13 Surprising And Cool Facts About Golden Retrievers

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Prepare to be amazed by these 13 surprising and cool facts about Golden Retrievers! If you think you know everything about this wonderful breed, think again!

From their extraordinary talents to their endearing quirks, Golden Retrievers have much more to offer than meets the eye.

In this blog post, we’ll explore fascinating and lesser-known information about these furry friends that will grab your attention.

So get ready to expand your knowledge and deepen your love for Golden Retrievers as we uncover the secrets that make them so special!

Let’s jump right in and explore these cool facts!

13 Cool Facts About Golden Retrievers

Discover some of the lesser-known cool facts about your favourite breed below.

1. They Are Guinness World Record Holders

I bet you didn’t know that there are a few Guinness World Records that Golden Retrievers hold.

Here are three Guinness World Records:

• Most Successful Police Dog: This record belongs to a Golden Retriever named Trepp (short for Intrepid). In 1979, Trepp was credited with over 100 arrests and the recovery of more than $63 million worth of narcotics.

• Most Tennis Balls Held In The Mouth By A Dog: This record belongs to Finley Molloy, a Golden Retriever who held 6 tennis balls in his mouth in the United States in 2020.

• Loudest Bark By A Dog: Charlie, a Golden Retriever from Australia produced the loudest bark measuring 113.1 decibels in 2012. That’s equivalent to the noise level of a rock concert!

2. Golden Retrievers Frequently Star In Movies

Golden Retrievers are often used in movies, television shows, and commercials. Some of the most notable movies include:

• Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
• Air Bud
• The Art Of Racing In The Rain
• You’ve Got Mail
• A Dog’s Purpose
• The Retriever’s

Whether they’re starring in the movie or playing a supporting role, Golden Retrievers win the hearts of their viewers. There’s no shortage of what these beloved dogs can’t do!

Golden Retrievers are easy to train and willing to please, making them wonderful candidates for appearing on the big screen. Their charming personalities and beauty certainly help too!

Do you have a favourite movie that has a Golden Retriever in it?

3. Smiling Comes Natural To Them

Golden Retrievers are known for their smiling expressions. They naturally tend to lift the corners of their mouths, which often gives the appearance of a joyful and friendly smile.

This endearing trait is one of the reasons why they’re so beloved!

When a Golden Retriever smiles at you, you can’t help but smile back!

4. The Largest Golden Retriever Litter Was 17 Puppies

The largest litter size for a Golden Retriever belongs to Giselle who had 17 Golden Retriever puppies via C-section in Canada back in 2009.

According to the American Kennel Club, a typical litter size is anywhere from 4 to 12 puppies, with an average litter size of 8.

Usually, a female’s first litter is smaller than her later litters.

5. The World’s Oldest Golden Retriever Lived To Be 20

The world’s oldest Golden Retriever August, nicknamed “Augie” lived to be 20 years old.

Augie, a female Golden Retriever who lived in Oakland, Tennessee passed away peacefully just one month shy of her 21st birthday, she was 20 years and 11 months old.

The average lifespan of Golden Retrievers is 10 to 12 years. Many Golden Retrievers live beyond 12 years, but it is unheard of for a Golden Retriever to live to be 20 years old.

Augie was adopted by her forever family, Jennifer and Steve, at the age of 14, and shared a home with three Golden Retriever siblings.

Jennifer has stated that the key to keeping her Golden Retrievers healthy is taking them to the vet regularly to tackle any potential health issues right away.

6. They Are Versatile Working Dogs

Golden Retrievers excel in various activities and roles beyond hunting and retrieving.

They are frequently employed as guide dogs for the visually impaired, service dogs, therapy dogs, and even in search and rescue operations.

Their friendly and trainable nature makes them well-suited for these tasks.

7. They Come In Various Golden Shades

Golden Retrievers come in various shades of gold. Their coat colour ranges from light cream to a deep golden colour.

Coat colour can vary even within the same litter.

Puppy parents can often predict the colour of their Golden Retriever’s coat from the colour of their puppy’s ears.

