Golden Retrievers Suffer From Health Problems
Like all breeds, golden retriever is exposed to diseases more than other dogs, however some types of golden retriever have a better health than others, for example, British cream English cream golden retrievers have a better health than the American golden, some studies showed that that the American Golden Retrievers are more prone to cancer, compared to the English ones, in other similar studies showed that more than 60 percent of American goldens retriever has cancer, in the other hand, only 30 percent of English golden retriever has it, besides cancer, many American golden retrievers suffer from lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and mast cell tumor. Overall, English golden retriever lives longer than American retrievers and their life expectancy is longer and similar to American retrievers, meanwhile Canadian golden retriever suffer from a lot of infections and diseases too, such as; hip dysplasia, eye problems, thyroid conditions, and others.
Health Needs Of A Golden Retriever
The health of your golden retriever is essential as they suffer from a multitude of afflictions. There is a longitudinal cohort study;of golden retrievers being conducted on the subject of health.
Their health is particularly important when breeders only select from a restricted gene pool to create lighter colors.
This shouldnt scare you away as retrievers are generally healthy, but theyre prone to certain conditions that you should know about.
Not all of them will have the following diseases, but when buying, you should ask the breeder for health clearances of the puppys parents. This proves that the dog has been tested and cleared of these health conditions.
Some of the things to look for are hip dysplasia, elbow, dysplasia, and hypothyroidism, among others. According to DogTime, this is what some of the conditions entail.
Hip Dysplasia: this is a heritable condition where the thighbones dont fit properly into the hip joint. Its painful and can make them lame on their rear legs. As they age, arthritis develops, and sometimes the only way to find out is to have an x-ray screening. If they do suffer from this, they should not be bred.
Elbow Dysplasia: another heritable condition with large canines, its caused by different growth rates in the three bones of the elbow. It, too, can be painful and cause lameness.
Fun Fact: a golden retriever named Augie holds the record for holding the most tennis balls in its mouth
Sourced: Pet Helpful;|
Are English Golden Retrievers Calmer
All Golden Retrievers are known for their loving, gentle temperaments, a trait which some people say is even more obvious in the English variant of this breed. While this fido may be less confident than its American version, they are extremely loveable and devoted dogs.
In fact, they love being a part of the family that theyll get sad, and even depressed, if left alone, or stuck outside for hours on end.
They will, however, be quite happy to spend hours being dotted on indoors and their gentle nature makes them a fantastic choice for families and children of any age.
Renowned for their patience, these dogs will show love and affection to anyone and any animal, especially when properly socialised. Due to this, the Golden Retriever is not a good choice as a guard dog.
While they may bark at strangers their bravado will wear off as soon it looks as if a cuddle may be on the cards instead.
Also Check: Potty Training Golden Retrievers
Why Do Golden Retrievers Have Different Shades Of Coat
The different coats of golden retrievers are due to purely genetics. Similar to humans, these dogs have different complexions due to pigmentation that determines the tone and shade of our four-legged dogs fur.
The color of a dog is determined by genes that control the production of melanin named Phaeomelanin. There is no exact science to know what color a golden retriever puppy will grow into. You can only guestimate on the probable color of the little pet friend when it grows into a dog.
To understand why golden retrievers have so many different colors, you need to understand their origins.
Golden Retrievers Are So Popular In Movies Due To Their Obedient Nature
Golden Retrievers are often featured in movies and television shows, including Air Bud and Homeward Bound. While the breed is certainly cute, it’s not their beauty that gets Goldens so many television spots. It’s their mellow nature, combined with their trainability.
Golden Retrievers are easy to train, and they perform reliably and consistently. That’s what makes them such popular guide dogs, and it’s also what led the breed to take first in AKC obedience trials when they were introduced in 1977.
Recommended Reading: House Training Golden Retriever
How To Determine The Future Coat Color Of A Golden Retriever Puppy
If you are planning to enter your Golden Retriever into competitions or just have a particular coat color preference, it may be essential for you to know what color your puppy will be as a full adult.;
It can be challenging to determine the color of the puppy as an adult just by looking at the parents. Many dark-coated parents can produce light-colored puppies, depending on their bloodline. Light golden brown dogs tend to produce light coated puppies.;
The best way to determine the color a puppy will turn out to be when grown is to look at the ears. If your puppys ears are darker than their body, its a sign that their coat will darken as they age. But if your puppys ears are light, the coating will stay light at full maturity.;
As your puppy ages, the coat may change slightly, depending on the shade of the ears. Once they reach one year of age, their coat should be at its permanent color.;
As your dog enters its senior years, the hair around the muzzle and eyes can start to turn gray. If your dog starts to turn gray all over, you may want to consult a veterinarian.;
Older dogs do require more grooming than younger dogs. And their bellies frequently turn black or blueish . This discoloration is a sign of excellent pigment and is a good sign instead of a bad one.;
What Is A Black Goldador
A Goldador, or Golden Labrador, is a mix of a purebred Golden Retriever to a purebredLabrador Retriever.
