Golden Retriever

Yellow Retriever, Goldie

Family: Canidae Canis lupus familiarisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Courtesy Cassidy

   The Golden Retriever is one friendly dog, it virtually gets along with everybody!

The Golden Retriever is a very popular pet dog that pretty much gets along with everybody. This breed will be great friends, not only with its family, but with strangers too. On top of that, Yellow Retrievers get along with just about all other types of pets as well.

The Golden Retrievers are medium sized dogs that are charming, gentle and patient. They thrive on human companionship, and they train very well. The Goldie is an all around dog that makes a great family pet. When selecting a Golden Retriever, check for hip problems, eye defects, Von Willebrand's disease, and heart problems.

Common Name(s) Golden Retriever, Yellow Retriever, Goldie

Breed Type The Golden Retriever is a sporting breed. Historically bred to retrieve waterfowl, the breed is now a wildly popular pet.

Background The Golden Retriever originated in Scotland. Its ancestry is somewhat uncertain, but the breed is thought to have come from an original cross between the Tweed Water Spaniel and a yellow-colored Retriever. The resulting puppies were bred with a variety of other sporting dogs.
Today, popular Golden Retriever hybrids include the Golden Labrador (Black Labrador and Golden Retriever mix), the Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever and Poodle mix), and the Golden Pyrenees (Golden Retriever and Great Pyrenees mix).

Description The Golden Retriever is recognizable by its large size and mid-length, feathered golden coat. It has a broad head and powerful muzzle. The eyes are brown, and the nose black. Ears are medium sized, and tail is long and uncurled. Males are 22-24 inches tall and weigh 60-80 pounds. Females measure 20-22 inches and weigh 55-70 pounds.

Care and Feeding Golden Retrievers' diets should include wheat, corn, poultry and beef. It is important not to overfeed, because the breed is prone to obesity. he Golden Retriever needs regular combing, brushing, and dry shampooing. It should be bathed as needed.
Golden Retrievers need yearly checkups in order to stay healthy. Vaccinations are due as follows:

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
• 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
• Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster
  

This breed sheds moderately. If kept inside it is important to vacuum regularly. The Golden Retriever is prone to skin sensitivities, so you may have to avoid using certain chemicals in your home.

Housing Your Dog Golden Retrievers can stay indoors or out. They need regular exercise, so it is best to have a fairly large yard for them to run and play in.

Social Behaviors The Golden Retriever gets along well with all people, including children and strangers. It also does very well with other dogs, as well as virtually every other type of pet.

Handling and Training Golden Retrievers are famously easy to train. They are highly intelligent and aim to please.

Activities The Golden Retriever requires lots of exercise. Daily walks or jogs are crucial, and they also like to play off-leash as much as possible. They particularly enjoy games of fetch.

Breeding/Reproduction When selecting a mate for your Golden Retriever, check bloodlines for cancer, hip dysplasia, eye and heart diseases, and skin problems.

Common Health Problems Hip dysplasia is one of the most common ailments of the Golden Retriever. Eye problems are also prevalent. Skin diseases can be particularly bothersome, and often require veterinary care.

Availability Golden Retrievers are readily available in most areas. Prices vary greatly, and are sometimes over $1,000.

References "Golden Retriever", Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
"Golden Retriever", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
Cusick, William D., "What to Feed a Golden Retriever", Referenced online, 2008
"Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale", Copyright PuppyFind.com, LLC, Referenced online, 2008

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