Golden Retriever

If you’re looking at the possibility of getting your own dog, but you’re not quite sure about the breed that you want to end up getting, then this is definitely an article made for you. Having a dog will definitely change your life for the better, but it’s super important to make sure you’re getting the right dog for you and your circumstances. So...have you ever heard of a Goldador dog? There are more and more breeds of dogs appearing every year, especially with the mixing of different breeds to form a new one. And that’s kind of what a Goldador is. It’s a mix between a Golden Retriever, and a Labrador Retriever. So if you’re in between those two types of dogs, this two-in-one might be the option for you! But is this mixed breed right for you? There are a lot more things to consider other than whether the dog is cute or not (and trust us, Goldadors are very very cute). Factors such as the physical traits, the temperament, the health risks and lifespan, the lifestyle requirements...having a dog is a pretty big commitment, so you need to think of everything beforehand! But let’s get right into it, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Goldador dogs! What is a Goldador dog? Let’s start with the very basics, what is a Goldador dog? You might have never heard of this mixed breed, but it is essentially a cross between a Golden Retriever, and a Labrador Retriever, two of the most popular breeds of dogs! And yup, the name Goldador is basically just a mixture of Golden and Labrador, super ingenious. So...let’s look at the two dogs that form the Goldador: The Golden Retriever: Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular and well-loved breeds of dogs in the world, and they’re also one of the most popular breeds, specifically in the United States. They’re also super popular in movies and TV, thanks to how easy they are to train and how friendly and outgoing they are. These dogs are pretty iconic, with soft silky coats that are usually a yellowish golden color (hence the name). They are amazing animal pets, friendly, well-behaved, and highly intelligent. They’re also very athletic and good at most dog sports. Also, as retriever dogs, they were originally bred as working dogs to retrieve bird prey while hunting, and they do by carrying them in their very soft mouths. Nowadays they can still be used as hunting dogs, but they are commonly used as therapy dogs, guide dogs, and rescue dogs. The Labrador Retriever: The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dogs in the world...but the Labrador Retriever is the actual most popular dog breed in the world! Often referred to as simply Labradors, these dogs are incredibly easy to train, with a lovely temperament. Not to mention that they’re also super cute! They’re medium-sized, and they come in different colors, mainly golden yellow, brown, or black. Labradors were also originally bred as working dogs to retrieve prey during hunting outings, and as such, they are very active and athletic dogs, good at most dog sports out there. They’re also especially good at swimming, thanks to the shorter coating of fur! Labradors are easy to train and incredibly friendly, which makes them great family pets. They are also highly intelligent, and they are nowadays often used as therapy or rescue dogs, thanks to all of their amazing traits! Physical traits of a Goldador dog: The Goldador dog is a mix of both Golden Retrievers and Labradors, so it has a bit of both. But what are the actual physical traits of this mixed breed? Both Golden Retrievers and Labradors are medium to large dogs, so it is no wonder that Goldador dogs are also medium to large in size. On average, they will stand at around 22 to 25 inches tall, and they will weigh between 55 to 80 pounds, give or take. As for the appearance, they’re a blend of Golden Retrievers and Labradors (duh), although the degree of appearance will tend more towards one breed or another in different degrees. So it’s always best to contact the breeder beforehand if you want more Labrador or more Golden Retriever vibes in your Goldador. As a general rule, Goldador dogs will look slightly more like Golden Retrievers, as they have silky long hair (although not as long as the Golden Retrievers). In regards to the coloring, there’s a good variety, and it will mostly depend on the coloring of the Golden Retriever and Labrador parents of your Goldador. They could be yellow, brown, reddish-brown, black, white, or a silvery color. Basically, they can be any color that a Labrador or Golden Retriever can be. In fact, if you ever see a black Golden Retriever, it’s probably actually a Goldador, as Golden Retrievers can’t be black, but their mix with a Labrador can! Basically, Goldadors are gorgeous looking dogs, and they combine the best features of Golden Retrievers and Labradors! Personality traits of a Goldador dog: The great thing about Goldadors is that the parent breeds of this mixed breed, Golden Retrievers and Labradors, both share very similar temperaments. This means that the temperament and personality of a Goldador are very predictable, and a combination that ends up strengthening the best features. Some of the main personality and temperament traits of a Goldador are as follows: Highly intelligent Very easy to train, prone to obedience Eager to please and very friendly Devoted and caring, ideal for families Hard-working Gentle and affectionate, loves people and other dogs! All of these temperament traits are highly desirable in a dog and make Goldadors the perfect family pet and an eager working dog. Apart from becoming excellent family members, Goldadors can be used as therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, service or watchdogs, and sniffing dogs. As for their