Things You Need To Know About Golden Retrievers Before You Get One

Every animal lover in the world knows the golden retriever and so many people who want to get a dog instantly think about this dog breed. It is easy to understand why. The golden retriever is truly an incredible dog with a personality to match.

The problem is that even if this dog breed is one of the most popular for a family, as with any lovely pet you consider getting, it is important to first think about a match. Is this dog breed the right match for you? To help you decide, here are some important things you absolutely need to know about the golden retriever before you get one.

Main Dog Breed Characteristics

It takes just one look at a golden retriever to realize the dog is sturdy and muscular. His coat is dense and lustrous. The head is broad, the ears are short, the muzzle is straight, and the eyes are some of the friendliest you will see. And the feathery tail is definitely rememberable.

Believe it or not, this dog was initially bred for hunting, thus the Retriever name. He is active and powerful, with very good agility and balance. As a result, the dog needs an environment in which he can stay active.

Besides the energy levels, you also need to be ready for the hair shedding that comes with that thick coat. Golden Retrievers have a double coat. It is water-repellant and you can expect a lot of shedding. At least you do not get much drooling.

The average weight of the golden retriever is 71 pounds for males and 60 pounds for women. You can expect your pup to live for around 11 years.

As you most likely already know, this dog breed is very friendly and gentle. You surely saw clips of a golden retriever playing with intruders instead of attacking them. However, the breed is quite versatile and intelligent. It is incredibly good for support, which is why you often see them helping deaf and blind people. They are also great for search and rescue. And you can so easily train the golden retriever.

Taking Care Of The Golden Retriever

While only occasional bathing is necessary for the golden retriever, consistent grooming is a must. During the heavy shedding periods, you have to groom your dog daily and otherwise, once per week is enough. There are two extreme shedding periods that can even lead to bold patches. Also, you have to regularly clean their ears.

In terms of food, proper nutrients are necessary. Calorie consumption has to be monitored to avoid the dog becoming overweight. Unfortunately, this means you should avoid feeding your dog from the table or offering too many treats.

Since we are talking about a sporting breed, it should be no surprise that plenty of exercise is necessary. Fortunately, you can always take your dog with you on long walks or a bike ride. Just make sure you offer enough regular daily activity.

The last very important thing to know before getting a golden retriever is that you have to check those floppy years every single week. Obviously, annual vet checkups and using dog toothpaste are a must, besides the standard vaccines and pest prevention.

Potential Health Problems

The golden retriever is an overall healthy dog. He loves to eat so obesity can be a problem and hip dysplasia stands out as the most common disease to be careful about. It is potentially caused by environmental and genetic factors. Elbow dysplasia is also possible. The vet will surely recommend X-rays whenever such conditions are suspected. The treatment needed by the dog can include anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, orthopedic surgery, and weight reduction.

The eye conditions you have to look out for are juvenilecataracts, progressiveretinal atrophy, and pigmentaryuveitis. The most common is the cataracts. It can easily be managed when the vet detects it early.

Other common health conditions you want to know about with golden retrievers are:

·         Inherited subvalvular aortic stenosis.

·         Hypothyroidism.

·         Allergies.

·         Cancer in the later years.

Your vet is a huge part of keeping the dog safe so do not skip on the required checkups.

Some Special Considerations

The golden retriever is a well-known energetic and powerful dog. He loves to play with you outdoors and can fetch or swim for hours. This breed is great around both children and other animals. You should not expect much barking but if there is a stranger around, he will let you know.

Puppy training classes are highly recommended so you can easily fix and recognize bad habits. This also helps you get a stronger bond with the dog. Socializing the golden retriever puppy is mandatory so make sure to expose them to many situations, people, and places. You should do this between 7 weeks old and 4 months old. Early habits lead to a much better and adjusted adulthood.

Remember that the golden retriever is close to the perfect pet. However, there are some quirks you do have to expect:

·         Chewing is a favorite pastime for some golden retrievers.

·         The dog can be very noisy and rowdy. This is especially common for the puppy.

·         Much mental stimulation and attention are needed.

·         The dog will bark or howl when overstimulated or confused.

·         The health problems that were highlighted above.

Final Thoughts

The golden retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. When properly taken care of, this pet will be a member of your family for a long time. Just make sure you take care of him and show him the love he deserves. And never forget about those vet visits.