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Golden Retriever

Yellow Retriever, Goldie

Family: CanidaeCanis 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

Lastest Comments on Golden Retriever View all 3 comments on Golden Retriever Add Your Comment

Eileen - 2011-07-09 I have a female Golden Retriever and she's almost 4 years old. She is loved by everyone in the family and she even loves her small companion the female Shih Tzu. They always play together and often compete for their attentions, but they do get along. We give both of them same amount of attentions. One thing about her is that now I own two rabbits and I have the dog gate to keep them (both dogs and rabbits) apart and she always put her nose through the gate to watch my rabbits. Silly girl. :-) Charlie Roche - 2011-07-09 They would probablyjust play. My daughter had 9 bunnies and 2 dogs and now just 2 bunnies and 2 dogs but she lets the bunnies and the dogs play. I guess the fenced in yard gets to be fun when she has to round them all up. She has a large dog and a real tiny one and all do well. Supervise --- or sure. Retrievers are gorgeous and always so friendly. Shsh Tzu seem to run th home though I think - NO? Eileen - 2011-07-09 I did allow my golden retriever to be near my rabbits, but she did accidentally step on one of them so I took her out. My shih tzu did chase one of my rabbits and he did butt head with her which he showed that he's not afraid of her. He did seem he had bitten her so I couldn't let that continue. So, I have kept both of my dogs and my rabbits apart since that happened. Maybe will try again after both of my rabbits are potty trained, I will allow both to roam inside the house like I did with my male Dutch rabbit did roam vefore I got my female Mini Rex rabbit. Jada Stevenson - 2011-12-14 Aww That is so cute . I always wanted a puppy golden retiever so bad. But I come to think it is a lot of money , and my mom said Not right now. When is the right time then lol. God Bless , Jada :-) Nina - 2011-12-14 I love this dogs they are so beautiful. I have six of them on my farm. Peace and Blessings. Reply

Asian Fisherman5893 - 2008-09-16 You want a Mixed dog? I, well my girlfriends parents do, they have a Golden Retriever mixed with a Husky. It has the baby blue eyes, the nose is not as long as a retriever, and the body is just under as long as the Husky. It has big paws with the not so long legs, tail is like a retriever, and the nose has somewhat tanish to brown spots too. So if you want a mixed dog this is it! raymond - 2010-04-22 Do you have any pics of the dog? Thanks... Reply

Jada Stevenson - 2011-12-14 I love this dog honestly, But i think it is expensive for really know reason. All dogs prices are unbelieveable to me and probably some other people too. Like I would really go to the store and by a 1,000 dollar dog please you must be crazy. But that is my opinion. All dogs gave they own special things about them and some just are plain. The ones that are plain prices should be lowered. Reply

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