The American Kennel Club
A few Golden Retrievers were known to exist at the end of the 1800s in America. However, they werent officially registered by The American Kennel Club until just over a decade after the UK Kennel Club. Golden Retrievers finally registered with them in 1925.
Following this, the American Golden Retriever Club formed in 1938. Afterward, they began to increase in popularity and now are one of the most popular breeds in the USA.
Other Contributing Factors To The Goldenretrievers Lifespan
While cancer is responsible for 60% of deaths when it comes to the Golden Retriever, it is not the only health problem that Goldens may have. When it comes to cancer and other health issues, genetics influences the likelihood that they will develop it. If you are purchasing your Golden Retriever from a breeder, asking questions about their lineage helps identify whether or not your Retriever has healthy genes. Although it may not directly contribute to their lifespan, Golden Retrievers are also prone to joint and hip problems. This can cause inflammation and reduce their quality of life significantly. Having bad joints and hips can also be a genetic condition so asking questions about the puppys parents in regards to these types of issues is important as well.
Heart And Respiratory Diseases
Apart from cancer, another leading cause of death in Golden Retrievers is any of the several heart, lungs or circulatory health conditions. And one heart defect that is responsible for a significantly high number of Golden Retriever deaths is the Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis .
Causes of SAS in Golden Retrievers isnt independent of this breeds typical large size, and it is characterized by the narrowing of the aorta blood vessel that is responsible for carrying oxygenated blood out of the heart; This, in turn, makes it increasingly difficult for the dogs heart to push out blood, and it may eventually lead to the poochs death.
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Golden Retriever Lifespan: 9 Great Tips To Prolong Its Life
It is known that Golden Retriever dogs are very popular, as they rank third most popular in the USA, according to the latest statistics conducted by the Kennel Club of America. So, when we consider adopting a new dog like Golden Retriever, the first question we ask is how long the golden retriever lifespan?, in order to determine the cost of maintenance.
The popularity of Golden Retriever dogs is due to their very friendly and loyal nature and the suitability of their pets for home breeding. But from the beginning, we need to know their average age, to avoid being shocked when we say goodbye to our faithful dog shortly after breeding, especially since not all dog breeds live like humans. Golden retrievers are no exception to this painful fact.
In this article, we will discover the average life expectancy of a golden retriever as well as the factors that can affect its life in order to help it live happily for as long as possible. But before that, lets take a look at the history of the most ancient dogs in the world and the oldest golden retriever.
Studying The Golden Retriever Life Expectancy
While no one knows quite why the life expectancy of the Golden Retriever has decreased over the years, the Morris Animal Foundation is trying to find out exactly why. The foundation began a study in 2012 with over 3,000 purebred dogs partaking in the studys observation.
The goal is to study these Golden Retrievers over the years to discover exactly what is affecting the for this breed. The study includes a 50-50 split of male and female Golden Retrievers, with half the dogs being fixed, and the other half not.
The study, which will be the longest and largest survey of canines ever done, is still going to take about another decade to complete, although certain preliminary results have been released concerning cancer in this breed and a number of other factors that affect the lifespan of the Golden Retriever.
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Stay Calm And Patient
I know losing a member of the family is very difficult. But would you like to fill the last days of your pet with grief and sorrow? I guess you do not. Thus, you must stay calm.
Besides this, caring for a dying pet is tedious. Change in bowel habits, uncontrolled urination, defecation in carpets, and vomiting will increase your work. However, being angry and punishing your sick friend will never help you.
Thus, instead of beating your pet and breaking your bond with your pal. You must be patient around your Golden Retriever to comfort your pet. Stay close to your pet and clean its mess.
Children And Other Pets
The amiable Golden Retriever isn’t bothered by the noise and commotion of kids;;in fact, he thrives on it. He’s a large, strong dog, though, and he can easily knock over a small child by mistake.
As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he’s eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog’s food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child.
The Golden’s attitude toward other pets is the more the merrier. He enjoys the companionship of other dogs, and with proper introductions and training, can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals.
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Optimal Temperature Can Comfort Your Dying Golden Retriever
When the Golden Retriever gets old, it loses all its body function. Thus, maintain its body temperature will be difficult. As a result, a slight change in the temperature of the surrounding can affect your pet.
