10 Interesting Golden Retriever Facts

One of the most adorable and popular dog breeds is these majestic beasts with shiny coats and golden retrievers. They become muscular dogs but have you seen them when they are just playful pups—ever seen a mini golden retriever?

Well, this article is all about golden retrievers. We will learn a lot more about these popular dog breeds and some interesting golden retriever facts. These large dog breeds are known for their high energy and their playful personality. These energetic dogs are a recognized breed and are very obedient.

Before we get into the golden retriever facts portion, let’s understand what a golden retriever looks like. A golden retriever dog’s weight ranges between 25-34 kilograms, a healthy weight, and a dog’s age ranges from 10 to 12 years. This may vary as few dogs have lived for longer than 13. Just like most dogs, golden retrievers are very intelligent. However, unlike most breeds, golden retrievers respond well to obedience training. They are gentle and calm, which makes them great family pets.

Being one of the first choices for family dogs, golden retrievers are all-rounders. Do not be surprised if you get to know that they were initially bred for hunting companions. The flip side to this? A golden retriever at your home can babysit your young ones. Just a metaphor, but these dog breeds are indeed very caring and understanding. Many golden retriever owners would agree with this and suggest you learn about other breeds but indulge with golden retrievers first.

From being bred in Scotland to becoming one of the most popular dog breeds, let’s read more about golden retriever facts.

1. Golden Retrievers Hail From Scotland, One of the First 
Interesting Golden Retriever Facts

Earlier known as flat-coated retrievers, golden, these dogs were just recognized as different colored retrievers. However, in 1911, a breed club was formed in England, the Golden Retriever Club. This was when this breed was given the breed name of ‘golden or yellow retriever,’ and further, in 1913, the Kennel Club had claimed and registered golden retrievers different from the other flat-coated retrievers. In 1920, the tag yellow was dropped altogether, and hence, this breed was officially known as ‘golden retriever.’

Post which, in the 1920s and 30s, golden retrievers grew in popularity and were spread throughout the rest of the world. Canadian Kennel Club recognized golden retrievers in 1927, the American Kennel Club recognized them in 1932, and later in France and Australia. Post World War II, the golden retriever had become one of the most popular breeds.

2. Golden Retriever, an Athletic Dog Breed?

We now learned that they are highly energetic and playful, but an athlete? Well, they most definitely are. Golden retrievers excel at many physical activities and are excellent at them. They are considered to be one of the breeds of sporting dogs. Golden retrievers are laidback, but their enthusiasm for fetch and walks is unmatched.

Dog sports have many sporting events that various dog breeds participate in. Adult dogs can also showcase their skills and learn new ones in dog sports. A few of the sporting events at dog sports are herding, obedience trials, weight pulling, and dachshund racing. American Kennel Club has hosted many such occasions and has accepted all kinds of breeds. Golden retrievers are natural athletes and make an excellent addition to dog sports. They help pet parents with tips for their dogs to advance in the competition and also beginner pet parents.

A golden retriever is always up for a game. They take these games very seriously and love playing them. Golden retrievers have participated in games like barn hunt, agility, dock diving, and field for years now. They give their all to these events and consider them amusement, whether it be following commands on the field, retrieving something, or passing through hurdles. 

Apart from this, a golden retriever can hardly be lazy. They can make your work and will keep you fit, too; most golden retriever owners preach the same. They need constant attention when it comes to their fitness. Hence, they are fed high-quality dog food, and like other dog breeds, they require good care with their regime. Sounds like an athlete’s routine, doesn’t it?

3. Golden Retrievers Love Swimming

If you live with a golden retriever and have a swimming pool, I can guarantee you’ve got plans for the weekend. We have established that they are natural athletes. So it would be no surprise if they turned out to be great swimmers.

The golden retriever is a muscular dog. Their physique is built in a certain way, allowing them to be a good swimmer. One of the interesting golden retriever facts is that they were initially bred to be gun dogs. Earlier, they were meant to collect fowl from water bodies. Other dogs might not have a natural set of instincts for swimming, and they will require proper training for the same. On the other side, golden retrievers can swim for a long time, and it will hardly strain their body, given their active lifestyles.

Golden retrievers are very active. In fact, according to the American Kennel Club, they are one of the 15 most active dog breeds. As this requires high energy and intense bodywork, it might be difficult for other dogs. Golden retrievers have a durable set of legs, and it is the best way for a golden retriever to get its daily exercise.

A golden retriever needs to get a daily dose of exercise to eradicate any chances of subtle health issues they can be easily prone to, like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy. Also, if your golden retriever is a swimmer, do look out for ear infections. It is common for dogs to grow infections when they stay in water for a long time.

