Golden Retriever – The Most Intelligent and Loyal Dog

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The Golden Retriever is a hunting dog from England, bred from various dog breeds. It is one of the four most intelligent dog breeds in the world.

Originating from Scotland (UK), the Golden Retriever is a large-sized dog with a long, shiny coat and remarkable intelligence. It is also known for its gentle and friendly nature, making it a beloved pet for many.

In today’s article, let’s dive into the details of this "goofy yet adorable" dog, exploring its origins, personality, diet, and proper care with Dog breed!

Where Did the Golden Retriever Come From

Purebred Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever, often referred to by its full name, is a hunting dog breed originating from Scotland (UK). It was initially bred for retrieving small game such as birds, pheasants, and rabbits. However, thanks to its adorable appearance and exceptional intelligence, the Golden Retriever has become one of the most popular family dogs worldwide.

The breed was developed by a Scottish nobleman named Lord Tweedmouth, who selectively bred it from several well-known dog breeds, including:

  • Flat-Coated Retriever
  • Tweed Water Spaniel
  • Bloodhound
  • Irish Setter

What Makes the Golden Retriever’s Appearance Special

Golden Retrievers Have a Well-Proportioned Build and a Beautiful Coat

Golden Retrievers are large yet well-proportioned dogs with a stunning golden coat. Let’s take a closer look at their physical characteristics:

  • Size: Males stand 56 - 61 cm, while females are 51 - 56 cm tall.
  • Weight: Males weigh 25 - 30 kg, and females weigh 30 - 34 kg.
  • Head & Face: Proportional head, not too large.
  • Nose: Black or brown, highly sensitive.
  • Eyes: Large, round, and dark brown, giving them an intelligent expression.
  • Ears: Large, floppy, and hang down on both sides of the face.
  • Body: Long neck, straight back, lean belly, and straight legs.
  • Movement: Agile and energetic.
  • Tail: Long, fluffy, slightly curved, and often wagging when meeting familiar people.
  • Coat: Long, soft, and double-layered. Common coat colors include light cream, classic gold, deep gold, and white.

Why Are Golden Retrievers So Popular

Golden Retrievers Have an Adorable and Intelligent Appearance

Golden Retrievers are not only well-built and attractive but also friendly, intelligent, and loyal. These qualities make them one of the most beloved dog breeds worldwide. Let’s explore the personality traits that make Golden Retrievers so special:

  • Friendly and Social: Golden Retrievers are extremely friendly, especially with children. They are gentle, affectionate, and easy to get along with, even with strangers. They also get along well with other animals.
  • Loyal to Their Owners: This breed is incredibly devoted and enjoys staying close to its owner at all times.
  • Highly Intelligent: Ranked among the top four smartest dog breeds, Golden Retrievers learn quickly, are highly observant, and can even sense human emotions.
  • Energetic and Playful: They love activities like fetching balls or frisbees and especially enjoy swimming and playing in the water.
  • Clean and Hygienic: Unlike some other breeds, Golden Retrievers rarely dig through the trash or make a mess. They instinctively groom themselves by licking their fur.
  • Easy to Feed and Adaptable: They are not picky eaters and adjust well to different environments.

Nutritional Needs and a Proper Diet for Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers Need a Proper Diet for Healthy Growth

If you are considering raising a Golden Retriever, be sure to check out the following nutritional and dietary recommendations that we have compiled for you.

Essential Nutritional Requirements for Golden Retrievers

To ensure comprehensive development and a strong, healthy body, Golden Retrievers need a balanced diet consisting of protein, fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The recommended intake is as follows:

  • Protein: 40 - 50% of the diet, essential for muscle development and overall health.
  • Fats: 10 - 15%, providing energy and promoting a thick, shiny coat.
  • Carbohydrates: 20 - 30%, supplying energy, but excessive intake may lead to obesity.
  • Fiber: 5 - 10%, aiding digestion and boosting immunity.
  • Vitamins & Essential Minerals: Given according to body weight and veterinarian recommendations.
  • Fresh Water: Should always be available for hydration.

Feeding Schedule by Age

Golden Retrievers require different portion sizes and meal frequencies depending on their age. Here’s a general feeding guide:

Age Meals per Day Food Quantity (grams)
2 - 3 months 4 meals/day 100 - 150g
3 - 6 months 3 meals/day 200 - 300g
6 - 12 months 2 - 3 meals/day 300 - 400g
Over 12 months (1 year) 2 meals/day 400 - 600g

Recommended Foods for Golden Retrievers

Here are some nutritious food options that are beneficial for your Golden Retriever:

  • Protein-rich foods: Beef, chicken breast, salmon, boiled eggs, beef liver, pork heart.
  • Healthy fats: Salmon oil, olive oil, animal fat.
  • Complex carbohydrates: Sweet potatoes, oats, pumpkin.
  • Vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, apples, bananas.