Hence, you should try to regulate the constant temperature of its surrounding. Furthermore, the Golden Retriever prefers a moderate climate. So, maintain an optimal temperature of around 20-25ºC in the room to comfort your dying Golden Retriever.
Cancer And The Golden Retriever
Sadly, it is true that Golden Retrievers die from cancer more often than any other breed with 60% of all Golden Retrievers passing away from the disease. As we mentioned, Golden Retrievers did not always have such a short lifespan. In the 1980s, they werent considered to be at high risk of cancer but the rate drastically increased in the 1990s. This is why the Morris Animal Foundation began the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study in 2015 which focuses on collecting as much data as possible each year to understand why Golden Retrievers are so prone to cancer.
GoldenRetrievers most commonly die from lymphoma, blood, and bone cancer but are moreprone than other breeds to other types of cancer as well even from an earlyage. Cancer is the number one cause of death of dogs in general aged two andolder and there have been cases of Golden Retrievers developing cancer at ayounger age.
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Taking Care Of Your Golden Retriever At Home
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual . Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Goldens. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs.
Related Golden Retriever Questions
Oldest Golden Retriever?
The worlds oldest living Golden Retriever, named August, is 20 years old and is a former rescue dog now living in Las Vegas according to a story from Insider. So now you know how old is the oldest living golden retriever!
How Do I Find a Reputable Breeder?
One way to ascertain the pedigree of a Golden Retriever before you purchase a puppy is to find your puppy through a reputable breeder who employs best breeding practices.
Breeders who employ poor breeding practices perpetuate potential problems of poor genetics in Golden Retrievers.
Do your homework to find a reputable breeder who sells healthy puppies to happy owners. According to the Humane Society of the United States, a reputable breeder:
- Has a spacious clean facility
- Actively encourages visits to their facility and suggests you visit more than once
- Keeps the number of dogs on their site low level
- Wants to know you and be sure youll provide a good home for your new puppy
Choosing a reputable breeder might be the first step of enjoying a wonderful Golden Retriever in your life.
How Smart are Golden Retrievers?
According to Stanley Coren, PhD., DSc., FRSC, Golden Retrievers are the fourth smartest dog breed with Border Collies, Poodles, and German Shepherds claiming the top three spots in his list.
What do most golden retrievers die from?
Does a Female Golden Retriever have a longer lifespan?
Most studies have show that the lifespan of a female Golden Retriever is about the same as a male.
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Common Ailments Of Your Golden Retriever
Theres almost no dog as majestic, loyal and friendly as the golden retriever. We bring them into our homes and let them live among family , providing us with companionship and security. Theyre undoubtedly intelligent animals that are often the pinnacle of hunting breeds, with the right temperament and confidence. Theyre also popular; according to the American Kennel Club, theyve been ranked the third most popular breed every year for the past three years.
But with the good comes the bad. In this case, no matter how majestic a dog looks on the outside, they could be a ticking timebomb of health issues on the inside. Lets discuss some of the most common health ailments of golden retrievers.
Common Health Issues In Golden Retrievers
The playful and adventurous Golden Retriever is among the most popular breeds among families and sportsmen alike. When bred responsibly, these robust and warm-hearted dogs can live long, active and healthy lives.
With any dog breed, there are health risks that are more prevalent among Goldens than among other breeds. Here are a few common health problems to watch for in your Golden Retriever.
Hip Dysplasia
Among the most common health problems seen in Golden Retrievers is hip dysplasia. As in humans, the canine hip is a ball-in-socket joint, where the head of the femur rotates smoothly within the socket of the pelvis. These large bones are held in place by powerful ligaments. Deformation of either the hip socket or femoral head can cause uneven bone wear and can unduly stress the attached ligaments.
Advanced cases are characterized by joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, and degeneration of the bone itself. Dogs with symptomatic hip dysplasia will often have trouble performing simple tasks like climbing stairs or jumping onto a chair. Your vet can use imaging technology to assess the severity of the dysplasia and can prescribe symptom relief. In severe cases, particularly among younger animals, surgery can correct the disorder, but as the Canine Journalnotes, the procedure can cost between $1700 and $4500.
Cancer
Cardio and Respiratory Conditions
Skin Conditions
Other Conditions
Golden Retrievers are at risk for several other conditions not mentioned above. These include:
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How Old Examining A Goldens Hearing And Eyesight
Hearing and eyesight are two other things that can give you some insight into the age of your Golden Retriever. Any hearing problems or the appearance of cloudy eyes will most likely indicate your Golden is seven years of age or older.
