Man’s Best Friend: A Closer Look into Golden Retrievers
A family pet is a lifelong commitment, similar to that of parenthood. Before buying (or adopting) a dog, you first need to research the different breeds you're considering.
Now, Golden Retrievers are extremely popular among dog lovers, especially those with young family members. After all, they are friendly, playful, and generally pleasant to have around.
It's worth noting, though, that Golden Retrievers have their own quirks, much like other dog breeds. Below, you can learn more about the characteristics and proper care of Golden Retrievers.
Physical Attributes
Golden Retrievers are strong, medium-sized dogs that weigh about 60 to 75 pounds and stand about 24 inches tall at the shoulders.
They have lovely gold coats, moderate-sized bones, long legs, and a sturdy, muscular body. Their tail is long, straight, and hangs down to the ground.
Golden Retrievers tend to live long. Generally, the oldest dog recorded was twenty years old, and their average lifespan is twelve to fourteen years.
Temperament and Attitude
Golden Retrievers are intelligent and responsive dogs. Although they're not aggressive or vicious by nature, they're lively and love to play games with their owners.
Golden Retrievers are also patient, affectionate, and loyal to their owners. However, they have a slight tendency to be stubborn and demanding, so it's best to train them early to keep them from thinking they can get away with everything.
If you're looking for a dog that wants to be physically active and would like to participate in activities such as hikes, running, or biking, Golden Retrievers are good choices.
Proper Care
Generally, Golden Retrievers are relatively easy to care for. However, you must keep in mind some special considerations. Here are some tips about the proper care of Golden Retrievers:
1. Diet
Because of their medium-sized bones and muscular builds, Golden Retrievers need plenty of calories and nutrients to maintain their strong muscles. They also have good appetites, making them prone to overeating.
If you’re thinking of bringing home a Golden Retriever, it’s crucial to feed them the right amount at the proper time to avoid obesity or ill health.
As much as possible, you should follow your veterinarian's feeding instructions and make sure your Golden Retriever maintains a balanced diet.
2. Grooming
Golden Retrievers have beautiful golden coats that come in various shades. Their coat can grow quite long and shed pretty frequently, especially during seasonal changes.
You should take the time to brush their coat regularly to ensure your Golden Retriever's coat and skin remain healthy. Also, it would help if you refrained from using human grooming products on your pet since dog skin is quite sensitive. Instead, consider the many dog care products at your local pet store.
Aside from home care, your Golden Retriever may also require occasional dog grooming. Pet groomers offer more than bathing and drying. They also trim coats, clean ears, and check for any infection.
3. Training and Exercise
One of the most important things to teach your Golden Retriever is obedience. Although Golden Retrievers are generally friendly dogs, they also have their independence and can be challenging to train.
However, proper training and socialization at an early age will make them more responsive to commands.
Golden Retrievers also need a great deal of exercise, so make sure you plan enough time to take them on long, brisk walks to keep them healthy and happy.
Conclusion
A Golden Retriever will bring you and your family a lot of joy. However, the dog breed has its quirks, so spend the time and effort needed to train, groom, and care for your pet. As long as you consider the tips above, you'll find that having a Golden Retriever is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding decisions you'll ever make for your family.
Once you bring your Golden Retriever home, you'll need pet supplies to keep them happy. Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming Bentonville carries a wide array of pet supplies, including food, accessories, and grooming products. Shop today!