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| Height |
21.5-24 inches |
| Weight |
55-75 lbs. |
| Life Span |
12-14 yrs. |
| Overview |
There are few breeds as gentle, affectionate, playful, eager to please, and devoted as the golden retriever.
These sweet dogs like people and other animals and are ideal playmates for children. They can be annoying at times because they crave so much attention and always want to be with their owners.
Goldens generally do very well in obedience training, which should be started early, although some dogs may be easily distracted. Gentle, positive reinforcement is all that's needed.
Goldens may bark when a stranger comes to the door but more often as a greeting rather than as a warning. A fenced yard is essential--goldens tend to follow their noses and wander.
These dogs can live in the city as long as they are exercised daily and given a lot of attention. The golden competes successfully in agility, Flyball, tracking, and obedience; excels in narcotics detection and search and rescue; and is regularly chosen to work as a therapy dog as well as with the physically challenged and visually impaired.
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| Appearance |
The outercoat is dense, shiny, wavy or flat, and water-repellent; the undercoat is dense and waterproof.
Feathering is heavy on the front of the neck, back of the thighs, and underside of the tail, and moderate on the back of the front legs and the underbody. Color is various shades of rich, lustrous gold.
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| Grooming & Exercise |
Goldens shed a lot and need to be brushed and combed a few times a week.
They are happiest when they are taken on several brisk daily walks and are given the opportunity to play with other dogs. Fetching Frisbees or balls and swimming are favorite activities.
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| Origins |
Goldens shed a lot and need to be brushed and combed a few times a week.
They are happiest when they are taken on several brisk daily walks and are given the opportunity to play with other dogs. Fetching Frisbees or balls and swimming are favorite activities.
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| Other |
It is especially important to obtain a golden retriever from a reputable breeder. Bad breeders and pet stores often sell aggressive, hyperactive, or timid goldens with serious medical problems.
Breed-related health concerns: hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, hot spots, hypothyroidism, lymphoma, subaortic stenosis.
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