The Red Golden Retriever is a very popular purebred large-sized working dog with soft features, a red coat color and big brown eyes. It is one color within the Golden Retriever dog breed; not a separate dog breed.
Sometimes referred to as a:
- Dark Red Golden Retriever,
- Red Golden
- Or Red Goldie
This elegant purebred dog, with its Scottish origins, is friendly with strangers and other dogs and playful around children. It’s affectionate, loyal, and sociable and therefore makes a great family pet.
In fact any color of Golden Retriever puppy is very cute indeed!
A brief history of this dog
During the late 18th and 19th century it was common for dog breeders to try to find the perfect mix of dog, for a particular purpose, such as hunting or sport.
In 1868 in Scotland, Lord Tweedmouth a British aristocrat, desired a loyal and hardworking gun dog to help him retrieve shot game undamaged, (mainly waterfowl and ducks), from water and on land while hunting.
To achieve this he crossed a wavy-coated yellow Retriever (sire) called Nous, with a Tweed Water Spaniel (dam) called Belle and produced 3 Golden Retriever puppies. The puppies were given suitably yellow-colored names to reflect their coat color; Primrose, Crocus and Cowslip.
Fact: The Tweed Water Spaniel is a now an extinct dog breed.
Lord Tweedmouth then mixed these 3 new retrievers with an Irish setter to achieve the Golden Retriever dog breed we recognize today. The Red Golden Retriever gets its color from the original red-colored Irish setter parent.
In 1903 the Golden Retriever was registered by the UK Kennel Club, and 1908 these purebred Golden Retrievers were introduced into England, where they quickly became popular and approved as show dogs.
Shortly afterwards they arrived the US and the American Kennel Club (AKC) registered the Golden Retriever dog breed in 1925. The Golden Retriever Club of America was founded in 1938. This traditional golden, purebred dog with its Scottish origins is now the second most popular dog breed in the US.
The first record of a Golden Retriever in Canada was 1881 and this dog breed was first registered in Canada in 1927, and the Golden Retriever Club of Ontario (GRCO) was founded in 1958.
The different types of Golden Retriever dogs
The main difference between the different Golden Retriever dogs is their coat color. Golden Retriever puppies arrive in various shades; from almost white to a dark golden coat color coat that appears red.
The Golden Retriever is a purebred dog but certain colors are not officially recognised by official kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel club (AKC). The Dark Red Golden Retriever coat and the Red Golden Retriever coats are not considered ‘breed standard’ by the AKC or the World Canine Organization and therefore they could not compete as show dogs. In fact a Golden Retriever dog with any shade of red in their coat would be disqualified in the show ring.
The Dark Red Golden Retriever and the Red Golden Retriever are not as common as the Golden Retriever dog.
Whatever the shade of color there is no doubt that this is a beautiful dog, especially the Red Golden Retriever puppies.
They all have big floppy ears, a soft coat with some feathering and inquisitive big brown eyes.
What are the main characteristics of a Red Golden Retriever?
The Red Golden Retriever is adorable from puppy through to adulthood. It’s one of the most popular dog breeds across the world and it’s easy to see why. It adapts easily into any home as it is loving, gentle and loyal, making it an ideal family pet.
Loyalty and companionship
Any traditional Golden will fit into family life as it loves to play and is eager to please. It will be totally loyal to its master and family. This dog breed loves company and will just follow you about and at times just sit and watch you.
Reputation:
The whole Golden Retriever breed has a reputation for being versatile, good-natured and non-aggressive. They are now regarded more as family pets than working dogs although they make excellent service and therapy dogs due to their gentle and tactile nature.
It is not known to bark too much and is very approachable with strangers; therefore it would not make a good guard dog.
Popularity:
They’re still one of the world’s best loved dogs! The Golden Retriever breed ranks the 3rd most popular dog in the US, and 7th in UK.
Even though the Red Golden Retriever is part of the purebred Golden retriever breed and registered by the AKC, the red coat color is not an approved standard in the show ring.
Regardless of whether they are permitted in the show ring or not, all colors of Golden Retrievers are highly desirable and sought after.
Trainability:
The Red Golden Retriever puppy is versatile and obedient, with tons of energy, so expect to be exercising this puppy for between 1 a day minimum, building up 1-2 hours a day in adulthood.
They are intelligent dogs that like to please and can be easy to train but don’t let their cute looks make you give in to them. They can be stubborn at times and may need positive reinforcement. They love food so food based treats works wonders with this breed.
Power and intelligence:
The Scottish Golden Retriever dog was specifically bred as a hunting dog that was could be trusted to bring back the gains from waterfowl hunting without further damage. They were bred as gun dogs that could swim and race across land on command. Their level of intelligence is high and they are used to following commands when properly trained. They are strong and energetic with lots of stamina.
