Golden may experience seizures as late as 5 years old.
Primary seizures are hereditary even though the cause is unknown. For this reason, they are also referred to idiopathic epilepsy. Secondary seizures are caused by brain tumors, trauma, and stroke. A dog may suffer from reactive seizures after the brain detects a problem with metabolism due to organ failure, low blood sugar, and reaction to toxins. Seizures last for a period of 1 to 3 minutes. When the dog is experiencing convulsion, putting nothing in its mouth since it pose as a risk to the owner and the pet.
Seizure Symptoms
Some of the common signs of seizures in Goldens include drooling, loss of consciousness, dilation of the pupils, loss of bowel and bladder control, diarrhea, vocalization, and flailing or paddling in all the limbs.
Golden Retriever Allergies
Goldens are prone to allergies that may be caused by environmental, skin, food, and contact allergens. Some of the environmental allergens that may result in allergies in Goldens include dust and dust mites, grass, house molds, grass pollen, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and molds. The contact allergens that may result in allergies include medication, latex, and the detergents used in carpet cleaning.
Allergies caused by environmental allergens are likely to manifest on various body parts including ankles, paws, muzzle, armpit, groin, between the toes, and even around the eyes. A Golden that is suffering from any type of allergy may manifest the following symptoms: redness, dry flaky skin, swollen eyes, runny nose, vomiting, itchy ears, chronic ear infections, itchy and runny eyes as well as constant licking and rubbing of the affected body parts.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies in Goldens may be caused by both food and environmental allergens. These allergies are likely to manifest on various body parts including the face, feet, chin, sides, stomach, ears, and belly sides. Skin allergic inflammation commonly takes the form of significant hot spots, scratching, dry flaky skin, lesions, itchiness, and scratching. Inflammation to the skin may also affect the ears as well as cause chronic ear infections. As a home remedy for a Golden that is affected by skin allergies, the use of a hypoallergenic and sulfate-free shampoo may be a relief to the itchy and irritated skin.
Food Allergies
A Golden Retriever suffering from food allergies may experience an immune response that may range in symptoms that may mimic skin conditions including itchiness, hives, and facial swelling. However, the most common symptoms of food allergies include gastrointestinal stress that may result in diarrhea and/or vomiting.
Dog owners may confuse food sensitivities with food allergies. Food intolerance or food sensitivities don’t involve an immune response but instead a gradual reaction to an offending ingredient in your Golden’s food. Food intolerance may also result in vomiting, diarrhea, itchiness, foot infections, chronic ear infections, and poor skin and coat.
Therefore, it is highly advisable to work with your vet to determine whether your dog is suffering from food allergies or food intolerance. Some of the foods that may result in food intolerance or allergy in Goldens include beef, chicken, dairy products, soy, eggs, corn, milk, wheat, etc.
Allergies Treatment
Bathing a Golden that is affected by skin allergies with hypoallergenic, organic, and sulfate-free shampoos will help to relieve the inflamed, irritated, and itchy skin especially with products that may include anti-inflammatories such as tree tea oil and aloe vera.
Purchasing topical and inexpensive inorganic sprays from veterinarians’ offices and pet supply stores will help with minor lesions and hot spots.
After visiting the veterinarian, if the situation cannot be controlled, antihistamines and corticosteroids may be described for your pet.
If a dog owner suspects that his or her pet may be suffering from food intolerance, they should reach out to a board-certified veterinary nutritionist or veterinarian to help in developing an elimination diet for their fur babies.
Names
After purchasing a Golden pup from a responsible breeder or taking a dog from a rescue center, the most important exercise the dog owner engages in is giving a name to the pet that it will use for the rest of its life. Some dog owners may give names to their dogs based on their origin, character, favorite books, or even celebrities. Remember to give your pet a name that freely rolls off your tongue.
Avoid giving your Golden a name that will embarrass you if you utter it out loud in public places including parks, etc. Names that have vowels are easy for pets to understand. It is recommended not to give your Golden a name that is frequently used by other household members or guests who frequent your home to avoid confusion.
Names Female
- Ella.
- Abby.
- Chloe.
- Zoe.
- Stella.
- Penny.
- Daisy.
- Luna.
- Lola.
- Bella.
- Emma.
- Maddie.
- Lady, etc.
Names For A Boy
- Simba.
- Duke.
- Gus.
- Max.
- Jax.
- Samson.
- Bruno.
- Tucker.
- Leo.
- Buddy.
- Willow.
- Henry.
- Jackson, etc.
