The Golden Retriever

This is a social breed of dog who adores people and thrives on companionship. If left alone too long, especially without proper exercise, Golden Retrievers can develop Separation Anxiety which usually means destructive chewing. In fact, well-adjusted Goldens are big chewers, so they must be provided with plenty of their own chew toys and bones, otherwise they will run off with shoes, books, pillows and other household items.

Physical Characteristics:
The Golden Retriever is a bit longer than it is tall. Meanwhile, its strong, athletic build is accentuated by its well-developed hindquarters and forequarters. This gives the Golden Retriever a powerful, smooth gait. The Retriever is also characterized by its strong neck and a broad head. Its coat, generally found in various shades of gold, is dense and waterproof, and may be straight or wavy.
Size and Weight:
Males should stand from 23 to 24 inches (58 to 61 cm) at the withers and weigh between 65 to 75 pounds (29 to 34 kg). Females should stand 21.5 to 22.5 inches (55 to 57 cm)and weigh between 55 to 65 pounds (25 to 29 cm). In the show ring, dogs that are more than one inch taller or shorter than the standard are disqualified, but there is no height that disqualifies a companion dog.
Coat and Color:
Golden Retrievers sport a thick, water-repellent double coat. Some have straight hair, while other coats are wavy. There is feathering on the back of the front legs, under-body, chest, back of thighs and the tail. They come in many shades of gold, ranging from light to dark. As the dog ages, the coat may become lighter or darker, and the face and body may whiten.

Life expectancy:
The average lifespan for a Golden Retriever is about 11 to 12 years. They are susceptible to specific ailments, so should be taken to a veterinarian for yearly checkups.

Grooming:
The long, distinctive coat of the Golden Retriever requires a lot of elbow grease to maintain. Daily brushing is required to prevent tangles and to help reduce the amount of hair that lands on the floor or furniture. Goldens shed year round, and shed heavily in the spring and fall. Monthly bathing is a must, as Goldens are prone to emit a “doggie odor,” and many owners find they need to bathe the dog more frequently.
Check the dogs ears on a weekly basis for signs of irritation, infection or wax buildup. Cleanse with a cotton ball and a veterinarian-approved solution. Brush teeth at least once per week to prevent tartar buildup, keep gums healthy and keep bad breath at bay.

Diet:
Golden are large, affable, and active dogs with ravenous appetites. To satisfy your dog's nutritional needs and ensure that the golden coat remains lustrous, feed a high-quality diet that provides all the nutrients your dog needs to thrive in the proper balance. Prevent any health issues such as hereditary joint problems from developing by monitoring your dog's weight to ensure your Golden Retriever remains lean, athletic, and joyfully active.
Caloric Needs: Golden Retrievers generally range in weight between 65 and 75 pounds. Based on the average weight of this breed, its recommends between 989 and 1,272 calories daily for sedentary golden retrievers and between 1,353 and 1,740 calories per day for active dogs. Older retrievers suffering from joint problems typically require fewer calories than their younger, more active counterparts.

Feeding Choices: Dry kibble helps to keep your Golden Retriever's teeth clean of tartar by scraping the surface of the teeth. Canned food provides additional moisture in your dog's diet and can be mixed with dry food to entice your dog with its aroma, if your Golden Retriever needs it. When combining foods, compute the caloric content of the combined foods from information on the labels, to ensure you hold to your dog's recommended daily calories. Commercial dog foods meet the standards for a nutritious diet. This ensures your golden retriever will receive a proper balance of all the nutrients and vitamins required to thrive.
Some dog owners prefer to feed homemade diets to their dogs. It is important to consult your veterinarian or a canine nutrition expert to ensure what you feed provides all the nutrients in the proper balance for your dog's health. Check with your veterinarian before feeding your dog raw meat.

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