Golden Retrievers: A Basic Guide

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.

Dog Grooming Tips: Quick & Easy Ways to Groom Your Dog 

>>> Golden Retriever Adoption Guide 

If you are looking for a golden retriever, you may consider adopting rather than buying a golden. When adopting a golden retriever, you are giving a dog a second chance. In addition, you are helping animal shelters, humane societies, and rescue groups. Golden retrievers are such a popular breed, that it is easy to find a puppy or a pure breed through adoption. Often rescue groups take in golden retrievers of all ages. Rather than buy an expensive puppy from a breeder that is untrained, you could adopt a young dog that is already potty trained, and trained to socialize.

Adopting a golden retriever is often not free, but it is much cheaper than buying a new dog. You may have to pay an adoption fee, typically $100- $250. This fee goes towards helping other needy dogs. Shelters and rescue groups are most often non-profit organizations, so, this money goes toward the facility and rescuing and caring for other needy dogs. Besides, new golden retrievers are usually more expensive, and that doesn't include the training.

Where can you adopt a golden retriever? If you want to start locally, look for nearby dog shelters, and dog rescue groups. You can also look into humane societies, and local animal control organizations. A great place to adopt a dog is petfinder.com. There you can conduct a very wide search if you have very specific needs. At the ASPCA's web site, you can search for local shelters, or even start a shelter.

Is the golden retriever the right breed of dog for you? It is important not just to adopt a dog, but adopt a dog that you will be happy with and will not return to the shelter. Golden retrievers are large, energetic dogs. They are adaptable; they can live in an apartment but require daily exercise. If you live near a park and can devote the time, goldens are a good choice for active people. Golden retrievers love human interaction. They like playing games, being given tasks, swimming, and exercising with their owners. Golden retrievers are known for their intelligence and are very trainable. Famous for their gentleness and friendliness, golden retrievers are great for families. They are very good with kids and other pets. They don't make good watchdogs. Golden retrievers are given to some shedding, and require regular grooming; brushing twice a week is recommended. They like to chew, so have some chew toys ready ahead of time.

Golden retrievers were breed to be hunting dogs. They also make great service dogs and have an excellent sense of smell. Goldens make good companions for the blind, and can be trained as guide dogs. They love the water and can tolerate cold climates. Golden retrievers are good at agility and obedience competitions. The first ever AKC Obedience Trial Champion was a golden retriever. They are generally healthy dogs, but can be prone to hip dysplasia, bad elbows, and cataracts. Knowing a golden retriever's pedigree can help avoid these problems. Also, well cared for golden retrievers will have been checked by the OFA(Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) for hip dysplasia.

Adopting a golden retriever can be the perfect choice. However, considering the right issues ahead of time can be the difference between having a lovable best friend for life, and a dog tragically returned to the shelter.

>>> Finding A Quality Golden Retriever Breeder 

Who does not love the golden retriever? Loyal, friendly, and full of energy, the golden retriever is truly a man's best friend. They can be service dogs including guide dogs, hunting dogs, and are always great family pets. However, how do you find the right golden retriever? Once he's off and running, he'll be a fuzzy blur of canine non-stop energy. Indeed you may find it hard to keep up with him. It's a wise parent, though, who prepares ahead of time. You have heard the horror stories about crowded pet stores, and puppy mills. You want the perfect puppy, so you have decided to look for a breeder. Since you don't own any dog show champions, how do you find a quality breeder?

Any breeder just won't do. Indeed, the popular golden retriever has become so over-breed for-profit, that aggression has showed up in some lines lately. Imagine, the golden retriever, so famous for its friendliness and gentleness involved in biting incidents! Bad breeding has also caused a lot of health problems for this noble breed of dog. Genetic related problems like hip dysplasia, bad elbows, and cataracts have all become more common due to bad breeding. Also, cancer is the leading cause of death for golden retrievers. Any reputable breeder will have had his/her golden retrievers checked by the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), or PennHIP, for hip dysplasia and will have the papers to prove it. These tests involve X-rays to check for this disease using an established diagnostic protocol.

It is important to spend time with the parents of any puppy you are interested in. A quality breeder will have no problem with someone visiting the breeding pair of each puppy. That will help you determine the future look, personality, and health of the dog you are purchasing. It is important to know the pedigree of your puppy, especially because most health problems in golden retrievers are genetically related. A quality breeder will be proud of his/her dogs and breeding program, and will be concerned with finding good homes for the golden retrievers. A good breeder will offer a puppy guarantee and will allow you to return your dog if things don't work out.

You've decided to visit a breeder, but you don't know how to tell one breeder from another (the good from the bad!). So, just how do you evaluate a good breeder? Many people ask this same question the first time they visit a Golden Retriever breeder. It's natural, as you may feel bewildered as to what types of intelligent and crucial questions you should ask.

