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Golden Retriever
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Breed Information |
Group: Gun Dogs Weight: 25.0 - 35.0kgs Height: 51.0 - 61.0cm Appearance: The general appearance of the Golden Retriever as described in the Breed Standard is as follows: Symmetrical, balanced, active, powerful, level mover, sound with kindly expression.
The Golden Retriever is a medium to large dog, who possesses a medium to long coat, with moderate feathering, which should be dense and water repellent. Their colour ranges from gold to cream. They are an active breed that thrives on training and interaction with their family and other pets.
Temperament: The standard specifies the Golden temperament as – Kindly, friendly and confident.
A Golden Retriever should never be shy or aggressive. They should be a happy, outgoing dog. The characteristics from the Breed Standard state: Biddable, intelligent and possessing natural working ability.
Golden Retrievers are a slow maturing breed, and can be quite boisterous as puppies. They love to run, chase sticks, balls or anything else that is thrown for them, and have a natural retrieving instinct. Most Goldens have a natural affinity to water, and love nothing more than to play in the rain, puddles or mud. Sometimes they remain “puppies” well into old age.
They love to be a part of everything that is going on around them, and remain a loyal and constant companion for many years.
Health: Golden Retrievers are a healthy breed of dog, and can be expected to live for about 12-13 years. It is not uncommon to hear of Goldens living well past 15.
As with all breeds of dogs, Golden Retrievers as a breed are pre-disposed to certain genetic diseases. Responsible Breeders, Breed Clubs, the Australian National Kennel Association and State Controlling bodies, have been endeavouring to eliminate or at least reduce the incidence of the most common hereditary diseases by screening breeding stock.
The diseases for which such screening is required in Golden Retrievers are:-
(1) Hip dysplasia;
(2) OCD (osteochondritis dissecans);
(3) Eye diseases;
(4) Sub-Aortic Stenosis (SAS) (heart disease).
Buyers should insist on seeing all breeding certificates for both parents before committing to purchasing a puppy.
Goldens will need to be kept flea and tick free. They are particularly sensitive to fleas, and will develop skin irritations if they become infested. They must also receive regular heartworm prevention and be treated about every three months for intestinal worms.
One common ailment experienced by some Golden Retrievers are “hot spots”. These are acute areas of skin irritation which can develop during hot, humid weather, due mainly to the thick undercoat. These hot spots may require veterinary treatment as they can become infected due to constant scratching and biting by the dog.
History: The development of the Golden Retriever is attributed to Lord Tweedmouth at his estate Guishachan, near Inverness in Scotland.
In 1864, he acquired his first yellow coloured Flat Coated Retriever, named Nous, who was bred to a type of dog called the Tweed Water Spaniel (Belle), now long extinct. Nous and Belle produced four yellow puppies in 1868. He bred on from the original offspring, using the occasional outcross to an Irish Setter, a second Tweed Water Spaniel and a black Flat Coated Retriever.
First shown in 1908, they were granted breed status by the English Kennel Club in 1913, and became known as the Retriever (Golden and Yellow). In 1920, the name was changed to Golden Retriever.
The earliest known records relating to Golden Retrievers in Australia commence in 1937, however there has been some indication that they may have been brought here as early as 1914. The first documented information on Goldens in Australia can be found in Victoria, with the registration of Grackle of Tone, born 1st April, 1937. A bitch was also imported, and the first Golden Retriever litter was born in Australia in September 1938.
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Choosing a Golden Retriever
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If you are looking to buy a Golden Retriever or to adopt, please make sure you understand as much as you can about this breed. Every dog has different wants and needs, so it is important to do your research on the breed you are interested in. In this way, you can be more certain that you will be able to provide the care and requirements that the breed needs. Back to Breeds page
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