Golden Retriever: More than a Dog and a Companion

By Mike Mathews

The Golden Retriever is well-known for its handsome, well-built, and proportioned body type. With its medium-length, cream to golden-colored water-repellent coat, powerful muzzle and kindly eyes, it presents a picture of a well-rounded working dog. It has a highly developed behavior and a benign disposition that goes with its imposing posture. Its character and nature makes it an excellent choice for companionship with small children and the elderly unlike other dogs.

Dogs in general whether it is a German Shepherd or a Hound are great pets and guard dogs but they are one man dogs and not family dogs. The golden retriever with its exceptional temperament can bond extremely well with families and especially children. This is what makes them a great family dog and a good guard dog as well. Originally from the United Kingdom, let us look at why a retriever is considered such a useful dog.

Compatibility and Usage: Considered as a highly social dog, the Golden Retriever's calm behavior, intelligence and ability to learn makes it the perfect choice around the world as a family dog, guard dog, seeing-eye dog, rescue dog and guide dog! Most of the dogs that have been used for rescue duty and guide dogs for the blind or mobility impaired people are Golden Retrievers.

Physical Appearance: The Golden Retriever is athletic dog, powerful and symmetrical in shape. The male of the breed is between 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm) at the shoulders and weighs between 60 to 80 pounds while the female's height is between 20 to 22 inches and weighs between 55 to 70 pounds. They have a water repellent coat the color of bright gold.

Temperament: The breed's gentle behavior and friendly attitude towards children is the most compelling factor in making it the choice as a family dog and a guide dog. During its days as a young puppy however, the Golden Retriever exhibits hyperactive behavior by running around, picking up everything it can family retrieve that is not tied down! When they reach adulthood, a dramatic change in behavior is exhibited as they can lie or sit quietly in a corner. If you play with them however they are more than willing to get up from their lethargic rest and be active for the day! Daily exercise including a good dose of retrieving will contribute the dog's balanced temperament and maintain its active behavior.

Caring & Health: Since it has a thick coat, daily grooming is necessary especially during the shedding season when the Golden retriever sheds its winter coat. Clean your Golden Retriever's ears on a regular basis to prevent ear infections and bad smell.

A golden retriever is an exceptional competition dog because it can fetch almost anything from anywhere whether you throw it in a pool of water, mud or into the thick undergrowth of a forest. They just have the nose of it! With proper training he can win you dog competitions whether that is about obedience, track running etc. According to a research, it is believed that he can learn as many as 240 commands and displays a high level of intelligence.

They have an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years but some Goldens have been known to live longer. During the years that you will own a Golden Retriever, you will surely have an excellent family dog and guard dog loyal and obedient to all members of your family! They are also very popular in dog shows because of their extremely high level of intelligence. - 31844

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