Golden Retriever

Goldens do well on diets formulated for large-breed dogs, and large-breed puppy food in particular helps keep them from growing too fast. Feed that puppy formula until about one year of age, following the guidelines on the bag by age and expected body weight, then transition to a large-breed adult formula with fewer calories.

Goldens love to eat and are prone to weight gain, so monitor food intake closely. Measure portions with a standard measuring cup and count treats toward the daily calorie total.

• Treats: no more than 10% of daily calories
• Adults: twice-daily feeding, morning and evening
• Puppies: three or four times a day on a consistent schedule

Give table scraps sparingly, if at all, and avoid cooked bones and high-fat foods. Because Goldens tend to eat quickly, a slow feeder bowl or an interactive food puzzle helps them slow down and gives the brain a job. Check your puppy's weight and body condition with your vet, and ask your vet how much to feed.

Healthy Goldens on a complete and balanced diet do not need added vitamins or minerals. Your vet may suggest a supplement for an individual need. Talk to your vet before giving any supplement.

Goldens carry a thick, water-repellent double coat. They shed heavily once or twice a year, when the undercoat blows, and shed more moderately the rest of the time. Brushing with a slicker brush about twice a week removes much of the dead hair before it reaches the furniture; during heavy shedding seasons, those sessions become daily. Regular brushing also helps prevent matting, especially behind the ears and on the hind limbs.

Goldens need only occasional baths to stay clean. Baths help loosen dead hair, but the coat must be completely dry before you start brushing. Trim the nails regularly, and brush the teeth as part of the routine.

Check your Golden's skin often so you can catch hot spots or other issues early, and talk to your vet if scratching, chewing, or licking increases. Goldens can be prone to environmental allergies, so regular baths with a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo help keep the skin and coat in good condition.

Clean the ears every two to three weeks, plus after swimming or bathing, using a product with a drying agent, and ask your vet how often your dog's ears should be cleaned. Wipe away any discharge that builds up around the eyes.

Like most sporting breeds, Goldens need plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and well-behaved. A Golden who does not get enough may turn to chewing, digging, or other mischief for entertainment. They enjoy jogging, fetch, long walks, bike rides, and trips to the dog park, and they make steady companions on the trail.

Built to retrieve waterfowl, Goldens love to swim, so fetch with floating toys is a natural game. They also take well to canine sports such as hunting, tracking, agility, and obedience.

Exercising the mind matters just as much. Goldens were bred to work, so puzzle toys and brief obedience sessions can provide useful mental activity.

Goldens, especially puppies, tend to eat things they should not, going after socks, shoes, furniture, or the trash. Keep a watchful eye to keep your dog safe, and check with your vet before strenuous, high-impact activity that could stress growing bones and joints.

Start early socialization and puppy classes. Gently exposing the puppy to many people, places, and situations between about seven weeks and four months helps a Golden grow into a well-adjusted, well-mannered adult. Puppy classes are part of that socialization and help you spot and correct any bad habits as they form.

Goldens are outgoing, loyal, and eager to please, which makes them very easy to train. Gentle but firm, positive-reinforcement techniques work well, and because Goldens are food-motivated, it is straightforward to teach them to drop retrieved items that are not meant for play, such as a favorite shoe. Obedience training also strengthens the bond between dog and owner.

Goldens are generally sweet-natured and get along with children, other pets, and even strangers when socialized from puppyhood. They love being the center of attention and will often nudge you gently to keep the petting going. That kind temperament makes the Golden a strong choice for first-time pet parents.