While these energetic dogs require lots of love and exercise, they repay their owners with a lifetime of loyalty and affection. They make excellent candidates for dog sports and therapy dog training. As Dr. Carol Osborne, an integrative veterinarian at Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Ohio, told us, being just 10% overweight decreases a dogs lifespan by one-third and predisposes him to heart, kidney and liver disease as well as diabetes, arthritis and cancer.. Mast Cell Tumors and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) are also common with the Golden Retriever. The typical golden is SO friendly, SO easygoing, and SO adorable that they can give the impression that theyre a low-maintenance dog. If youre not sure youre ready to raise a puppy, adopting an adult or senior Golden from a rescue is a great idea. The simple repetition of a task or action (followed by a yummy treat) can go a long way in winning love, respect, and admiration from your retriever. Feeding fresh dog food made from human-grade meat and vegetables is the best way to be sure of exactly what youre putting in your dogs bowl. It cant be emphasized enough: being overweight isnt simply a cosmetic issue for dogs. As a retriever, Welly loves to spend at least part of his walk walking himself. Does this mean that a Golden Retriever wont defend their family in times of need? Better for them, easier for you. If youre looking to keep busy with a friendly, active, family-oriented companion, however, the golden might be a great fit. Around the globe, few dogs can match the intelligence, playfulness, and affectionate qualities that are characterized by the Golden Retriever. I gave her salmon, sardines, grass-fed beef, probiotics, etc., but always the same result. Golden Retrievers are definitely among my favorites as well. This is problematic for the Golden Retriever as regular exercise is a necessity for this breed due to its natural abundance of energy. But, like any breed, they demand ample mental stimulation, exercise, and training. : A cataract is a cloudy spot that develops on the lens of the eye. The Golden Retriever was first recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1925 and is believed to have originated in Scotland and England around the 19th century. The forequarters of a retriever are considered muscular and well-coordinated with the dogs hindquarters, with the shoulder blades and upper arms appearing roughly the same length, while the lower legs are considered straight with good bone (AKC, 111). Because its lightly cooked, it delivers all the powerful nutrients contained in those ingredients. One of the first Golden Retrievers to be bred was recorded by Lord Tweedmouth around 1864. Its been an issue we have been working on since we got him. Golden owner Jarrod Thibodeau. Their bubbly personalities border on clownish. As active dogs, Golden Retrievers require a hearty diet to help them thrive. Sweet as they are, these dogs can act up if they dont receive enough training and exercise (and their constantly-wagging tails have been known to send things flying off coffee tables). Signs to look out for include frequent head shaking, scratching at the ears or rubbing the face on carpet, and discharge and/or an odor coming from the ear canal. Speak to your vet if you see these behaviors. Shelter dogs are typically housebroken and may already have some training under their belt. Skin allergies typically present with redness, itching, and hair loss. Golden retrievers tend to be very gentle with children and can often get along with other household pets, including cats. This condition can cause changes in weight or appetite, low energy, and changes in skin and coat. As a medium-sized breed, owners can expect their Golden Retrievers to reach a maximum weight of 65 to 75 pounds, with females reaching 65 pounds at maturity. Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on February 06, 2020: Golden Retrievers have always been one of my favorite breeds of dogs. Larry Slawson received his Master's Degree from UNC Charlotte. Hip dysplasia is a heritable condition characterized by anatomic abnormalities which prevent the thighbone from fitting snugly into the hip joint. He is the sweetest and will never leave my side when Im home, affirms Nicole Oanes, owner of Golden-pit mix Diablo. It cant be emphasized enough: being overweight isnt simply a cosmetic issue for dogs. How Long Does it Take For a Dog To Digest Food? He is the sweetest and will never leave my side when Im home, affirms Nicole Oanes, owner of Golden-pit mix Diablo. Its linked to over-feeding and excess dietary calcium and protein, so its important to feed puppies a balanced and high-quality diet. Do you have someone, whether friend or professional dog walker, who can come in and provide exercise and company when youre out? Due to their size and body build, Golden Retrievers often produce the illusion of a good guard dog. Whether youre. Potential adopters in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York should check out adoptable Goldens available at GRIN Rescue in Cleveland, OH, or Sunshine Golden Rescue, based in New York state. Elbow dysplasia, also a heritable condition, is characterized by laxity in the elbow joint which can lead to lameness. Because of its energetic nature (as well as its love for games and various toys), the Golden Retriever often develops deep-rooted attachments to children of all agesattachments and friendships that are known to last a lifetime due to the dogs unwavering affection and devotion to its owners. By crossing a mixture of spaniels and setters, breeders were able to recreate each of these characteristics with remarkable success, including a soft-mouth trait that allowed the dog to retrieve game without damaging it. Larry Slawson (author) from North Carolina on February 08, 2020: Thank