The Golden Mountain Dog is a lovable and loyal companion, perfect for families with children. They are often described as gentle giants.
Their size can range from 20 to 24 inches in height and weigh between 70 to 120 pounds. This makes them a great addition to any family.
One of the best things about Golden Mountain Dogs is their temperament - they are known for being friendly, outgoing, and patient with children.
Quick Facts
The Golden Mountain Dog is a unique breed that's definitely worth learning more about. They're a hybrid breed between a Golden Retriever and a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Their size can vary depending on their parents, but generally, they can grow to be 24-28 inches tall and weigh between 65-140 pounds. They're a medium to large breed, so they need plenty of space to run around.
Their breed group is not recognized by major kennel clubs, which means they're considered a mixed breed. This also means that their lifespan can vary, but on average, they live for 7-14 years.
Expand your knowledge: Brown Mountain Feist Dog
Their coat is one of their most distinctive features - it's thick and dense, and can be a variety of colors including black, brown, gold, and white. They often have a combination of these colors, which can make them look quite unique.
Here's a list of some common colors you might see in a Golden Mountain Dog:
- Black
- Brown
- Gold
- White
- Tri-colored (black, brown, and gold)
Their temperament is generally gentle, friendly, and intelligent, which makes them a great breed for families. However, they can be protective of their loved ones, so early socialization is crucial.
Breed Overview
The Golden Mountain Dog is a large mixed breed, weighing between 75–110 pounds.
They come in a variety of colors including black, brown, white, and brindle.
This breed is suitable for active families with small children, families with other pets, and novice owners.
Their loyal and loving nature makes them a great fit for families with small children.
Their temperament is also characterized as attentive and easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners or those who want a low-maintenance pet.
History
The Golden Mountain Dog's history is a bit murky, but we can get a good idea of their heritage by looking at their parent breeds. The Golden Retriever originated in Scotland in the late 1800s.
The Golden Retriever was first recognized by the AKC in 1925 and was traditionally used as a sporting dog, retrieving fallen game and wildfowl for hunters. They're highly intelligent and excel at agility and obedience tasks.
The Bernese Mountain Dog, on the other hand, emerged as a working dog in Switzerland, used to carry out tasks on farms, often in difficult weather conditions. It was a combination of the Mastiff and Molossus dogs.
The Golden Mountain Dog is a relatively new breed, established in the 1970s or possibly the 1990s or 2000s, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact history. However, we do know that its parent breeds have a rich history.
Explore further: Golden Breeds of Dogs
Size
The Golden Mountain Dog is a large breed, and its size can vary slightly depending on the individual dog. Most Golden Mountain Dogs weigh between 75 to 120 pounds.
You may be wondering what to expect in terms of height. Well, they typically range from 24 to 28 inches tall, with some females being slightly smaller than their male counterparts.
Their large size means they need plenty of space to move around and exercise. If you're considering bringing a Golden Mountain Dog into your home, make sure you have a suitable living space that can accommodate their size.
Here's a breakdown of the Golden Mountain Dog's size range:
As you can see, the weight and height of Golden Mountain Dogs can vary, but they're always a large breed that requires attention and care.
Health and Care
The Golden Mountain Dog is generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for early detection and management of these conditions.
Some common health problems that Golden Mountain Dogs may face include Von Willebrand's Disease, a hereditary bleeding disorder, and Hypothyroidism, a common endocrine disorder that can cause weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues. Heart problems, such as congestive heart failure, heart murmurs, or valvular diseases, are also possible.
To keep your Golden Mountain Dog healthy, aim for at least an hour of exercise every day, and make sure to schedule regular veterinary check-ups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy and thriving.
Here are some common health issues to be aware of in Golden Mountain Dogs:
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart problems
- Bloat
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Chronic ear infections
- Eye and vision problems
Health
Golden Mountain Dogs are generally considered to be healthy dogs, but they can be predisposed to some of the same conditions as their parent breeds, the Golden Retriever and Bernese Mountain Dog.
Some common health problems in Golden Mountain Dogs include Von Willebrand's Disease, a hereditary bleeding disorder that can result in prolonged bleeding after injuries or surgeries. Symptoms may include spontaneous bleeding from the gums or nose.