The ears are a great indicator of what your puppy’s adult coat colour will be.

8. Golden Retrievers Have A Soft Mouth

Golden Retrievers have an amazing ability to retrieve objects with a gentle touch. They are known for having a “soft mouth”, meaning they can carry delicate items like raw eggs without damaging them.

This skill dates back to their origins as hunting dogs, where they were trained to retrieve shot game without causing any damage.

So, whether it’s a favourite toy or a fragile item, you can trust your Golden Retriever to carry it gently in their mouth, showcasing their remarkable control and delicate touch.

9. Golden Retrievers Originate From Scotland

Golden Retrievers originated in Scotland during the 19th century. They were developed by Lord Tweedmouth, who wanted a versatile hunting dog that could retrieve shot game from land and water.

These dogs were bred to be active and powerful, yet gentle and trainable.

The name “retriever” came from their ability to retrieve shot game undamaged, because of their soft mouth.

In 1925, they were officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club.

Today, Golden Retrievers continue to serve as exceptional hunting companions and excel in field trials.

10. There Are Three Types Of Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers come in three different types; English, American, and Canadian.

Each type has subtle differences between them, but they all share the same wonderful charm and friendliness.

Here’s a look at the characteristics of each type:

1. English Golden Retriever

• Also known as English Cream or British Golden Retrievers.
• Their coat colour is light (white cream).
• They have a stockier build and a broader skull.
• Their coats are thicker.
• They tend to have a more laid-back demeanour.
• The UK breed standard allows for any shade of gold or cream, but not red or mahogany.

2. American Golden Retriever

• They are known for their athleticism and agility.
• Their coat colour is darker.
• They have a leaner build and a narrower head.
• They tend to be very energetic with a strong drive to work and please their owners.
• They are often seen in various dog sports and competitions.
• The American breed standard finds extremely pale or dark coat colours undesirable.

3. Canadian Golden Retriever

• They are taller and leaner than English Golden Retrievers.
• Their coats are typically thinner and darker than those of American Golden Retrievers.
• They are highly active.
• The Canadian breed standard allows for all shades of gold.

11. They Are Ranked As The 4th Most Intelligent Breed

Golden Retrievers proudly claim the 4th spot among the most intelligent dog breeds, trailing just behind the Border Collie, Poodle, and German Shepherd.

Their sharp minds and remarkable ability to learn and understand commands make them a delight to train and interact with.

Whether it’s mastering new tricks, adapting to various tasks, or displaying their problem-solving skills, Golden Retrievers consistently showcase their intelligence.

Beyond their intelligence, it’s their eagerness to please that truly sets them apart.

12. They Are A Water Loving Breed

Golden Retrievers adore water! Thanks to their webbed feet and water-repellent coats, they are natural-born swimmers.

While there might be a few exceptions, most Golden Retrievers can’t resist the temptation of any water source, whether it’s a lake, river, pool, or even a puddle.

It’s quite a task to keep them away from water because they wholeheartedly embrace every opportunity for a splash.

Their natural swimming abilities and love for water make them perfect companions for outdoor adventures and water-filled fun.

13. Golden Retrievers Remain Puppy-Like Into Their Adult Years

Golden Retrievers have a special quality of staying playful and puppy-like even as they grow into adults.

While they physically mature around the age of two, their social and behavioural maturity takes a bit longer, usually by the time they’re three or four years old.

This playful spirit is one of their endearing traits, making them great companions, especially for kids.

Their ability to stay youthful brings joy to families and adds to their reputation as lovable family pets.

Final Thoughts

Golden Retrievers are truly remarkable dogs with a rich history and fascinating traits.

From their origins in Scotland to their intelligence and love for water, Golden Retrievers have captured the hearts of many.

Their friendly and loyal nature, combined with their playful spirit that lasts well into adulthood, makes them cherished family pets.

These 13 cool facts only scratch the surface of what makes Golden Retrievers truly special, as their enduring qualities continue to bring joy and companionship to households worldwide.

Has your knowledge of this breed widened? What other amazing facts can you share with us about Golden Retrievers? Let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear from you!