Socialization:
Early socialization and discipline is always recommended with any larger dog breed. Any Golden Retriever is naturally gentle and friendly but still needs training to know just how to behave in public and with other dogs, as they can get over excited.
Purpose:
They were bred as hunting gun dogs that could follow orders, swim and use their gentle mouths to retrieve hunted birds intact. The retriever is obedient, loyal and will follow orders when trained, which made them the ideal hunting dog.
Behaviour:
The Red Golden Retriever has the same behavioral traits as the Golden Retriever. The only main difference is the red color.
They are all active and playful in company but can chew and destroy things when bored or if left alone. They also do not always get on with cats and other small household animals who don’t like to play!
They are good around children and people with disabilities or in therapy as they generally have a relaxed and calm nature.
Physical Characteristics of the Red Golden Retriever dog
Size: The purebred Red Golden Retriever is considered as a large-sized dog breed that is slightly leaner and more compact in shape than the golden colored Retrievers in the same breed.
| Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large-sized | Large-sized |
| Height | 23-24” (58-61cm) | 21.5-22.5” (53-57cm) |
| Weight | 65-75lb (29-34kg) | 55-65lb (25-29kg) |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years | 10-12 years |
| Litter Size | 5-10 puppies/litter |
Coat: A water resistant double coat, with a soft undercoat
Color: The Red Golden Retriever has a golden coat that appears red. The colors can range from light red to a dark mahogany red coat.
Coat type: the Red Golden Retriever has a double coat. The red outer coat has shorter and straighter hair than the traditional Golden retriever coat. It also has less feathering of hair on its tail and legs. The undercoat is soft and downy which helps to keep it warm in cold temperatures.
As a pure bred dog, its top coat and undercoat will self-clean but shed hair easily.
It has a characteristic, thick fluffy and feathered tail.
Coat colors: The red color of its coat is due to the genetic breeding of this dog. This largely comes from the early interbreeding with the red Irish Setter in the 19th century.
Coat patterns: They tend to have different shades of color rather than patches of distinct color difference.
Temperament:
The Red Golden Retriever has the similar temperament traits as the rest of the traditional Golden Retriever breed; adaptable, affectionate, highly active, only slightly less sociable.
They’re strong-minded at times when they don’t want to do something, like walk in a certain direction or go home if they’re not ready. Don’t be surprised if your Golden just sits down in protest! A gentle nudge can resolve the matter.
They are naturally inquisitive, love puzzles and will stick their cute little black noses into everything. Hide your slippers and favourite things as this little puppy likes to chew until it’s trained not to.
How should you train a Red Golden Retriever?
Set the boundaries early for a Red Golden Retriever puppy. They’re naturally sociable but can get over-excited, easily distracted and like to play.
Any Golden retriever puppy will want to run around and jump up on people in excitement. This seems normal to them but many people do not like it, regardless of how cute it is. Therefore this active little puppy needs to be taught discipline early.
Types of training required: obedience, discipline, agility and socialization.
So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer:
1) Develop your basic command words: Find keywords such as Stop, Sit, Wait etc. and be consistent each time you use them. Use small food based treats as a reward in early training.
2) Crate – Buy a crate and get puppy used to going into it. This will eventually become its nest and it will sleep there. You will have to lock the cage in the early days so it knows it has to sleep there and it is useful experience for when you need to transport
3) Potty training – May be hit and miss for a new puppy who gets easily excited and lacks control, however products are available, such as mats and odour sprays to attract puppy go to the same spot each time. Eventually the puppy with your help, will learn where and where not to go. They will eventually become creatures of habit and regulate their need and place to use.
4) Walking on a leash – Voice commands and road awareness is important for a Red Golden Retriever puppy’s safety, as they love to play and run. To keep your puppy safe it must know what dangers to watch out for outside of its home environment.
Health problems and health issues
Any purebred dog breed can inherit certain genetic health problems. The Golden Retriever breed is no different and can suffer from:
Cancer
Unfortunately Golden Retriever dogs have a high probability for developing cancer. This popular breed is more prone to cancer than any other breed. The death rate from cancer is around 60%. There are two main types of cancer that are particularly common in the Golden Retriever breed.
Hermangiosarcoma
which is present in the blood vessel walls
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in traditional Goldens. It develops in the lymphocytes, specific cells of the immune system that circulate through the blood.
Hip Dysplasia (and elbow dysplasia)
this is common with all Golden Retrievers of any color. Hip dysplasia is a mal-formation of the hip joint, where the ball at the top of the leg does not fit properly into the socket and the ligaments attaching it are weak. This allows excess movement of the fitting which can eventually lead to stiffness and pain for the dog.
Continuous use, wear and tear with this naturally active hunting-breed can lead to hip degeneration in one or sometimes both hips causing pain and a limit on the dog’s mobility. Even with early diagnosis and treatment it can lead to further issues such as arthritis, extreme pain and even osteoarthritis.
