Because they are large animals, would golden retrievers be good guard animals? In this post we are going to talk about the reasons why golden retriever dogs can be excellent work dogs but they are not so good guard dogs.
Golden retriever guard dog
Golden retriever dogs are not good guard dogs. As much as they are extremely intelligent dogs, these dogs are not aggressive, being sweet and very sociable dogs.
The Golden retriever likes to run, swim and, because it is very tame, it is possible that it wants to play and lick strangers, not playing the role of defending the house.
The Golden Retriever is not large. But your physical characteristics do not generate fear in strangers. It’s great for homes that have kids and for interacting with the family, but would probably invite the intruder to play ball.
About the Golden retriever breed
Let’s talk a little about the physical and behavioral characteristics of the Golden retriever breed.
Physical characteristics
The Golden Retriever is a large dog that has a muscular and robust frame, with long, sloping shoulders, well-angled knees, straight hocks, and rounded paws. Wide skull, its eyes are dark and convey a sweet look, it has triangular ears of medium length and drooping.
The coat can be smooth or wavy and well feathered with a weather resistant undercoat. Colors are any shade of gold or cream.
Behavior/temperament
Goldesn are sweet, calm, balanced, gentle and intelligent dogs. They are very obedient dogs and have a natural ability to work. Faithful and friendly companion, with a lot of energy and desire to please. Therefore, it is recommended to practice physical exercises and lots of walks. It is not an aggressive dog and is an excellent choice for a companion dog.
Health care
Golden retriever is a very healthy breed. However, this breed can present diseases such as cataract and hip dysplasia are common problems.
A cataract is a disease that results from the destruction of retinal cells. This disease can have several causes, and can lead to partial or total loss of vision in dogs. It commonly affects old dogs.
Hip Dysplasia is a genetic alteration, very common in several large breeds. Dysplasia is a malformation in the hip joint that causes discomfort, pain, can lead the dog to limp, and have problems with locomotion that get worse with age.
As it is a genetic characteristic, dogs with a high degree of the disease should not be bred. There are imaging tests that classify the degree of dysplasia and can be performed even in puppies.
It is always recommended to buy animals in responsible kennels that aim at the genetic improvement of the breed, preventing the proliferation of dogs with a high degree of hip dysplasia.
As for reproduction, few reproductive problems are reported. Females tend to be very affectionate with their puppies. Some female dogs can give birth to many puppies, excess puppies can lead to uterine inertia dystocia, requiring veterinary monitoring.
Before having a dog, it is essential to talk to a veterinarian to choose the ideal breed for your family. And once you’re with the animal, it’s important to regularly monitor the animal’s health with exams, vaccines and consultations.
Breed care
Below we will talk about some care with the Golden retriver breed as:
- Health care
- Bath care;
- Fur care;
- Nail care;
- Teeth care.
Golden retrievers need to keep vaccination and deworming up to date, so it is advisable to visit the vet at least once a year. They tend to be very healthy, active and playful dogs.
Baths in this breed are indicated with specific shampoos for dogs. Bathing should be done very carefully, especially to avoid getting water into the ear. The animal must always be very dry after bathing to avoid the growth of microorganisms that can lead to dermatitis.
The golden retriever coat should be brushed every day. Its coat does not need to be clipped. It is a breed that has constant hair loss.It is important to get dogs used to brushing their fur from puppies, avoiding daily stress in dogs.
As for nail clipping, it is recommended to cut the dog’s nail once or twice a month. Cutting the nails prevents the animal from getting hurt or even hurting the tutor.
Dogs of this breed should brush their teeth every 48 hours with a dog-specific toothpaste. Constant brushing of your dog’s teeth helps prevent tartar buildup and the resulting problems.
Conclusion
Golden retriever dogs have a large, muscular build, but their eyes express a friendly look. It is not an aggressive dog and tends to play with any stranger, so it is not a good guard dog. However, it can be an excellent dog for other activities because it is a very obedient and intelligent dog. It can be a good companion dog due to its energy, fidelity and affection towards its tutors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Golden retriever guard dog
Is a Golden retriever aggressive?
No. The Golden retriever is a kind and friendly breed. But his giant size, strength, stubbornness, and anxiety can result in a wrecking house.
How big is a Golden retriever?
The size of the dogs is measured by the height of the withers, to the Golden retriever the ideal size is between 56 to 61 cm for males and 51 to 56 cm for females.
Are Golden retrievers good family pets?
Yes, they are energetic, friendly and very affectionate and are great to consider if you have children. They are famous for being playful dogs.
References
CBKC – Brazilian Canine Cynophilic Confederation, 2015 Official Breed Standard: Golden retriever. Available in: https://cbkc.org/application/views/docs/padroes/padrao-raca_172.pdf Accessed 8th Feb 2022.
Picture from pixabay.com
