Golden Retriever

Did you know the Golden Retriever is the third most popular dog on the AKC list of dog breeds? Well, it is no wonder they are.

The American Kennel Club labels the Golden Retriever as wanting “nothing more than to please his human. Golden Retrievers are outgoing, loyal, and eager to do your bidding, which makes them very easy to train.” And at the Animal Care Center, we love Goldens too. It is one of the most popular dog breeds in America. And they make amazingly loving family pets.

Golden Retrievers are bred for work, which means they need to be active and exercising. They are quite capable and very intelligent. As a part of the sporting group, they will fetch a ball until your arm falls off, run with the owner, and even serve as a skilled service animal.

Suppose you are looking for a family dog that will be active, intelligent, highly trainable, and a signature Golden smile. In that case, the Golden Retriever may be for you. To learn more about this breed, Animal Care Center has put together a breed guide for various dogs. So, keep reading, and we just know you will fall in love with the Golden Retriever.

Of course, if you have any questions we did not answer here, contact the office to chat with our friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Golden Retriever Appearance

The Golden Retriever’s general physique is different depending on the dog. They range from broad to sporty builds, but they all have that signature smile and feathery tail. The Golden coat also varies from a cream all the way to a dark golden.

Here are a few of the statistics for Golden Retrievers:

Average Height:

Males – 23-24 inches tall at the shoulder

Females – 21.5 to 22.5 inches

Weight: 55 – 75 pounds

Life Span: 10 to 12 years

Not sure if your rescue fits this description? Give us a call to find out at the Animal Care Center.

Golden

Golden Fun Facts:

Golden Retrievers gained popularity with American families in the 1970s when President Gerald Ford had a golden named Liberty. They have been one of America’s most loved dogs ever since. Here are a few more fun facts about the Goldens.

  • Golden Retrievers are fantastic at all dog sports, including agility, obedience, dock diving, tracking, and more.
  • And Goldens have been in TV commercials for Subaru and Budweiser.
  • Golden Retrievers are featured in hunting and obedience competitions.
  • The “Air Bud” movies feature Golden Retrievers as the stars and in television and film in shows such as Full House, Homeward Bound, and the Disney Buddy movies.
  • Tucker Budzyn is currently famous globally, with more than 3 million followers on social media platforms.
  • This gundog was widely admired since the 1800s by sport hunters who appreciate the Golden for his hunting skills, beautiful coat, and affectionate temperament.

Golden Retriever Care

The temperament of a Golden is that of loving devotion, playfulness, and gentle grace. They love to be with their humans as much as they can be. And because they were bred to be companions, they do not do well alone. In fact, they are not the best guard dogs as they are entirely too friendly.

For further information on pet care and training classes, speak with our staff by clicking here.

Nutrition

Goldens are prone to becoming overweight. So, they should be fed high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age and activity level. And remember that treats are great for training, but there can be a point where too many treats are not suitable for dogs.

Grooming

The Golden Retriever sheds a lot. So, brushing a few times a week and occasional grooming is needed. An undercoat rake will do well to getting that shedding over with sooner than later. Nails should be trimmed as needed.

Exercise

Goldens are part of the Sporting Group, so they are hardworking and need plenty of exercises to burn off energy. They love long walks, running in the yard, playing fetch, swimming, and more. Rigorous playtime for an hour to a couple of hours a day is necessary, and with the owner, if possible, as they form very close bonds with their owners. Also, they are very trainable, so playtime can be pretty rewarding for the whole family.

Health

Golden Retrievers are a healthy and hardy breed. When the drop-ears and teeth are kept clean, they can live long, happy lives. The National Breed Club recommends the following Breed Testing:

  • Hip Evaluation
  • Heart Disease
  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Furthermore, the best care you can give your Golden Retriever is to have an excellent veterinarian to rely on. That is what Animal Care Centers is all about, providing the best care for pets and their owners.

Golden Retriever

Animal Care Center Loves All Their Furry Family Members

From the moment you enter the Animal Care Center, you’ll be among the friendly staff, owners, and pets who prefer Dr. Williams. The total preventative care of your pet is our pleasure. So, you need not worry one bit. What’s more, the team will welcome your pet with open arms putting your loved ones at ease.

The best care for your furry family member is at the Animal Care Center. We provide complete care for your pet’s health needs, including dental care, internal medicine, and emergency care. Caring for the total pet is our specialty. From eyes and ears to testing and surgery, the people of Smyrna, Georgia, and the Greater Atlanta Area can count on the fantastic staff at Animal Care Center and our own Dr. Williams.