Golden Retrievers: A Guide to Chewing Bully Sticks

Golden Retrievers are one of America's most beloved family dogs. These gentle, intelligent retrievers have that "soft mouth" that made them legendary hunting companions. But despite that softness, these dogs pack a surprisingly powerful bite that needs the right chewing solution.

Strong Jaws with Well-Balanced Bite Mechanics

Golden Retrievers belong to the mesocephalic family—dogs with proportionally balanced skulls that fall right in the middle of the head shape spectrum. This square-skulled design gives them several advantages: broader snouts with larger nasal cavities (explaining their excellent scenting abilities), well-proportioned jaw mechanics, and fewer head and neck related issues compared to flat-faced breeds.

Golden Retrievers produce around 190 PSI, while the measly human does around 120 PSI. Their mesocephalic jaw means their teeth fit comfortably without the crowding issues that plague flat-faced breeds. They have excellent scissor-bite alignment, where upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth.

In short—Which EverChew Holder?

Golden Retrievers will work best with the green plus holder if they are a puppy, an older dog, or a dog that isn't chew crazy. But many Goldens will need to use the indestructible black nylon holder.

Natural Chewing Machines with Retrieving Instincts

Goldens are natural, enthusiastic chewers which helps maintain dental health, provides mental stimulation, relieves stress, and exercises their powerful jaw muscles. Their retrieving heritage means they're genetically programmed to use their mouths constantly.

Puppy Phase (3-8 months): Goldens experience intense chewing during teething, with peak intensity around 3-7 months. During this period, they're not just exploring—they're actively relieving teething discomfort while their adult teeth emerge.

Adult Phase (8+ months): Most destructive chewing settles around 8-12 months, but these dogs continue chewing throughout their lives. Goldens are known as moderate to aggressive chewers, often preferring to chew with the sides of their mouths using their powerful premolars.

Understanding Bully Stick Advantages and Why a Holder is Essential

Goldens are natural chewers, and this behavior serves multiple important purposes: dental health, mental stimulation, stress relief, and jaw exercise. Bully sticks are pure protein (like beef jerky) and since they're soft-hard (firm but soften while chewing), they act like a toothbrush—especially effective for the well-spaced teeth of mesocephalic breeds.

But once the bully stick is chewed into a short stub, any dog can swallow it. Many times the stub will pass through, but sometimes it can lodge in the throat or digestive tract, leading to choking or blockage (and potentially an emergency vet visit). This risk is particularly concerning for Goldens because their strong bite force and retrieving instincts make them more likely to attempt swallowing larger pieces.

Choose the Medium Dog Plus holder if your Golden:

• Is an Oldie Goldie where the nylon-hard holder may break a tooth.
• Labs that just don't chew too hard.
  
• Is a teething puppy since their sharp teeth can sink into the softer green material.

Consider the Large SuperChew if your Golden:

• Weighs 40+ pounds.
• Is an aggressive or determined chewer.
• Has destroyed other chew holders in the past.
• Shows no issues with other nylon toys.
  

Skip the Small Dog holder for your retriever. Unless your Golden Retriever is really gentle, they will tear into this holder too much.