The Golden Retriever is a harmonious, balanced, lively dog with a gentle mind and an elegant charisma. He is obedient, intelligent, friendly and sociable and has a natural joy of working. Some people actually don’t know that there are three different Golden Retriever standards in the United States. They are the American Golden Retriever, the English Cream and the Canadian Golden Retriever.
American Golden Retriever
The Golden dog breed originated from the cross between a yellow retriever and a tweed water spaniel, which is now threatened with extinction.
From these matings the Golden, known today, emerged. This is actually the British Golden Retriever, the breed of origin from which all other Goldens descend. It was only around World War II that the British and American breed types separated, as the breeders resorted to various crossbreeds between American dogs and the American race subsequently separated more and more from the British breed.
Characteristics
But what are the essential characteristics of the American Golden? Characteristic is a narrow and oblique eye cut. Medium-sized ears that are slightly higher than the eyes, in contrast to those of the English Golden Retriever, which are a little lower instead.
There are also some differences in sizes. Males are 23-24 inches (58.5-61cm) tall. While females are 21.5-22.5 inches (54.5-57cm). The weight for males is 65-75 lbs (29.5-34kg), for bitches 55-65 lbs (25-29.5kg).
Coat
They have a tight and water-repellent coat with an good undercoat. The upper coat is stable and elastic, neither rough nor silky, tight on the body, straight or wavy. The fur on the head, paws and fronts of the legs is short and straight. They shed quite excessively, so make sure to buy a good vacuum. Because trust us — you will need it!
Color
The American Kennel Club describes their coat as a rich, shiny gold in different gradations. The muzzle may be lighter than the rest of the fur. With the exception of graying of the fur due to age, any white markings except some white chest hair aren’t that usual. Permissible light shades must not be confused with white markings. A predominant body color, which is either extremely light or extremely dark, is undesirable. Some freedom should be given to those bright puppies whose coloration darkens as expected. Any recognizable black or different coloring is a serious mistake.
Temperament
The American Golden Retriever is lively, cheerful and adapts calmly and boldly to all everyday situations. He has a balanced temperament, is neither hectic nor nervous but at the same time not too calm or lethargic. He enthusiastically responds to occupations and can be characterized as active and playful. The American Golden Retriever is characterized by a pronounced will to obey and its recklessness. He is very affectionate and joyfully participates in all activities of his “pack of people”. The four-legged friend easily arranges and subordinates.
He is always open to people. That’s why this breed of dog is very suitable for families with children. Compared to other breeds, its protective drive is only rudimentarily developed. So, Golden Retrievers are not ideal guard dogs and guard dogs.
High intelligence and willingness to learn characterize the race. Golden Retrievers are easy to inspire, but should still be trained consistently and strictly. The dog needs a lot of activity and as much exercise as possible. An own garden and a large apartment are advantageous for care and keeping.
Care
The fur of the American Golden dog does not require elaborate care. Brush the dog once a week and daily during coat change. Regular brushing ensures good skin circulation and the removal of dead skin particles. If he got dirty outside, drying is the order of the day at first. Then you can untangle the fur with comb and brush. If the dirt is quite stubborn, only a bath with warm water and dog shampoo helps.
Check your four-legged friend’s eyes and ears regularly for cleanliness and a healthy appearance. If necessary, you can clean the eye area with a non-linting cloth moistened with warm water. coarser dirt on the ears can also be gently cleaned with a cloth. Do not use cotton swabs for this purpose! In case of changes or sensitivity to pain in the eyes, ears or teeth, a veterinarian must always be consulted.
Dog claws and paws should also be checked regularly and the fur between the ball of the foot should be trimmed a little so that too much dirt does not collect there. In snow and ice, it is recommended to grease the paws a little to protect them from cold and road salt.