The Canadian Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world. Known for their loyal, friendly, and intelligent personalities, these dogs make great family pets. But what exactly is a Canadian Golden Retriever?
Let’s have a look at the history of this breed, its traits and characteristics, and why it has become so popular.
We’ll also discuss some potential health problems to be aware of if you decide to bring one of these amazing dogs into your life.
Read on to learn more about this Goldie from the experts at barksinthepark.
Table of Contents
History & Overview
There are three kinds of Golden Retrievers: American Golden Retrievers, the British or English Golden Retriever, and Canadian Golden Retrievers. These three variations are subtypes of the Golden Retriever breed.
All Golden Retrievers (even Canadian ones) we see today are descendants of the first Golden Retrievers who were born and bred in Scotland in the 1800s. These dogs were originally bred to hunt.
The Canadian Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1927, 5 years earlier than the American Kennel Club. However, the breed didn’t really gain popularity in Canada until the 50s.
Canadian Golden Retrievers are just like the other types, with slight variations of coat color and height. They also have thinner, shorter hair – so they could be a great choice if you’re looking for a lower-maintenance pet. Like all Goldeies, they make popular pets, and many families choose them for their gentle demeanors and affectionate dispositions.
Temperament And Behavior
The Canadian Golden Retriever is a breed of dog known for its friendly temperament and outgoing nature. They are so friendly you might even see your Canadian Golden Retriever smile!
The temperament of the Canadian breed is exactly the same as that of the American and British Golden Retrievers. However, some people say that the Canadian Golden Retriever is calmer than the American Golden Retriever.
They are intelligent dogs, easy to train and make great family pets. They are also known for their loyalty and devotion to their owners.
Canadian Golden Retrievers are typically very active dogs (although not as active as American Golden Retrievers, according to some) and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. If you want a bouncy cuddle buddy, then these affectionate dogs are perfect.
They are often used as working dogs in various fields, such as search and rescue, guide dogs, and therapy dogs.
Intelligence
Have you ever dreamed of having a dog that will open a door for you? Yes? Then the Canadian Golden Retriever is the breed for you! This intelligent dog can learn any trick in record time.
Your Canadian Golden Retriever puppy will love going to training, and new skills will be easy to pick up. Just remember, with an intelligent breed like this, you will need to provide lots of mental stimulation and activities. This will keep their minds busy and prevent boredom.
Health Issues
These health issues are common in Canadian and other Golden Retrievers.
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, and in dogs with hip dysplasia, the socket is shallow. This can cause the ball to slip out of place, which leads to pain and weakness in the hind legs.
This condition is hereditary, but it can also be triggered by other factors, such as obesity or malnutrition.
Elbow dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a condition that results when the bones of the elbow joint do not fit together correctly. This can cause pain and arthritis. Elbow dysplasia is a hereditary condition, but it can also be caused by injury or infection.
Allergies
While allergies are relatively common in dogs, they can be extremely uncomfortable and even dangerous for your pet. Symptoms of allergies can include itchy or red skin, swelling, and hives.
There are many different types of allergies that can affect dogs, including food allergies, environmental allergies, and even allergic reactions to certain medications.
Obesity
Obesity is a serious problem in these dogs. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, about 54% of adult dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese.
Carrying extra weight puts your dog at risk for a number of health problems, including joint pain, diabetes, respiratory issues, and even cancer.
Care Requirements
Canadian Golden Retrievers are high maintenance because they shed a lot (as do all Golden Retriever subtypes) and require regular grooming. Caring for Canadian Golden Retrievers is quite a lot of work! Here’s what to expect:
Provide plenty of exercise
Like all Retrievers, Candian Goldies need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and fit. A daily walk or run is a must. If you have a backyard, let them run around and play fetch. Make sure to build up their stamina before taking them on long-distance walks.
Brush their coat regularly
Even though the hair is a bit thinner than other Goldies’, their coat needs to be brushed at least once a week to prevent matting and tangles. It’s also important to brush their teeth regularly to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Try not to bathe your Golden Retriever too often, as this can get rid of the natural oils on their skin – something they need.
Feed them high-quality dog food
A diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids is ideal for maintaining a healthy coat and skin. Omega-6 fatty acids are also crucial to maintain your dog’s health. If you feel their regular food does not have enough of the omega fatty acids, then add a supplement to their food. It’s also important to give them chew toys or bones to help keep their teeth clean and healthy. Just be aware of bones that might splinter, such as cooked bones and rib bones.
Take them to the vet regularly
Annual checkups are important to catch any health problems early on. Be sure to give them their recommended vaccinations and heartworm preventative.
Train them early
Socializing your Canadian Golden Retriever is important for them to be well-behaved and obedient. Start training your puppy right away, using positive reinforcement and reward-based techniques.
Mental stimulation
These companion dogs need mental stimulation, and this can be achieved not only through exercises but also through games. Games include puzzles, fetch, obstacles, learning new tricks, hide and seek, scatter feeding (hide treats around the house or garden), and interactive dog toys. These games will tire your dog out the same way a walk or run will. Tricks that you can teach include sit, stay, roll over, lie flat, and down.
Color And Size
Golden Retrievers’ coats are always golden (just like their golden personalities) but the shades can vary significantly.
Canadian Goldens are the darkest of the three main types, and are more a reddish-brown color. American dogs have the classic medium-golden color, while English pups have a lighter blond-colored coat.
The height of Canadian Retrievers is around the same as that of American Golden Retrievers: male Canadian Retrievers are around 24 inches tall, and females are around 22.5 inches tall. That means you get the same amount of doggo to love!
Facial Features
They have broad and well-defined faces. Their eyes are usually not lighter than the color of their coat (they mostly have brown puppy-dog eyes). Their eye rims are dark, and this sets their eyes apart.
Their ears lay flat, and they are usually shorter than the American Golden Retriever and the British Golden Retriever.
FAQs
What is the personality of a Canadian Golden Retriever?
The typical Canadian Golden Retriever is a friendly, outgoing dog who loves people and gets along well with other animals. They are intelligent and easily trained, making them popular pets and working dogs. Golden Retrievers are active and need plenty of exercise, but they are also calm and gentle, making them great family dogs.
How much does a Canadian Golden Retriever cost?
A Canadian Golden Retriever typically costs between $500 and $4000. However, the price can vary depending on the breeder, the dog’s pedigree, and other factors. Some are over $6000 if they are from champion bloodlines. Make sure you include medical costs, pet accessories, food and grooming into the cost of ownership.
What is the difference between English and Canadian Golden Retrievers?
English Golden Retrievers tend to be larger in size, with males averaging about 27 inches tall at the shoulder and females averaging about 25 inches tall. Canadian Golden Retrievers, on the other hand, are typically smaller, with males averaging about 24 inches tall and females averaging 22 inches tall.
English Golden Retrievers tend to have a lighter, almost white coat color, while Canadian Golden Retrievers often have darker red coats.
What Is A Canadian Golden Retriever? Final Thoughts
The Canadian Golden Retrievers are the same as the American Golden Retrievers, with minimal variation. Their temperament is the same as their American and British counterparts – they are an incredibly loyal, intelligent breed that excels in obedience and agility.
Most Canadian Golden Retrievers are friendly, outgoing dogs with a strong desire to please their owners. With proper training and socialization, they make wonderful family pets and best friends all wrapped up in one. Not only do they have exquisite beauty, but they also possess an unconditional love for those around them, which makes them truly remarkable companions.
If you’re looking for a loving friend who will be devoted to you for life, the Canadian Golden Retriever could be just the perfect choice!