Golden Retriever Dog Information

The Golden Retriever is an impressive-looking dog and one of the most easily recognized. The Golden Retriever needs surprisingly little care, is easily trained and has an even temperament. Even though it's a large dog, Goldens can be a good choice for apartment dwellers. They will be happy as long as they get daily exercise.

History

The Golden Retriever originated in the British Isles and is believed to be descended from a combination of many breeds, including the yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, light-coated Tweed Water Spaniel, the Newfoundland, and possibly the Bloodhound and other types of spaniels. The Golden Retriever was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1981.

Features

The Golden Retriever has a cream to gold coat, a broad head, medium-sized ears and along, straight tail. Golden Retrievers get along with other dogs and, with their patient dispositions, are great with children. Golden Retrievers will bark and alert the family when strangers are around. They need daily exercise and plenty of play time. The owner needs to let the dog know who is boss, or the Golden will take over. A Golden Retriever will reach 20 to 24 inches in height and 55 to 80 pounds. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.

Care

The Golden Retriever has a thick, medium-length double coat, and the outer layer is waterproof. The Golden Retriever does not need to be bathed very often, and a dry shampoo is fine between baths. The coat should be brushed daily with a firm bristle brush. Make sure you do not do just the top coat. The undercoat is thick and is the one that needs the most brushing.

Uses

The Golden Retriever is an excellent choice for a family pet. They do well in obedience trials, and are excellent hunters, trackers and bird dogs. Law enforcement agencies use Golden Retrievers as narcotics dogs because of their excellent sense of smell. Golden Retrievers have a desire to please and make efficient guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs and service dogs for the disabled.

Problems

Golden Retrievers are prone to several diseases and defects, including cancer, hip dysplasia and congenital eye disease. When purchasing a purebred Golden, be sure that both parents have certification from the Canine Eye Registration Foundation that says they do not have genetic eye defects, and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals that certifies they do not have genetic bone defects such as hip dysplasia. They should also be checked for heart problems and Von Willebrand's disease, a type of hemophilia. Golden Retrievers are also prone to skin allergies, which will need attention from a vet.