The Golden Retriever’s coat comes in cream and various shades of golden. Their physique can vary from broad and dense to leaner and sportier. Their standout features are a broad head, short ears, straight muzzle, smooth and powerful gait, and rich, lustrous golden coat.
Thanks to their breeding as hunting and waterfowl-retrieving dogs in the Scottish Highlands, their outer coat is dense and repels water. They also have a thick undercoat. Both coats can vary in texture from wavy to straight. Heavy feathering appears on their chest, the backs of their legs, and their tail. Lovers of the breed say the Golden Retriever carries his or her tail with a “merry action.”
Take note, Goldens shed quite a lot and require regular brushing. Get ready to break out the lint roller and use it just about everywhere. If you hate the hassle of regular vacuuming or suffer from allergies, you’ll want to think twice before welcoming a Golden into your home. Your neighbors are unlikely to mind living close to a Golden Retriever. The breed rarely barks, occasionally vocalizing to sound an alert or in response to unfamiliar stimuli.
As for the Golden Retriever’s personality, new owners can expect a friend for life. These dogs are the perfect family pet as they are outgoing, playful, and gentle. They are affectionate to one and all, even other pets and young kids. They love to play, play, play, so make sure you’re up to meeting their exercise needs. Like most Sporting Group dogs, Goldens need at least an hour of vigorous daily exercise. Adult dogs make great companions on long runs and bike rides. Consult a vet before starting strenuous or high-impact activities that might put stress on a dog’s bones and joints during their first two years. Many Goldens happily get their exercise on hunting trips or at field trials and by participating in canine sports such as agility, obedience, and tracking.
