The Golden Retriever was originally almost exclusively a hunting dog, used for bringing back game not only from the water, but from land. Golden Retrievers were developed, through careful breeding, in Scotland. Scotland is known for it’s rugged terrain, with its mix of water features, meadows, and woods. It was this mixed landscape that sparked the ‘birth’ of the Golden Retriever. As with most dogs used for hunting, the Golden Retriever is friendly, considerate, and affectionate. Dogs used for hunting are almost always friendly with humans, and it makes sense – they have to cooperate with their people.
All these favorable characteristics show that the Golden Retriever certainly belongs in the number three spot as regards popularity. For anyone considering owning a Golden make sure that you will be able to provide them not only with training, but also with adequate exercise and stimulation. Dogs are intelligent beings and like us humans need to have their minds occupied. Consider how Golden Retrievers started – dogs that were used to search for downed game and then bring it back to their master. Imagine all the problems and smells that a retriever would be exposed to during a hunt. He or she would also be interacting with their human as well, sharing experiences.
Because Golden Retrievers tend to be extremely friendly, they probably will not make the best guard dogs. However, they are considered to be stellar with their behavior around children, being patient and kind. Because the Golden Retriever is a large dog, children should always be supervised while playing with the dog. If your Golden has a tendency to roam a bit, you might consider getting a tracking collar for him or her, it might help a lost dog get back to you as quickly as possible.
After a Hard Day at ‘Work’
Golden Retrievers are not as active a breed as the Dalmatian, but they still need a good amount of exercise every day. You should plan to spend at least an hour providing your Golden with a chance to work off some of that doggy energy. But, like any active dog, a Golden Retriever will enjoy a comfortable place to lie down or sleep. If you use your dog for hunting, this will surely give him or her plenty of exercise and make your pal ready for some serious rest at the end of the day.
A good bed for your Golden should provide a soft, warm, and comfortable place for your dog to sleep. Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia, as are many medium and large breeds of dogs. An orthopedic bed can help your dog get some meaningful sleep should they suffer from this condition. Older dogs will also appreciate a bed that supports their bones and joints. In addition to beds, your Golden may like a resting pad for those times when they just want to lie around and let the world go by.
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After a hard day of whatever your Golden has been up to, I’m sure he or she would love to curl up on the Majestic Bagel Dog Bed. This bed’s sides will snuggle your pooch to make them feel warm and secure. And once it starts to smell a little ‘doggy’, just toss the whole bed into the washer and the drier (set on low), it’s that easy.
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Our Frenchies sometimes liked to have their heads elevated a bit when they slept. If your dog is like this, a sofa bed is the answer. Combining a soft and comfortable bed with ‘sofa back and sides’ will let your Golden sleep with their head up. The Canine Creations Sofa Dog Bed is perfect for dogs who like to sleep this way.
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Older Golden Retrievers could be subject to arthritis that could make even their usual bed uncomfortable. The answer could well be a Midwest Orthopedic Bed that will help relieve the pressure on those sore joints. And it’s not just older dogs who could benefit, Goldens are subject to hip dysplasia at any age, and this bed could help provide better rest.
Just remember that unless your Golden Retriever is allowed to sleep on the furniture or your bed, you will need to supply comfortable bedding. If your dog is able to get a restful night’s sleep, you will be able to as well.
Watch Those Calories!
It’s no secret that all dogs love their food, but certain breeds, like the Golden Retriever not only enjoy their meals, but also have a tendency to become obese. Obesity is certainly not a good trait for anyone, even for dogs, and can lead to all sorts of nasty health problems. To make sure that your Golden Retriever has his or her best chance at a healthy, long life, make sure that their food is not only of the highest quality, but that it’s fed in the correct amounts. Below are some premier dog food companies.
Over the last years, a lot of new concepts in dog food have come up. Years ago, there was only kibble and canned dog food. Today, there is a wide range including fresh, fresh frozen, air-dried, raw, shelf stable moist, and probably more I don’t even know about. Most of the companies making these foods not only provide you with a balanced and nutritionally complete diet, but will also provide information on feeding.
Many provide measures that will help assure that your Golden is getting exactly the right amount of food every day. Over-feeding is the main cause of dog obesity, but it is a condition that is easily avoided with a bit of self-control and common sense on the part of us humans. And yes, not being taken in by the pleading puppy eyes that your Golden will turn on you in the hopes of more.
That Beautiful Coat
Golden Retrievers have a lovely, medium-long coat. The feathering on the legs and tail really adds a touch of elegance, too. However, because that hair is fairly long, it must be brushed regularly to keep it mat- and tangle-free. There are basically three types of brushes that can be used to keep your Golden’s coat looking good regardless of whether they are a family pet, hunting dog, or show dog.
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A boar bristle brush is considered a good choice for regular brushing. These brushes are great at giving a massage to the dog’s skin and helping to spread out the natural oils that the skin produces. Boar bristle brushes are generally softer than slicker or pin brushes and can be used on a Golden of any age.
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Pin brushes are often used to help get a show Golden Retriever ready to shine. These brushes are kind to the skin as the end of the pin has a ball shape. A #1 All Systems Pin Brush works well to gently smooth and groom the hair. These brushes help to prevent a buildup of static electricity in the dog’s coat.
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It’s easy to confuse a pin brush with a slicker brush, but they actually have some different functions. A slicker brush is usually used to get rid of tangles and mats. If your Golden comes in after a romp outside with bits and pieces of the countryside in his or her coat a slicker brush is a good way to remove the debris easily.
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While combs are usually used by owners of show Golden Retrievers, there’s no reason that anyone can’t use one to pretty up their dog, too. Combs might be especially useful when grooming the face and muzzle, where a brush might just be too too clumsy.
When taking care of that lovely coat be sure to keep grooming an enjoyable activity for both of you. Your Golden Retriever will enjoy the attention. Also, if your dog has been outside during the spring, summer, and fall, use a grooming session to look out for ticks. These parasites can cause illness in dogs and humans. Ticks can be hard to dislodge, but a tool like the TickCheck Tick Removal Tool can make the job easier.
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