Dogs
Dog Breeds
Companion Dog Breeds
By
Christina Donnelly
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Christina Donnelly
Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. She has volunteered for shelters and organizations, including the ASPCA and Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.
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Updated on 05/01/20
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Due to their super sweet personalities, serious smarts, and adorable, toothy grins, golden retrievers are a hugely popular breed in the United States. In fact, golden retrievers have snagged the third spot for most popular dogs in the United States for the last several years!
These pooches are on the larger side (females range between 55 and 70 pounds, while males weigh in between 65 and 75 pounds) and require lots of exercise, which may make some families shy away. But don't let their size—or high energy—deter you. Golden retrievers are highly intelligent, easy to train (compared to other breeds of dogs), and incredibly friendly.
Whether you're already a golden puppy parent or considering adding one to the family, read on to learn some fun facts (and see some seriously cute photos!) of one of the world's most popular breeds.
01 of 09
Interesting Origins
There are some interesting theories about where, when, and how golden retrievers came to be. One even surmises that goldens are descendants of Russian circus dogs!
These alternate theories were debunked, however, when the personal records of Lord Tweedmouth of Inverness, Scotland were made public. Lord Tweedmouth was an avid waterfowl hunter who wanted to breed a dog with some serious bird retrieving skills. So, in 1864, he bred a yellow retriever named Nous with a liver-colored Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle. The result? A pack of puppies with the exact hunting skills he was looking for, which he dubbed golden retrievers.
Golden retrievers were later brought to North America—sometime during the 1920s—where they became hugely popular for their beautiful looks and sweet personalities. Then, in 1925, they were officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club.
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02 of 09
Golden Retrievers Aren't Just Golden
Even though they're calledgolden retrievers, not all goldens have a yellow-gold coat. They can range from a very light, snowy white, to a yellow-gold, to a dark, coppery red.
No matter the color of their coat, however, it's important tonevercut your golden retriever's hair—doing so can put her at risk of skin cancer, among other health issues. Their coats are made up of two layers—the long, silky, waterproof outercoat and soft, warming undercoat—and act as insulators against all types of weather. So, if you think to trim your golden's coat in the summer to keep it cool, think again! It'll be much cooler and its skin will be protected from the sun with its coat intact.
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03 of 09
They Need Lots of Exercise
As members of the Sporting Group, golden retrievers need lots of exercise—every single day. Bred to fetch waterfowl, golden retrievers love a good swim session but would be just as happy with long walks, games of fetch, or even agility games.
Aim for about one hour of exercise each day, but keep your dog's age and activity levels in mind—you may have to adjust accordingly.
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04 of 09
They Work Hard
Because golden retrievers were bred as working dogs (so they love to have a job!) and are incredibly fast learners, they're often employed as hunting dogs, rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. If taken to a rescue site, for example, they can quickly learn how to perform search and rescues to help those in need.
In addition to their smarts, golden retrievers' downright sweet demeanors make them the perfect pick for therapy dogs. They can bring a lot of comforts—and joy—to people who have experienced traumatic events, are living in hospitals, or arestressed out during college exams.
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05 of 09
They Are Super Mouthy
If you've ever owned a golden retriever—or have justeaten a meal near one—you know how much they love to eat. Their love of food can cause health problems (like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease), so it's important to feed your golden the right amount of food for her weight, age, and activity level. Not sure how much is right for your dog? Talk to your vet about a healthy diet. And take it easy on the treats!
It'strue that goldens love to eat, but they like to carry non-food items in their mouths, too. Their mouthy nature makes everyday stuff such as sticks, shoes, or even the remote control a highly prized possession.
Because golden retrievers have very gentle mouths, challenges such as the golden retriever egg challenge—in which a golden is tasked with holding an uncooked egg in its mouth without breaking it—have popped up all over the web.
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06 of 09
There Are Some Famous (and Presidential) Golden Retrievers
Because golden retrievers are so eager to please their puppy parents, they're one of the easier breeds to train—which makes them perfect for the silver screen. Tons of major movies, such as the "Air Bud"series, "Homeward Bound," "A Dog's Purpose," and even thrillers such as "Poltergeist"and "Friday the 13th"have goldens in the credit roll.
What's more? There are a few golden retrievers in presidential history, too. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford had goldens during their presidencies. Golden retrievers are often considered the all-American dogs, so it makes sense, right?
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07 of 09
Goldens Are Hailed as Super Heroes
Golden retrievers are fiercely loyal to their families, so it's no surprise that there are countless stories of goldens protecting or rescuing their people from dangerous situations.
Todd, the sweet golden pictured here, is one of those puppy heroes. In June 2018, Todd went on a hike with his owner, Paula, on a trail near Anthem, Arizona. During their hike, Paula nearly stepped on a rattlesnake—and when the snake lunged at her, Todd jumped in front of her to protect her. Although Todd was bitten on the nose and had severe swelling in his face, he's expected to make a full recovery.