Hypothyroidism is another common condition in Golden Mountain Dogs, occurring when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin issues.
Heart problems are also a concern in Golden Mountain Dogs, encompassing conditions such as congestive heart failure, heart murmurs, or valvular diseases. Symptoms may include coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and exercise intolerance.
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for early detection and management of heart problems in dogs.
Here are some common health issues to be aware of in Golden Mountain Dogs:
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart Problems
- Bloat
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Chronic ear infections
- Eye and vision problems (e.g. cataracts, pigmentary uveitis, progressive retinal atrophy)
- Joint issues (e.g. hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation)
- Back issues (e.g. degenerative myelopathy [Bernese Mountain Dog variant])
- Neurological issues (e.g. neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 5)
- Cancers
The best way to ensure your Golden Mountain dog enjoys a healthy lifespan is with routine veterinary visits every six months for vaccinations and checkups.
Care
Regular veterinary checkups are crucial to detect any health concerns early on in your Golden Mountain Dog. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
Exercise is essential for Golden Mountain Dogs, and they need at least an hour of exercise every day. This can be broken down into multiple sessions, and they're happy to accompany you on long hikes, bike rides, and jogs.
Check this out: How Much Exercise Does a Bernese Mountain Dog Need
As a sociable canine, your Golden Mountain Dog can become the hit of the dog park, and being around other dogs adds variety to their day. However, it's essential to maintain their grooming and care to prevent any potential issues.
Here's a list of essential grooming tasks to keep your Golden Mountain Dog healthy:
- Brush their coat daily to remove loose fur and maintain a healthy, shiny coat
- Clip their nails and keep their teeth clean
- Check their ears regularly and wipe them down if needed
- Bathe them only as needed with a gentle shampoo designed for dogs
It's also essential to trim their nails and keep their teeth clean regularly. Your vet can recommend appropriate products and show you safe techniques if you're new to dog grooming and care.
Living with a Golden Mountain Dog
Living with a Golden Mountain Dog is a joy, especially if you have kids. They're a near-guaranteed sure thing to get along with your little ones, as long as you socialize them correctly from an early age.
Early socialization is key with this breed, and it really pays off. Make sure to reward your Golden Mountain Dog for good behavior and stick to a proper training regimen.
The Golden Mountain Dog is also fine around other household pets, but it's essential to establish boundaries early on to prevent any issues. Just remember to socialize your pup from a young age to encourage safe play with smaller dogs and cats.
This breed is large and energetic, so be sure to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and obesity. A daily walk, playtime, and training sessions will keep them happy and healthy.
A moderate activity level is all they need, but it's crucial to avoid over-exercising them when they're developing to prevent stress on their bones and joints. Once they're fully grown, they'll be happy to join you on a scenic hike or long jog.
Children and Pets
Living with a Golden Mountain Dog can be a wonderful experience, especially if you have kids. The Golden Mountain Dog is a near-guaranteed sure thing to get along with children, as they are gentle and playful.
Socialization is key when introducing a Golden Mountain Dog to your family, especially if you have young kids. Early socialization really pays off with this breed.
If you already have pets in the household, don't worry - the Golden Mountain Dog is generally fine around them. However, it's essential to lay down boundaries between the dog and existing pets early on.
You'll want to reward your Golden Mountain Dog for good behavior and stick to a proper training regimen to ensure a harmonious household.
Exercise
Living with a Golden Mountain Dog requires providing them with regular exercise and mental stimulation. This breed needs daily walks, playtime, and training sessions to stay happy and healthy.
They thrive on physical activity, whether it's a game of fetch or a lively walk in the local park. You can also try puzzle toys to keep their minds engaged.
As a large breed, the Golden Mountain Dog needs to avoid over-exercising when it's developing to prevent stress on their bones and joints. This will help prevent orthopaedic issues as they mature.
They love to tag along on scenic hikes or long jogs once they're fully grown. Just be sure to vary their activities to keep them engaged and prevent boredom.
During hot and humid weather, it's essential to take precautions to prevent over-heating. Swimming is a great activity during warm weather, and it's best to take them out when the sun is down to keep them cool.
They're not suited for hot climates and prefer cooler temperatures. In fact, they were bred for colder climates, so they may struggle to adjust to hot weather.
