The Golden Retriever is in the top four most popular breeds of dogs. Sometimes referred to as the Golden, they were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl. They became famous after winning the first field trial for Retrievers in 1904. In 1925, the American Kennel Club registered the first Golden Retriever.
What To Know About Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in America. They were originally used to retrieve game for hunters, but the breed is now being used quite often as therapy and assistance dogs, as well as family pets. One of the main reasons as to why Golden Retrievers are so popular as pets is their friendly nature. They are affectionate towards their owners without being overprotective. They also get along well with other dogs, cats and children. Golden Retrievers are generally quite friendly towards strangers as well and will be greet house guests with a wagging tail, happy to have made a new friend. This explains why you won’t find many of them being used as watchdogs, as they simply don’t get suspicious around people they don’t know.
Golden Retriever Personality & Temperament
Golden Retrievers are ideal family companions, known for their loyal and outgoing personality. They are graceful, delightful with kids, playful, and react kindly to strangers. They are continuously at the top of their obedience classes, making them champions of sporting competitions. Their acute sense of smell and passion for working alongside their owners makes them an excellent choice for active families. The most popular traits includes (but is not limited to):
- Intelligence
- Friendly
- Reliable
- Trustworthy
- Confident
Activity Requirements & Trainability
Golden Retrievers require a great deal of exercise. However, their needs can be satisfied with a few daily walks and throwing a ball in the yard. They enjoy just about any outdoor activity, such as hiking, walking, running, swimming, or playing chase. They are typically even-tempered and do not require hours of exercise, but they do need a lot of room to move around. For that reason, confinement is not recommended and can induce separation anxiety.
Goldens are a breeze to train. In fact, their trainability has made them the top choice for therapy and service dogs. They adore praise and will do anything for a treat, making them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. They are very sensitive so you should always treat them gently. They will not respond well to discipline and harsh tones.
Golden Retrievers are a social dog breed. They are ready to go before you are, and constantly want to be by your side. As they age, they transform from exuberant and playful puppies to attentive and concerned caregivers for their masters. They adore people and thrive on companionship, earning them the reputation of being one of the most beloved dog breeds in the United States.
Is a Golden Retriever Right for You?
While any dog lover will appreciate the gentle nature of this breed, Golden Retrievers may not be suitable as pets for everyone. An important thing to remember is that it is a relatively larger breed and will therefore do better in a bigger house. Golden Retrievers can commonly reach up to 2 feet in height and weigh up to 75 pounds.
As they are sporting dogs, they require regular exercise to stay healthy and stimulated. Any Golden Retriever owner will need to devote around an hour to vigorous exercise with their dog. Golden Retrievers love to run around in a park and play fetching games. Due to their active and friendly nature, they love taking part in canine sports and obedience classes in the company of other dogs. They have high intelligence and are considered to be easy to train, even by novice owners.
Another important thing to consider about Golden Retrievers is that grooming them can be quite demanding. Brushing your dog’s coat on a daily basis is recommended to prevent tangling. Your average Golden Retriever will shed heavily during the spring and fall seasons, meaning that any owner will have to get used to seeing a fair amount of dog hair around their home.