The Golden Retriever, with its intelligence and eager to please attitude, is one of the most popular breeds in the United States according to AKC® registration statistics. The working ability that has made the Golden Retriever such a useful hunting companion also make him an ideal guide, assistance and search and rescue dog. The golden-colored coat is the hallmark of this versatile breed, and can range from light to dark gold.
A Look Back
The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s and was used predominantly for hunting. The breed was developed by Lord Tweedmouth, whose goal was to create a superb retriever suited to the Scottish climate, terrain and available game. He crossed his original "Yellow Retriever" with the Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct) found on his estate. Later integrations of Irish Setter, Bloodhound, and more Tweed Water Spaniel produced the retriever we know today.
The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s and was used predominantly for hunting. The breed was developed by Lord Tweedmouth, whose goal was to create a superb retriever suited to the Scottish climate, terrain and available game. He crossed his original "Yellow Retriever" with the Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct) found on his estate. Later integrations of Irish Setter, Bloodhound, and more Tweed Water Spaniel produced the retriever we know today.
Right Breed for You?
This active and energetic Sporting breed can adapt to many different living situations but requires daily exercise. His water-repellant double-coat sheds seasonally and needs regular brushing. With his friendly temperament and striking golden color, this breed is both beautiful to look at and a joy to own.
This active and energetic Sporting breed can adapt to many different living situations but requires daily exercise. His water-repellant double-coat sheds seasonally and needs regular brushing. With his friendly temperament and striking golden color, this breed is both beautiful to look at and a joy to own.
Source: American Kennel Club - www.akc.org
Grooming
General: The Golden Retriever is a sporting dog that has a medium length double coat . Because of the undercoat they require regular grooming, especially during shedding seasons of summer and fall. As like most of the sporting group the Golden is very energetic and needs plenty of exercise and obedience training. Whether running in a field or lying on the couch, Golden’s need regular baths in 4-8 week intervals to keep up on nails, ears and removal of undercoat and keeping them mat free.
Ears: Monthly ear cleaning with Ear Care is advised to be sure no ear problems that might need vet attention arise. Field dogs and dogs that spend a lot of time in water will require weekly ear care.
Paws: . Paw Balm should be used weekly as well, paw pads that are soft and pliable are less likely to dry and crack.
Bathing: : Golden’s are a sporting breed and are bred to flush game in the field and need to be bathed regularly to keep them in good shape. The first bath is for general cleaning to take off the dirt and grime. Any of the Classic Care or Professional Care products are ideal. Follow up with the second bath and target the need of the dog. Outdoor and field dogs may need Citrusil flea shampoo or a Tea Tree after flushing game. Golden’s with an oily coat may need Espree Energee Plus Shampoo. Golden’s with normal skin and coat can be bathed with any of our wonderful scent renewal products for long lasting fragrance. Be sure to end the bath with conditioner. This will help keep the coat hydrated to protect against harsh weather conditions. Simple Shed shampoo and treatment during the spring and fall shedding season will help release undercoat so the seasonal coat can come in properly.
Coat Care: Because of the double coat of the breed, brushing is essential. Simple Shed and Static Spray as you brush during shedding season, or Aloe Hydrating Spray in between shedding cycles is recommend to help protect the coat. Many people think that shaving their Golden will help keep them cooler during the hot summer months, but in actuality they will keep cooler if the undercoat is removed and the outer guard coat is left to provide shade for the dog.If you do decide to shave the pet, then be sure to keep it inside and out of the sun until the coat grows to a length to be able to provide shade and not cause a sunburn,
Show Dog Tips: High Sheen Spray will add that extra bit of shine before entering the ring while not leaving an oily residue. Aloe Hydrating Spray between shows will keep away dander and keep the coat hydrated and looking its best. Quick Finish Spray helps the coat to dry faster and helps prevent tangles if used regularly. Boost! Volumizing Spray while fluffing the coat will add volume where needed in the ring with out leaving a sticky residue.
Tools: An undercoat rake works well during the shedding cycles, it helps remove the dead coat while keeping the top guard coat. In between the shedding cycle a general slicker brush or a shedding blade, which works a lot like a furminator, is a good choice of tools to use. Dematting tools might be used by the groomer to help remove matts in feathers and hind quarters. Matts form behind the ears as well if brushing is not a regular routine.
Common Problems: Because of their love for the great outdoors; goldens need frequent ear cleaning. Hot spots are a common problem during the hot summer months due to the heavy undercoats. Hot Spot Foam should be applied after shaving around the area to dry up the affected area.
