Golden retrievers are built for adventure and enjoy romping outside. If you enjoy hiking or jogging, your Golden will gladly accompany you. And if you want to throw a ball in the backyard, they’d be delighted to join you; Goldens, true to their name, enjoy retrieving.
Tending to them with 20-30 minutes of vigorous exercise twice a day will keep your dog calm when he returns home. Slacking on the activity, on the other hand, may result in behavioral issues.
Golden retrievers, like other retriever breeds, are naturally “mouthy,” and they are happiest when they have something to carry in their mouths, such as a ball, soft toy, newspaper, or, best of all, a stinky sock.
If you’re raising a Golden puppy, you’ll need to take extra precautions. Between the ages of four and seven months, these dogs grow rapidly, making them prone to bone disorders. Allow your Golden puppy to run and play on very hard surfaces like pavement until he is at least two years old and his joints have fully formed. Normal grass play is acceptable, as are puppy agility classes.
Characteristics | Description |
Height | 21.5-24 inches |
Weight | 55-75 pounds |
Life Span | 10-12 years |
Breed Size | Large (61-100 lbs.) |
Good With | Children, seniors, dogs, cats, families |
Temperament | Gentle, friendly, willful, outgoing, playful |
Shedding Amount | Frequent |
Exercise Needs | High |
Energy Level | Active |
Barking Level | When necessary |
Drool Amount | High |
Breed Group | Sporting |
Coat Length/Texture | Long, medium |
Colors | Cream, gold, yellow |
Patterns | Saddle, blanket |
Other Traits | Easy to train, requires lots of grooming, the tendency to chew, high potential for weight gain, loves water, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies. |
Feeding Chart For Golden Retriever:
A feeding chart for a Golden Retriever will depend on several factors, including the dog’s age, weight, and activity level. As a general guideline, adult Golden Retrievers typically require two meals a day, and the following table provides a rough estimate of how much to feed your Golden Retriever based on their weight:
Weight (lbs) | Cups per day |
50-60 | 2-2.5 |
60-70 | 2.5-3 |
70-80 | 3-3.5 |
80-90 | 3.5-4 |
90-100 | 4-4.5 |
However, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the optimal feeding amount and type of food for your individual dog. Some Golden Retrievers may have specific dietary needs, such as food allergies or a tendency to gain weight easily, that require a tailored feeding plan.
When selecting dog food for your Golden Retriever, choose a high-quality, nutritionally balanced brand that contains high-quality protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Avoid foods that contain artificial preservatives, fillers, or by-products, which can be harmful to your dog’s health.
In addition to regular meals, make sure to provide your Golden Retriever with plenty of fresh, clean water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Finally, avoid overfeeding your dog, as obesity is a common health issue in Golden Retrievers and can lead to a range of health problems.
General Routine:
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals, is the recommended daily amount.
NOTE: The amount of food your adult dog consumes is determined by their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs, like people, are individuals who do not require the same amount of food. It goes without saying that an active dog will require more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you purchase also matters; the better the dog food, the further it will go towards nourishing your dog and the less of it you will need to shake into your dog’s bowl.
Rather than leaving food out all the time, keep your Golden in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day. If you’re not sure if he’s overweight, give him the eye and hands-on tests.
Look down at him first. There should be a waist visible. Then put your hands on his back, thumbs along his spine, fingers spread downward. Without pressing too hard, you should be able to feel but not see his ribs. If you can’t, he should eat less and exercise more.
If you’re raising Golden retriever puppies, you’ll need to take extra precautions. Between the ages of four and seven months, these dogs grow rapidly, making them prone to bone disorders. They thrive on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that prevents them from growing too quickly.
Grooming of a Golden Retriever Puppies Video:
The outer coat of a Golden Retriever is dense and water-repellent, with a thick undercoat. Some coats are wavy, while others are straight. The fur on the back of the front legs and underbody is feathered, with heavier feathering on the chest, back of the thighs, and tail.
Golden retrievers come in a variety of gold colors, ranging from light to dark. Although some breeders are selling “rare white Goldens,” the American Kennel Club does not recognize white as a coat color for the breed.
In the winter and summer, Golden Retrievers shed moderately, and in the spring and fall, they shed heavily. If you live with a Golden, you’ll have to get used to having dog hair in your house and on your clothes.
The Golden’s thick coat necessitates frequent grooming. Brushing your hair at least once a week is recommended to prevent tangling. Bathe your Golden at least once a month, if not more frequently, to keep him looking and smelling clean.
Brush your Golden’s teeth at least twice a week to remove tartar and the bacteria that live inside it. Brushing twice a day is even better if you want to avoid gum disease and bad breath.
Golden Retriever Care:
If your dog’s nails don’t wear down naturally, trim them once or twice a month. They’re too long if you can hear them clicking on the floor. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet looking good. Dog toenails contain blood vessels, so cutting too far can result in bleeding — and your dog may refuse to cooperate the next time the nail clippers come out. So, if you’re not used to trimming dog nails, seek advice from a vet or groomer.
Fold-over ears create a warm, dark environment in which bacteria or fungus can grow, and breeds with them, such as the Golden, are prone to ear infections. His ears should be checked on a weekly basis for redness or odor, which could indicate an infection. Check them whenever he gets wet. When cleaning your dog’s ears, use a cotton ball dampened with a gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Do not insert anything into the ear canal; instead, clean the outside of the ear.
When your Golden is a puppy, start accustoming him to being brushed and examined. Handle his paws frequently — dogs’ feet are sensitive — and inspect his mouth. Make grooming a positive experience full of praise and rewards, and you’ll set the stage for easy veterinary exams and another handling when he’s an adult.
Check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, nose, mouth, eyes, and feet as you groom. There should be no redness or discharge in the eyes. Your careful weekly exam will assist you in detecting potential health problems early.
Friendly Behavior With Children and Other Animals- Golden Retriever Puppies
The friendly Golden Retriever puppies aren’t bothered by the noise and commotion of children; in fact, he enjoys it. He is, however, a large, strong dog who can easily knock over a small child by accident.
As with any breed, teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to avoid biting or ear or tail pulling on either party’s part. Teach your child to never approach a dog who is eating or sleeping, or to try to take the dog’s food. No dog, no matter how friendly, should be left alone with a child.
The Golden’s attitude towards other pets is more is better. He enjoys the company of other dogs and can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals with proper introductions and training.