Size
An adult golden retriever can weigh between 55 and 75 pounds and be up to 55 centimetres tall. If you live in a small space and you adopt this breed as a puppy, you’ll quickly start to realize that you need a bigger home. If you don’t have sufficient space, your mature dog may start to feel cramped, especially if it doesn’t have a yard where it can play.
Temperament
While every dog has its own individual personality, there are certain similarities you can count on with dogs of this breed. Most golden retrievers have the following characteristics:
- Calm
- Energetic
- Loyal
- Playful
- Obedient (they’re very easy to train)
- Patient (especially with children)
- Protective
- Helpful (making them ideal service dogs)
- Social (with humans and other animals)
Daily needs
This social breed needs regular contact with others in order to maintain its general good humour. If your work requires your golden retriever to be alone for many hours every day, it may develop behavioural problems or become aggressive.
In order to stay in shape, your dog will need much more exercise than a daily 15-minute walk. If you’re looking for a jogging partner or you love to throw a ball or a frisbee, a golden retriever will be your best friend. Love the water? These dogs do too, and they’ll never say no to a swim!
Health issues
Like most purebred dogs, golden retrievers are prone to certain hereditary health issues. For example, they’re vulnerable to hip dysplasia and certain eye diseases (such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy), among other issues.
Nutritional requirements
Nutritious and easy to digest food is necessary to keep your golden retriever’s joints strong and its coat shiny and thick. Watch out, however: you’ll need to measure out controlled portions, as these dogs can be greedy and can quickly become obese.
If you’re looking for food or accessories for your beloved dog, don’t hesitate to visit a Chico Pet Store near you.