Golden Retriever
From LoveToKnow Dogs
A perennial family favorite, the Golden Retriever is the Renaissance Man/Woman of dogdom, a loyal family pet who is equally at home in the show ring and in the hunting fields.
About the Golden Retriever
This wonderful sporting dog breed comes to us from the Scottish Highlands, having been developed by Sir Dudley Majoribanks on the grounds of his rural estate. The original 1868 cross that became the foundation for the breed was between an undetermined breed of yellow retriever studnamed Nous and a Tweed Water Spaniel bitch named Belle. Majoribanks continued his breeding program, selecting his stock for intelligence and cooperative qualities as well as the beautiful golden coloration from which the breed takes it's name. In the end, he had produced an outstanding hunting dog, as much at home in the field as the house.
Modern Golden Retrievers tend to fall into one of two major type categories: show or field. Goldens bred mainly to perform in the field tend to be slightly smaller than their show-strain cousins, and a little more reddish gold in coat color. Show bred Golden lines tend to be a little bigger and flashier, with brighter golden coloration and a longer coat and feathering.
Golden Retriever Personality
More endearing than the Golden's beautiful outward appearance is his wonderful personality and temperament. These dogs are extremely intelligent, patient, and seemingly a little intuitive as well, sensing their owner's mood and responding accordingly. Goldens are rather gentle for their size and do well with children who know the proper way to treat pets.
Trainability
The Golden Retriever is one of the most fun breeds to train, responding easily to your time and attention. Potty training is usually accomplished with minimal trouble, as well as other basic training around the home. Additionally, these enthusiastic clowns love to learn tricks, so if you'd like to teach your Golden to balance a biscuit on his muzzle until you give the command to eat it, go ahead. He'll play along.
Retrievers also make exceptional obedience dogs, because they are able to focus so intently on their trainers. Agility training is another available past time to be shared by dogs and their owners. Think of it as a doggie track crossed with a field event at the Olympics and you've got the idea.
If that wasn't enough activity for you, Goldens also make wonderful assistance dogs, whether trained as guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs for nursing home visitations, or trained for search and rescue missions. Be aware though, while Goldens perform search and rescue admirably, this type of work is hard on their psyche due to their very close connections with humankind.
Grooming Tips
Grooming is much the same for any pet retriever, whether you have the field or show variety. Brush them a couple of times each week and give them a bath about twice a month, and they should stay in good shape. Expect shedding. Be sure to check their nails and trim them if they aren't being worn down naturally.
Show specimen Goldens require more diligence, especially if you want to keep those fringes in perfect condition. These dogs will benefit from more frequent bathing and brushing, and will require a slight amount of trimming on the fringes and feathers to keep them from looking rough.
Health Facts
Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers are plagued by some hereditary health problems that can seriously affect their quality of life. Top notch breeders test their puppies and breeding stock to screen affected animals from future breeding programs in an effort to eliminate these afflictions. That is why you can expect to pay upwards from $800 for a healthy Golden puppy who comes with a future health guarantee against specific diseases.
Health problems common to Golden Retrievers include:
- Hip and Elbow Displasia
- Eye Disease
- Heart Disease
External Links
- Golden Retriever Club of America
- Golden Retriever Rescue Info
- Top Golden Retriever Sites
- Golden Retriever Club of Canada
Comments
Hi Kim,
I think you'll find our article on Potty Training Your Dog very helpful. Keep in mind that young puppies have smaller bladders and need to go outside more often than more mature dogs. I usually suggest taking a new puppy outside once every hour whenever possible. This continually reinforces where your pup ought to relieve herself as well as gives her every opportunity for success. Be as consistant as you can, and when your dog is having success on a regular basis, you can gradually extend the time between trips outside.
Thanks for your question, and I hope the training goes smoothly.
-- Contributed by: KellyI just recently purchased my golden ginger. she is 14 weeks old. I am just a bit confused on how often to take her out. She drinks water alot it seems. I feel like i am always seeing if she needs to go out. What would be the proper way to deal with this training. can you help thanks
-- Contributed by: kimMy family and I were thinking about adopting a Golden Retriever, we just need some advice. We live in town, we have a medium sized yard and a big house. Our youngest child is 9 yrs old but we have toddlers and guests visit alot. We would like a gentle, playful dog for we like to toss a ball around and play but sometimes we just like to lay around. We would like the dog to protect the house if need be. Is a Golden Retriever right for us.
- Hi Melissa,
Goldens do make good family companions, but they are a bit more active than the Great Danes you're also considering. Goldens also shed quite a bit, so it's one more thing to consider as you search for a family companion.
Thanks for your question. :)
-- Contributed by: MelissaThis page has been accessed 4,229 times. This page was last modified 19:22, 5 April 2006.
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