Congratulations on choosing a Golden Retriever, a breed synonymous with loyalty, affection, and unwavering companionship! As you prepare to welcome this fluffy bundle of joy into your home, it’s essential to consider whether a male or female Golden suits your lifestyle better. While both genders share the breed’s hallmark traits of friendliness and devotion, subtle differences could influence your decision.
Golden Retrievers have a storied history, from assisting fishermen to excelling in modern roles like service, search and rescue, and even aquatic tasks. This versatility makes them fantastic family pets and capable working dogs. But when it comes to picking between a male or female, the right choice depends on your specific needs and expectations.
In this article, we’ll dive into the nuances between male and female Goldens, shedding light on their characteristics to help you find your perfect match. Whether you’re seeking a companion for adventures or a skilled working dog, understanding these differences is key to forming a lasting bond with your new Golden Retriever.
Size and Appearance
Like most dog breeds, male Golden Retrievers are typically larger in size than female Golden Retrievers. On average, male Goldens stand between 23 to 24 inches (58.4 to 60.9 cm), while females are a bit shorter at 21 to 22 inches (53.3 to 55.8 cm). Since they are taller, male Goldens are also usually heavier. Typically, these dogs weigh between 65 to 75 pounds (29.4 to 34 kg). Meanwhile, females weigh 55 to 65 pounds (24.9 to 29.4 kg) on average. That said, males are stockier while females are more slender.
Aside from their size, there are other differences when it comes to the appearance of male and female Golden Retrievers. Females have narrower heads and skinnier snouts than males. Males are known to have a “mane,” which is a thicker and more prominent tuft of hair on their neck and chest. On the other hand, females have thinner and feathered coats.
Temperament
In comparison, male Golden Retrievers are said to be more playful, energetic, and goofier than females. Females, on the other hand, are more protective and independent. They are also gentler and more caring, so it is easier for them to be in tune with their human’s emotion. However, although they can better recognize and act according to their human’s emotion, male Goldens are observed to be more clingy, following their humans wherever they go.
Other than these differences, male and female Golden Retrievers are pretty much similar in personalities. For example, both genders are naturally friendly and are also considered social butterflies. This is a good thing, especially if you’re looking for a dog that will make a great conversation starter. If you take them outside, be prepared to have random chats with people as these dogs will happily approach them with a wagging tail. However, this personality also makes them a poor choice for guard dogs. This breed does not have aggressiveness in their bodies and will treat everyone as their friends, including the stranger that tries to enter your home.
Training
Both male and female Golden Retrievers are smart, highly trainable dogs. In fact, these dogs were ranked as the fourth smartest dog breed according to Dr. Stanley Coren’s Book, “The Intelligence of Dogs.”
However, when comparing the two, males tend to be more stubborn and will require more patience, consistency, and firmness when it comes to training. Meanwhile, females are observed to pick up commands a bit quicker than males.
Nevertheless, the trainability of the dog will depend on the training methods used by their owners. If you start training while they’re still young using positive reinforcement techniques, such as giving them treats, praises, and plenty of playtime as rewards for their good behavior, you’ll have a Golden that will be obedient to you once they fully mature.
Exercise Requirements
As dogs who were originally bred to work, Golden Retrievers, both male and female, come with plenty of energy. However, with males being larger, they will require more intense physical activities.
On average, these dogs need at least 90 minutes of exercise every day, which can be in the form of jogging, running, training for canine sports, or playing fetch and Frisbee. For more adventurous people, these dogs, especially the male ones, make excellent hiking buddies.
Socialization
As mentioned, Golden Retrievers are social dogs who like to be surrounded by people and other animals. However, it does not mean that they don’t need socialization. Like all dogs, they should be exposed to various people, sights, sounds, and animals while they are still young to help them familiarize themselves with their surroundings. This will help them stay calm and relaxed even when they’re faced with unfamiliar situations. But, with male Goldens being more energetic and excitable, these dogs will require more socialization.
Aggression
As mentioned earlier, there is no aggression with this breed, but this is so long as they are raised properly. And, although Golden Retrievers are generally not aggressive dogs, male ones tend to be more prone to exhibit dominant behavior. So, in order to curb this behavior early on, training and socialization are necessary.
Females, on the other hand, are more protective of their families and property. Compared to males, they are more wary of strangers and will bark at something or someone unfamiliar to them.
Hormonal Cycles
Like with other dogs, it is only the female Golden Retrievers who go “in heat.” While other dog breeds usually begin their heat cycle at about 6 of age, Goldens are more likely to start their heat cycle at about 10 to 14 months of age. During this time, they will experience mood swings or changes in their behavior.
Mating Behavior
Although they don’t go into heat cycles, male Golden Retrievers display more mating behavior compared to females. When they sense that a female dog is in heat, they tend to be more distracted and are most likely to roam.
Male Golden Retrievers usually become fertile at 6 months of age. Unlike females who are only fertile during their heat cycle, males are ready to mate and reproduce at any time. If you’re not planning to breed your dog, it is important that male and female dogs are kept away from each other when the female is in heat.
Bonding
Each dog is unique on their own. But in general, Golden Retriever owners share that males are sweeter and more affectionate than females. As previously mentioned, males are often found cuddling with their humans. Meanwhile, the caring and gentle female Goldens are the best choice if you have children or elderly at home as they are more careful around them.
It doesn’t take so much time for both genders to create deep bonds with their humans, and since they thrive in the presence of their families, these dogs are prone to separation anxiety. Therefore, they shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time.
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Shedding
Both genders are heavy shedders, although male ones are considered to shed more heavily due to them having “mane” and thicker coats. Nevertheless, both dogs need regular brushing about once a week to help minimize the amount of loose hair that they shed, as well as to evenly distribute their natural skin oils which keeps their fur shiny. However, because males have thicker hair, they will need more brushing.
Aside from brushing, bathing them will also help remove their loose hair before it sticks to your furniture and clothes. Fortunately, these dogs love to play in the water so you won’t have a hard time bathing them. Just be careful not to bathe them too often as it will dry out their skin.
Now, you have a better idea of which male and female Golden Retriever is perfect for your home. However, it is still important to understand that these are general characteristics of Goldens. Before bringing a dog home, it is important to know the dog’s bloodline and history, and possibly meet the parents so you know what to expect from the breed, as well as to make sure that the dog is healthy and is not predisposed to any health concern.
In the end, Golden Retrievers are affectionate, loyal, and cheerful dogs who are sure to make your day a whole lot brighter with their adorable instincts. So long as they are raised with love and care, these dogs will give back the love a hundredfold!
I hope we were able to help you decide in this article. So, which among the male and female Golden Retrievers do you think is best suited for your home and why? Comment down your thoughts below. As always, if you enjoyed today’s content, make sure to like, share, and follow us.
