About the Golden Retriever
The golden retriever is a true gem amongst dog breeds. They are consistently in the top 10 for best dog breeds in the United States (Reisen, 2021). They are loyal, friendly, loving, smart and beautiful which makes them the perfect family pet and companion. They also make great therapy, rescue or service dogs.
Golden retrievers are said to have originated in Inverness, Scotland in 1864 (Reisen, 2021). A Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle and a yellow retriever named Nous were bred by Lord Tweedmouth (Reien, 2021). They were bred to be used as hunting dogs for retrieving birds on land or in water (Reisen, 2021). They range from 65-75 pounds for males, 55-65 pounds for females, and live around 10-12 years (“Golden Retriever”). However, the oldest golden retriever on record is a 20 year old golden named, Augie who lived in Tennessee (Ochman, 2021). Sadly, she passed away on 2021 when she was 20 years and 11 months old (Ochman, 2021).
Golden retrievers are a working breed that require a considerable amount of exercise. They are known to be natural born swimmers and of course, retrievers! They enjoy the outdoors and love to be by your side during all of life’s adventures. Golden retrievers make great hunting dogs and aim to please. They are silly and playful yet easily trainable.
Goldens require special attention to be happy and healthy. They need to be regularly groomed. Their diet must also consist of quality grain inclusive foods with low carbs. They can have allergies which result in frequent maintenance of their ears, paws, and skin. They also can be prone to cancer, hip/elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, subaortic valvular stenosis, and a progressive eye disease called, Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis (GRPU) (“Golden Retriever”). It is important to do your research when looking for a golden retriever to ensure the breeder has completed the necessary health testing to reduce the risk of inheritable health conditions.
There are three types of golden retrievers: American, English and Canadian (Embrace Pet Insurance, 2017). They range in a variety of colors from white to cream, yellow to gold, and auburn to red. However, no matter what type of golden you decide to make your new family member, they will surely steal your heart and life will never be the same!
References
6 fun facts you probably didn’t know about golden retrievers. (2017, October 30). Embrace Pet Insurance. https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/waterbowl/article/6-fun-facts-about-golden-retrievers
Golden Retriever. American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/
Ochman, B.L. (2021, October 25). World's 19th oldest golden retriever passes away. Love, Dog. https://lovedog.com/dog-bones-news/meet-the-oldest-golden/#:~:text=Augie%20celebrated%20her%2020th%20birthday&text=Augie%20the%20Golden%20Retriever%20celebrated,at%20home%20in%20Oakland%2C%20Tennessee.
Reisen, J. (2021, September 24). 10 fun facts about golden retrievers. American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/10-facts-about-golden-retrievers/