you, Lorna! Its linked to over-feeding and excess dietary calcium and protein, so its important to feed puppies a balanced and high-quality diet. If your dog spends a lot of time swimming, try to clean their their ears frequently (more, : It is an unfortunate fact that goldens are more predisposed to cancer than most other breedsroughly 60% of all golden retrievers will die from some form of the disease. Ruth, who Escaped the Meat Trade, is Now Americas Favorite Office Dog. Veterinary experts say being even slightly overweight can cause health problems. Its a health hazard as its linked to a raft of diseases including cancer. The Golden Retriever possesses a broad head that is arched laterally and longitudinally (AKC, 110). A healthy balance of these two essential fatty acids provides a range of health benefits including a lustrous coat. Females are a little smaller, standing up to 22.5 inches tall and weighing between 55 and 65 pounds on average. Golden Retrievers are well-known for their companionship qualities and affection towards their owners. Golden Retrievers are well known for their beautiful coats. Some questions to consider: How many hours a day do you work away from home? Tweedmouth bred the animal through a combination of Black Wavy Coated Retrievers and a Tweed Water Spaniel, affectionately named Belle.. If left untreated, this condition can become fatal. Golden Retrievers as playful and energetic as they are gentle and sweet, making them wonderful family dogs. They really want to be with their people. While goldens are not known for being aggressive, any dog can develop aggressive behavior if theyre improperly socialized or poorly treated. If left untreated, this condition can become fatal. want to be with their people. I tried raw and she couldnt tolerate it. Although the Golden Retriever requires extensive attention and care from their owners, the companionship and friendship offered by this dog in return make all of the extra work a worthy endeavor. Dry skin and hair coat can be due to a nutritional issue, allergies, or a medical condition, Dr. Gary Richter, DVM has, In sum, if youre looking for a healthy and nutritious option for your golden, consider, If youre thinking about bringing a golden retriever into your life, stop into your local animal shelter or look for a breed-specific rescue near you. Hell grab the leash gently and make sure hes playing a part in walkies.. Set on a muscular base, the tail typically follows the natural line of the croup, with bones in the tail extending to the point of the hock (AKC, 111). What really makes these dogs stand out, however, is that lustrous golden coat. Breeding records indicate that Tweedmouth was aiming to breed a talented retriever with a strong nose and an attentive attitude. ), however, should not expect positive results. For this reason, its best to follow feeding recommendations for your puppys age and size, offering controlled portions rather than allowing your puppy to feed freely. Owners should work closely with their veterinarian, however, in determining the proper diet and dog food to purchase for their pet. Researchers are gathering data on 3,000 dogs, covering everything from genes to diet and environmental pollutants to determine the cancer risk factors for goldens (and, by extension, other dogs). Shelter dogs are typically housebroken and may already have some training under their belt. For these reasons, the Golden Retriever will likely remain one of the most popular pets in the United States for the foreseeable future. contain preservatives and possibly other carcinogens. Golden retriever puppies tend to grow very quickly and, while this is normal, its important to prevent your puppy from growing too fast. Its no secret that dogs thrive on routine and this is certainly true for the golden retriever. Treble loves everyone, so he wants to greet anyone he sees and he may try to jump on them too. It may also be a good idea to use a slow-feeder food bowl that prevents your dog from inhaling all their food too quickly, and a smaller water bowl that you refill often instead of a large bowl to prevent your dog from drinking too much water at once, especially before or after meals. Its more work than you might imagine. For this reason, its best to follow feeding recommendations for your puppys age and size, offering controlled portions rather than allowing your puppy to feed freely. If your dog spends a lot of time swimming, try to clean their their ears frequently (more here on how to safely clean their ears). Golden retrievers are a healthy breed for the most part but, like all dogs, they have predispositions to certain health issues. : Gastric dilation volvulus or bloat is a common condition in large and deep-chested breeds. Some research involving Scottish terriers has linked increased vegetable consumption to a lower risk of an insidious form of cancer in that breed. Although many owners allow their retrievers to eat table scraps following large meals, scraps should be checked for foods (or contaminants) that could prove harmful to their dogs. This article examines the Golden Retriever and provides an in-depth analysis of the dogs behavioral patterns, temperament, and general characteristics. At the time, they were simply classified as retrievers Yellow or Golden but the name was officially changed to golden retriever in 1920. Another concern is rapid growth in puppies. We had a Retriever when I was a child and I have fond memories of him jumping into the lake to retrieve his ball when we went to the park. Keeping your dog at a lean, healthy weight, and feeding fresh, complete and balanced food that provides the right amount and proportion of Omega-3 fatty acids can help guard against inflammation and protect your dogs joints. Watch our video about Sam, the super senior golden who was adopted at eight and won a New York familys