Breed of the Month: Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is one of the best family dogs you can find. Friendly to everyone, the Golden Retriever is charming and loving. According to the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), the Golden Retriever was developed in the mid-19th century by a Scotsman, Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later Lord Tweedmouth.Sir Dudley was visiting a circus and was so taken with a troupe of Russian Sheepdogs, that he bought them all. But when his breeding records were made public, they revealed the Golden Retriever was all sporting blood. It had been created by crossing the wavy-coated Retriever with the yellow Tweed Water Spaniel. The offspring were crossed with the Irish Setter and the sandy-coloured Bloodhound.

Linebreeding finally created the Golden Retriever and it was first granted breed status in Britain in 1913. Golden Retrievers are wonderful with children and other animals. Exceptionally intelligent, Golden Retrievers are very obedient and easy to train; commonly used as guide dogs for people with disabilities. They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, so make sure to include them in all of your family activities. If you are looking for a large breed dog that is loyal and lively, the Golden Retriever may be the right breed for you!

Weight:

  • Male: 65-70 lbs.
  • Female: 60-70 lbs.

Height:

  • Male: 23-24 in.
  • Female: 21-22 in.

Features:

  • Breed Group: Sporting
  • Broadhead
  • Brown eyes
  • Black nose
  • Naturally floppy ears
  • Deep chest
  • Medium length, feathered coat
  • Dense, water-repellent double coat
  • Coat colours include: all shades of golden

Expectations:

  • Exercise requirements: High – daily exercise 40 minutes, walks 2-3 times daily
  • Lifespan: 10-12 years
  • Energy Level: High
  • Drool Level: Low
  • Bark Level: Moderate
  • Grooming needs: Moderate
  • Shedding Level: Moderate
  • Intelligence: High
  • Child-Friendly: High
  • Cat/ Dog-Friendly: High

Common Health Problems:

  • Hypothyroidism
  • Cancer
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Heart disease
  • Allergies

Written by West Hill Animal Clinic