The golden retriever is a very popular breed, and for good reasons. Golden retrievers are friendly, family-oriented dogs. They tend to be healthy and long-lived, and they adapt well to a variety of living situations. However, as you begin shopping for a golden retriever puppy, you might come across some terminology you are not familiar with. Or, you may wonder why certain puppies are being advertised in certain ways. The more knowledge you have, the better off you'll be. Here are the key things that are good to know as you start shopping for a golden retriever pup.
There Are English and American Golden Retrievers
There are two prominent bloodlines of golden retrievers bred in the United States. Some come from the American line, which has been in this country for many years. Others come from the English line—which was brought over to the US more recently. The two lines share a lot of characteristics, but there are some differences to be aware of. English golden retrievers tend to be shorter and stouter. American goldens are a bit taller and leaner. English goldens also tend to be lighter in color than American goldens. If you prefer a stout, light-colored dog, then you may want to look at golden retriever puppies from an English line. But if you'd prefer a taller, darker-colored dog, then you may prefer to look for an American golden retriever puppy.
There Is a Size Difference Between Males and Females
In some breeds, females and males are about the same sizes. In golden retrievers, though, the females do tend to be a bit smaller than males. According to the AKC, male goldens tend to be 23 to 24 inches tall, while females are only 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall. So, if you want a smaller golden, you may want to focus on female puppies only. If you want a larger dog, you may want to buy a male pup.
They Need a Lot of Stimulation When They're Young
Golden retrievers are often favored for being really personable, calm, and easy to handle. However, they are energetic when they are puppies. They demand a lot of attention and playtime when they are young if you want them to grow up to be well-behaved and social. Make sure you have the time and resources to dedicate to this before you bring home a golden retriever puppy.
Armed with this information, you should be better prepared to shop for a golden retriever puppy. Good luck, and enjoy your new family member.
Contact a local breeder or shelter to learn more about golden retriever puppies.
