20 Things You Didn’t Know About the Goldador

A dog is man’s best friend, but just like we have to be picky with our human friends, we also have to get the dog that fits into our lives. Knowing the traits of each dog enables us to make the right decision. If you are thinking about getting a Goldador, you should know they are intelligent, playful, and affectionate animals that make great companions for children and adults. However, there are other things you must consider, so read on to see if some of them will prevent or encourage you to have a Goldador.

1. They are not recognized by the American Kennel Club

The Goldador is a hybrid whose parents are the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. As a result of the dog not being a pure breed, it is not recognized by the AKC. Its parents, however, were recognized by the AKC almost a century ago; the Labrador Retriever was registered as a sporting breed in 1917 while the Golden Retrievers entered the registry in 1925, also as a sporting breed.

2. The hybrid vigor theory may not apply to them

Most breeders choose pure breeds that will complement each other healthwise so that the resulting offspring is less prone to health issues affecting the parents. In the case of a Goldador, that hybrid vigor is most likely not applicable because both parents suffer from the same health issues. Consequently, the hybrid inherits the same diseases. However, you can still ensure your dog is not at high risk of other health problems by ensuring that you get your hybrid from a reputable breeder. Despite being prone to diabetes and cataracts, a Goldador’s chances of getting cancer are much lower than its Golden Retriever parent.

3. Require regular exercise

Canine Weekly explains that the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever are very energetic. As a result, even their offspring tend to have the same energy level, which has to be well utilized by exercising daily for at least an hour. Although walks are enough, especially once they attain maturity, any activity that keeps the dog on its paws will do. Failure to exercise the dog will result in destructive behavior or boredom.

4. They can be counter-surfers

If there is a dog breed that will never give you a headache during feeding time because it refuses to eat, it is the Goldador. They like to eat, which means that if you are not on the lookout, your muffins will keep disappearing from the countertop. Besides worrying about the counter-surfing habit, you should also be keen that the dog does not become overweight. With their love for food, Goldadors can overfeed, and they can also pose a problem for you during walks when they run off to beg for food from food stands. Therefore, apart from training them to wait until they are served, regular exercise ensures they do not become obese.

5. How much do they cost?

According to Next Day Pets, Goldadors usually cost $600, but it all depends on the breeder, location, and the supply and demand. As per the article, a puppy that has breeding papers will have you digging deeper into your pockets than the one that does not. Usually, those with breeding rights can go up to $1200, and if the parents were of superior quality, then you can part with as much as $5,000.

6. Requires regular grooming

While some hybrids like the Bernedoodle are perfect for those with allergies, the Goldador does not afford you that luxury. Although it is cited as not shedding much, it still does, especially during fall and spring; the rest of the year is a bit moderate. Therefore, to minimize picking up stray hairs on the couch, you should regularly brush the fur-twice a week is enough. During the fall and spring, you should brush the dog every day, even if the fur length does not seem too long to need any grooming.

7. The annual cost of maintenance

Goldadors are praised as being low maintenance, but then again, the amount needed is subjective. Therefore after paying for your puppy, make sure that you can afford the costs needed to maintain it. For instance, you need to feed, deworm, visit the vet, and so many other expenses associated with dog ownership. Usually, the first year of owning a Goldador will set you back $2,000, but the amount will reduce to $1,000 at most, later. Of course, a high figure could be mainly due to food expenses since, as we said, the dog loves to eat.

8. They are easily bored

Like their Labrador parents, Goldadors get bored easily, especially when they have too much energy yet to be utilized. However, even if you try to involve them in different activities, you might notice that they will lose interest after 20 minutes. That trait has been associated with their high intelligence levels. Therefore, you should always watch out for signs of boredom, which can include chewing or digging.

9. Training requires patience

According to Totally Goldens, training your Goldador can be a bit of a challenge due to the genes he inherited from the parents. While Golden Retrievers prefer training through repetition, Labradors will get bored easily. Therefore you will have to find the middle ground; repetition with a break after every twenty minutes is recommended. Also, since the Goldadors inherit the love of food from their Labrador parents, positive reinforcement through treats for a job well done will be the way to go. The article also suggests connecting training sessions with feeding time for better motivation. However, you will have to know which of the two parents the dog has inherited most of the traits from, and in such a case, consulting the breeder or checking the breeding papers is important.

