Once again, the Golden Retriever breed has claimed it's spot in the top 5 most popular dogs in the USA. This is for many reasons! Not only are they some of the most beautiful dogs out there, they also have the warm, friendly personality to go along with their stunning looks. They are very gentle with children and make an absolutely incredible family pet.
Standing among America's most popular dog breeds, the Golden Retrievers are right at home in the field, hunting and doing field work such as search and rescue. In addition, Golden Retrievers are well-known for their trainability and many of our Goldens have gone on to be service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals. The Golden Retrievers trace their richhistory back to Scotland.
Outgoing, playful, and gentle are excellent descriptors of the majestic Golden Retriever. From a very young age, Golden Retrievers are eager to please and are typically very trainable. They make wonderful companions for all life stages. They are gentle with small children and also make a loyal, steady presence for someone who is older. Additionally, Goldens have the energy and stamina to go on long hikes with someone who lives a very active and outdoorsy lifestyle. Thanks to their loyalty and intelligence, golden retrievers make incredible service dogs.
I can't emphasize this point enough. Goldens are trustworthy and eager-to-please family dogs. They are truly the perfect family dog. In addition to being easy to train, they are also very gentle with kids. Naturally friendly and gentle, a Golden Retriever will quickly become best friends with your child. If a Golden Retriever has become aggressive towards children, this is usually a problem that has been created, not born. This may be caused from a lack of proper socialization, neglect, abuse, or a lack of boundaries.
Natural athletes, Golden Retrievers excel at a variety of sports and activities. Golden Retrievers are natural retrievers and as such, love playing fetch and running. Goldens do need plenty of daily exercise. Goldens are the perfect companion for someone who engages in long bike rides and hikes. Consulation with your vet is recommended before engaging in high-impact and other strenuous activities. If your Golden is engaging in bad and naughty behavior frequently, this will likely go away if you mentally and physically stimulate your dog with plenty of exercise, allowing them to release their pent up energy. A tired dog is a good dog.
Goldens display an absolutely stunning coat of thick, water-repellant hair which they usually shed once or twice a year. They also shed hair moderately on a continual basis. Using a slicker brush once or twice a week will typically remove the dead hair before it has a chance to fall onto your floor, furniture, or other areas. If your Goldens is experiencing a period of heavy shedding, you may need to brush his coat once per day. An occasional bath for your Golden may be needed to keep them clean. As with other dogs, your Golden's nails should be trimmed on a regular basis.
The average lifespan of a Golden Retriever is 10-12 years. While generally a healthy breed, Goldens are slightly predisposed to hip dysplasia and cancer in comparison to other dogs. Golden Retrievers should have their ears checked and their teeth brushed on a regular basis. Of course, it's important to see your vet on a scheduled basis for a physical exam and annual vaccinations.