Facts About Golden Retrievers
The Golden Retriever is a highly intelligent, people
loving dog. She is the fourth most popular pure bred
dog in the United States. She is loyal, eager to please,
takes obedience like a champ and loves children. As
a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a
puppy or dog. She is generally good with other dogs
and makes a great family pet.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult
size (two years old or older) of the male Golden Retriever
is 22 to 24 inches to the withers (highest point of
the shoulder) and 60 to 80 pounds. The female ranges
from 20 to 22 inches to the withers and 55 to 70 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds
have certain inherited health problems associated with
that specific breed and the Golden Retriever is no exception.
Be on the look out for Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic
based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis
pain and lameness), epilepsy (common in dogs), allergic
skin problems (immediate Veterinary care required),
congenital eye defects and Von Willebrands disease (a
problem with blood clotting), kidney problems, Lymph
Cancer. This disease list is an informative guideline
only. Other diseases may also be significant threats,
please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the
first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as
an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for
shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and
on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for
check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog
sweets.
*Grooming. The Golden Retriever has a dense and
firm, water repellent outer coat and a medium inner
coat. She is a shedder so brush regularly but only bathe
when necessary. Brushing will help her maintain a clean
and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer
eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond
with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with
toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing
removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which
can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease.
Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth,
bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and
clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow
slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally
a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore
and competent instructions to accomplish this can be
found on the net.
*Life Span. The Golden Retriever can live between
10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care
and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Golden Retriever comes from Great
Britain. A Lord Tweedmouth was said to have interbred
Yellow Retriever to a Tweed Water Spaniel to develop
the Golden Retriever. Some say that the Newfoundland
and possibly Bloodhound were also involved. They were
first registered by the American Kennel Association
in 1925.
Some Registries:
* Golden Retriever Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 6 to 10 Golden Retriever puppies
Category: Gundog, Sporting Group
Terms To Describe: Powerful, active, kind, self-confident,
eager, alert, reliable, friendly, trustworthy,
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
They make a medium watch dog.
Sensitive to moods of owner.
Wants to please.
Wants to be friends with everyone.
Very gentle.
Very obedient.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
They make a poor watch dog.
May shed a lot.
*Other Names Known By: Yellow Retriever, Golden Flat-Coated
Retriever
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this
information may be correct for your dog. This information
is meant as a good faith guideline only.
About the Author
Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website
developer for the popular pet site petpages.com.
www.petpages.com
is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds,
and puppy for sale info Petpages.com also offers
information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets,
rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.
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