When it comes to golden retrievers, most people think they know what to expect—loyalty, intelligence, and that irresistible golden coat.
But if you own or are considering adopting a female golden retriever, there are some interesting facts that might surprise you. These lovable companions have a few quirks that set them apart from their male counterparts.
Let’s dive into 11 surprising facts about female golden retrievers that you probably didn’t know.
- Female golden retrievers can exhibit behaviors typically associated with male dogs, like leg-lifting and humping.
- They are often easier to potty train and may live longer than male goldens.
- Spaying your female golden retriever can significantly affect her health, including risks of obesity, joint issues, and cancer.
1. Female Golden Retrievers Sometimes Lift Their Legs to Pee
You might think that leg-lifting is a behavior reserved for male dogs, but female golden retrievers sometimes lift their legs when they pee, too.
While it’s less common than in males, female goldens do this for the same reasons—to mark their territory and send a message to other dogs.
When a dog lifts its leg to pee, it’s not just relieving itself; it’s leaving behind a scent that communicates various information, such as their gender, health, and even if they’re looking for a mate.
Interestingly, female dogs are more likely to mark their territory when they are farther away from home.
2. They Are Easier to Potty Train Than Males
If you have a female golden retriever puppy, you might find her easier to potty train than a male. Female goldens often mature faster than their male counterparts, which may contribute to their better potty training success.
They also tend to mark less frequently, and some people even believe they’re smarter than males.
However, potty training is never a breeze, so be sure to use all the resources available, like a potty training cheat sheet, to help speed up the process.
3. Female Goldens Can Hump, Too
Humping isn’t just a male dog behavior. Female golden retrievers may also mount other dogs, often during playtime, when they’re overexcited, or to assert dominance.
Unlike intact males, they’re not doing it to impregnate another dog, but it’s still a behavior that can be surprising if you’ve never seen a female dog do it.
If your female golden has a humping habit, there are ways to manage and reduce this behavior effectively.
4. The Oldest Golden Retriever Ever Was a Female
Here’s some uplifting news: the oldest golden retriever in history was a female named Auggie. Born on April 24, 2000, Auggie lived an impressive 20 years, nearly double the average lifespan for a golden retriever, which is typically between 10 to 12 years.
Auggie celebrated her 20th birthday with a dog-friendly carrot cake and enjoyed daily walks around the yard with her siblings until the very end.
While some believe that female goldens generally live longer than males, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to fully support this claim—although Auggie’s story certainly makes a strong case!
5. Female Goldens Have a Better Sense of Smell
It turns out that female golden retrievers have a better sense of smell than males. According to the book Canine Scent Training by dog training specialists Rezzy Garretson and Rude Heck, female dogs tend to have a stronger sense of smell.
This aligns with findings in humans, where females generally have a more acute sense of smell compared to males.
This heightened olfactory ability can make female golden retrievers particularly good at tasks that involve scent detection, like search and rescue or scent tracking games.
6. They Are Smaller Than Males
If you prefer a smaller dog, a female golden retriever might be the better choice.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard, female golden retrievers typically stand 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 55 to 65 pounds.
In contrast, males are generally larger, standing 23 to 24 inches tall and weighing between 65 to 75 pounds.
So, if you’re looking for a golden that’s slightly easier to manage in size, a female could be ideal.
7. Female Goldens Can Have Large or Small Litters
The average litter size for a female golden retriever is eight puppies, but this number can vary significantly.
Some female goldens might only have a single puppy, known as a singleton, while others might have much larger litters.
According to the AKC, the largest known litter of golden retriever puppies was an astounding 17!
This wide range in litter sizes highlights the variability in female goldens’ reproductive capabilities.
8. They Can Give Birth to Puppies with Multiple Fathers
One of the most surprising facts is that female golden retrievers can give birth to a litter with multiple fathers.
This phenomenon occurs when a female is impregnated by more than one male during her heat cycle. As a result, a single litter can contain puppies with different fathers.
