Human orientation
High score: Golden is very attached to his family and craves contact. Behavior depends on socialization.
THE PAW CATALOG
Golden retriever
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History of the Golden Retriever breed
Origin: Great Britain, Scotland
Bred in Scotland in the 1860s on Lord Tweedmouth's estate to retrieve game from water and land. Water spaniels, setters and retrievers were combined to create the breed. The British Kennel Club recognized golden retrievers as a separate breed at the beginning of the 20th century. Nowadays, the golden retriever is one of the most popular family dogs.
The Golden Retriever is a strong, gentle retriever with a wavy water-repellent coat ranging from cream to dark gold. Males 56-61 cm, females 51-56 cm. Intelligent, friendly and willing to please. It needs daily movement, close contact with the family, regular grooming and attention to health.
SizeBig
OriginGreat Britain, Scotland
Life is nearby
Suitable for a family with a house and a yard, but does not like to be alone outside for a long time. Willingly participates in family affairs, swims and retrieves. He has weak protective instincts: he will meet strangers with joy rather than with caution.
Walks
Long walks, fetch, swimming and mental games every day. Without movement, he is prone to excess weight, which has a negative effect on the joints.
Training
Perceptive and willing to learn, usually an easy learner. It matures more slowly than many retrievers, so in youth it is full of energy and requires patience. Positive reinforcement works best.
Care
The coat needs regular brushing and combing to prevent shedding, and during shedding - daily. Long wool collects dirt and burdock root after walks. Bathing once a month does not wash away natural oils. Ears are examined, claws are trimmed.
Children
Usually tolerant of children and loves family games. Due to its size and energy, games with children are supervised, because a happy golden can accidentally knock a child off its feet.
Other animals
As a rule, friendly with other dogs and animals. Keeps a strong retriever instinct, so it brings things, and birds and small animals should be protected.
Peculiarities of the breed
Estimates help compare breeds. For zooaggression, 5/5 means less tendency to aggression towards dogs. The behavior and health of a particular dog depend on many factors.
Training
High score: intelligent and eager to please, therefore easy to learn.
Zooaggression
High Score: Generally friendly to dogs and other animals, although the retriever instinct remains.
Health and reproductive risks
In the British cohort, the median lifespan of the breed was 13.2 years. Among the described breed risks: increased risk of oncological diseases, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy; examination of the parents is confirmed with the veterinarian.
Ease of care
Medium-low rating: thick long coat, strong shedding and regular bathing require noticeable effort.
Health
Increased risk of cancer
Oncological diseases are an important breed risk. In the 1998 Golden Retriever Club of America National Health Survey, hemangiosarcoma was reported in about one in five Goldens, and lymphoma in one in eight. These historical data do not predict risk for a particular dog.
Hip and elbow joints
Hip and elbow dysplasia: these are bone and joint diseases that reduce the quality of life. A puppy is bought only after reviewing the parents' examination certificates, and the weight is kept within the norm.
Hereditary eye diseases
Hereditary eye diseases include progressive retinal atrophy and hereditary cataracts. There are screenings, so the breeder is asked for the results.
Heart
Heart disease is included in the preventive examinations recommended by the breed clubs. Listening to the heart during annual examinations helps to detect abnormalities in time.
Oncological risks
The practical side of cancer risk: the owner regularly examines the skin and lymph nodes, monitors weight and appetite. New barking, lethargy, or weight loss require immediate veterinary attention.
Photo of the breed