Colors
The acceptable coat color in this breed is a lustrous and rich golden color of various shades according to the American Kennel Club. However, the Kennel Club permits the coat color of any shade of yellow, gold, or cream. The common coat colors in Golden retrievers include:
- Light Golden.
- Dark Golden.
- Cream.
- Golden.
Ears
Goldens have natural floppy ears that fall close to the cheek. When the ears of a Golden are pulled forward, the tip of the ear should cover the eye. The ears of Golden Retrievers should be cleaned at least once a week to check for discharge, redness, or odor which may indicate that the dog is suffering from an ear infection. Ear cleaning also removes excess wax, debris, and trapped moisture that make Goldens susceptible to ear infections.
Golden Retriever Ear Infection
Ear infection in Goldens may be a result of skin allergies. This is because the condition makes the ears smelly, itchy, red, and dirt, as well as constant scratching which makes the situation even worse. If the allergies are not properly treated, secondary infections may occur in the ears of the Golden.
Goldens also have floppy ears that create a humid environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive if the ears are not regularly cleaned to remove excess debris and wax. Moisture in the ears also causes ear infections. This makes them more prone to ear infections since Goldens love swimming. The ears are also floppy and hairy and may trap debris and moisture which will also cause infections.
The most common symptoms that Goldens exhibit while suffering from an ear infection includes odor, redness, itchiness, head shaking, dark discharge, whining, and ear scratching. There are types of ear infections that may affect the Goldens including Otitis externa which affects the cells located in the external portion of the ear, otitis media which causes infection in the middle ear, and lastly, otitis interna which causes inflammation to the inner ear canal.
Ear Infection Treatment
Once a dog owner notices any of the above-listed symptoms of ear infection, he should call a veterinary right away. The vet will thoroughly clean the infected ear using a medicated ear cleanser. At times, ear drops may be prescribed to help in resolving the ear infection in about a week or two.
While going home, a vet may also prescribe a topical medication and ear cleanser for use at home. If the ear infection is severe the vet will prescribe anti-inflammatory and oral antibiotics medications. It is important to make sure that your Golden completes the prescribed medicine even when the symptoms go away to avoid developing resistant ear infections.
Golden Retriever Eyes
Goldens have a pair of medium-large and deep-set eyes that have an intelligent and friendly expression. A dog of this kind that has triangular eyes is not accepted to participate in conformation shows since they detract from the correct expression. The acceptable eye color that the Golden should possess according to the American Kennel Club is dark brown. Medium brown eye color is also acceptable.
Eye Problems
Goldens are prone to eye problems especially pigmentary uveitis which is common in pure-bred dogs of this breed. This is an inherited eye problem that causes inflammation of the uveal tract. The onset of this disease occurs when the dogs are older around 8 years old. This disease may also affect the crosses of Golden Retrievers and Labradors Retrievers. Currently, there are no current methods to reverse or prevent pigmentary uveitis. This condition affects 10% of the senior Goldens.
Common symptoms of pigmentary uveitis are redness and drainage. Apart from this eye condition, Goldens are also prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy which is a collection of degenerative diseases that affect photoreceptor cells. Over time, this disease makes the cells degrade ultimately leading to blindness. Other eye problems include juvenile cataracts and glaucoma.
Eye Problems Symptoms
- Redness.
- Increased tearing.
- Eye boogers or eye discharge.
- Squinting.
- Dilated pupils in both eyes.
- Reduced pigmentation of the eyes.
- Cysts.
Eye Infection
In Goldens, eye infection may be caused by bacteria or viruses. It may also be a result of a trauma to the eye, dry eye diseases, or viruses which provides the perfect opportunity for bacteria to invade the eye. Bacterial invasion occurs since the local defenses of the eye have been compromised. A Golden may also experience eye infection if the foreign bodies such as dust, debris, fur, or hair sticking into the eye may sweep the bacteria into the eye causing eye infection.
Common symptoms that may be exhibited by a Golden that is suffering from eye infections include pawing at the eye due to pain or itchiness, swelling of the eyelids, squinting, redness, clear discharge due to viral infections, and a thick yellowish discharge due to bacterial infection. Inflammation of the immune system may make your Golden experience multiple symptoms at once such as a squinty eye that is red.
Eyes Drooping
A Golden may have droopy eyes due to two probable reasons, Horner’s syndrome and ectropion. This is an eye condition that makes the eyelids roll out. On the other hand, Horner’s syndrome refers to a neurological disorder that impairs the facial and eye muscles. The latter is the most common in this breed. Horner’s syndrome may at times indicate problems with the nervous system. Therefore, if your pet gets drooping eyes you will need to book an appointment with your Vet, so that some tests may be carried out to ensure there are no underlying causes like injury, tumor, and a broken bone.