Depending on the genes contributed from the Labrador parent, some all-black puppies may result in a coat that is either a nice combination of both breeds or that closely resembles just one parent.
Also Check: What Is The Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers
Do You Know All The Different Types Of Golden Retrievers
You might have noticed that not all Goldens look alike. Some are fair, others dark. Some are lanky with minimal feathering, while some look like teddy bears.
A Golden Retriever running on the lawn
Thats because there are more than two types of Golden Retrievers. If you find yourself asking, what kind of Golden Retriever do I have? Read on! Well be breaking down the different types and why there are variations.
What Is A Canadian Golden Retriever
A Canadian golden retriever is one of three different kinds of golden retriever dogs. Canadian goldens are leaner and taller than British and American golden retrievers. Their standard allows for all shades of gold, and Canadian goldens usually have a darker coat that is also shorter and thinner than the coat of its American and British cousins.
You May Like: The Best Puppy Food For Golden Retrievers
Where Do Color Variations Come From
Typically, you will expect that two dogs of similar shape,size, and appearance should produce puppies that fall within that range ofsimilarity.
There are times, however, when recessive genes or gene mutations can create an outlier. This outlier might occur in one of the puppies or the entire litter. Mutations typically do not get passed on to the third generationalthough there are some situations where the mutation becomes permanent.
Recessive genes, however, are a different story.
Two parents carrying the recessive gene will give theopportunity for that gene to show itself in one of their litter.
Breeders crossed Golden Retrievers with a variety of other breeds in the 1800s looking for the perfect hunting companion. Many of those dogs would have had red or black coats.
It is not impossible that those genes remained largelyunseen as the more common dominant genes express their well, their dominance.
Are There A Smaller Type Of Golden Retriever
Yes, theres the Comfort Retriever, which is a mix between Poodles and Goldens. Also called a Goldendoodle, it is a fantastic designer dog for those with allergies. You will have to clip him occasionally, though.;
The adorable Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles;can be anywhere from 13-24 inches and weigh 15-90 lbs . This is because their Poodle parent comes in three different sizes.
Another cross you will love if you want a smaller dog is the Golden Cocker Retriever. Usually around 30 to 45 lbs . While it doesnt blow its coat, youll have to brush him daily.
Meet Josie, a Golden Cocker Retriever dog Image Source
There is no such thing as a purebred miniature Golden Retriever.
Also Check: How To Make My Golden Retriever Gain Weight
History Of Golden Retrievers
Goldens were originally bred in Scotland in the 19th century to serve as gun dogs and to retrieve shot waterfowl.
For centuries, people had only been able to hit game from a relatively short distance. But, as hunting technology and guns improved, the hunting style had to change and evolve too. Since hunters could now shoot birds from further distances, the game fell further away and often ended in streams, rivers, or ponds.
The retriever dogs of that time were not bred to tackle these new challenges. While they could collect game, they couldnt find the downed game at a distance the new guns could reach. They also could not retrieve game from lakes or rivers.
So, breeders needed to create a new dog.
Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord of Tweedmouth, took on the challenge. He crossed a yellow-colored retriever, named Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel female dog, called Belle. The Tweed water spaniel is now an extinct breed but was then very common in Scotland.
The resulting litter had four puppies. Those four puppies became the foundation of a breeding program, which also included a bloodhound, an Irish setter, the St. Johns water dog of Newfoundland, and two wavy-coated black retriever dogs.
The golden retriever, as it came to be known, was born.
What Is The Difference Between A Red Retriever And A Golden Retriever
The main difference between a red retriever and a golden retriever is coat color. While golden retrievers have a gold-colored coat, red retrievers are a deep mahogany color.;
There are a few other common differences between red and golden retrievers.
Red retrievers tend to be a little smaller, a little more energetic and therefore require more exercise, and have a slightly shorter coat.
This means they shed a little less than golden retrievers, but still much more than many other breeds.
Read Also: Why Do Golden Retrievers Eat So Fast
What To Expect When Youre Expecting A New Golden Retriever
No matter which breeds you ultimately end up choosing, Golden Retrievers generally have a fixed temperament which especially holds true for the purebreds. A Golden Retriever is a loving, energetic, attention seeking, and affectionate dog.
Golden Retrievers are great animals for playing fetch and they can play up to hours for an end. Eager, playful, smart and affectionate, the Golden Retriever has massive reserves of energy and no notable behavioral issues.
Golden Retrievers are brimming with confidence and are not aggressive or destructive at all. However, as pups, they can be a bit outgoing and chew on furniture or keep fetching random objects because of their playful nature.
The best way to deal with their overwhelming energy levels is to keep them engrossed in physical activities. Golden Retrievers love the outdoors and adore playing fetch and walks. They make great companions for a cross country run or bike trips as well.
Golden Retrievers are great pets for the whole family as they do not just take a liking to a single person but get along with all family members. They are also friendly towards toddlers.