hearts. Even though many human foods are fine for dogs to eat, Another concern is rapid growth in puppies. (GRREAT). These are some best practices for feeding your golden retriever to help maintain a healthy weight, reduce digestion problems, and help protect joints. Whether youre bringing home a new puppy or adopting an adult dog, start training right away and make a concerted effort with socialization during the first few weeks and months you have with your dog. Be sure to have your goldens eyes checked regularly and report any cloudiness in their eyes. She sleeps on the bed, with her head on the pillow, underneath the covers. Matt Giarratano, owner of Stella. Golden retrievers typically develop outer ear infections which may result in redness, itching, and odorous discharge. As Dr. Carol Osborne, an integrative veterinarian at Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Ohio. If you spend a lot of time away from home, whether for work or travel, a golden retriever might not be the best choice of companion. But, like any breed, they demand ample mental stimulation, exercise, and training. Joining their head is a well-defined muzzle that is straight all the way to the tip, along with a set of medium-sized eyes (dark) that are set deep within their sockets. Retrievers are well-known for their thick and relatively long tails. Many golden owners recommend that you trim the hair around their paw pads so they dont develop slippers.. Through importation, the breed soon spread beyond the boundaries of England into the rest of Europe and most notably, North America. No dog responds well to being left alone too much, but with their intensely people-oriented nature, goldens can be especially prone to separation anxiety. So glad you enjoyed. Cataracts can develop at any age but are most common in older golden retrievers. The average male golden stands between 23 and 24 inches tall and weighs 65 to 75 pounds. Goldens are super food driven and smart. Golden retrievers are also prone to osteochondrosis (OCD) which can cause secondary arthritis. Sharing your food with your pet can make it hard to ensure correct nutrient ratios and calories per day, and can encourage unwelcome intrusions on your own mealtime. With the right amount of exercise, Golden Retrievers can flourish in urban and rural areas alike. : Dogs can develop allergies to a wide variety of things ranging from fleas and other external parasites to food, pollen, mold, and other environmental irritants. Bloat occurs when the stomach becomes filled with air or gas then twists on its axis, cutting off blood flow. The golden retriever was officially recognized as a distinct breed by the Kennel Club in England in 1911. Golden Retrievers are incredibly smart dogs. The best thing you can do to keep shedding under control is brush your dog regularlyat least once a week, or even daily if you can swing it. Some goldens have slightly wavy fur while others have completely straight coats. Golden Retrievers are very in tune with the emotions of those around them, making them excellent therapy dogs. MANY golden owners report that their dogs have experienced digestive issues. The golden retriever earned its name in part due to its golden coat, but also for its skill in retrieving waterfowl. If your dog seems to be scratching more than usual or if he starts obsessively licking his paws or rubbing his face, you may want to check in with your veterinarian. Conversion to a fresh, whole food diet frequently improves skin and coat.. High-quality, balanced food is especially important for your growing puppy . Omega-3s help to reduce inflammation, while Omega-6s increase inflammation, which plays a role in immunity, and cell growth. Frustrated and tired of cooking, I tried The Farmers Dog, and after more than a year she is still excited to eat and rarely has stomach issues. Golden owner Scott Howard. In terms of size, golden retrievers walk the line between being a medium-sized and large breed. Its a health hazard as its linked to a raft of diseases including cancer. Dogs of this breed often exhibit a thick ruff around the neck along with feathering on the legs, stomach, and tail. Were still working on his manners, but hes only one-and-a-half, so he still has lots of puppy energy. Unlike many breeds, the Golden Retriever is also great with cats, and are known to exhibit close attachments to their feline companions over time. The coat can be either wavy or straight (depending on grooming preferences) and is well-known for its golden coloration that varies between light and dark. : Characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in dogs like the golden retriever. Why A fresh way to feed your pet. Rapid growth can put strain on your puppys bones and joints which may predispose them to musculoskeletal issues in adulthood. Golden Retrievers were originally bred as hunting dogs and were prized for their ability to retrieve prey without damaging it. With a healthy diet, adequate exercise, and proper care, golden retrievers can live 12 to 14 years or more. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. When a dogs diet is missing something importantlike digestible protein, fats, moisture, and sufficient nutrients in the right balanceit manifests in a variety of ways, from dry skin and a dull coat to patches of hair loss. Hip dysplasia is a heritable condition characterized by anatomic abnormalities which prevent the thighbone from fitting snugly into the hip joint. Topping the Golden Retrievers head is a set of relatively short ears that droop to the dogs neck and which favor hound-like characteristics. Experts suggest 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dog food twice a day. In fact, retrievers are well-known for their active defense of owners (especially children) when danger arises. 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