Short-Haired Golden Retriever: Info, Pictures, Facts and Traits
Updated on
Do you love the look of a short-haired Golden Retriever? This breed is quickly becoming one of the most popular in America, and for good reason! They are friendly, intelligent, and make great pets. In this blog post, we will provide all the information you need to know about the short-haired Golden Retriever. We will discuss their history, personality traits, and how to care for them. We will also include some beautiful pictures of this amazing breed!
Before We Begin
Technically, there are no true short-haired golden retrievers, at least not in the purebred sense. The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize this coat type as an official coat type for the Golden Retriever breed. This means that if you want a short-haired Golden Retriever, you will likely have to purchase a crossbreed dog or mix. However, there are some all-Golden Retriever litters that will occasionally produce a short-haired puppy. What most people think of as a short-haired Golden Retriever is actually a mixed breed made from a golden retriever and a Labrador retriever.
The Earliest Records of the Short-haired Golden Retriever in History
The short-haired Golden Retriever is a relatively new breed. They were first developed in the 1970s in North America by crossing a Golden Retriever with a Labrador Retriever. The goal was to create a dog that had the best qualities of both breeds. The resulting puppies were bred back to Golden Retrievers to create the short-haired Golden Retriever we know today.
The first recorded litter of short-haired Golden Retrievers was born in 1974. The breed quickly gained popularity. Today, they are one of the most popular breeds in America!
Personality
Short-haired Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They love to meet new people and make new friends. Aside from being social, they are also very playful and curious. This combination makes them perfect for families with children or active singles who want a furry friend to join them on their adventures!
Intelligence
Short-haired Golden Retrievers are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are easy to train and excel in obedience and agility trials. They are also popular therapy dogs because of their intelligence combined with their gentle nature and loving personality. Here are just a few of the most popular jobs held by short-haired Golden Retrievers.
Therapy Dog
As loyal and gentle companions, Golden Retrievers make ideal therapy dogs. They have a natural tendency to want to please their owners, which makes them perfect for providing comfort and companionship to people in need.
Service Animal
Golden Retrievers are also very popular as service animals. Their level temperament and trainability make them ideal candidates for helping people with disabilities live independent lives.
Search and Rescue
Golden Retrievers also have an excellent sense of smell, which makes them ideal candidates for search and rescue operations. Their ability to cover large areas quickly makes them invaluable members of search and rescue teams.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a short-haired Golden Retriever is 12 years. This is longer than the average lifespan of most dogs, making them a great choice for working dogs, or for families who are looking for a furry friend that will be around for many years to come!
Health
Short-haired Golden Retrievers are generally a healthy breed. However, like all dogs, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. Some of these conditions include hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, and allergies. It is important to talk to your veterinarian about the best way to keep your short-haired golden retriever healthy and happy!
Puppies
Short-haired Golden Retriever puppies are absolutely adorable! They are born with short, fluffy fur that is usually white or cream-colored. As they grow older, their fur will darken and turn golden. Golden Retriever puppies are known for being very active, so be prepared for lots of playtime!
How the Short-haired Golden Retriever Gained Popularity
The short-haired Golden Retriever quickly gained popularity in North America thanks to their friendly personalities and cute appearance. They have also been featured in many movies and television shows, which has helped to increase their popularity even more.
For example, the short-haired Golden Retriever named Buddy was the star of the popular movie, “Air Bud.” This film helped to increase public awareness of the breed and made them even more popular! Another example is the short-haired Golden Retriever named Enzo, who was the star of the movie “The Art of Racing in the Rain.” This film helped to show that golden retrievers are not just family-friendly dogs, but also intelligent and loyal companions.
Formal Recognition of the Short-haired Golden Retriever
The AKC standard for Golden Retrievers is that their coats are neither too short nor too long. According to the ACK, “Untrimmed natural ruff; moderate feathering on back of forelegs and on underbody; heavier feathering on front of neck, back of thighs and underside of tail. Coat on head, paws, and front of legs is short and even. Excessive length, open coats, and limp, soft coats are very undesirable.”
That means that your average short-haired Golden Retriever (and your average long haired for that matter) are never going to win any fancy dog shows. That being said, a dog does not need to meet the AKC breed standards to be an incredible pet, family member, or working dog.
Top 10 Unique Facts About the Short-haired Golden Retriever
Here are 10 fun facts about the short-haired Golden Retriever:
- The short-haired Golden Retriever is sometimes called a “golden mini-me.”
- Short-haired Golden Retrievers’ coat is less prone to matting and tangling than the coat of their long-haired counterpart, making them easier to groom.
- Short-haired Golden Retrievers are less likely to suffer from health problems associated with their coat, such as skin irritation and allergies.
- Short-haired Golden Retrievers are just as friendly and trainable as their long-haired counterparts.
- The short-haired Golden Retriever’s coat is easy to care for – a weekly brushing is all that is needed to keep it looking its best.
- Short-haired Golden Retrievers are available in a variety of colors, including golden, cream, white, and black.
- The short-haired Golden Retriever is the official state dog of Maryland.
- They typically weigh between 50 and 75 pounds.
- They are excellent swimmers and have even been known to rescue people from drowning.
- They have a natural instinct to retrieve objects and love playing fetch, hence the name “retriever.”
Does the Short-haired Golden Retriever Make a Good Pet?
If you are looking for a friendly, intelligent, and easy to train breed, then the short-haired Golden Retriever is a great choice for you! They are also great with children and make excellent family pets. However, they require daily exercise and do best in homes with a backyard.
Conclusion
The short-haired Golden Retriever is a popular breed thanks to their friendly personalities and cute appearance. They are also intelligent and easy to train, making them great family pets. If you are looking for a short-haired Golden Retriever, be sure to check out your local shelters and rescue organizations – there are sure to be plenty of adoptable dogs just waiting for their forever home!
Featured Image Credit: Tatyana Vyc, Shutterstock
