Golden Retriever
Description
Golden Retrievers are a powerful, active dog, sound and well-balanced. Golden Retriever possesses a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. Golden Retriever is an ideal sportman’s companion, family pet, an excellent gun dog, guide or service dog. Gentle with children, they enjoy the endless attention children provide. Golden retrievers love to swim and should be allowed to do so whenever possible. Though they will adapt well to a kennel environment, they prefer human companionship and are not happy in solitude.
Size of Male: Height: 23-24 inches Weight: 65-75 pounds
Size of Female: Height: 21.5-22.5 inches Weight: 55-65 pounds
Temperament
Golden Retrievers are lovable, well-mannered, intelligent dogs with a great charm. Golden Retrievers are easily trained, and always patient and gentle with children. Golden Retriever is loyal, confident, sweet and eager to please. They are active, loving and an outstanding family dog. Golden Retrievers enjoy pleasing their owners, so obedience training can be fun. They excel in obedience competitions. Friendly with everyone, including other dogs, the Golden Retriever has very little, if any, guarding instincts. While unlikely to attack, Golden Retrievers make good watchdogs, loudly signaling a stranger’s approach. This breed needs to be around people to be happy. If isolated from human contact, or left alone for long periods of time, the Golden Retriever may become mischievous. They can be over-exuberant and distractible. Some of the Golden retrievers talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. These dogs also love to swim.
Living Conditions
Golden Retrievers will do ok in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Golden Retrievers are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a medium to large yard. You can ensure they get enough exercise by bringing them for long walks daily and since this breed is naturally friendly with people, some which dislikes other dogs, they can be socialized when young to be friendly with both dogs and people, making them a great dog.
Upkeep
The Golden Retriever needs daily exercise and human interaction. Challenging obedience lessons, active games or retrieving sessions are all good ways to exercise the Golden Retriever’s mind and body. Although Golden Retriever is capable of living outdoors, it is such a social dog that it is best when it shares its life with its family. The coat does not tend to mat but needs twice weekly brushing.
Health
Major concerns: Hip Dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cataract
Minor concerns: entropion, distchiasis, trichiasis, cataract, pyotraumaticdermatitis, subvalvular aortic stenosis, Osteochondrosis dissecans, allergies, von willebrands disease, cardiomyopathy
Life expectancy: 10 – 13 years