Pet Insurance For Your Golden Retriever
One of the most beloved breeds in all the world, the Golden Retriever is loyal, hard-working and downright friendly. This is an ideal candidate for a family dog, as this gentle breed takes easily to children. It’s also one of the most popular breeds in Australia, and PIA regularly provides pet insurance for Golden Retrievers for households across the country.
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Golden Retriever Background
This line of retrievers was originally developed in Scotland in the mid-19th century as a game retriever for wildfowl hunters. In those days, what was needed was something of an amphibious retriever well-suited for water- and land-based activities. To achieve this, existing retrievers were crossed with water spaniels.
The Golden Retriever was bred out of necessity following the dramatic improvement of firearms. Hunters were able to down prey from farther away, and traditional pointer and setter breeds weren’t able to accommodate.
But Golden Retrievers were able to traipse over land and wade into water to fetch their prize.
Also, given its specific breeding, the Golden Retriever has a naturally soft bite. This ensured that the ducks and pheasants carried back to the hunter would be unmarred by bite marks. But it also makes the Golden a lovely playmate, as it’s unlikely to bite too hard out of excitement.
Why Choose PIA for the Dog Insurance of your Golden Retriever?
Our dog insurance plans offer coverage for up to 90%* of eligible vet bills, a 21-day cooling-off period, friendly customer service, and the added perk of 2 months free on any new pet insurance plans.
Golden Retriever Characteristics
Given its broad popularity, it should come as no surprise that so many people are interested in insurance for Golden Retrievers in Australia. This is one of the loveliest breeds in the world – intelligent, trainable and ever-so-gentle.
It should be noted that there are different variations of the Golden Retriever breed from the UK, the USA and Canada. The British type is most common in Australia, and it features a broader skull, muscular forequarters and a well-chiselled muzzle. Across the world, the breed features a thick double coat with a water-repellent outer layer.
Patience is one of the breed’s strongest virtues, as this was necessary for the sit-and-wait approach to hunting wildfowl in the countryside. These are also excellent candidates for obedience training, and many organisations rank them within the top five most intelligent breeds. But bear in mind: this is also a breed that loves to eat, so some regulation is required to avoid problems with obesity.
Fast Facts
Average Height
Female: 51-56 cm
Male: 56-61 cm
Average Weight
Female: 25-32 kg
Male: 30-34 kg
Temperament
Friendly, kind, confident, trustworthy, reliable, intelligent.
Lifespan
10-12 years
Known Genetic Issues
Hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, sub-vascular aortic stenosis
Country of Origin
UK (Scotland)
Exercise Requirements
Given their breeding for an active lifestyle, the Golden Retriever requires a fair amount of exercise, such as a long walk, jog or free time in the garden.
Coat
Water-repellent outer coat with a thick undercoat; some wavy and some straight
Coat Colours
Golden, light golden, dark golden, cream
Specific Care Requirements
Ample grooming is necessary to keep the double coat from matting; not enough exercise may lead to barking and other forms of acting out.
Golden Retriever Common Health Problems
Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia, a genetic condition where the thigh bone doesn’t fit into the hip socket correctly. This can lead to pain, lameness, and arthritis. Treatment often involves surgery, and responsible breeding practices can help reduce its occurrence.
Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia affects the elbow joint, causing pain, lameness, and arthritis. Treatment options include surgery, weight management, and medication depending on severity.
Golden Retrievers have a higher risk of developing cancer, particularly hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma. Early detection and treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy, are crucial for managing this condition.
Golden Retrievers can suffer from heart conditions such as subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS). This condition requires lifelong medication and regular veterinary check-ups to manage.
This breed is prone to skin allergies, which can cause itching, redness, and infections. Management includes identifying and avoiding allergens, using prescribed medications, and maintaining proper skin care.
Contact PIA to Get Pet Insurance for Your Golden Retriever Today
If you are interested in learning more about pet insurance for dogs, please don’t
hesitate to get in touch with Pet Insurance Australia. We offer a range of coverage options to ensure
your pet enjoys a long and happy life with the family.