One of the interesting golden retriever facts is that golden retrievers have the ideal coats for swimming. Unlike many other dogs, golden retrievers have a double coat. This double coat keeps them protected from dust and cold. This breed’s coat has an undercoat, which keeps these dogs warm and convenient for them to swim in cold water. The water-repellent outer coat makes it easy for golden retrievers’ skin to stay dry. They have a beautiful coats, and it is no secret that golden retrievers shed a lot. Considering they have got a double coat, it is understandable how there might be lots of loose hair. The other dogs which have double coats are Siberian huskies and Irish setters.

4. Golden Retrievers are Great Service Dogs

Before we understand why golden retrievers are chosen for service dogs, we will get an understanding of what service dogs are.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. These dogs are not pets but are working dogs.

The requirements of a service dog depend on the disability. For example, small dogs will be fitter for hearing assistance and emotional support, but it is not physically big enough to guide a disabled person. Whereas large dogs, like Irish setter or labrador retriever, can help a blind person walk or pull a wheelchair.

Are golden retriever dogs good service dogs? Golden retrievers make excellent service and guide dogs. It is an interesting golden retriever fact that they are one of the most popular service dogs. They respond well to their obedience training. You may consider other breeds to support you; however, golden retrievers are intelligent and are physically strong.

Golden retrievers are incredibly loyal to their owners; hence, they are easy to train. This makes it easier for owners as golden retrievers can lift heavy things and be a great physical support. Furthermore, a golden retriever can perform tasks exceptionally.

Another one of the few important golden retriever facts to remember, if your family pet is a golden retriever and is a healthy dog, you can train them to be a service dog too. Certain characteristics can make your golden retriever a service dog. For example, the ability to learn quickly, able to be touched by anyone, and be very calmingly friendly. A golden retriever dog can help a person with a disability like hearing dog for people with hearing impairment and assistance dogs who can help them out with simple tasks like working with doors or lights.

5. They Can Be Good Therapy Dogs.

What does a therapy dog do? A therapy dog provides comfort and brings relief to various health issues of a person, whether it be physical or mental. They can be trained to perform simple tasks. In addition to this, dogs can be trained to help with any therapeutic needs a person may have. We will find out more about this in this section of the article.

Golden retrievers excel at performing many simple chores flawlessly. They have a tendency to stay calm in panic or busy situations. Seeing their friendly nature and intelligence, they are one of the most popular dog breeds for therapy. Other dogs also make good therapy dogs, like a beagle or a Yorkshire terrier, who make great lap dogs. However, golden retrievers are also service dogs.

Golden retrievers visit hospitals and nursing homes to offer companionship. That is a heart-warming golden retriever fact for you. Few of the other things that a golden retriever can do that make them one of the best therapy dogs:

1. Golden retrievers are a great companion to children. Golden retrievers comfort children in distress and take care of them too.
2. They recognize a seizure alert and inform the people of the same.
3. They help patients with PTSD and help them ease into situations where they get uncomfortable.
4. Golden retrievers do not shy away from hugs or any physical touch. As you interact with them, you will see a decline in your stress levels. These situations help your body release oxytocin. Oxytocin helps reduce stress or anxiety.
5. You will not be able to have alone time with your negative thoughts as golden retrievers will always be attentive to you. As they can sense sadness, they will be there to keep you company, and you won’t ever feel lonely, or whenever you do, you know what to do.
6. A golden retriever’s playful personality will keep you busy, which will benefit your physical well-being. So go for a trek or play fetch with them; this will build the bond between you two and keep you both healthy.

While there are other breeds that can help a person cope with their anxiety and increase their overall well-being, golden retrievers are the first choice for any kind of service or therapy dog. Great golden retriever facts, right? Now you know why.

6. Golden Retrievers are Easy to Train

Next on the list of golden retriever facts is their training. Training of this breed begins when they are small. A golden retriever puppy will not give you a hard time while training. Their desire and appetite to please their owners are never-ending. Golden retrievers are intelligent and loyal, which makes them great family dogs.

It might be a bit difficult in the beginning as a golden retriever puppy can be very troublesome. If you are training them to fetch in the yard, they will be easily distracted by car honks or butterflies. For instance, they love people and please them. Which agreed is very adorable, however, might delay the process of training.

Now the training of a dog is subjective as it depends on many factors like training type, trainer, dog, and dog’s personality. However, in general, golden retrievers do not take much time to get trained, whether potty trained, biting, or basic commands.

