Red Golden Retriever
Are you considering getting a red golden retriever? You’re not alone. In recent years, red goldens have become nearly as popular as ordinary golden retrievers.
Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this friendly, intelligent breed. Among other things, we’ll discuss their history, their temperament, and what to expect from a red golden retriever puppy. We’ll also look at some of the health issues commonly experienced by the breed, and the difference between red goldens and ordinary goldens.
Basically, red goldens and other goldens are similar in most respects. However, red golden retrievers have shorter, darker coats, along with a more athletic build. They have more energy than regular goldens, so they’re great for families with kids. That energy can also be channeled into hunting, so they’re frequently used as bird dogs.
Want to find out more? Read on, and learn everything you need to know!
The history of red golden retrievers begins in the mid-1800s, when a Scottish lord named Lord Tweedmouth decided to create a new breed of hunting dog. According to tradition, Tweedmouth bred a wavy-coated retriever with a water spaniel to create a dog that was proficient at fowling on both land and water.
Today, golden retrievers perform a variety of jobs in our society. They can be seeing-eye dogs, emotional support animals, and can even serve with search and rescue teams. That said, most golden retrievers are bred in the field, so hunting remains their primary purpose.
The same is true for red golden retrievers, who are a genetic variant that’s also bred in the field. This makes them similar in many respects to other types of retriever. They’re medium-large dogs who are both friendly and energetic.
Like most dog breeds, red goldens are sexually dimorphic, which means the females are smaller than the males. Males weigh in at 65 to 75 pounds, and stand roughly 23 to 24 inches tall at the shoulders. Females are slightly lighter and smaller, at 55 to 65 pounds and 21.5 to 22.5 inches respectively.
Most red goldens are towards the smaller end of this range. They’re leaner and more athletic than regular goldens as a general rule. That said, there are exceptions, and a 75-pound male red golden retriever is certainly not unheard-of.
What Makes Red Goldens Different From Others?
So, what is the difference between a red golden retriever and other golden retrievers? Once we know that, we’ll be able to drill down into more aspects of the breed.
To begin with, they’re a different color, with a coat that can range from tawny to almost penny-colored. This is compared to the creamy or golden color of most golden retrievers.
That said, red goldens, ordinary goldens, and other colorations are all part of the same genetic stock. You can expect similar personalities, appearances, and aptitudes. But there are still a few noteworthy differences.
More pertinent is how the individual dog was bred. As we mentioned, most red golden retrievers are field bred. This means they’ll have more energy, and they’ll be more eager to engage with people and other animals.
Conformation (show bred) red goldens are rare, but they can be found. These dogs tend to be more like their show bred counterparts. They’re more calm, and slightly more reserved.
Keep in mind that these are broad generalities. A field bred dog can be lackadaisical, and a show bred dog can be high-energy. But for the most part, this is what you should expect.
Red Golden Retriever Temperament
Red golden retrievers are excellent animals for families with children. They’re loving and sociable, and they’re almost universally good with kids. Not only that, but since they’re bred for hunting, they have plenty of energy. This means they can keep up with your kids, even if that means playing all afternoon.
Red goldens have a strong chewing urge, so it’s good to keep chew toys around for them. They’re well-behaved, but if they’ve got nothing else to chew, they’ll chew shoes and furniture.
Similarly, they may gum or chew at fingers and hands. Teach them not to do this at a young age, and it won’t be a problem when they’re older. Moreover, their mouths are fairly soft, so a gentle bite is typically painless.
Furthermore, red golden retrievers are very smart. Like ordinary goldens, they’re among the smartest of all dog breeds. Keep in mind that this can be bad as well as good. If your dog is poorly-trained or ignored, it’s likely to get into trouble.
As with any active breed, the key to a well-behaved red golden retriever is keeping your dog busy. Play games with them, or take them to a dog part to make some canine friends.
When you need to leave them alone, remember that these are smart, social creatures. Give them puzzle toys that reward them with treats, or something similar that will keep them engaged. A busy dog is a happy dog!
How Long Do Golden Retrievers Live?
As a general rule, larger breeds of dog tend to be less long-lived than smaller breeds. Red golden retrievers are larger than the average breed, and have a comparatively short lifespan. The average golden retriever lives between 10 and 13 years.
Keep in mind that this is an average. If your retriever is 13 years old, they may still live for years! On the opposite, sadder end, some red goldens live less than 10 years.
