Archive for the ‘Breed Facts’ Category

What questions to ask when buying a Golden Retriever?

Ann | October 27th, 2009

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in the US. Known for their obedience and fantastic attributes, they make great family pets, guide dogs for the blind and narcotic detection aids. But before buying one, there are several questions to answer first.  How large can they get? These dogs are athletic, large and weigh 70 pounds when mature. If one is concerned about shedding, golden retrievers have a dense wavy coat and are heavy shedders.  Daily brushing is needed to remove tangles.

Golden Retriever puppy

Are apartments suitable from them? This dog needs vigorous exercise and athletic play and channeling these energies will make apartment living adequate.  They are wary of strangers and are friendly once warmed up. Separation anxiety can make them destructive if left alone.  Health issues should be taken into consideration for they are prone to cancer, hip dysplasia and check-ups for Von Willebrand’s disease and heart problems. Knowing these factors will help in making the right decision if the Golden Retriever is right for you.

Want to know exactly how to chose your Golden Puppy?

The Golden Retrievers ebook covers the following issues answering all your questions about the breed.

  • How to choose the right golden puppy for you.
  • Physical attributes to look for (and some to avoid!)
  • What papers the breeder should provide.
  • What food does your golden puppy need.
  • How to Crate Train your Golden Retriever puppy
  • Puppy Checklist
  • Housetraining
  • Obedience Training
  • What to expect from your Golden puppy as he grows
  • Golden Retriever development and Growth stages and much more!

Why the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds around the world?

Big Dog | January 13th, 2009

Going by registrations in the United States, the Golden Retriever is the most popular family dog in that part of the world. This is not surprising as the Golden Retriever is been known to have some of the most lovable and kindly temperaments that have become inseparable from the qualities that dogs personify.

Born and bred to live with people, many find the loyal and dedicated nature of Golden Retrievers a joy to be around. In addition to this, they have a temperament that can best be described as “Easy to please”. This makes them ideal for training and obedience lessons as well.

Golden Retriever Puppy

They also have a soft mouth that makes them very gentle on babies and kids as there is no danger of them biting. Golden retrievers are the breed that comes first to mind, when thinking about dogs and it’s not surprising that they are the most popular breed around.

Possible Diseases of a Golden Retriever..

D Dog Fan | February 11th, 2008

Like I mentioned below, it is important to look out for a good breeder. The following diseases are the ones that a reputable breeder looks out for! Don’t be duped!

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD): abnormal development of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia: improper development of elbow joints.
Cataracts: of the eyes
Entropionis: an inversion of the eyelids
Distchiasisis: an eyelash problem caused by an abnormal origin of eyelashes along the lid margin.
Trichiasisis: another eyelash problem.
Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS): a heart problem.
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD): a degeneration of bone underlying the cartilage layer of joints.
Allergies: skin, the ears, nose and other parts of the body too.
von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD): a blood disorder
Cardiomyopathy: “disease of the heart muscle
Gastric Torsion – or Bloat: This condition is caused by a twisting of the stomach and thus trapping the stomach contents.
Epilepsy: is a brain disorder
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): gradual deterioration of the retina.
Osteosarcoma: This is malignant bone cancer

So now you can see why it is best to contact a reputable breeder or a reputable puppy finder company?

Some of these diseases can be prevented!

The Golden Retrievers ebook tells you exactly what you need to do to keep your Golden Retriever healthy.


The Coat and Color of the Golden Retriever

D Dog Fan | January 17th, 2008

The coat of this awesome breed is dense and waterproof. Its love and affinity for water is thus an advantage. The coat may be straight or somewhat wavy. The American Kennel Club (AKC) standard accepts a coat that is “rich and of a lustrous golden that is of various shades”. Coats that are very light or very dark are basis for disqualification according to breed standards. The judge’s discretion is what decides whether the coat color is acceptable or not in conformation shows. (unfair don’t you think?) “Pure white” and “Red” are unacceptable colors for the Golden’s coat, but only for shows. It does not make them any less beautiful! The Kennel Club in the UK allows cream as an acceptable coat color. Goldens with pink noses, or those lacking pigment in certain areas are also disqualified. Sometimes a mahogany color is seen is Goldens. This type of Retriever is referred to as a “redhead”. This is not accepted in the British show ring, but interestingsly enough as a Golden Retriver grows older, its coat can become darker or lighter depending on individual development. The fur may become white as well on and/ or around the muzzle. Puppies are usually much lighter than adults. A darker coloration at the tips of the ears may be a sign that the puppy will grow into a darker Golden color. Whatever color a Retriever becomes, it is nevertheless a stunning breed!

Light and Dark Colored Retrievers