9. Female Golden Retrievers Have Unique Heat Cycles
Female golden retrievers typically have their first heat between 6 months and a little over a year old. This heat cycle, also known as estrus, can vary significantly between dogs.
After their first heat, they usually go into heat every six months, but again, this can vary.
When in heat, female goldens can act differently—they might be extra hungry, completely lose their appetite, become clingy, or suddenly seem aloof. They may also start marking more to signal their readiness to mate.
Spaying your golden retriever will prevent these heat cycles, but it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding, as spaying can have significant health implications.
10. Most Popular Female Golden Retriever Name in 2024: Daisy
If you’re getting a new female golden retriever puppy, the most popular name this year is Daisy.
In a database of millions of pet parents, Daisy topped the list of names for Golden Retrievers, with Luna and Bella also being popular choices. Here’s the top 10:
- Daisy
- Luna
- Bella
- Bailey
- Nala
- Lucy
- Rosie
- Lily
- Molly
- Sadie
The name Daisy jumped from number 15 last year, showing a significant rise in popularity.
Naming your golden retriever can be a fun process, and if you’re looking for a name that’s trendy yet classic, Daisy might be the perfect choice.
11. Female Golden Retrievers Are More Likely to Be Right-Pawed
Here’s a fun fact that’s still up for debate: female golden retrievers are more likely to be right-pawed than males.
Some studies suggest that females show a preference for their right paw, but other studies have found no significant difference between the sexes.
You can check if your golden retriever has a paw preference by placing a blanket over her head or a sticker on her nose and observing which paw she uses to remove it.
Alternatively, you can simply teach your dog to shake hands and see which paw she offers most often.
The Impact of Spaying on Female Golden Retrievers
Spaying your female golden retriever is a big decision that can have a significant impact on her health. Several studies have shown that spaying is associated with various health risks, including an increased likelihood of obesity, joint problems, and even cancer.
- Obesity: A 2019 study found that golden retrievers spayed at any age were 50% to 100% more likely to become overweight or obese compared to intact dogs. Excess weight can lead to joint issues and other health problems.
- Joint Issues: Another study found that both male and female golden retrievers spayed before one year of age showed an increase in cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears, a critical ligament in their knees similar to the ACL in humans.
On the other hand, spaying prevents unwanted pregnancies and can help control the dog population. It’s crucial to discuss your options with your vet to make the best decision for your dog’s health and lifestyle.
FAQs
1. Do female golden retrievers live longer than males?
While some people believe that female golden retrievers live longer than males, there isn’t sufficient scientific evidence to confirm this. However, the oldest golden retriever on record, Auggie, was a female who lived to be 20 years old.
2. Are female golden retrievers easier to train than males?
Yes, many owners find that female golden retrievers are easier to potty train due to their quicker maturity and possibly higher intelligence. However, training success also depends on the individual dog and the methods used.
3. What is the best age to spay a female golden retriever?
The best age to spay a female golden retriever depends on various factors, including her health, lifestyle, and your vet’s recommendations. Early spaying can lead to taller dogs with a higher risk of joint issues and cancer, so it’s important to consider these factors carefully.
4. Can a female golden retriever have puppies with more than one father?
Yes, it’s possible for a female golden retriever to have puppies from more than one father if she mates with different males during her heat cycle.
5. How often do female golden retrievers go into heat?
Female golden retrievers typically go into heat every six months after their first cycle, which usually occurs between 6 months and a little over a year of age. However, this can vary from dog to dog.
Female golden retrievers are full of surprises, from their ability to lift their legs when peeing to their impressive sense of smell. While they share many traits with their male counterparts, these unique facts make them stand out in their own right.
Whether you’re already a proud owner or considering bringing one into your home, understanding these quirks can help you better care for and appreciate your furry friend.
Remember, spaying your female golden retriever is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of the potential health impacts. Always consult with your vet to make the best choice for your dog.
