family Archives - Bradenton Dog

By Lauren R. Tharp

The second most popular dog in the United States (according to AKC registration records), the Golden Retriever originated as a hunting dog, roaming the Scottish Highlands, in the late 1800s. Now known for being excellent guide dogs and search and rescue dogs, the Golden Retriever was officially recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1925 and has been a favorite among dog-owners everywhere ever since.

Stephen Huneck Gallery

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: Medium to large. Females are smaller, generally around 20-22 inches tall and 55-65 pounds. Males are much larger, measuring 23-25 inches tall and weighing 65-80 pounds.

Coat & Color: Dense, water-resistant, outer coat with a softer undercoat. Their coats also have some feathering at the neck, back, thighs, and underside of the tail. The color is, true to their name: Golden.

Other: Digby on Pushing Daisies, Shadow in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, Dug in Up, and Buddy from the Air Bud movies were all Golden Retrievers. President Gerald Ford, the 38^th President of the United States, also had a Golden Retriever, Liberty, as his Presidential dog while in office.

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Temperament

The ultimate people dog! Friendly, happy, and reliable, Golden Retrievers are a wonderful dog choice for people of all ages and living situations. They’re energetic, requiring daily exercise, but they aren’t overly demanding. Eager to please, these dogs will go to great lengths to make sure you’re happy with them.

Wags

Easy to train!

A great family pet. Works well with people of all ages.

Exceptionally friendly. Great with strangers and other animals.

Challenges

They shed a lot. If you’re fussy about your household cleaning, this might not be the breed for you

Not the best watch dogs. They’re just too friendly!

Can become destructive if left alone for long periods of time.

If you are interested in adopting a Golden Retriever, please visit Golden Retriever Rescue, based in South Florida, they will help you to match family your with the right dog.

Special thanks to Stephen Hunack’s Dog Mountain gallery for use of this Golden Retriever featured image.

by Lauren R. Tharp

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States. (According to AKC registration records). Once the friend of the lonely fisherman in Newfoundland, the Labrador Retriever is now a friend to everyone, around the world!

Stephen Huneck Gallery

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: A muscular, compact-bodied dog, the Labrador Retriever generally weighs in anywhere from 50 to 80 pounds.

Coat & Color: The Labrador Retriever’s hair is straight, short, and very dense. At first touch, their coats can feel hard and coarse; but they have a soft, near water-proof, undercoat. Colors include black, yellow, and chocolate.

Other: They’re known for their “otter” tail! Labrador Retriever’s love the water and their tail not only looks like an otter’s tail, it functions like one too—they use it to steer themselves when in the water.

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Temperament

First recognized by the AKC in 1917, the Labrador Retriever is outgoing and devoted and supremely useful! Used as guide dogs for the blind, as search and rescue dogs, and as narcotics dogs for Law Enforcement, Labrador Retrievers are gentle, intelligent, non-aggressive, and eager to please.

Wags:

Fantastic with people and other animals.
Easy to train.
Easy to groom.

Challenges:

Does not make a good guard dog. Much too friendly. More likely to snuggle up to a stranger than attack them.
Not the best dog for very small children or the elderly. Labrador Retrievers are extremely rambunctious and, with their muscular bodies, they can accidentally injure those of us with a weaker frame.
Requires lots of exercise! And, when their exercise needs are not met, they may become destructive.

If you have a Lab in Sarasota, you’ll definitely want to add Brohard Paw Park – The Venice Dog Beach on your route map. You and your dog will enjoy socializing and playing in the water in this gorgeous Sarasota County park.

Thinking of adding a Labrador Retriever to your family? Please contact Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida for information on adoptable dogs.