Expand your knowledge: Bernese Mountain Dog Cold Weather
Grooming
The Golden Mountain Dog's grooming needs are quite extensive.
Their coat is long, dense, and straight, and it sheds a lot, so daily brushing is a must.
You'll want to brush your Golden Mountain Dog daily to remove loose fur and maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
A shedding comb, curry comb, and brush will be your best friends in this task.
Discover more: Bernese Mountain Dog Coat
Bathing should be done as needed with a gentle shampoo designed for dogs, as excessive bathing can lead to unpleasant skin conditions.
Weekly nail trimmings and ear cleanings are also a must, and don't forget to brush your dog's teeth regularly to prevent periodontitis, tooth abscesses, and other dental health concerns.
Brushing your Golden Mountain Dog outside can help reduce shedding within the home, making it a good idea to get into the routine of brushing down your dog daily.
Claw clipping should be introduced from a young age and usually needs to be done every six to eight weeks.
Puppies
Golden Mountain Dog puppies are irresistible, but that's also why you need to be careful when shopping for one. Research the breeders and follow your gut.
A responsible breeder will provide spacious and clean environments for parents and puppies.
They'll also encourage multiple visits throughout the buying process, so you can get a feel for their operation.
Be sure to meet the puppy's parents, as this can give you insight into the puppy's temperament and behavior.
Documentation of vaccinations and veterinary checkups for puppies and parents is a must.
Responsible breeders will also promote socialization and enrichment for puppies, which is crucial for their development.
They'll ask you to sign a contract, which should outline the terms of the sale and any guarantees or warranties.
Here are some signs of a responsible breeder:
- Provide spacious, clean environments for parents and puppies
- Encourage multiple visits throughout the buying process
- Allow you to meet the puppy’s parents
- Show documentation of vaccinations and veterinary checkups for puppies and parents
- Promote socialization and enrichment for puppies
- Ask you to sign a contract
Health Concerns
Golden Mountain Dogs are generally healthy, but like any mixed breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. Von Willebrand's disease, a hereditary bleeding disorder, is one condition to watch out for.
Some Golden Mountain Dogs may suffer from hypothyroidism, a common endocrine disorder that occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin issues.
Heart problems are another potential issue, which can encompass conditions such as congestive heart failure, heart murmurs, or valvular diseases. Symptoms may include coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and exercise intolerance.
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for early detection and management of heart problems in dogs. By scheduling regular wellness visits with your dog's vet, you can help identify potential issues before they become major health concerns.
Here are some common health issues to be aware of in Golden Mountain Dogs:
- Von Willebrand's disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart problems
- Chronic ear infections
- Eye and vision problems
- Bloat
- Joint issues (e.g. hip and elbow dysplasia)
- Back issues (e.g. degenerative myelopathy)
- Neurological issues (e.g. neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 5)
- Cancers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do golden Mountain Dogs cost?
Golden Mountain Dogs typically cost between $1,850 for a Black and White coat and $2,750 for a tricolor coat.
What is the lifespan of a golden mountain dog?
Golden Mountain Dogs typically live 9-12 years, outliving purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs by 2-4 years. Learn more about this unique breed and its remarkable lifespan.
Are golden Mountain Dogs hypoallergenic?
Yes, Golden Mountain Dogs are generally low- to non-shedding, making them a good option for people with allergies. This unique characteristic is one of the many benefits of this lovable and loyal breed.
What is a Golden Retriever mixed with a Bernese Mountain Dog called?
A Golden Retriever mixed with a Bernese Mountain Dog is commonly referred to as a "Rolo." This intentional breed mix combines the friendly nature of Golden Retrievers with the sturdy build of Bernese Mountain Dogs.
What is a golden Bernese Mountain Dog?
A Golden Bernese Mountain Dog is a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Bernese Mountain Dog, known for its gentle and intelligent nature. This unique mix inherits the best qualities from both parent breeds, making it a delightful companion.
Sources
- stress, high temperatures, dental problems, allergic reactions, or nausea (vets-now.com)
- BFW Rescue (bfwrescue.org)
- American Canine Hybrid Club (achclub.com)
- Share on Twitter Twitter (twitter.com)
- Golden Mountain Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More (dogster.com)
- Golden Mountain Dog Breed Information, Characteristics & ... (dogzone.com)
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