1. How long have you owned Golden Retrievers?

2. How long have you been breeding them?

3. Why do you own them? Do you show them or are they kept as family pets?

4. Do you have a written contract and a puppy guarantee?

5. At what age do the puppies go home with me?

6. Are your puppies whelped in your home?

7. Can I see and spend time with the puppy's parents?

8. In your years of handling these dogs, what health concerns seem to reappear?

9. Have your golden retrievers been tested by the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), or PennHIP, for hip dysplasia?

>>> A Guide For Breeding Golden Retrievers

Breeding golden retrievers is a lot more complex than it sounds. There is a wide gap between a 'backyard breeder' and a legitimate 'serious hobby breeder'. The extra work in becoming a reputable breeder contributes a service to the breed, the customer, and the quality of life of each dog.

Knowing the Breed Standard is the first step in becoming a quality breeder. The Breed Standard describes all aspects of the perfect golden retriever and serves to maintain the breed. Any reputable breeder uses the Breed Standard as a basis for his/her breeding program. It is important to know that the Breed Standards for American and British goldens are different. The first question is to decide whether to breed American or British style goldens. One can find the American guidelines at the American Kennel Club (AKC) web site. The British rules can be found at the KC (The Kennel Club) web site.

Another cornerstone of breeding these noble dogs is their health. Most health issues that afflict golden retrievers are related to genetics, and therefore, directly related to breeding. In order to prevent health issues in puppies, the parents and ancestors of the litter must be cleared of having these illnesses. The most common health problems are hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, eye issues such as cataracts, and cancer. Any breeding pair should have OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certification for hips, knees, and the heart. They should also have CERF certification for the eyes. In addition, make sure all dogs have been vaccinated and de-wormed. Records should be kept to verify the health of the dogs. It is standard for a quality breeder to provide a guarantee so the customer can return the dog within a reasonable time frame.

A good breeder in America should be a member of the Golden Retriever Club of America, an all-breed club, a local Golden Retriever club, or all three. It is recommended to maintain a record of a 3-to 5-generation pedigree to verify that the dogs are purebred goldens. It is also recommended to have an AKC registration application for each puppy to apply for registration in the name of the breeder. A good breeder can provide registered names and AKC numbers of the parents of each litter and puppy. Keep in mind, charging extra for papers is against AKC rules.

Goldens are naturally talented dogs! Having the dogs involved in the show ring, obedience and agility competitions, and hunting and tracking trials, adds to the credibility of the dogs and the breeding program. Famously active and large in size, it is essential to have a lot of outdoor space for goldens. Since it is so important for the customer, any prospective buyer should be allowed to spend time with the parents of each puppy. Puppies should be socialized at a young age, since a breeder would not want to sell little monsters to the customers! As a rule of thumb, puppies should not be sold under 7 weeks of age. It is considerate for a breeder to provide a written set of instructions on training, care, and feeding.

Breeding golden retrievers is a full time job. A breeder must be prepared and committed for whelping and raising a litter of 8-12 puppies. Having clean, warm, and adequate facilities is essential. Overseeing breeding, veterinary care, cleaning, paperwork, socializing puppies, feeding, and sales require a lot of hours and hard work. Breeding is not a walk in the park, and having a lot of passion for dogs is a prerequisite for this job. It is lucky that goldens are so good at returning this love!

>>> Quick Guide To Golden Retriever Health 

Your golden retriever is a member of the family. That is why your golden retriever's health is so important. This guide is meant to address the basic health issues for this noble breed of dog.

The most common golden retriever health issues tend to be inherited. Since these common health problems are genetically related, they have been made more common by bad breeding. Over-breeding or for profit breeding can also make these problems worse in individual goldens. Hip or elbow dysplasia is caused by degeneration of the joints. These conditions make it more and more difficult for your golden to move around. They can be detected early in life (4-9 months) when a puppy's bones are growing by taking x-rays.

If your dog's x-rays indicate a greater likelihood for hip dysplasia, inquire into preventative measures that can be taken to reduce its effects. Heart and eye problems can also trouble goldens; cataracts being the most common. Cancer is the number one cause of death of goldens. Appropriate screening of a puppy's parents prior to breeding, is the best way to avoid these ailments. A good breeder will have documentation verifying the health of his/her dogs: Hip, knee, and heart certification of the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). A breeder may also have CERF eye certification. An annual checkup with the vet, is the first thing you should do to protect your golden retriever's health. A golden should be given the right vaccinations to stave off the most prevalent infectious diseases. Also physical checkups should assess your golden for early indications of common health problems. This is a good time to talk with the veterinarian about any questions and concerns you may have.

