Golden Retriever Dog
Weight
Male - average 65-75 lbs
(29-34 kg)
Female - average 60-70 lbs
(27-32 kg)
Height
Male - 23-24 in (58-61 cm)
Female - 21 1/2-22 1/2 in
(55-57 cm)
Coat
straight or moderately wavy
Color
any shades of gold or cream
Life span
average 10-12 years
With their ever-present smiles, wavy blonde fur, and joyful
prance, the golden retriever has long been one of America’s favorite dogs.
Perhaps it’s their family-friendly demeanor and golden looks that helps keep
this breed in the Top 5 of all registered dogs in the U.S.
Prestigious Origins
It’s no surprise to learn the golden retriever owes its
beauty and lineage to royalty. Sir Dudley Marjoribanks of Scotland is cited as
the man who helped develop the dog by breeding a spaniel with a short-coated
retriever in the mid-1800s. Today, the golden retriever is classified by the
American Kennel Club as a sporting dog, popular with hunters for its soft mouth
and eagerness to retrieve in water.
Over time, the golden retriever evolved into two breed
standards: the American and the English. Typically the American retriever is
taller and less stocky than its English counterpart. Fur coloration also varies
from cream all the way to a russet gold.
Pretty Face
True to its name the golden retriever loves to fetch. It’s
not uncommon to be greeted by a golden with a favorite toy stuffed in its
mouth. Known for its intelligent mind, the breed can learn more than 200
commands with training and encouragement.
Last year, at the AKC National Obedience Invitational
Champion, the winner was “Dream,” a golden retriever owned by Billy and Dee Dee
Anderson of Redwood City, Calif.
The American Kennel Club lists the golden retriever as the
fourth most registered dog in the U.S.
Treasured Pet
Families find their affable, gentle behavior ideal for homes
with children. The American Kennel Club lists the golden retriever as the
fourth most registered dog in the U.S., with its counterpoint Labrador
retriever taking first place, followed by Yorkshire terrier and German
shepherd.
Fun Facts
·
The
average golden retriever lifespan is 10-13 years.
·
In
2007, the AKC National Obedience Invitational Champion was “Dream,” a golden
retriever owned by Billy and Dee Dee Anderson of Redwood City, Calif.
·
The
first three dogs ever to achieve the AKC Obedience Champion title were golden
retrievers.
Medical History
·
According
to Dr. Ross D. Clark’s “Medical & Genetic Aspects of Purebred Dogs,” golden
retrievers are known to develop the following medical conditions:
·
Cataracts:
This familial problem has become recognized as a dominant trait may not become
visible for a year or more.
·
Hotspots:
A common diagnosis for golden retrievers, this surface bacterial infection is
caused by self-induced trauma due to scratching.
·
Allergenic
skin disease: The golden retriever’s dense, heavy undercoat predisposes them to
external parasites and matted, dirty-hair coats that can cause scratching.
Regular, vigorous brushing can help prevent this from occurring.
·
Food
allergies: Goldens are susceptible to inhalant allergies and are at a higher
risk of developing allergies to food.
·
Hypothyroidism:
An increased breed incidence has been reported in golden retrievers.
·
Subvalvular
aortic stenosis: This heritable heart defect is common in golden retrievers.
·
Knowing
what medical conditions are common for your pet will help you recognize
potential symptoms in their early stages. Remember: your veterinarian is your
best resource for your pet’s well-being.