Early warning signs are visual stiffness then walking, a reluctance to get up when prompted and a difference in walking style; limp or caution. It can occur early in the puppy years or not until later much later in life. The only way to be sure is to trace the health history of the natural parents.
There is no cure for hip dysplasia or the same condition that affects elbows too; it is a case of pain management where anti-inflammatories may be prescribed by the Vet. Care must be taken not to allow the dog to jump too much or risk slipping or falling and be mindful of the possible pain causes by exertion.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-volvulus)
This can affect many deep-chested dog breeds if they eat large volumes quickly, drink too much water after eating or even eat too close to exercising. It is best to stick to a largely protein based diet and limit, grains, carbs and sugar.
Any of these factors can cause excess gas to build up in the stomach and if the dog is not able to pass the excess air, the stomach can twist and reduce the blood flow to the heart, which can result in death.
Early signs are restlessness after eating, a bloated stomach and an inability to reject the air and excess food through ineffective retching. The dog may become listless and uncomfortable with a faster than usual heartbeat. If this happens medical attention is required urgency to dispel the gas.
Other health issues include: Progressive Retinal Atrophy, ear infections and dirt build up in the ears from rolling about in the dirt, should be checked and cleaned regularly, allergies and skin conditions and possibly Cataract eye disease.
Weight gain needs to be monitored as this breed likes to eat!
Caring for your Red Golden Retriever – what’s needed?
Exercise needs
Golden Retrievers were bred as gun dogs, for hunting and sport. They are naturally active and have great stamina on land and in water.
They will require lots of mixed exercise in the form of long walks, playing fetch, running around with other dogs or swimming. Your Red Golden Retriever puppy will enjoy any type of activity with you but will suddenly get tired and just fall asleep. They are better suited to large living spaces with outdoor access than apartment living.
Early leash training, and road awareness, is strongly recommended to keep this mischievous puppy safe.
Feeding
Feed as a medium to large-sized dog, depending on their activity level. It’s best to use specially-formulated dry dog food, recommended by your Vet. Pay particular attention to the amount of food given each day as this dog is prone to overeating if allowed.
Grooming
One of the popular features of the Red Golden retriever it its fluffy tail and deep furry chest. This double-coated dog has a slightly shorter outer coat and less feathering than the Golden Retriever so it doesn’t shed quite as much but it will require regular grooming. It’s still a shedder, twice a year they will have a seasonal shedding of their coat so you’ll need a good brush.
Bathing
Bathe only when needed, but not too often as their coats contain natural oil, which can be stripped with over-bathing. Certain dog formulated shampoos have double effect of cleaning the dog coat and protecting it against fleas and insect bites.
Cleaning teeth, nails and ears
Look after their teeth to prevent a build-up of plaque. Chewing breaks down plaque, so use doggie chew-toys, bare-bones and soft toothbrushes and toothpaste. Nails grow quickly due to activity level and need to be trimmed regularly, say once a month, and checked for infection. Their floppy ears need to be checked for dirt build-up or infection weekly as this dog likes to play and roll about in grass and earth.
What’s life like for a Red Golden Retriever?
Lifestyle
This breed is friendly but not quite as sociable as the Golden color Retriever. It’s confident, although can get easily spooked with sudden noises or objects coming quickly towards it. That will cause them to bark. They are not known to bark a lot unless they are bored, spooked or in distress.
They can be stubborn and sulk if they get bored or are asked to do something they really don’t want to do. As a puppy they will bite and chew things if left alone so it is best to keep a supply of chew toys around.
They enjoy family life and the more active the better. They will adapt well to living with any age of person.
Positives and Negatives of ownership
Positives
- Majestic and graceful appearance
- Loyalty, a great family companion
- Slightly more intelligent than Golden Retrievers
- Great stamina and likes to be active and swim
- They have an easy face to read
- Fun to run around with
- Gently and caring
- Will just follow you around and watch you
Negatives
- Not a guard dog
- Will bark if left alone, attention seeker
- Naughty if left alone, will bite and chew things
- Will chase small animals if bored, especially cats
- Not good in sedentary environments, need activity
- Sheds, needs regular brushing.
- Will be obstinate if it doesn’t want to do something
- Will take over your sofa, bed, wherever you are relaxing
Commonly asked Questions:
Q: What is the proper name of the Red Golden Retriever dog?
A. The Golden Retriever breed is often referred to by color: – This is a Red Golden Retriever but also referred to as The Dark Red Retriever, Mahogany Red Retriever, Dark Golden Retriever etc. Their nicknames include: Red Golden or Red Goldie or Reds.
Q. How much does a Red Golden Retriever cost?
A. Popular breeds like a Golden Retriever from a reputable dealer or Retriever breeder will cost between $500-800, as the Red Golden Retriever is more rare than the traditional Golden , you’ll pay up to $3000
Food costs around $50 per month for an adult, and given their possible health problems you must factor in Vets fees and accessories.