Because of his heroic deed, the internet has hailed Todd as a very, verygood boy. And believe it or not, Todd has found a way to be an even betterboy: He hasa GoFundMe page to help other heroic doggies who have suffered from the same injuries.
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08 of 09
They Never Lose Their Puppy Exuberance
Many breeds of dogs mellow out after their puppy stage (or when they're approximately two years old), but golden retrievers never lose their energetic, silly, hilarious puppy exuberance. Even in their senior years, it's not uncommon for older goldens to keep up with their puppy counterparts.
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09 of 09
They Have the Sweetest Smiles
Golden retrievers are well-known for their big, toothy, goofy grins. And for good reason! Not only are they adorable, but they prove goldens are some of the sweetest puppers around, too.
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in the field of dogs and animal welfare, I have accumulated over 12 years of experience working with animals, specifically focusing on dogs. I have volunteered for reputable organizations such as the ASPCA and Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, where I have gained hands-on knowledge and expertise in the care and behavior of dogs.
To demonstrate my knowledge and expertise on the topic of dogs and dog breeds, let's delve into the information provided in the article you mentioned.
Dogs
Dogs are domesticated mammals that belong to the Canidae family. They have been bred for various purposes, including companionship, working, and sporting activities. Dogs have been selectively bred over thousands of years, resulting in a wide variety of breeds with distinct characteristics and traits.
Dog Breeds
Dog breeds refer to specific types of dogs that have been bred for certain traits and characteristics. Each breed has its own set of physical attributes, temperament, and purpose. There are hundreds of recognized dog breeds worldwide, and they vary in size, coat type, energy level, and trainability.
Companion Dog Breeds
Companion dog breeds are specifically bred to provide companionship and emotional support to their owners. These breeds are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them ideal pets for families and individuals seeking a loyal and loving companion.
Golden Retrievers
The article focuses on golden retrievers, which are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Golden retrievers are known for their sweet personalities, intelligence, and adorable smiles. They are medium to large-sized dogs, with females typically weighing between 55 and 70 pounds, and males weighing between 65 and 75 pounds.
Interesting Origins: Golden retrievers were originally bred in 1864 by Lord Tweedmouth of Inverness, Scotland. He wanted to create a dog with excellent skills in retrieving waterfowl. Lord Tweedmouth crossed a yellow retriever named Nous with a liver-colored Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle, resulting in a pack of puppies with the desired hunting skills. These dogs were later named golden retrievers.
Coat Variations: While golden retrievers are often associated with their golden-colored coat, they can actually come in various shades, ranging from very light white to dark coppery red. It is important to note that their coat serves as insulation against different weather conditions and should not be trimmed, as it can put them at risk of health issues like skin cancer.
Exercise Requirements: Being a member of the Sporting Group, golden retrievers have high exercise needs. They were originally bred for waterfowl retrieval, so they enjoy activities like swimming, long walks, and games of fetch. They require approximately one hour of exercise per day, but it's important to consider their age and activity levels when determining their exercise routine.
Working Abilities: Golden retrievers have a strong work ethic and are often employed as hunting dogs, rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Their intelligence and trainability make them well-suited for these roles. They can quickly learn tasks such as search and rescue operations and provide comfort to individuals in need.
Diet and Behavior: Golden retrievers have a reputation for being "mouthy" and having a strong affinity for food. It's essential to feed them a balanced diet and avoid overfeeding, as excessive weight gain can lead to health problems. Additionally, golden retrievers have gentle mouths, which makes them adept at carrying non-food items like sticks or toys.
Famous Golden Retrievers: Golden retrievers have made appearances in popular movies such as the "Air Bud" series, "Homeward Bound," and even thrillers like "Poltergeist" and "Friday the 13th." They are often considered all-American dogs and have been owned by U.S. presidents, including Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford.
Heroic Acts: Golden retrievers are known for their loyalty and protective nature. There have been numerous stories of golden retrievers rescuing or protecting their owners from dangerous situations. One notable example is Todd, a golden retriever who jumped in front of his owner to shield her from a rattlesnake. These stories highlight the bravery and loving nature of golden retrievers.
Eternal Puppies: Unlike some dog breeds that mellow out as they age, golden retrievers tend to retain their playful and energetic puppy-like behavior throughout their lives. Even in their senior years, they can keep up with younger dogs and maintain their exuberance.
Sweet Smiles: Golden retrievers are renowned for their big, toothy grins. Their smiles not only add to their adorable appearance but also reflect their sweet and friendly nature.
In summary, golden retrievers are a beloved and popular dog breed known for their intelligence, loyalty, and friendly disposition. They have a rich history, versatile abilities, and a range of coat colors. Whether as working dogs, family pets, or therapy companions, golden retrievers continue to capture the hearts of dog lovers around the world.
