14 Cool Golden Retriever Facts You Should Know!
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Golden Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in America for many good reasons! They’re intelligent, happy-go-lucky dogs that are ideal for many different types of owners, from families with children to active people who enjoy the outdoors.
But as much as you may know about the Golden Retriever, here are 14 fascinating facts that may not be on your radar.
The 14 Golden Retriever Facts
1. They Trace Their History Back to Scotland
Though there’s been an ongoing rumor that Golden Retrievers descended from Russian circus dogs, the truth is that they may have originated in Scotland. The records of Lord Tweedmouth of Inverness, Scotland, reveal that he purchased a yellow Retriever and bred him to a Tweed Water Spaniel, producing what we now know as the Golden Retriever.
2. They’re Versatile
Golden Retrievers are often family dogs, but they’re suitable for a range of different jobs. They can be used for hunting and tracking, search and rescue, scent work, and service dog work. As a hard-working breed, they perform well at almost everything they’re tasked with.
3. They’re Great Therapy Dogs
Because of their friendly, often goofy personalities, Golden Retrievers are often used as therapy dogs to help people in nursing homes, schools, and other environments. They’re happy to meet new people and generally sociable, which is ideal for comforting children and the elderly.
4. They Have Soft Mouths
Like other Retriever breeds, Golden Retrievers have a natural ability to keep a “soft” mouth to pick up and hold game like ducks or pheasants without damaging the carcass. They can even carry a raw egg without cracking it!
5. They’re Eternal Puppies
Golden Retrievers are slow to mature, so they maintain their puppy-like silliness and personalities well into adulthood. Though they’ll take any job seriously, most Golden Retrievers will still be playful and goofy in their later years.
6. They’re Chowhounds
Golden Retrievers have an appetite to match their energy levels. They’ll eat just about anything, including human food and inedible objects like paper, cardboard, and other household items. Because they’re likely to overeat and suffer the ill effects of obesity, it’s important to manage their intake to maintain a good body condition.
7. They’re Mouthy
All puppies explore the world with their mouths, but Retrievers like Goldens tend to stay that way for their whole lives. Often, Golden Retrievers will carry around their “treasures,” such as toys, socks, sticks, or anything else they come across.
8. They’re Double-Coated
As hunting or tracking dogs, Golden Retrievers often go into bodies of water to retrieve game. They have a water-repellent double coat that sheds heavily, so they need a little more grooming than some other breeds.
9. They Became Official in 1925
Though Golden Retrievers have been around for a while, they weren’t officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) until 1925. The AKC only recognizes one size and three colors for the Golden Retriever: Dark Golden, Golden, and Light Golden.
10. They Have Webbed Toes
Golden Retrievers love to swim, and they have the equipment for it. The toes on their paws are joined together by thin webs of skin, which help them swim more effectively.
11. They’re Natural Stars
Have you ever wondered why so many movies feature Golden Retrievers? There’s a reason for that. They’re not only beautiful and popular dogs, but they’re among the easiest to train for the demands of Hollywood.
12. Their Coats Get Darker
Even if you have a platinum blonde pup, all Golden Retrievers will darken a bit with age—just like many people. This is true of all three color variants of Goldens.
13. They’re Presidential
Golden Retrievers have been a favorite in the White House. Presidents Ford and Reagan kept Golden Retrievers as pets.
14. They Hate to Be Alone
The sociability of the Golden Retriever is what makes it such a great family pet and therapy dog, but that can also be its downfall. These dogs get very attached to their owners and may struggle with separation anxiety when they’re left alone.
Do Golden Retrievers Make Good Pets?
Yes! One of the reasons that Golden Retrievers are so popular is due to their adaptability. They’re smart, easy to train, and sociable, so they can adjust to a variety of different homes and jobs. Of course, like any dog, Golden Retrievers do best with positive reinforcement training from a young age to avoid any problem behaviors.
Conclusion
There you have it! 14 fascinating facts about Golden Retrievers to make you love the breed even more. When you consider all the jobs Goldens have had and their many exceptional qualities, both as a pet and a working dog, it’s no wonder they’re one of America’s most popular dog breeds year after year!
Featured Image Credit: Justin Aikin, Unsplash
