If you’re thinking of getting a new puppy, you’ll likely be wondering whether to choose between a male vs female Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are lovely dogs; they’re a large breed that is gentle and affectionate. Often the choice between a male and female will come down to personal preferences.
It’s a good idea to consider the breed’s characteristics to ensure you find a dog that’s the best match for you and your family. This article will compare male and female Golden Retrievers and will help you decide which of the sexes to choose.
Male vs. Female Golden Retriever
If you’re thinking of getting a dog, you should do plenty of research into the breed to ensure that you choose the right dog for your lifestyle. If you plan to get a Golden Retriever, you should have the knowledge and dedication to give one of these sweet-natured dogs the love and care they require. Golden retrievers have high energy levels and need plenty of exercise to keep them happy. They also need plenty of space to run around. While Golden Retrievers do make excellent family pets, you should ensure you are ready to take on the training, exercise, and time commitment of getting a dog first.
Let’s look at the breed’s size, temperament, and personality traits and discuss similarities and differences between males and females.
Size Differences
Male Golden Retrievers are physically bigger than females. The breed generally measures between 20 to 24″ (or 51 to 61 cm), with males being at the higher end of this range. Males are also heavier and can weigh up to 75 pounds (or 34Kg). In contrast, females weigh between 55 to 66 pounds (or 25 and 30kg). As the males are larger, they usually eat significantly more, making them slightly more expensive to keep.
The Males of the breed are also stronger than female dogs. The size difference is likely to be just a few inches in height.
Temperament
Golden Retrievers excellent family pets, and they are well suited to active families due to their high energy levels. The breed has a calm nature, and they are gentle and intelligent. Golden retrievers are easy dogs to train, and for this reason, they are a good first dogs for new owners.
If you get a Golden Retriever, you’ll need to ensure your pet is well socialized as a puppy to avoid problems and allow your pet to fit in with your family life happily. Golden Retrievers are gentle creatures that should be treated with respect by children. If not well trained, exercised regularly, and looked after correctly, the males can become more aggressive.
Male dogs are also more and independent and more likely to stray than females.
Some Golden Retrievers, especially males, tend to be more challenging to manage in a small, confined area. For this reason, you need plenty of space for your dog. It’s not a good idea to keep a Golden Retriever in a small apartment. It’s best to have a large to medium-sized garden if you’re considering getting a Golden Retriever.
Males of the breed often don’t happily socialize with other male dogs. This may become a problem if there are female dogs in your neighborhood that are in heat.
Another thing to consider when deciding whether to choose a male or female puppy is that male Golden Retrievers usually form a closer bond with one person. Females tend to bond equally with many people. If you have a family, it may be best to get a female. Females are also less protective of their owners than males and socialize well with other animals.
Personality Differences
When comparing a female vs male golden retriever, there are significant personality differences.
Male Golden Retrievers develop sexually faster than female dogs. They are likely to display sexual tendencies at a younger age. This could be a worry if there are female dogs in your neighborhood that may come into heat. Males are more likely to stray when they can smell females in the area. Some will even roam for miles if they manage to get out and could wander for days in a row. For this reason, you need to ensure that you have a secure garden.
Female Golden Retrievers are less likely to become aggressive but will be protective if they have a litter of puppies. Female Golden Retrievers should be carefully monitored for the first few weeks after giving birth.
Female Golden Retrievers are slightly easier to train than males as they are generally less excitable. Be careful not to treat a female dog too harshly during training as they can quickly become timid or shy if scolded in an angry tone of voice.
Female Golden Retrievers may fight with other females. They tend to get on better with male dogs. When kept in a group, female Golden Retrievers will establish a hierarchy. They will also bond with each other after establishing an initial pecking order and deciding who’s the top dog.
Similarities between males and females
Both male and female Golden Retriever require the same amount of time, training, and attention. You’ll need to be ready to put in the necessary effort to train and socialize your new pet. You’ll also need to provide your pet with food, general care, love, and affection. Regular check-ups by a vet and yearly vaccinations are recommended for both genders.
Unless you plan to use your new puppy in the future for breeding purposes, whether you choose a male or female will come down to personal preferences. If you don’t plan to breed from your pet, you should have your puppy spayed or neutered when recommended by your vet.
Conclusion: Male Vs Female Golden Retriever
Most Golden Retrievers are big softies and are very loving and affectionate. The breed can make a great addition to an active family. They are a popular pet but are prone to certain health conditions, and before buying a puppy, you should ask whether the parents were screened for hereditary conditions.
It’s also crucial to feed your Golden Retriever a healthy diet and ensure they get enough exercise as they can easily become overweight.
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