energy levels...Goldador dogs have a lot of energy! Both Golden Retrievers and Labradors are hard-working dogs with high energy levels, so it is no wonder that the combination results in another dog bursting to do things. So if you decide to have a Goldador dog, be prepared to provide sufficient physical exercise, along with a good amount of mental stimulation. (But don’t worry, they will also have moments of wanting to relax, chilling on the sofa next to you). Health traits of a Goldador dog: When you get a dog, you’re taking on the responsibility of taking care of the dog appropriately and making sure that it is always well looked after. This includes facing any health issues that it might suffer from at one point or another, even if the vet bills can sometimes be pricey! Each breed of dog is prone to having certain health risks of one type or another, so it’s good to be aware of these beforehand. As for Goldador dogs, they essentially inherit all of the health risks from both Golden Retrievers and Labradors, as they could have any of the risks that either of those breeds suffer from. Here are some of the main health issues to be aware of: Allergies: Allergies can be pretty common amongst Goldador dogs, mainly, allergies to certain dog foods. However, there are plenty of specialized dog foods and ways to change up the menu if this is the case! Cancer: Out of all dog breeds, Golden Retrievers are the ones most prone to developing cancer. And as Goldadors are half Golden Retriever, they, unfortunately, have a pretty big risk of cancer. Exercise-Induced Collapse: This is a nervous system disorder, which can cause the dog to collapse during or after exercise, out of the blue. It is most common in Labradors, and so Goldadors have inherited the risk. Hip or Elbow Dysplasia: This is common amongst all medium to large dog breeds, and some of the symptoms include joint pain, lameness, and a significantly decreased ability to move around or exercise. The best way to minimize this risk is to go to a reliable breeder and to have your dog maintain a healthy lifestyle with the appropriate amount of exercise. Retinal Atrophy: This essentially causes a loss of vision over time, which can end up becoming full blindness. It’s pretty common amongst many different dog breeds. How long does a Goldador dog live? As a general rule, dogs tend to live around 11 to 13 years. However, this can vary from breed to breed! So, how long does a Goldador dog live on average? Well, on average, a healthy Goldador will live between 10 to 12 years. A healthy diet, the right amount of exercise, regular check-ups, and overall good quality of life are all factors that will directly determine how many years your dog lives for! How to take care of a Goldador dog: Looking after any type of dog is no simple task, as there are a lot of different things to take into account in order to guarantee are well-rounded and high-quality care. Some breeds are also slightly more high-maintenance than others, so it’s important to research beforehand what the basics of care are for the breed you’re thinking of getting. In the case of a Goldador, they require similar things to both Golden Retrievers and Labradors. Here are some of the main things to remember: Exercising: As we’ve mentioned, Goldadors are pretty high energy, and need regular exercising and attention! They should have around 2 hours of exercise per day, which can be done through walks, runs, training sessions, and others. They also need a lot of mental stimulation, which can be given through training, bonding, and dog toys that engage their thinking. Training: Goldador dogs are very intelligent, and they come from two breeds that are well-known for being easy to train. So it is no surprise that Goldadors can be easily trained. You should ideally do a bit of training every day, switching up the exercises so that the process remains engaging and challenging. You should also begin to train your Goldador dog while it is still a puppy! Grooming: Goldador dogs have inherited a double coat, which can be longer or shorter depending on whether they look more like a Golden Retriever or a Labrador. But what is really important is that you never shave their coat, as it could be permanently damaged. Their coat does not need trimming, and it will keep them suitably warm in the winter and cool in the summer, so just let it be! Also, be aware that a Goldador dog will shed hair, quite a lot of it too! So if this is a problem, start looking for another breed asap. As for grooming routines, a weekly brush should be enough to keep a Goldador looking its best. They also don’t really need regular baths, so once every few months should suffice! The average price of a Goldador dog: If you’ve reached this section and you’ve confidently decided that you do, indeed, want a Goldador dog, then the next step is finding one! That and figuring out the actual average price of a Goldador! Usually, a Goldador puppy will cost an average between $600 and $1000. It depends on the breeder and the location and the deal that you end up making! However, you could also adopt a Goldador! (Adopting will give a dog in need a home, and they will love you all the more for it!) You could specifically search for Goldador dogs in different dog shelters and dog rescue centers. You could also search through specific Golden Retriever or Labrador dog rescue agencies, as that is where a Goldador would end up! Frequently Asked Questions Are Goldadors good for first-time dog owners? 100% yes! A Goldador is super easy to train and will have a lovely temperament. They are friendly and perfect for families, and they are also highly intelligent! Just make sure you can provide them with sufficient exercise on a daily basis, and you should be good to go!