Eye Discharge
You may notice that the eye discharge from Golden varies from a clear discharge to a thick yellowish discharge. A clear discharge in Golden may be a result of viral infection to the eye whereas the thick yellowish discharge may be due to dry eye syndrome or bacterial infection. A red eye that has a clear discharge may mean that your pet is suffering from corneal ulcers.
Eye Boogers
Eye booger is a small amount of light brown crusts that is normal and usually seen in the morning after the dog wakes up. However, if you spot eye boogers throughout the day and the eye is swollen, red, or squinting, call your Vet.
Litter Size
A Golden retriever may have a litter size of 4 to 12 puppies. A female Golden giving birth for the first time may have a smaller litter size than later litters. The largest known litter size for this breed is 17 puppies.
Average Litter Size
The average litter size for Goldens is 8 puppies.
Pregnancy Length
The pregnancy length of a Golden is 63 days or approximately two months. However, some may give birth earlier or later than the mentioned gestation period.
Pregnancy Signs
- Irritability.
- Swollen belly.
- Increased appetite.
- Getting tired more easily.
- Increased nipple size.
- More affectionate.
- Gain of weight.
Heat Cycle
Mating for a Golden may occur when the female is on her heat cycle which can last between 2 to 3 weeks. This breed experiences its first heat cycle at the age of 10 to 14 months old. You may expect the heat cycle to recur every six months. Before mating your Golden, make sure that both the male and female have undergone genetic testing to clear most of the genetic health concerns. Mate a dam after the age of 2 years to allow the genetically linked faults to express themselves.
Head
There are two types of head shapes for Golden; Blockhead and Slender Head Golden Retrievers. The Slender head-shaped Goldens are also referred to as wedged-shaped headed Golden Retrievers. However, a dog that participates in AKC conformation shows should be block-headed.
Head Bump
Goldens have a head bump that is towards the back of their skull which is referred to as an occiput. It is also referred to as knowledge knot, wisdom bump, and knowledge bump. The head bumps are popular that they have been featured in the iconic Pluto from Disney features.
First-time dog owners of this breed may get alarmed by the head bumps because, at times, they may be a sign of cancer in dogs and other animals as well as humans. The progenitors of the Goldens developed this lump because their predators were most likely to crush their heads in order to kill them. To survive, these dogs evolved to have a bony occiput on their heads.
Neck Size
The adult neck size of a Golden is 18 to 21 inches ( approx. 45 to 53 cm).
Tail
Golden Retrievers’ tail is muscular and thick at the base. The tail bone may extend to the point of the hock but not below. Goldens carry their tails in some moderate upward curve that should never be curled between the legs or curled over the back.
Golden Retriever Hair Loss
Hair loss in Goldens is common when these dogs are blowing off their coats during seasonal change once or twice a year which may be during spring and/or fall. Golden Retrievers also experience hair loss moderately throughout the year. However, hair loss in some of the body parts in this breed may also be a result of skin allergies. This is because Goldens lick and scratch the affected areas which may lead to sores and hair loss. Feeding your dog a poor diet that lacks omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids will result in a thinner and dull coat due to hair loss.
Muzzle
Even though Goldens are less likely to be aggressive, they may be prone to biting in an unsettling environment or when they are in pain. Therefore, a muzzle is recommended in a new situation where the dog owner is not sure of how the pooch will react.
A muzzle should never be used for behavior problems such as barking and biting. Training offers long-term solutions for this kind of behavior. Remember to never use a muzzle as a form of punishment. AKC recommend dog owners to create positive associations with the device for use in a situation that is needed without making the dog defensive.
Harness Or Collar
Collars are good options for dogs that are less likely to pull while they are on a leash. On the hand, a harness is a safer option for a dog that is likely to pull because the force will be distributed around the shoulders and behind the armpits of the dog. Golden Retrievers are gentle-natured and affectionate animals that are likely to pull when they are excited to interact with other people.
Speed
An adult Golden may run up to 30 to 35 miles per hour ( approx. 48 to 56km/h).
Golden Retriever Price
It is the second most popular breed in the USA that is highly prized for its affectionate and friendly temperament. The price of this pooch depends on its age, pedigree, and breeder. The average price of a Golden Retriever is $2500 to $3500.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Golden Retriever Hypoallergenic
No. The protein that triggers allergic reactions in people suffering from dog allergies is present in saliva, dander, and urine. Goldens have an undercoat that is likely to shed dander which will spread around the house, especially during the seasonal change that occurs during spring or fall. Drooling is also common in this breed when it is excited or during feeding time. Drooling allows saliva to spread around the house.