Like most dogs, the Golden Retriever lives up to 10 to 12 years. Common illnesses this dog breed is susceptible to include skin allergies and hip dysplasia. A healthy amount of exercise and optimal levels of food servings will keep them healthy and active for years.
Modern Day Golden Retrievers
The first appearance of the Golden Retriever in Britain was at a dog show in 1908, and it became a recognized breed in Britain around 1913.;
The Retriever appeared in the US by way of Canada around the same time as it became popular in Europe. But America didnt adopt the breed standards until 1925.;
In the 1970s, President Ford brought the breed into the limelight, and families around the world fell in love with the sweet look of a Golden Retriever. People quickly fell in love with the Golden Retriever and it became the essence of the perfect American family pet.
Today, Golden Retrievers are still used as hunting companions. But they are more often found as loyal and friendly family companions. This gentle breed loves to be part of a large pack and is one of the best breeds to have around small children.;
Golden Retrievers have also become a favorite breed to train as service animals for people with visual or hearing impairments. They are also excellent therapy and emotional support dogs.;
And due to their size and stamina, Golden Retrievers are also often trained to be search and rescue dogs to assist with water rescues. They can also be used to track missing persons and help with natural disasters or mass casualties.;
There really isnt anything these dogs cant do! Except for acting as a watchdog, perhaps. Their friendly demeanor means theyre more likely to lick an intruder to death after barking a few times rather than guard your home.
Recommended Reading: How Much To Feed A Golden Retriever Dog
Slender Head Golden Retrievers
The head of these dogs are narrower compared to that of their block head counterparts. They are also often called wedge-shaped-headed Golden Retrievers. The size and shape of the head have something to do with the skulls structure. Their bones align in such a way that their head takes on a narrow shape instead of a square one. The fur of these Goldens are also shorter. Most of these belong to the Canadian and American types. It is very rare to see British slender heads.
Do The Colors Of Golden Retrievers Affect Their Personality
Regardless of what color you prefer, every shade of Golden Retriever comes with the same cheery, loving temperament and desire to please. Each of the colors is equally intelligent. There is no one color that will do better with families than another.
Basically, the different color is just thatdifferent color and nothing else.
You are not getting any additional perks or disadvantages whenyou choose one or the otherunless you are hoping to run your dog in obediencetrials.
If you are considering a tour on the obedience circuit, thenyou will need to stick to the three basic shades of gold.
Too dark or too light and your dreams of a NationalObedience Champion will go up in smoke!
When it comes to everything about Golden Retrievers, there are no major differences between the colors that make one worth more than the other. If the color is not your biggest concern, then dont feel pressured to pay more for one color over another.
In the end, if you settle on a Golden Retriever of anycolor, you are getting a dog with an incredible personality that will fit inperfectly with your familyincluding other pets. There is a reason that GoldenRetrievers are among the most popular dogs in the United States.
Perhaps, the only downside to these dogs is the fact that they need so much exercise. If you are able to get them the playtime they need, you will have a companion that will love you to infinity and beyond.
Recommended Reading: How To Draw A Golden Retriever Face
Cross Breeds Of Golden Retrievers Do They Cost Less
The breeders crossbred the Golden Retrievers with other dog breeds to improve and enhance their qualities. Furthermore, the crossbreeds are less susceptible to illness and have a longer life. Therefore, crossbreeding Golden Retrievers with other dogs gives the attributes of both the parents in the offspring. As a result, the breeders get the pet they desire.
Some of them are:
- Golden Mountain Dog
- Goldador
- Goldendoxie
- Golden Poodle
Whatever be the breed type, pure or cross, the Golden Retriever needs adequate care and attention.
Do you know how to ways to effective Golden Retriever care?
Never Mind The Colors: Golden Retrievers Are One Breed
Its to be noted that the Golden Retriever Club of America; is adamantly against the name English cream for golden retrievers.
They claim that the names these canines are being marketed under gives the impression that they are somehow healthier, stronger, more beautiful, rarer, and even have greater longevity.
They say these colors and other common shades of cream and gold are bred and found here in North America, and sometimes goldens birth siblings that are very light cream to more vibrant gold.
Further, by promoting these lighter colored-canines as a superior breed, GRCA says it, unnecessarily the gene pool and may cause genetic predispositions towards hereditary health issues to become magnified over time.
GRCA believes the different shades and colors are breeders aesthetic preferences and interpretations of the breed standard, but at the end of the day, the golden retriever is one breed.
| Its incorrect to call a lighter-colored golden retriever by a different name.;Sometimes, breeders change their name to trick buyers into thinking that these lighter-colored dogs are rare.
Sourced: Adrienne Janet Farricelli, Author of Brain Training for Dogs|
Rare white European golden retrievers, exquisite platinum imported golden retrievers, or English cream golden retrievers are some of the labels given to this one breed.
| Feature |
Sourced: Adrianne Janet Farricelli, UKC Dogs;and the Canadian Kennel Club
Recommended Reading: How Many Cups Of Food Should A Golden Retriever Eat