Golden Retrievers make devoted family pets and are loved for their friendly disposition and high intelligence. They are medium to large sized dogs with an average height of 21-24 inches and an average weight of 55-75 pounds. The average life expectancy of a Golden Retriever is 10-12 years.
This breed is highly affectionate with their family and excellent with young children and other dogs. They come in stunning golden colors, ranging in shade from light to dark golden.
In general, Golden Retrievers enjoy good health. They do need weekly ear inspections for infection and require regular teeth brushings and nail trimmings. You should know that Golden Retrievers have a thick double coat that they shed heavily a couple of times a year. They also shed moderately throughout the year. A good coat brushing will remove dead and loose hair and keep your Golden Retriever looking his or her best and also make it less likely that dog hair will find its way into your carpets and furniture.
In terms of exercise needs, Golden Retrievers require a fair amount of daily exercise. If these dogs don’t get enough physical activity, it can lead to bad behavior which is just the dog’s way of expending pent-up energy. Golden Retrievers are great companions if you enjoy running, hiking, or bike rides.
Early training and socialization is necessary to ensure your Golden Retriever pup grows up into a well-behaved and well-adjusted adult. This is a loyal, friendly, outgoing breed that is eager to please, so they are easy to train.
Training and socialization of your Golden Retriever should start early in puppyhood. This will ensure you end up with a happy, well-adjusted adult Golden Retriever who doesn’t embarrass you ever.
Keep in mind that Golden Retrievers have a tendency to gain weight, so it’s important to pay attention to their nutrition and give dog treats and table scraps in moderation.