10. They make perfect assistance dogs

The main reason for cross-breeding the retrievers was to come up with a dog that would inherit a Labrador’s tolerance and the sensitivity of a Golden Retriever. The cross-breeding was successful, and today the hybrid has become a valuable asset in the police force where they use the canines for searching, rescuing, and detecting bombs. Since the Goldadors are also friendly and gentle, they are great as guides, assistance dogs, and therapy dogs.

11. Excellent as watchdogs

Goldadors have inherited the hunting instinct from one of the parents; hence they are always alert for anything that seems suspicious. Consequently, they make good watchdogs. However, they are not the breed to run to when you need a guard dog though most people don’t know the difference between a watchdog and guard dogs. While watchdogs are alert and inform you of any suspicious persons without any aggressive behavior, guard dogs usually react aggressively towards the stranger. Goldadors are too friendly to attack; even if they spot distrustful strangers, they might get distracted by affectionate behavior.

12. Great for a first-time dog owner

Getting the right dog can be hectic; some will warn you that Pit bulls are not good, especially if you have small children because they are aggressive, leaving you to wonder what breed will serve you best. Luckily with the availability of the Goldador, you do not have to worry about searching for the perfect family pet. Even if you have never owned a dog or barely have any experience interacting with one, this hybrid does not pose any problem. It is very friendly and sociable; hence bonding will almost be instant.

13. You should not leave them with small children

Although they are hailed as one of the most friendly dog breeds, Goldadors can be a bit too enthusiastic during playtime and forget that they are interacting with kids. Woof Bark Growl explains that their hyperactivity can result in rough play with small children; therefore, you should not leave them unsupervised to prevent accidents. Goldadors are considered a large dog breed since even the parents are large; adults can weigh as much as 36 kgs and stand at 62 cm tall, meaning knocking over a child can be dangerous due to the impact.

14. Prefer a big home

Since Goldadors are large, they require enough space within the home, which can only be provided by a large house. Their large size also demands that if you prefer sleeping with them, then a king-size bed will have to be in your budget lest they take over, and you are left with barely any room in your bed. A home with a backyard is even more ideal since, as discussed, the dogs are at high risk of being overweight, and a fenced yard will ensure they have enough space to exercise. If you still want to get a Labrador but live in an apartment, the dog will not suffer any adverse effects, as long as you spare time for exercising.

15. Should not be left alone for long periods

This hybrid makes a great therapy dog and a perfect fit for first-time owners because it is highly sociable. The fact that it loves being around people means that being alone for an extended period will be detrimental to its behavior. A Goldador is in his element whenever he is socializing. Once alone, he will get bored and develop anxiety, which can be exhibited by destructive behavior such as chewing on furniture.

16. They prefer a structured life

Goldadors may be sociable and want to hang around humans and other animals, but they also enjoy their independence. However, once you take them home as puppies, establishing a certain routine will ensure that they maintain that eager-to-please attitude as they prefer guidance. Therefore if you have a certain time that you like to be with the dog, play with it, or feed it, ensure that you maintain that schedule. Such a routine also helps to alleviate anxiety in your dog because they can be sure of what to expect and when it will happen.

17. Are mildly territorial

Sometimes you will find that the Goldador cannot stand to see another dog in his territory while other times, he is not bothered by the sight of strangers. With the hybrid, you cannot predict whether they will protect their territory or not. This mild territorial behavior makes them poor guard dogs since they will allow a stranger to pass by without reacting. Besides, since the Goldadors also have low biting potential, they barely show any signs of protecting their territory. However, once the territorial instinct kicks in, no trespassers will be allowed into your property.

18. They have an impulse to wander

Woe unto if you leave the door open and expect to find your furry friend calmly waiting for you. Goldadors are natural explorers, and every minute they can get away from the house will be used to learn more about the environment. This impulse will also see them roaming when you go out for a walk; therefore, the best way to keep them in check is to have them on a leash whenever you go outside. While in the house, you should ensure that the doors are locked, and the yard should also be fenced.

19. Minimal barking

If you are the kind of person that cannot stand frequent barking, a Goldador is a perfect match for you. The dogs rarely bark, and if they do, it is most likely because they are in pain, seeking attention, bored or anxious. The fact they inherit the tolerant trait from one of the parents means that they can withstand loud noises and scary sounds without barking.

20. Can be heat sensitive

Goldadors are at risk of overheating during warm weather; therefore, it is best to keep them indoors during summer. Since one of the parents is a Labrador Retriever, then that sensitivity is passed down to the hybrid. Goldadors, Just like the Labradors, have a double coat that insulates them against water and extreme temperatures. That insulation work against them during high temperatures since the heat is trapped by the coat preventing cooling of the body.

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