The Golden Retriever

Commonly considered one of the most loyal and intelligent dog breeds, golden retrievers are the perfect addition to any family. These dogs are easy to train, which makes them excellent guide dogs, hunting companions, and housemates!

About the Breed:

• Temperament Golden retrievers are energetic and friendly dogs. They thrive in family environments where they are part of a "pack." They are good with children, strangers, and other animals.
• Daily Needs Because of the high energy of this breed, golden retrievers need at least 30 to 40 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. Golden retrievers also have a thick coat and will shed profusely. Daily or weekly brushing can help minimalize shedding.
• Overall Health Golden retrievers are a very healthy breed. Although they can suffer from common maladies such as hip or elbow dysplasia, cardiac disease, and cataracts, the majority of the breed live long and healthy lives. The expected life span of this breed is between 10 and 12 years.

History of Golden Retrievers:

Originating from the Scottish highlands, golden retrievers can be traced back to Dudley Majorjibanks, who purchased the only yellow puppy in a litter of black, wavy-haired retrievers and named him Nous. In the 1860s, Majorjibanks brought Nous home to his estate in Scotland to join his kennel of sporting dogs. When Nous bred with Belle, a tweed water spaniel (a now-extinct breed), they had a litter of yellow pups, creating the first of the yellow retriever line. These descendants were further cross bred with wavy and flat-coated retrievers, as well as other tweed water spaniels and a red setter. Golden Retrievers, as a breed, were not recognized by the Kennel Club until 1920, and it was years after their appearance in the Americas that they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1932.

Health Facts:

Although Golden Retrievers are generally very healthy, below is a list of conditions tof which the breed is most susceptible. It is important to be aware of the health concerns of any breed before adopting a puppy. If adopting through a breeder, ask to see health clearances from both of parents of your future puppy. A health clearance is a medical record that will prove that a dog has been cleared of a particular condition.

Common Health Issues for Goldens-

• Hip Dysplasia This is a genetic condition where the thigh bone does not fit correctly to the hip.
• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) This is a collection of eye diseases that causes the deterioration of a retina and can lead to blindness.
• Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis A dangerous heart condition caused by a narrow connection between the left ventricle and aorta, this disease can cause fainting or even sudden death. Qualified vets can prescribe treatment.
• Osteochondrosis Dissecans This is an orthopedic condition where cartilage in the joints grows improperly.
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Commonly known as Bloat, this condition affects large, deep chested dogs. This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach is distended with air or gas and twists.
• Epilepsy This is a brain disorder that causes periodic seizures and convulsions.
• Hemangiosarcoma and Osteosarcoma These are two malignant cancer strains common in large breeds of dog.

Top 5 Routes for "Golden Retriever"

1. GRCA The Golden Retriever Club of America website offers resources for finding reputable breeders and adoption advice.
2. AKC Visit this website for an interactive and comprehensive overview of the breed. It offers tools to find local clubs and meetups.
3. DogTime This website is a good resource for in-depth facts about golden retrievers, their health, care, and things to consider when looking at adopting a golden retriever puppy.
4. VetStreet Visit this website for advice on training and care for your golden.
5. yourpurebredpuppy.com Visit this website for helpful questions and considerations when deciding if a golden is the right puppy for you!