The golden retriever are dogs known to have a good deal with children, they are very affectionate and familiar animals. This is a dog with a lot of personality, in history it is believed that his breed developed in the highlands of Scotland, in the United Kingdom, in the 19th century around the year 1850.

The golden retriever also known as the golden retriever  is a dog with tracking and hunting skills, and thanks to its friendly attitude it has become one of the most popular breeds in the world.

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In appearance the golden retirever have their variations such as the American and British type.

British golden retriever

The snout of the British golden retriever is wider, shorter, and square-fronted. It has shorter legs, a short tail and a chest that is also a little deeper, due to these characteristics it is a dog a little heavier than the American Golden Retriever, the eyes tend to be round and dark in color.

American and Canadian Golden Retiever

The American tends to be taller and less stocky or heavy than the British type, the male must be approximately 58-68 cm tall at the withers, with a much denser coat with greater water repellency and golden colors in different shades. Similarly, Canadian Golden retrievers tend to be taller than British ones, unlike American specimens, and the coat is of a different density, it is darker.

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Golden retriever coat

One of its main characteristics for which it is given its name is its coat in golden, light or dark tones. The golden retriever  has a coat that is made up of two different types of hair, one is an undercoat that serves to keep the dog cool in summer and warm in winter, it also has an outer coat that gives it resistance to water. It is good that you take care of your dog’s coat and do not leave it too long.

Coat care

• We must comb them with a stiff bristle brush, paying attention to the layer with the highest density.
• It is recommended to apply baths that are with dry shampoo but only when necessary, not too often.
• The coat of the golden retriever tends not to shed much hair, but combing it at least twice a week greatly improves the color of the coat, so much so that it gives it a greater shine, since dead hair is removed.

These dogs tend to shed twice a year, so if your Golden Retriever is shedding large amounts of hair or missing a specific part of it, it can be indicative of stress or illness, so it is recommended. take him to the vet in case of not having a healthy coat.

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Golden retriever health

As for the health of the golden retriever, it must constantly go to a veterinary clinic for check-ups and of course have its vaccinations up to date. They have an approximate life expectancy of 12 years.

Diseases that golden retrievers are more prone to

• Hip or elbow dysplasia is something quite common in the breed. Normally this disease affects 20% of the specimens.
• Cancer,  tends to be a common disease, was once the cause of disease in 61% of American Golden Retrievers, and the British one was 38%.
• Obesity and overweight   problems
• Eye diseases such as cataracts , which tend to be the most common, progressive retinal atrophy, distichiasis, corneal dystrophy, glaucoma, retinal dysplasia.
• They also tend to suffer from heart disease. 
• Acute dermatitis due to allergy to fleas or skin diseases, also granuloma, sebaceous adenitis or seborrhea as other skin diseases.
• Lyme disease is also found , which is usually noticed when the disease has advanced.

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Golden retriever care

• These activity-level dogs should be kept in a large space such as patios or gardens.
• They can be kept in apartments, but must be walked and exercised daily. It also depends on their age, most of these dogs look like dogs full of a lot of energy, however they are dogs of quiet places and environments.
• You should not eat after hours because they tend to suffer from obesity, a diet at its hours, a good veterinary check-up and a good training and exercise routine will give our golden retriever a better quality of life.
• It is good that they have an adequate and early socialization.
• As they are athlete dogs, they should be taken out constantly, every day so that they are not anxious or restless dogs .

Golden retriever skills

Due to their natural aptitudes, golden retrievers can be obedient and agile dogs ,  with advanced training they can have great achievements and stand out among other dog breeds .

They can also be guide dogs or cover assistance dog jobs as they are very sociable dogs with people and can be in harmony with human needs and emotions, they can learn complex tasks.

As therapy dogs , these dogs tend to have a good affinity with humans and often do therapy work in hospitals, nursing homes, and private clinics.

Golden retriever behavior

Golden retrievers are usually very mouth-watering dogs due to their heritage of retriever dogs, from puppies they like to bite things and also carry things with their mouths, so it is good to have something for them to bite.

You have to take the time to tell him what he can and cannot bite, it is an activity and a behavior that is difficult to change and deserves a lot of patience and time. Remember that the behavior of our pets depends on the patience and perseverance that we have during their education.

Golden retrievers are very obedient dogs, they are friendly and kind to people. They get along very well with children.