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- joyce7952
English Cream Golden Retrievers
Hello and welcome to my blog!
Today I'm here to introduce you to the wonderful golden world of retrievers! Originating from the Scottish Highlands in the mid-19th century, these lovable dogs have since become cherished family members around the world. Where did Golden Retrievers originate from? And how long do golden retrievers live? In terms of size, how big do golden retrievers get? And when do they stop growing? For those considering welcoming a Golden Retriever into their home it is essential to understand how to groom a golden retriever. And are Golden retrievers hypoallergenic? Do Golden Retrievers shed? In this blog post, we'll embark on a enlightening quest to uncover the answers to these fascinating questions and gain a deeper understanding of the incredible Golden Retrievers.
Where Did Golden Retrievers originate?
Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, later know as Lord Tweedmouth, is known to have created the retriever breed as we know it today. He was looking to create a dog tha
t would be skilled in retrieving game from the Scottish Highlands. The foundation for the line of yellow retrievers started with Lord Tweedmouth's Nous and Belle. Nous was the only yellow puppy in a litter of black Wavy-coated retrievers born in 1864, and Belle was a Tweed Water Spaniel (a breed now extinct). Lord Tweedmouth kept the yellow puppies from this pairing which became the foundation for the breed. The descendants of Nous and Belle were further combined with flat-coated retrievers, another Tweed Water Spaniel, and a red setter. This has resulted in a dog who is not only an excellent hunter but also a wonderful and loyal family companion.
How Long Do Golden Retrievers live?
Golden Retrievers on an average have a lifespan of around 10-12 years. With proper care, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good genetics, some Golden Retrievers have been known to live longer, up to 15 years or more. Their lifespan can be influenced by many different factors such as genetics, overall health, and lifestyle. It is important for owners to be attentive to their Golden Retriever's well-being throughout their lives and ensure they receive the best care possible to enjoy a long and happy life together.
How Big Do Golden Retrievers Get?
Golden Retrievers are considered a medium to large breed. A Male Golden Retriever will stand about 23-24 inches tall and weigh around 65-75 pounds. Female's are slightly smaller measuring around 21.5-22.5 inches tall and weighing around 55-65 pounds. AKC Standards. Individual variations across the breed are not uncommon and some Golden Retrievers will fall outside these general ranges. Their gentle and friendly nature combines with their strong and sturdy build makes them a popular choice for family pets and working dogs.
When Do Golden Retrievers Stop Growing?
Typically, Golden Retrievers will stop gro
wing at about 1 year of age, but the
will continue to grow some and fill out muscle mass till around 2 years old. They may appear to be fully grown at one year, but until they reach approximately 18 months, they are continuing to develop and mature physically. Individual dogs may vary of course, and some may reach their full size earlier or later than this general time line. A balanced diet and regular but not too strenuous exercise is very crucial during this rapid growth time frame. Avoid excessive weight gain which can put stress on growing joints.
Do Golden Retrievers Shed?
Golden Retrievers have a dense double coat that consists of a soft, thick undercoat and a longer, water-resistant outer coat. This double coat protects them in various weather conditions and water. It may be tempting to groom heavily in hot weather, but this double coat also keeps them cool in the summer.
They will shed year-round, with heavier shedding twice a year during the seasonal changes of spring and fall. Regular grooming including brushing will help manage the shedding. The loving and affectionate nature of these dogs usually outweighs this aspect, and many learn to manage the shedding affectively.
How to Groom a Golden Retriever?
Here are some essential ways to manage shedding and keep a golden retrievers coat healthy.
Brushing: Golden Retrievers like we talked about already, have a dense, double coat. Regular brushing is crucial to prevent matting and reduce shedding. I like to use a undercoat rake for them. Remember to brush more during times of shedding.
Bathing: Typically, a bath every 6 to 8 weeks is often enough or when they get dirty. If you have a golden retriever that's like ours, and live on a farm, it will probably be more often!!!
Drying: The dense coat will take a while to dry so towel dry well or use a dryer on a low heat setting.
Ears: Check ears regularly for wax buildup, dirt, or signs of infection.
Nails: Trim nails regularly, about once a month, to prevent overgrowth and to keep the quick back. Be careful when cutting to not cut too close to the quick as it will bleed and cause pain.
Teeth: Check regular also for any abnormalities. We've found that giving them a raw meaty bone to chew on will really whiten and clean their teeth.
Eyes: Check for any redness or discharge and clean accordingly.
Paw Care: Examine paw pads for any cuts or foreign objects. Trim the hair around their paws to keep it neat.
Positive Reinforcement: Keeping the grooming process fun with positive reinforcements such as praise and treats will make the experience more fun for you and your dog.
This may seem a bit much, but a lot is done every day without thinking about it as you engage with your dog.
Are Golden Retrievers Hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic dogs are breeds that produce fewer allergens. This can be beneficial for those with allergies. No dog breed is completely hypoallergenic as all dogs produce some level of allergens in their saliva, skin, and dander.
Golden Retrievers are not considered hypoallergenic with their double coat that sheds regularly and can produce dander and hair that may trigger allergies in some individuals. If you are considering a Golden Retriever and have allergy problems, there are some steps that may help. Regular brushing can remove the loose hair and dander. Vacuuming and cleaning surfaces can help remove allergens. Some may just need to invest in an air purifier.
It may be helpful to spend time with the breed to assess how you or your family respond to the potential allergens.
Are Golden Retrievers Smart?
The best question is saved for the last!! Yes, Golden Retrievers are smart:) They consistently rank high in terms of intelligence and trainability. Their friendly and eager to please nature makes them excellent candidates for various tasks, including service work, therapy work, obedience training, and search and rescue operations.
Golden Retrievers respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods. They thrive on mental stimulation and will do everything possible to figure out what new trick or command you are trying to teach them. Individual dogs within the breed may vary in intelligence and learning speed, but generally Golden Retrievers are considered to be smart and trainable.
We can't stress enough how essential proper training and mental stimulation is to harness their intelligence and to ensure they lead happy and well-behaved lives. A few minutes a day spent in training and some good play, or a walk can make all the difference if you have a well-managed dog or not.
Conclusion:
I trust I have answered a few of the common questions you may have about Golden Retrievers. Their intelligence, versatility, and adaptability make them highly sought after as both working dogs and family pets. We continue to love and enjoy this breed more the longer they are with us.