Golden Retriever
As one of the most popular family dogs around, the Golden Retriever has been enlightening the lives of pet owners for generations. These soft, loveable dogs are easy to train and irresistible to love.
Golden Retriever At A Glance
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Temperament | A trustworthy and eager-to-please breed that makes the perfect family pet. |
| Suitable | An active family who loves the great outdoors. |
| Health | The Golden Retriever is typically a healthy dog, but like all breeds, they can be prone to specific health complaints. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | $5,811.07 |
| Gastrointestinal Conditions | $5,321.35 |
| Ear Conditions | $1,895.26 |
| Arthritis | $1,312.45 |
| Foreign Body or Toxin Ingestion | $5,685.98 |
| Neoplasia | $6,553.38 |
| Cruciate Ligament | $7,721.61 |
| Tissue Damage or Fracture | $3,460.88 |
| Urinary System Disorder | $1,787.00 |
*PIA Data 2022/2023
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Trainability
As their name suggests, the Golden Retriever is a champion retriever. This gun dog is a master at the game of fetch and thrives in all types of training. As they are larger dogs, obedience training is a must. Like all breeds, early socialisation is also vital. The Golden Retriever adores working and playing alongside their owners. They are straightforward to train and will bounce enthusiastically at any chance to work alongside their loving owners. Being a gentle, affectionate breed, they do not respond well to harsh punishment (like with all breeds). All training should be positive reinforcement with lots of variety and fun. Golden Retrievers do well in all dog sports, and their super-friendly nature makes them a favourite in many off-leash areas.
Grooming
Their majestic flowing coats do require work. Daily grooming is recommended to prevent matting and tangling that can cause pain and discomfort. If you consider owning one of these spectacular dogs, you must accept that you also welcome a decent amount of hair. Many Goldie owners will declare that no outfit is complete without some golden hair! Investing in a good vacuum cleaner and some sticky clothes rollers will help. Your Golden Retriever will also require a monthly bath to ensure that their coat is kept in good condition and smells best.
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Common Health Complaints – Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are generally known for their friendly nature and good health. However, like all dog breeds, they can be prone to specific health conditions. Responsible breeding practices, regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise can contribute to the overall well-being of Golden Retrievers. Here are some common health concerns associated with the breed:
- Hip Dysplasia – Caused by an abnormal development of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis, pain, and lameness. Treatment involves weight management, exercise moderation, medication, or surgery in severe cases.
- Elbow Dysplasia – Similar to Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia is due to the abnormal development of the elbow joint, leading to pain, swelling and lameness in the front limbs. Treatment typically includes weight management, medication and surgery in severe cases.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – A degeneration of the retina that can lead to vision loss. The first symptom of PRA usually is night blindness. This condition does not have a cure; however, the issues can be managed with supportive help from your veterinarian.
- Cataracts - This condition leads to a clouding of the eye lens and can lead to impaired vision. Symptoms are a cloudy appearance in the eye and difficulty seeing. Surgical removal of cataracts may be an option, depending on the severity.
- Heart Disease - Conditions such as cardiomyopathy can affect Golden Retrievers, causing coughing fits, difficulty breathing and lethargy. Medication, dietary management, and regular veterinary monitoring are typically recommended.
- Cancer - Golden Retrievers may be prone to certain cancers, including hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
- Ear Infections – Those adorable floppy ears can also lead to Golden Retrievers being more prone to ear infections, leading to itching ears, redness, discharge, and odour. Veterinary examination and prescribed ear medications.
- Hypothyroidism – Caused by an insufficient production of thyroid hormones leading to weight gain, lethargy, hair loss and skin issues. Thyroid hormone supplementation from your veterinarian is usually prescribed to manage this condition.
- Allergies – Like many other dog breeds, the Golden Retriever can also be Hypersensitive to specific allergens, leading to skin or gastrointestinal issues. Symptoms are typically itching, redness and gastrointestinal upset. Treatment involves Identifying and avoiding allergens alongside medication to manage symptoms. Diet change may also be required.
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Exercise Requirements
The Golden Retriever is a sporting champion who needs regular exercise to keep them happy and fit. They love to retrieve, and bounding across the park at full speed to find a ball is something of sheer delight to most. They also love food and can become overweight if not adequately exercised. They will love doing anything with you, so consider jogging and walking. Jogging should only be done after the pup has reached 18 months old to prevent joint problems. With pups, go at their speed and do not force the exercise. A tired Goldie who had a good run will be a pleasure to live with. They love the water and will thoroughly enjoy a weekly (or daily, if lucky enough) romp at the beach.
Intelligence
The Golden Retriever is a brilliant breed and excels in dog sports and retrieving. This intelligence has seen them perform as masters at retrieving ducks and other hunting duties. They have been specifically bred to work. Considering this, ensure your dog is correctly exercised, trained and socialised. Like all breeds, bored Goldens can become destructive.
Family Friendly
Golden Retriever is one of the most family-friendly dogs around town. They adore hanging out with their ‘pack’ and being where all the action is—a very gentle and tolerant breed. However, like all dogs, children need to be taught how to behave correctly when in the company of a dog. They are a family dog and do not take well to hours left alone. They love to be in the company of others and getting out and about on family adventures.
Indoor/outdoor?
Being a family dog, there is no place for a Goldie beside you. In staying this, they are happy to spend some time outdoors, but when you are at home, that is where they will want to be. Your Goldie must have adequate shade and shelter to prevent overheating during summer.
Responsible Breeding
It is imperative to only source your Golden Retriever from a good and established breeder to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary diseases common in the bloodline and ask to see Mum and Dad. Contacting your local Golden Retriever breed club can also help you find a good breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their breeding Golden Retrievers for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain in dealing with a sick puppy.
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