How To Treat Golden Retriever Skin Allergies
It is recommended to use an organic, sulfate-free, and hypoallergenic shampoo when bathing a Golden that is suffering from skin allergies to relieve the itchy, inflamed, and irritated skin. In a situation where shampoo is not effective, a vet will prescribe corticosteroids and antihistamines for your dog.
Are Golden Retriever Aggressive
No. A well-bred, trained, and raised Golden is gentle-natured and affectionate. These dogs are also devoid of guarding instincts meaning they are less likely to attack strangers and other animals. However, a Golden that has not been properly trained may be aggressive due to fear of a new stimulus.
How To Clean Golden Retriever Ears
To clean the ears of a Golden, use a cotton ball that is dampened with a ph-balanced ear cleaner to remove excess wax and debris. Regular ear cleaning helps in the reduction of ear infections.
How To Treat Golden Retriever Ear Infection
A Golden that is suffering from an ear infection will exhibit the following symptoms; odor, redness, dark discharge, itchiness, redness, and swelling of the ear canal. Once the dog owner notices any of these symptoms, he or she should call the vet immediately.
On arrival, the vet will clean the ear using a medicated ear cleanser. Furthermore, the vet may prescribe a topical medication and ear cleanser for use at home. If the ear infection is severe, the vet prescribes anti-inflammatory and oral antibiotics medications. The dog owner should ensure that the pet completes the prescribed medication even if the symptoms are no longer present to avoid developing resistant ear infections.
How To Improve Golden Retriever Coat
Regular brushing of the coat helps to keep it healthy and glossy by spreading the natural oils present on the coat. However, feeding your Golden a balanced diet that has natural sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids such as olive oil, coconut oil, and vegetable oil will keep the coat glossy. In the case where you are not able to feed your pet with these foods, you may purchase supplements that are rich in Omega.
How Much Should A Golden Retriever Weight
A male Golden has a height of 29 kg to 34 kg ( approx. 65 to 76 lbs) while the female has a weight of between 25 to 29 kg (approx. 55 to 65lbs).
What is a Golden Retrievers life expectancy
A Golden has a life expectancy of between 10 to 12 years.
Is Golden Retriever A Lab
No, Labs is the nickname for Labrador Retrievers, British dog breed that was originally developed in the UK from fishing dogs imported from a province in Canada.
What are the 3 types of golden retrievers
There are three different types of Golden Retrievers that come in three golden shades, golden, dark golden, and light golden. The three types of Golden are; American, English, and Canadian.
Is a Golden Retriever a good house dog
Yes. They are affectionate, tolerant of children, and may accompany any member of the family.
What Are Golden Retriever Traits
The Golden Retrievers are loyal, outgoing, affectionate, calm, easy to train, tolerant to children, and void of guarding instincts.
How To Measure Golden Retriever Height
To get the accurate height for your dog, measure from the withers to the feet. Withers refers to the highest point of your dog’s shoulder blade.
How Much Is a Golden Retriever
The cost of a Golden Retriever is $2500 to $3500 per puppy.
How Big Do Golden Retrievers Get
They are medium-sized dogs that weigh 29 to 34 kg and have a height of 51 to 61 cm.
Why Golden Retrievers Are The Worst
They are devoid of guarding instincts and are excited to meet new people and other animals hence its not a surprise if they will not raise an alarm if burglars break into your home. They are also heavy shedders in Spring and/or Fall and require daily brushing during this period to keep shedding at bay.
What Color Are Golden Retrievers
As their name suggest, they have a solid coat color of Golden that may either have a dark, light, or cream shade.
How to Reduce Golden Retriever Shedding
In Spring and Fall, Goldens shed their undercoat hence the shed hair is vividly visible on the surface and furniture. To reduce shedding, owners should brush the coat on a daily basis to keep shedding at a minimum.
My Golden Retriever Shedding Like Crazy
It will shed profusely in Spring and Fall which is totally normal as it blows off its undercoat. However, shedding in patches may be a result of mange, skin allergies, fluctuation of hormones especially in females, poor diet, and hypothyroidism.
Golden Retriever Quick Facts
- It was first recognized in 1913 by the Kennel Club.
- It is short of Guarding instincts.
- A Golden may also compete in dog shows.
