Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

5 interesting things you might not know about the golden retriever

Did you know these things about goldens?

By
A small golden puppy runs across a yard
Cristian Castillo / Unsplash

Which breed frequently trends on social, holds a place as one of America’s favorite pets, and often earns the title of therapy dog? If you guessed golden retriever, you would be correct. We all can picture this loyal and lovable face and have hopefully met a sweet golden at some point or another.

While everyone has some idea of what they look and act like, if you want to become a golden retriever expert, you need to understand these fun facts. Here are five things you should know about golden retrievers (especially if you want to adopt one).

Happy golden retriever outside on the lawn wagging his tail
Aaron Pletta / Shutterstock

They hail from Scotland

Recent research has confirmed that the golden retriever comes from the British Isles, and more specifically, the Scottish Highlands. Interestingly, goldens have only been around since the 1800s, which is far more recent than others that originated in the U.K. Their ancestors were hunters, and now their descendants still often work, especially as service animals. One more thing to note: The golden retriever and the Labrador retriever aren’t all that closely related, so be sure not to mix them up.

Recommended Videos

These dogs can get mouthy

Nearly all puppies put their mouths on things — it’s how they learn about the world around them. But while lots of dogs grow out of this trait, some breeds keep at it for life, and golden retrievers are one of them. That’s because their ancestors were responsible for fetching waterfowl and other hunting prizes. In modern times, this might manifest as a toy that lives permanently in your pooch’s mouth. If you need them to complete specific tasks as a service or therapy dog, you probably want to work on training this out of them; otherwise, let your animal enjoy carrying sticks.

There are three different coat colors

Officially, you can have a light golden, golden, or dark golden. You might see a bunch of fancy names out there, which can certainly help with choosing a pretty pet, but they’re all just golden retrievers. Along these lines, it’s crucial to be aware of sketchy breeders and puppy mills when seeking such a popular type of dog. Always research carefully, tour the breeder, and meet your pup in advance.

Golden retriever puppy eats crumbs off the floor
Michal / Adobe Stock

Goldens love food

Many dogs are food-motivated canines, and these guys might take the cake — literally. Luckily, that can actually assist with training since it provides a framework to encourage obedience. Do stay cautious, though, as you certainly don’t want your sweet animal to wind up overweight, a common problem for the breed. Other health issues include hip dysplasia, allergies, and bloat. Keeping on top of their diet and exercise plan will help mitigate all three.

You’ll always have a hiking buddy

In addition to proper calorie intake and nutrition, a high activity level will ensure your golden stays healthy and happy. Don’t worry; Fido won’t let you forget to take him out. These beasties love to run and play. In fact, we recommend up to two hours of exercise per day, depending on age. Keep in mind that this can include walks, dog park visits, or games like fetch.

There’s no one breed of dog (or even species of pet) that works perfectly for every human. However, golden retrievers often make the ideal companion whether you’re looking for a pup as a roommate or an addition to your family. Understanding their history and personality will help you determine if they’re the right choice for you.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Rebekkah Adams
Rebekkah Adams
Contributor
Rebekkah’s been a writer and editor for more than 10 years, both in print and digital. In addition to writing about pets…
These fluffy dog breeds make the best cuddlers
Fluff comes in all shapes and sizes, as do these fluffiest dog breeds
Two Pekingese dogs sit in the grass

If you're a true dog lover, the sight of any pup -- big or small -- will instantly put a smile on your face. But there's no denying that something about a fluffy dog sets the cuteness meter through the roof. Maybe it's their soft fur or the way their mane billows in the breeze, but whatever it is, it's easy to see why so many people love cuddling up to a real-life teddy bear.
That being said, it's important to remember that owning a fluffy dog can be a lot of work. Not only will you be taking care of their basic needs, like food, water, and potty breaks, but you'll also be taking care of regular dog grooming. This could include daily brushing and detangling, but you'll likely need to visit a groomer every several weeks, too. But that work is so worth it for your four-legged friend.
Check out these adorable fluffy dog breeds if you're ready to add a whole lot of fluffy puppy love to your home.

Poodle and poodle mix

Read more
The best medium-sized dog breeds for your family
These dogs are the perfect size — and temperament — for families with kids
An English springer spaniel's side profile standing next to tall grass

Whether you're a veteran dog owner or are new to the canine world, it can be immensely helpful to do your research before adopting the dog of your dreams. After all, step one is to figure out what your ideal four-legged friend might be like.
Will they cuddle up with you at the end of the day, or will they sleep in a dog bed all their own? Would you like a high-energy friend or a canine buddy that can binge-watch your favorite Netflix show at all hours of the day with you? Perhaps even more importantly, what size dog can you handle in your home?
Medium-sized dogs are a perfect fit for those who may want the activity of a larger dog without the massive size. Many families prefer mid-sized canines because they're large enough to play with children without getting hurt, but they're not too large to spook or knock over a child (most of the time, anyway). There can be many reasons why a medium-sized dog breed is your perfect fit, but how do you know what breed to look into? Let us help you decide.

Medium-sized dogs for families with children

Read more
Why do dogs hump everything? You might be surprised
Here's what's behind this shocking canine behavior
A brown Vizsla dog's portrait in front of a black background

Every dog owner will be embarrassed by their pup at least once or twice, but nothing compares to the shame of catching your dog in the act of humping. Whether they're going to town on another dog, another person, or even nothing at all, it's easy to understand why you'd want to learn more about this behavior. The sooner you know how to respond to this lewd act, the sooner it can stop.
Questions like, "Why do dogs hump?' and "How can I stop my dog from humping?" will one day be nothing more than a memory. This impolite habit can be unlearned -- though often not as quickly as it's learned -- with some time, redirection, and a few well-timed distractions. Keep on reading to learn more about the humping habit and what you can do to prevent it.

Why do dogs hump other dogs?

Read more