A Golden Retriever archive to help with buying, adopting and caring for your Golden Retriever

Posts Tagged ‘Natural Glow’

Golden Retrievers – A Basic Guide
By Laurence Burrows

The golden retriever could be the most popular family dog in the world. These noble dogs also make great service and hunting dogs. With pets and dogs, in general, gaining in popularity, these days even The Oracle of Delphi is often asked for golden retriever information.

The natural glow of the golden retriever’s coat seems to radiate friendliness. These dogs are known for their friendliness for their owners and for strangers. That is why they don’t make great watchdogs. Goldens are gentle around children and other pets. It is easy to see why goldens are such popular family dogs. The other things that stand out are that these dogs are large, high energy dogs that love human interaction. Prospective owners should generally be active people or families. It is also important to have a sizable yard, as daily exercise is part of a healthy ‘diet’ for these dogs. Being adaptable, apartment living is possible. However, it would help to live near a park and being committed to spending time with your golden is a must. Golden retrievers are intelligent dogs. They love games and tasks. Goldens often excel in obedience and agility competitions. These dogs were bred to be the perfect hunting retrievers and they love the water. Having a great sense of smell, goldens also make excellent service dogs.

Golden Retrievers in America are a little different from European or British goldens. A dark copper, mahogany or ‘red’ color is considered acceptable in America for the breed, but not in Europe. A cream or light cream color is acceptable in Europe, but not in the American show ring. Nonetheless, cream goldens, which can look almost white, are becoming more popular in America outside the show ring. There are physical differences as well. The British or European golden has a wider and shorter muzzle, and more of a ‘blocky’ shaped head. The European dogs have shorter tails and legs and a stockier body. The American dogs often have longer coats.

Golden retrievers are large, healthy dogs, but there are some health issues that are common to the breed. Most golden health problems are related to genetics, so they have been made more common by bad breeding. The best way to avoid these problems in your dog, is to check the pedigree of a puppy’s parents. Hip dysplasia is the most common ailment for goldens. Other common health problems are bad elbows (elbow dysplasia), heart problems, and eye problems such as cataracts. The number one cause of death for goldens is cancer. Quality breeders will have the health of their dogs certified for these specific ailments, and will have the paperwork to verify it. Golden puppies have a lifespan between 10 and 15 years. These dogs are generally not good for people with allergies because of shedding. Some grooming is suggested for goldens, namely brushing twice per week.

Golden retrievers were bred to be perfect hunting dogs to retrieve shot waterfowl and birds. It is why they love to swim and were bred to have a ’soft’ mouth. Originally golden retrievers were bred by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, later known as Baron Tweedmouth in the 1800’s. They were developed on his highland estate in Scotland near the banks of Loch Ness.

Laurence Burrows is a golden retriever lover, and trainer. For more great tips on Golden Retriever Information, visit http://www.loyalgoldenretriever.com.

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The Golden Retriever – A Noble Breed
By Laurence Burrows

Who does not want to be better informed about the golden retriever breed? Known for their intelligence, friendliness, gentleness, loyalty, and willingness to work, goldens are a favorite breed for families. Their strong attributes make them great hunting dogs, guide and service dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Their distinctive golden coat gives the golden retriever a natural glow. This versatile breed is famous for its high energy and playfulness.

The golden retriever is a member of the sporting group. They are large, robust dogs which stand 20-24 inches tall at withers and weigh 55-75 pounds. The American Breed Standard calls for a coat to be any shade of gold barring coats that are too dark or too light. The British standards allow for lighter shades of gold, known as cream colors. A red or mahogany ‘gold’ color is allowable under American rules, but not under British rules. American goldens are typically taller and more slender and have a longer coat. British dogs are stockier with shorter tails and legs.

Originally, the Labrador retriever came from Newfoundland. Fishermen brought the breed to England about 1800. In the 1800’s, golden retrievers were developed in Scotland at the highland estate of Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, later Baron Tweedmouth. Golden retrievers were originally used as hunting dogs to retrieve shot game birds and waterfowl. They were bred to be great hunting dogs with water-resistant coats, an excellent sense of smell, and soft mouths that do not damage game. The breed was first arrived at by the yellow retriever crossed with a tweed water spaniel, now extinct. Afterwards, the breed was infused with black wavy-coated retrievers, Irish Setters, Bloodhounds, and the St. John’s Water Dog of Newfoundland.

A dog legendary for its gentle, friendly ways, the golden retriever doesn’t make a good watchdog; they are known for their affection for both their owners and for strangers. This breed thrives on human companionship. Goldens are energetic and active dogs. Exercising everyday is important for their health. Bred to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl, goldens love to swim. Active, and large in size, this breed is not the ideal apartment dog. Though they are adaptable, a prospective owner should live near a park and be willing to spend a lot of time with his/her dog. Otherwise, goldens need sizable backyards to be healthy. Known for their intelligence, these dogs enjoy learning tricks, playing games, retrieving and catching balls, and exercising with their owners. It is not uncommon for goldens to win obedience and agility competitions. Energetic and devoted, this breed also makes great working and service dogs. Having an excellent sense of smell, goldens have been employed in alpine search and rescue, and as police dogs for drug detection. Very active, this breed may not be the best choice of dog for the elderly. However, golden retrievers are great with children and other pets, and make a wonderful family pet.

Typically, golden retrievers can expect to live about 10-15 years. Unfortunately, bad breeding for profit has led to a number of common health problems. The most frequently encountered of these afflictions is hip dysplasia. Cataracts is another common ailment. Cancer represents the leading cause of death for goldens. To help avoid these health problems for your golden retriever, it is important to know a dog’s pedigree and to purchase dogs from a reputable breeder. Each dog should be examined by the OFA or by PennHIP. These evaluations involve x-rays to test a dog for hip dysplasia and disease. Grooming (brushing) is recommended twice a week. They may not be a good choice for those with allergies because of shedding.

Golden retrievers are an energetic and enthusiastic breed who love and crave the company of humans. These qualities along with a gentle and friendly nature make this dog wonderful for families and active people looking for a companion.

Laurence Burrows is a golden retriever lover, and trainer. For more great tips on the golden retriever breed, visit http://www.loyalgoldenretriever.com.

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