Foods to Avoid for Golden Retrievers

To maintain good health, avoid feeding your Golden Retriever the following:

  • Toxic foods: Onions, garlic, chocolate (can cause poisoning).
  • High-sodium, fatty, or sugary foods: Processed foods, salty snacks, fried foods.
  • Fast food and junk food: Can cause digestive issues and obesity.

How to Take Care of a Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are large, energetic dogs with thick, long fur, making their care slightly challenging. Here are some essential care tips to keep your Golden happy and healthy:

1. Coat Care

  • Brush their coat 2 - 3 times per week to minimize shedding.

2. Hygiene Maintenance

  • Bathe 1 - 2 times per week using pet-friendly shampoo.
  • Regularly check and clean their ears and trim their nails to prevent infections.

3. Exercise & Training

  • Take them on daily walks (30 - 60 minutes).
  • Engage them in activities like fetching, tug-of-war, and swimming.

4. Health Care

  • Ensure regular vaccinations for rabies, hepatitis, and distemper.
  • Schedule routine deworming and vet check-ups.

5. Living Environment

  • Provide a spacious, clean area with room for running and playing

Common Diseases in Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers Are Prone to Genetic Diseases and Allergic Dermatitis

Golden Retrievers are susceptible to certain hereditary diseases and conditions caused by external factors. Below is a table summarizing common illnesses, their causes, symptoms, and prevention methods to help you care for your Golden properly.

Disease Cause Symptoms Prevention
Hip Dysplasia Hereditary, excessive exercise Limping, reluctance to move Maintain healthy weight, provide sufficient calcium, avoid excessive exercise
Allergic Dermatitis Unsanitary living conditions, parasites Itching, frequent scratching, hair loss Regular bathing, keep fur dry after bathing
Otitis Externa (Ear Infection) Golden’s large, floppy ears trap bacteria Foul-smelling ears, pus, frequent ear scratching Clean ears regularly, dry thoroughly after bathing
Cancer (Lymphoma, Hemangiosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Mast Cell Tumor) High cancer rate in Goldens, genetic predisposition Weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, unexplained bleeding Regular health check-ups for early detection
Cataracts Hereditary, aging Cloudy eyes, difficulty moving Supplement with vitamin A, clean eyes regularly

Golden Retriever Pricing & Buying Tips

If you’re considering buying a Golden Retriever, refer to the pricing table and expert advice below to ensure you get a healthy, well-bred dog at a reasonable price.

Estimated Golden Retriever Prices

Origin Price Range (Estimated)
Golden Retriever (Vietnam, no papers) 6 - 8 million VND
Golden Retriever (Vietnam, with VKA papers) 8 - 15 million VND
Golden Retriever (Imported from Thailand, Indonesia) 10 - 18 million VND (includes papers, excludes shipping)
Golden Retriever (Imported from Europe - Purebred, excellent appearance, full papers) 22 - 40 million VND
Golden Retriever Mix (Less preferred) 2 - 3 million VND

Tips for Buying a Golden Retriever

Here are some essential tips to avoid scams and ensure you get a quality Golden Retriever at a fair price:

  • Determine your purpose before buying—are you looking for a pet or a breeding dog?
  • Be cautious with "cheap Golden Retriever" advertisements on the internet; do thorough research to avoid scams.
  • Purebred Golden Retrievers are significantly more expensive than locally bred ones.
  • Puppies are usually cheaper than older dogs.
  • Examine the dog's health and appearance before buying—check for thick, soft fur, bright and alert eyes, and ensure no physical deformities.
  • If buying a dog with papers, verify its VKA (Vietnam Kennel Association) documents to confirm its origin.
  • Purchase from reputable breeders or professional pet stores to ensure quality and health.

Beautiful Golden Retriever Images

We have compiled a collection of stunning and adorable Golden Retriever images below—enjoy!

Chó Golden Việt Nam.

Golden Retriever mixed with native dog.

Super cute little Golden Retriever.

Brown Golden Dog.

White Golden Retriever

Through this article, giongcho.org has provided comprehensive information about the Golden Retriever—a large-sized dog breed with a friendly and gentle appearance. If you’re looking for a loyal companion, consider getting a Golden Retriever!

See you in our next Blog articles, where we’ll share more interesting insights about different dog breeds!

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