What should you be feeding your golden retriever? Lately, there has been more and more concern with commercial dog food. Little or poor meat and plenty of preservatives and chemicals, are a concern for many owners. The healthiest diet for goldens is raw meat and bones, such as chicken, beef, and other meats. Cooked meat can be OK, but don't overdo it. It can also help to find some veggies and grains your dog will eat for added nutrition. Be careful with overfeeding as goldens can be susceptible to obesity. Obesity causes more stress on the joints which is why it is important to keep your golden at a healthy weight.

Believe it or not, vitamin and mineral supplements can also bolster golden retriever health. Sometimes, common health issues can be prevented, delayed, or improved. Goldens have sensitive senses of taste and smell, and often don't like taking supplements and pills. Crushing pills and mixing the grains with peanut butter, or another food might help. Sometimes, pills in the form of flavored chewables work better. Holding your golden's mouth closed while the pill disintegrates can work when all else fails. Golden retrievers that socialize with other dogs are typically more likely to be plagued with fleas.

Fleas bother most dogs at one time or another. Fleas can infect your golden with diseases and parasites. Regularly 'deworming' your golden is a good idea. Fleas harm your golden's skin especially because of constant scratching. Even after the flea poison does its job, the itching can continue for your dog. At the first sign of fleas, such as scratching, look over your golden's coat. Treat as soon as possible if you find a flea. Treating every flea season is something some owners do, and don't forget to treat all of your animals each time if you have more than one pet. The right dog shampoo can improve your dog's coat and skin.

>>> The Golden Retriever: A Noble Breed 

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.

>>> Golden Retriever Puppy Training Guide 

Golden retriever puppies are truly 'golden' in every sense of the word. Their furry glow and lovable personalities are simply addicting. Some say goldens are the perfect family dog. They get along with people, strangers, children, and other dogs and pets. Energetic and growing fast, golden puppies do require socialization and training when they are young. So, what are the keys to golden retriever puppy training?

The first keys to golden puppy training are socializing your puppy when he/she is young, establishing leadership, and positive reinforcement. Golden puppies are excitable dogs. Daily exercise is part of the golden's healthy diet. These dogs are famous for loving human companionship. Goldens love to swim, play games, and like to be given tasks. They can even get separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Therefore, socializing your golden when they are puppies is a must. Active dogs, it is important to establish who is in charge, or your home may be in for some chaos. Also famous for being intelligent dogs, goldens respond well to positive training. They do not require a heavy hand. For best results, use reward based training methods. Goldens are eager to please and do not respond well to the whip. Use repetition and consistency with your training.

Golden puppies love to chew, so have some chew toys available to spare your furniture. They also tend to nip when young. This is best handled with a verbal 'no' and a chew toy. Make sure you make your house puppy safe by removing any low level toxins and sharp objects. Also establish some ground rules for your house ahead of time. What rooms are off limits? Is your puppy allowed on laps, and do you allow jumping up when greeting people? Which, if any, furniture is he/she allowed on? Start establishing consistent rules at 8-16 weeks of age, because these habits will stay with your dog. Many trainers recommend using a large box or crate, when you have to leave your young puppy unattended.

It is important to get your golden puppy used to being groomed and handled. Along with their wonderful gold coats, these dogs require regular grooming. Eventually, they should be brushed twice per week. Goldens like to swim, but may not like taking a bath! Introduce your dog to the bath little by little. First introduce your puppy to the bath with no water. Then just get the feet wet, and so forth. Goldens tend to be quiet dogs. On the other hand, don't encourage barking or it could become a bad habit. However, goldens are naturally excited when greeting people, so don't confuse this behavior with snarling.

Naturally energetic and fast growing, make sure your golden puppy gets enough food. Later in life, goldens can be prone to obesity, so use a regular feeding schedule and avoid leaving the food bowl out all day. Some people don't have a high opinion of commercial dog food. If this is you, don't be afraid to feed your golden regular or raw meats. This is a natural diet for a golden. It is also OK to add small amounts of healthy grains, vegetables, and even vitamins; if your golden will eat them! Try grinding up vitamins and pills and put them in foods like peanut butter.

Enrolling your puppy in obedience class is, generally, a good idea. Puppies learn faster than older dogs, and good obedience habits tend to last a lifetime. Besides, you will learn a lot from your puppy's classes too. By learning proper training methods, you will improve your relationship with your dog. Use common sense when choosing a trainer. Ask them questions, ask for references, and talk to other dog owners. How big are the classes, and what methods are used? Beware of new fads and unusual methods. 

==>> Laurence Burrows is a golden retriever lover, and trainer. For more great tips on golden retriever puppy training, visit http://www.loyalgoldenretriever.com/.

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