After seven or eight years of age, a Golden Retriever usually begins to develop some level of hardened lens protein , which leads to an increasingly cloudy appearance over time. The cloudier your dogs eyes, the older he is.
Puppies and young adults will have clear eyes, while more mature Goldens will have slightly cloudy eyes that become increasingly cloudy over time. An older Golden will also have pronounced wrinkles beside their eyes.
Similar to other senior dogs, your Golden Retriever may also develop hearing problems. Reduced responsiveness to commands or loud noises should be a sign that your canine companions hearing is diminishing. By the time your dog can barely seem to hear, you can assume he is ten or more years old.
What Affects The Life Span Of A Golden Retriever
The golden retriever lifespan can vary based on a number of factors. Two of the biggest factors come down to the genetics of the canine and your care. Some dogs have genetic markers which put them at risk of diseases and serious health issues. Some are carefully bred to be free of most genetic defects. To ensure the longest possible life span for your pet, always work with a reputable breeder who can vouch for the dogs health.
One factor you can control is how well you care for your golden. You can ensure a high quality of life for your dog and make sure you spend as much time together as possible by:
- Reducing your dogs stress
- Taking your dog to obedience school and training
- Getting regular vet visits in and following vet advice carefully
- Maintaining your dogs ideal weight
- Feeding your dog healthy, high quality food
- Ensuring your golden stays properly groomed
- Dog-proofing your house and yard to reduce the risk of injury
- Supervising your dog closely to minimize injury risk
- Neutering or spaying your dog
- Exercising your dog
- Establishing a good, loving relationship with your dog
In addition to these tips, remember to never shave your goldens fur. Golden retrievers have thick fur which acts to protect them. When you shave it, you expose your friend to the dangers of UV exposure and skin cancer.
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Are Golden Retrievers Hyper
Q. My Golden Retriever is unbelievably hyper. A. Golden Retrievers are working retriever dogs, which means they have a high energy level that needs to be released through productive outlets, otherwise that energy will be expended in less desirable ways, such as jumping up, counter surfing and chewing on furniture.
How Many Seizures Can A Dog Have Before It Dies
Yet, several seizures in a row or a seizure that lasts longer than five minutes is considered an emergency situation that can be life-threatening. Call your vet immediately. The occurrence of more than three seizures in a 24-hour period is also an urgent matter that requires a trip to the vet right away.
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Are Girl Or Boy Golden Retrievers Better
Both male and female golden retrievers are equally loving and loyal. Its accepted that males tend to have a longer puppy stage while the females generally mature fastera one-year-old female acts like a one and a half to two-year-old male. Female golden retrievers tend to be calmer and less hyper than males.
What Is Bad About Golden Retrievers
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As a Golden Retriever owner myself, I can certainly go on and on about all the great things about this breed. But, nevertheless, you are here because you want to know what is bad about Golden Retrievers?
I will give you all the insights into the bad things about this breed, but I do have to warn you that because I am so in love with this breed, I am able to get past the so-called bad things. Perhaps when you read this article you will find out that a Golden Retrievers negative traits, are really just things that you can overlook.
Golden Retrievers are certainly popular, but they are not for everyone. If you are considering adding a Golden Retriever to your family, keep reading to find out if you too can look past their bad things.
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What To Do If You Suspect Your Dog Has Had A Seizure
Its important to know that seizures are rarely dangerous for dogs. However, if a dog has multiple seizures within a short time frame or the seizure continues for several minutes, the dogs core temperature can begin to climb. When this happens, the canine is at risk for hyperthermia .
When a seizure has happened for the first time, its important to contact your vet for a proper examination. Certain medical conditions can cause seizures; ruling out any ongoing health issues is a must for long-term care.
Once your vet has been informed, they will begin by collecting all of the animals history and identifying any hallucinogenic or poisonous substances. Additionally, they will ask about any trauma to the head or a history of trauma. Typically, the vet will request the dog have urine tests and blood tests.;
If the tests return normal, the next steps will be determined by the seizures severity and frequency. When a dog has less than one seizure a month, they are likely not worrisome or problematic. Should the intensity or frequency increase, an assessment of spinal fluid may be recommended.