Remember that no dog lives forever, and that as dog owners we take on the responsibility to see them through their entire life. The main focus should be on keeping your dog healthy and happy, so their years are full and fulfilling. Regular grooming, a healthy diet, and daily exercise are all important parts of keeping your dog as healthy as possible.
According to PetMD, golden retrievers frequently experience the following health issues: Sub-aortic stenosis (SAS), hip and elbow dysplasia, seizures, eye disorders, hypothyroidism, skin problems, mast cell tumors, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and hemangiosarcoma.
You may have noticed that this list is heavy on tumors and cancers. It’s an unfortunate fact that 60% of golden retrievers suffer from cancer at some point in their lives.
While research is ongoing to determine why this beautiful breed is so prone to cancer, there are a few things you can do to mitigate your risks.
First, only buy from a reputable breeder that pre-screens their dogs for health and genetic issues. This can help reduce the risk of all health issues, not just cancer.
Second, visit your vet regularly, and ask them if you have any concerns. Remember, the vet only sees your dog once or twice a year. You’re in the best position to know if your dog’s behavior has changed. If it has, talk to your vet. You may have found a symptom, and nipped a disease in the bud!
Finally, feed your dog a high-protein food that’s rich in vitamins. If the first ingredient is corn or rice, ditch that food and look for something with a meat, soy, or pea base.
Training a Red Golden Retriever
Training a red golden retriever is essential. Remember that these are energetic dogs! When properly trained, they’ll behave very well and use that energy for exercise. When untrained, they’re liable to get into mischief.
Thankfully, red goldens are very easy to train. They’re intelligent, they love treats, and they love to please people. Give them rewards and praise for doing the right thing, and they’ll learn to obey in short order.
That said, it can be helpful to do your earliest training one-on-one. Because red goldens are friendly, they’re easily distracted by other dogs and people. Trying to get your new puppy to “stay” in a busy dog park is a losing proposition.
Not only is training essential for your long-term tranquility, it’s also good for your dog’s brain. You can continue to train them throughout their lives, teaching more complex tasks and continuing to stretch their abilities.
Red Golden Retriever Puppies
Remember how red goldens are energetic, smart, and orally-fixated? This is doubly true for puppies. It’s a good thing they’re so cute, because they can be a real handful!
To begin with, they will try to chew on anything in sight. This includes your hands, your feet, and anything laying on the floor. They won’t spare furniture, either. This is why it’s essential to always have one or two chew toys available.
Young pups are also slow to potty train. Training can take up to a few months, and can be complicated by the fact that baby red goldens have tiny bladders. They’ll wake up as often as once every two hours, needing to be let outside.
Because they’re so inquisitive, golden retriever puppies can and will get into anything. They’ll nose through the trash, dig through open boxes, and eat anything they can get their jaws on. You need to keep an eye on them at all times, and keep them crated when they’re unsupervised.
Thankfully, this phase only lasts for a few months. Once your dog is a trained adolescent, you’ll have a well-behaved family companion.
How Much Do Red Golden Retrievers Cost?
The price of a red golden retriever will vary widely depending on the breeder. On the low end, you can find them for as little as $500. On the other hand, some more expensive puppies can cost as much as $3,000.
Mostly, the price difference depends on your location, the breeder’s reputation, and what the dogs are bred for. For instance, a premium hunting dog will cost you more than a quality show dog.
If all you want is a family pet, you can expect to spend about $1,500 or less. There’s no reason to look for a dog with a pedigree in this case. Just make sure the breeder is reputable and pre-screens their dogs for health problems and genetic defects.
Keep in mind that the purchase price is only part of the equation. You’ll need to feed the dog, train the dog, and take it to the vet. Year-one expenses can range from $2,000-$3,000, and you can expect to spend about $1,500-$2,500 annually after that.
Finding a Trustworthy Breeder
What you want in a breeder will depend on your purposes in owning the dog. But if you want a red golden who’s a family pet, look for a breeder who breeds for health and temperament. Show dogs can have hidden health issues, and hunting dogs may be too energetic for some families.
When talking with a breeder, ask about the parents. What was their history? How many litters have they produced? Does the breeder have any information on the puppies from those litters? A reputable breeder will be happy to answer any of these questions. If your breeder is cagey with their responses, look elsewhere.
Another important thing to remember is that a good breeder genuinely cares about their dogs and wants them to go to good homes. Expect a quality breeder to ask you several questions as well!