
Red Golden Retriever dogs are a beautiful and popular breed of dog, known for their friendly and energetic personalities. They make great companions and are well-suited for families, couples, and individuals of all ages. However, as with any breed, there are pros and cons to owning one.
Red colored Golden Retrievers are not officially recognized on the American Kennel Club (AKC) website. the AKC is the predominant host of dog shows and provider of registration papers for dogs in the United States.
In this blog post, we will discuss the key pros and cons of owning a Red Golden Retriever, as well as tips for caring for and training these dogs.

Pros of Owning a Mahogany Golden Retriever
This red colored member of the retriever family shares a lot of similarities with the Golden Retriever. The dogs are golden retrievers with a mahogany-colored coat. The red color mutation is rare in the Golden Retriever breed and, as a result, purchasing a puppy from a breeder cost is significantly higher.
Red Golden Retriever prices will vary, as with most pets, but expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 – $2,000 to purchase a health-tested puppy. Consider adopting from a Red Golden Retriever Rescue if you live nearby.
You’ll likely need to shop around for the best red golden retriever breeders.
Friendly and Affectionate
The breed is known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. The mahogany colored Golden Retriever temperament is outgoing and eager to please, which makes them great companions for people of all ages. They are also great with children, making them a popular choice for families.
Most dogs have the potential to be difficult without proper training beginning in the puppy stage. Potty training, acceptable methods for play time, time, attention, and scheduled walks are all part of the structure a well-trained dog needs, which are needed keep your new family member friendly and affectionate.
Great for Active Owners
Golden Retrievers have a lot of energy and need regular exercise. They are great for active owners who like to hike, jog, or run. They also make great running or hiking partners, as they are able to keep up with their owners.
Highly Trainable
They are highly trainable, which means that they are easy to teach new tricks and commands. They are also eager to please, so they are quick to respond to training and positive reinforcement.
The dogs excel in hunting, trials, agility, and field work.
Good with Other Pets
These dogs get along well with other pets, including cats, and other dogs, which makes them a great choice for families with multiple pets.
Like all animals, retrievers should be supervised when playing around very small children. They are not typically aggressive dogs, but as active dogs, they can be overzealous and knock over small kids that are not yet sure footed and experienced around house pets.
Great Family Dogs
Retrievers are great family dogs, they are friendly and affectionate, good with children and other pets, and they are highly trainable. They are also great watchdogs; they will bark to let you know if someone is at the door or if there is any strange noise.

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Cons of Owning a Retriever
If your goal is to show your red coated golden or breed them for specific “red” coloration understand that doing so is somewhat controversial amongst the AKC organization and its breeders. The characteristics of Golden Retrievers typically hold true for red colored varieties.
Many owners feel the red color makes them beautiful dogs but understand that owning one is considered controversial by some purists. The red golden retrievers color controversy is definitely a potential negative if you feel criticism from those who breed registered puppies might bother you.
High Maintenance Coat
Retrievers have a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming. Their coat needs to be brushed at least once a week to prevent matting, and they will need to be professionally groomed every few months.
Prone to Certain Health Problems
The breed is prone to certain health problems, such as hip dysplasia and ear infections. They are also at risk for certain types of cancer. It’s important to purchase a dog from a reputable breeder who performs health tests on their dogs.
Need for Regular Exercise
Retrievers have a lot of energy; they need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. This means that they may not be the best choice for people who are unable to provide regular exercise or have a small living space.
Shedding
As with all heavy coated breeds, these dogs do shed. Their shedding is moderate throughout the year, but they do have a heavy shedding season twice a year. It’s important to be prepared for the amount of shedding that comes with owning the breed.
Tips for Caring for and Training Red Golden Retrievers
Provide Regular Exercise
These active dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. A daily walk or jog, as well as regular playtime in a fenced yard, will help to keep your new friend in good physical shape.
Brush Their Coat Regularly
This breed has a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming. Brush their coat at least once a week to prevent matting and take them to a professional groomer every few months. The red colored coat is typically shorter in length than many goldens.
A balanced diet for a Golden Retriever should consist of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. It’s essential to feed them with a high-quality dog food that’s formulated specifically for large breeds, as Golden Retrievers are a large breed.
Provide a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet for a Golden Retriever should consist of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. It’s essential to feed them with a high-quality dog food that’s formulated specifically for large breeds, as Golden Retrievers are a large breed.
- Protein should make up the majority of their diet and should come from animal-based sources such as chicken, fish, and beef.
- Healthy fats, such as those found in fish oil and flaxseed oil, are important for maintaining a shiny coat and healthy skin.
- Complex carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes and brown rice, provide energy and aid in digestion. It’s also important to ensure that the food you choose has the necessary levels of vitamins and minerals, which are crucial for a growing puppy.
It’s also recommended to avoid foods that are high in filler ingredients, such as wheat, corn, and soy, as these ingredients can cause allergic reactions and digestive problems in some dogs. It’s also important to monitor their weight and adjust their food intake accordingly.
Keep in mind that Golden Retrievers are prone to obesity, so it’s important to feed them the appropriate amount of food and to make sure they get enough exercise. It’s also recommended to consult with a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your Golden Retriever, as each dog may have different needs.

Red Golden Retriever Traits
Not all dogs are the same. Traits depend on various specifics like breed, sex, size, environment, age, training, etc. Specific breeds to generally share common characteristics.
Red Golden Retriever Size?
A healthy weight for them can vary depending on the individual dog’s size, age, and activity level, however; on average a healthy weight for an adult male is 65 – 75 pounds and for an adult female it is 55 – 65 pounds. Consult a veterinarian to determine the ideal weight for your specific dog.
How Long Do They Live?
On average Red Golden Retrievers have a a lifespan of 10 – 12 years. It’s important to note that this can vary depending on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health. Some dogs may live longer or shorter lives. It’s important to work with a a veterinarian to provide good care throughout its life, in order to optimize health and longevity.