Golden Labrador (Goldador)

A cross between the two of America’s most popular dog breeds, the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Labrador was first developed a decade back with the aim to create a patient and sensible working dog. Reasonably enough, the new breed is growing up to a good police dog, and excelling gradually as search and rescue dogs as well. They also make good therapy and companion dogs, which add to their list of good calibers.
With not much difference from its parents in demeanor and characteristics, the GLs often have a flat, square face with brown, oval eyes, and the ears hanging down to their cheeks. Their dense coat is water-repellent.

Golden Labrador Pictures

Temperament and Behavior

Though the alert Golden Labs make very good watchdogs, but because of their extremely sensitive and kind nature, they don’t make good guard dogs. They cherish the company of children and are quite comfortable with other animals and pets, especially if you have trained them to grow up together. These dogs are fond of people and love to be around them, and hence, it is tough for them to cope with solitude. They need the company of the owners, and in return, expect their care and attention.

It is the very trait of ‘independent thinking’ that has made the Goldador a successful guide dog. With all these graces and goodness, they are perfect for first-time dog owners. This large breed is comfortable living in apartments, provided you help them meet their regular exercise needs.

Training

When you are lucky to get an intelligent and sensitive pet that is ready to please you, you wouldn’t need much effort to train it. Train it to socialize from a very young age, right after adoption. Let them know people and mingle with your children and other pets at home, and practice obedience. This should work. They would grow up to a happy dog without much anxiety and concern of its surroundings.

Teach them tricks like retrieving, and enthuse them in agility games (like flyball, Frisbee, etc.). However, be the leader of its ‘pack’. Do take the lead and let your dog follow you. But insist on sober and gentle training methods. Praise them as they succeed, give them treats, toys and gifts.

Diet/Feeding

Owing to its size, you can well implement the same diet routine like its parent breeds need. However, if you choose dry dog foods, do stick to high-quality foods only, and those that are meant for the dogs of its size and energy. It is recommended that your dog’s whole day consumption should be between 3.5 and 4.25 cups. But divide the food into two equal meals.

Interesting Facts

• In Mumbai, India, after the 1993 serial blast, a golden lab named ‘Zanjeer’ worked with the bomb squad, detecting huge amounts of explosives, detonators, hand grenades etc., thus saving lives of thousands.