Soft Coated Golden
The Soft Coated Golden is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Soft Coated Golden. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a well-balanced, powerful, and athletic medium to large-sized sporting dog that presents an image of symmetry and purpose. Males typically stand 23 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 65 and 75 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall and 55 to 65 pounds. The breed possesses a broad skull with a straight muzzle, friendly and intelligent dark eyes, and medium-sized ears that hang close to the cheeks. Their expression is one of kindness and eagerness that has made them one of the most beloved breeds worldwide. The Golden Retriever's coat is their defining feature and serves an important functional purpose. They possess a dense, water-repellent double coat consisting of a thick, soft undercoat that provides insulation and a longer outer coat that can be either straight or moderately wavy. The outer coat lies close to the body and features heavier feathering on the chest, backs of the thighs, underside of the tail, and back of the front legs. Coat color ranges from pale cream to rich, lustrous gold, with moderate shedding year-round and heavier seasonal shedding typically occurring twice yearly. Built for function as a hunting retriever, the Golden Retriever displays a muscular, well-proportioned body designed for stamina and efficient movement. Their gait is smooth, powerful, and well-coordinated, with good reach in the front and strong drive from the rear. The tail is thick at the base and carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve, never curled over the back. Their webbed feet aid in swimming, reflecting the breed's history as waterfowl retrievers. The overall impression is of an active, capable sporting dog built for long days of work in the field while maintaining the gentle expression and friendly demeanor that makes them exceptional companions.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Despite their gentle reputation, Golden Retrievers are active sporting dogs that require substantial daily exercise, typically one to two hours of physical activity. They love swimming, fetching, hiking, and participating in canine sports. Their social nature means they do not tolerate isolation well and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. They thrive when included as full family members and can become depressed or anxious when excluded from household activities. Their friendly, eager-to-please attitude can sometimes translate into jumping on people or pulling on leash, behaviors that require consistent training to manage.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and pigmentary uveitis can affect Golden Retrievers, potentially leading to vision impairment or blindness. Heart disease, particularly subvalvular aortic stenosis and dilated cardiomyopathy, occurs in the breed at higher rates than average. Hypothyroidism and various skin allergies, both food-related and environmental, are frequently diagnosed. Ichthyosis, a genetic skin condition causing excessive flaking and scaling, is specific to the breed and can be identified through DNA testing. Golden Retrievers are also prone to obesity if overfed or under-exercised, which can exacerbate joint problems and other health issues. Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus, is a life-threatening emergency that can affect deep-chested breeds like the Golden Retriever. Regular veterinary care, maintaining healthy weight, and purchasing from health-tested parents are essential steps in promoting a long, healthy life.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized, compact, and squarely proportioned dog that stands 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 30 and 40 pounds, with males typically at the higher end of these ranges. Their body displays the strength and agility characteristic of a working farm dog, with a moderately long head, powerful muzzle, and large teeth for their size. The breed presents a hardy, well-balanced silhouette with a level topline and tail carried upright, projecting confidence and alertness without the aggressive stance of some other terrier breeds. The breed's most distinctive feature is their magnificent single coat, which sets them apart from most other terriers. Unlike the wiry double coats typical of terrier breeds, the Wheaten possesses a soft, silky, gently waving coat that covers the entire body in abundant waves or loose curls. Two coat types exist within the breed: the Irish coat, which is generally silkier and wavier, and the American or Heavy coat, which tends to be thicker and fuller. Both types require extensive grooming to prevent matting and maintain their characteristic flowing appearance. One of the most fascinating aspects of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers is the dramatic color transformation their coat undergoes as they mature. Puppies are born with dark coats, often appearing reddish, mahogany, or brown, sometimes with black tips or dark masks. Over the course of 18 to 24 months, this dark coat gradually lightens and clears to the adult wheaten color, which can range from pale beige to shimmering gold, resembling the color of ripening wheat that gives the breed its name. The final adult coat color and texture may not be fully established until the dog is approximately two years old. Their warm, open expression is enhanced by hair falling forward over the eyes, though many owners trim this for better visibility.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Wheatens are devoted family dogs that form strong bonds with their owners and prefer to be involved in all household activities. They generally interact well with children and can adapt to living with other pets, particularly when raised together from a young age. However, they do require daily exercise and mental stimulation to channel their energy positively, and they do not do well when left alone for extended periods. Their alert nature makes them good watchdogs who will bark to announce visitors, though they are typically friendly rather than suspicious toward strangers once introductions are made.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Addison's disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce adequate hormones. Initial symptoms can be vague and intermittent, including lethargy, vomiting, and weakness, but severe cases can lead to an Addisonian crisis requiring emergency treatment. Renal dysplasia, a hereditary condition in which the kidneys develop abnormally, can cause kidney failure in young dogs and is diagnosed in Wheaten puppies more frequently than in many other breeds. Other conditions affecting the breed include inflammatory bowel disease, progressive retinal atrophy, degenerative myelopathy, von Willebrand's disease, and hypothyroidism. Regular health monitoring, purchasing from breeders who health test their breeding stock, and maintaining awareness of early warning signs are essential for managing the health of this breed.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Soft Coated Golden may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Golden Retriever and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.