Golden Retriever

Breed Type

Golden Retrievers are medium-sized athletic dogs with energetic natures. They have medium-length hair that should be brushed frequently. Goldens are known for are known for their kind eyes, loyalty and enthusiasm for life. Though bred as hunting dogs, these qualities also make them excellent family dogs. Goldens usually get along well with children and are known to be incredibly affectionate and intelligent.

Golden Retrievers make wonderful service dogs. They are often very successful as guide, assistance, or search and rescue dogs. These are active dogs which require daily exercise and thorough training. If these needs are met, a Golden is bound to be your happy, loyal companion. It is no surprise that Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular and well-known dog breeds in the world.

A General Appearance of the Dog

The Golden Retriever is a strong, medium sized dog with a moderately round skull and ears that are triangular, pendant (hanging) and fall approximately to the level of the jaw. In the American line of Golden Retrievers, the eyes are set farther apart and are slanted and triangular in shape, compared to the British line. Males have a broader skull and muzzle and a thicker neck than females. The dog’s medium to dark brown eyes have a deep and gentle expression with a spark of intelligence. The body is slightly longer than tall and is well angulated in the rear. The powerful dog gaits with fluid movement; its thick, muscular tail is carried level with the back and is almost always wagging.


Height,
Male:    23-24 inches  
Female: 21.5-22.5 inches.


Weight
Male:    65-75 pounds
Female: 55-65 pounds


Health & Care

As wonderful as this breed may be, the Golden Retriever is unfortunately highly prone to hereditary disorders and several kinds of cancer. According to the Golden Retriever Club of America, cancer is the cause of death for at least sixty percent of all Golden Retrievers.

This breed is also increasingly subject to different kinds of allergies and are prone to fleas. Regular brushing helps to minimize both problems. The medium-length coat of the Golden Retriever only requires an occasional brushing. But because he sheds excessively you may find yourself brushing him daily to remove loose hair. (What you get out with a brush doesn't fall out in your home!)

Common Illnesses include: skin allergies, congenital eye defects, hip dysplasia, cancers, haemophilia.

Golden Retrievers have floppy ears that fold over. This as well as the activity level of the dog can allow it to be susceptible to yeast and bacterial ear infections. Because of this, it is important to be on the watch for any signs indicating an infection, such as head shaking or scratching, and know how to clean their ears carefully. Be prepared to visit your vet for a diagnosis when an infection is suspected as this can be an uncomfortable condition that, if untreated, could cause long term issues with the ears or the hearing.

Shampooing with a mild shampoo is a great way to combat "doggy" odor. If you have a Golden with sensitive skin or allergies, chances are, your vet can recommend a shampoo that can clean effectively yet prevent your dog's skin from being irritated. In fact, it is possible that there are shampoos available that can improve allergy discomfort!

Litter:         Averages 5-7 puppies.

Life Span: 10 to 12 years

Training

The Golden Retriever is the most intelligent and easiest to train of all dog breeds! He learns new commands quicker than any other breed, which makes him very easy to train.

Goldens Retrievers are easy to train to do jobs. Golden Retrievers have been trained to work with Police to locate drugs, excel in agility training and enjoy learning how to perform tricks.

Golden Retrievers are popular candidates for training to become aid dogs. Their quick minds make them ideal for guiding the blind, and the training for this job begins when they are puppies. They are also trained to do other wonderful things for people such as uplifting the sick, and entertaining the aging.

It is important to begin teaching basic commands such as sit, come, stay and heel. The sooner these basic commands are mastered, the easier it will be to manage your dog as it grows and as you are training progresses.

Need to Exercise
Energy Level
Combing Needs
Practise
Playfulness
Warmth
Watchdog
Guarding
Frindship with Dogs
Friendship with Animals
Friendship with Children
Friendship with Strangers
Heat Resistance
Cold Resistance