Considering how golden retriever dogs get distracted easily, try fitting them into a training regime. A few of the crucial steps to follow will be as follows:

• Begin training early, and a golden retriever puppy will be able to grasp a lot; however, it will not be a cakewalk. Hence, it might be a long process, but as they say, training never ends.
• Golden retrievers like eating a lot, so maybe use treats as a method of command following.
• Other pets might need a serious set of training but not a golden retriever. A golden retriever would appreciate intense but fun training. Make it entertaining for them, where they will be able to follow you conveniently. After all, they do not turn down a cheerful time.

7. Golden Retrievers are Quite Popular.

Now we know that a golden retriever is really easy to train; riddle this, why do most of the movies have golden retrievers in them? Golden retrievers are popular dogs for sure. Be it a mini golden retriever, a dog, or a golden retriever puppy; they have a special place in movies or tv shows. It is again because of their personality and enjoyable presence.

Golden retrievers are healthy dogs, and their obedience makes it easier for the movie crew to make them act. Interesting set of golden retriever facts, right?  Boy, do they deliver the performance? Anything they do is impressive, but it is fascinating how they present themselves on the screen and in front of the camera. Another golden retriever fact is that you might find them in movies like ‘Air Bud,’ ‘Entertainment,’ and ‘A Dog’s Purpose.’ 

Due to their obedient nature makes excellent addition to the cast, but apart from this, they are also well-known for the above reasons. Golden retrievers make great companions and become a part of you when you go through something. A true epitome of ‘Man’s best friend.’

8. Golden Retrievers Have Special Fur

A golden retriever dog’s head might have minimal fur, but the rest of the body? Pure majestic. Golden retrievers have a two-layered coat that helps them be warm and is water repellent. It is a thick and wavy coat.

The fur growth of a golden retriever starts at its puppy stage. It is soft and dense initially; post that, they get into adult coats at the age of 3-4 months. At their dog stage, golden retrievers will start having long hair and will be darker than in their earlier stages. Even in their later stages, golden retrievers have variations. This entirely depends on their regime and genes.

Now a fluffy and double-coated layer means extra maintenance. The most important point in golden retriever facts to remember is that they are going to shed a lot during fall and lesser in winter or summer. So make sure the dog is regularly groomed. It would be recommended to brush them daily and bathe once a fortnight. This will keep the dog extra shiny and moderately clean. Moderately because they are golden retrievers, they will get dirty by playing around with things they shouldn’t. Another one of their adorable qualities, some would say. Here are a few of the golden retriever facts to note. 

9. They, too, Have Separation Anxiety

Have you ever felt like time spent with a particular person feels much less even though it was hours? Calculate that in dog time. You won’t see the math, but it is pretty understandable why dogs feel anxious and sad as soon you leave until you’re back.

This is one of the facts about golden retrievers that people should be more aware of. Next on golden retriever facts, It is pretty common for a golden retriever to develop this disorder. Golden retrievers are a social breed, so it becomes a serious condition for your golden retriever if it is not attended to at an early stage.

Some of the general incidents are continuous barking when you’re not home, excessive licking, moving of objects from their usual spot, and chewing out the furniture. So if you see your golden retriever dog acting out or sleeping on your side of the bed, this is an early sign that they are trying to communicate.

Fortunately, one of the essential golden retriever facts is a golden retriever is an intelligent creature. If your dog communicates their anxiety and if this is caught early, their condition can be treated accordingly. Try easing your dog to be without you for longer periods. Do not jump into it at once. Let them take their time and help them get used to it.

Another solution is to try tiring them out with extra games or their toys, and this will help them rest easier for the remaining day. Place an interactive camera, which delivers your voice while you can talk to them through your phone or PC. This will calm them, and you can study their behavior.

10. Golden Retrievers are Family Dogs and Caring of Other Creatures

It is pretty common around the globe if a golden retriever is a family pet. We have read that they are obedient, playful, energetic, and whatnot. They are excellent guide dogs, therapy dogs, swimmers, and hunting companions. As earlier mentioned, they are all-rounders. Hence, it would not surprise us to see golden retrievers as pets.

A golden retriever has been a heartwarming existence through the generations. However, it doesn’t stop there. One of the golden retriever facts is that they adhere to older people and children. Another one of the golden retriever facts is that golden retrievers take great care of fellow dogs or cats, or other pets in their homes. A golden retriever babysits their pet mates, so that is one stress point you can put to relief.

Golden retrievers are truly a blessing to home and, more than that, to those who have received utmost help from them. Their exuberant and delightful presence can make life a little easier. Depends on how many golden retrievers you live with.

Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by ritukhare