![Golden Retriever Dog Breed](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium_440x440/public/2022-07/Golden-Retriever.jpg?itok=Y0uGepPW)
Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
Exercise needs: | 5/5 |
Easy to train: | 5/5 |
Tolerates being alone: | 1/5 |
Likes other pets: | 5/5 |
Energy level: | 5/5 |
Grooming needs: | 4/5 |
Shedding: | 5/5 |
As with many breeds, the Golden Retriever can suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Glaucoma which is a painful condition where the pressure in the eye builds up.
- Multifocal retinal dysplasia which is an inherited eye condition that can seriously affect a dog's vision.
- Progressive retinal atrophy which is an inherited disorder where part of the eye degenerates and wastes away which can result in blindness.
- Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy which is where deposits form in the eye and this can result in damage to the eye and blindness in dim light.
- Hereditary cataracts which is a condition where the lens in the eye becomes cloudy and this can result in blindness.
- Ichthyosis which is where the skin on the footpads become thickened, greasy and dry.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- Hip dysplasia screening scheme
- Elbow dysplasia screening scheme
- Eye screening scheme
- Eye testing for pectinate ligament abnormality testing to look for signs that a dog is affected by glaucoma.
The Golden Retriever is known for their lustrous, medium-length golden coat and ever-wagging tail. This large retriever has a friendly expression with perfect symmetry and superb, flowing movement covering the ground with long, powerful strides. As for the Golden Retriever colours, they can be various shades of gold from light to dark.
The Golden Retriever is a gentle dog with a level disposition, and usually adapts well to family life. They love to be involved in all matters, whether indoors or outdoors. They are foremost a retriever and will attempt to drag, pull, or carry anything they can fit into their mouths. They also love water and care should be taken to ensure their safety when any form of water is nearby. Golden Retrievers are, however, worriers, and great care should be taken during training, ensuring sensitivity is maintained at all times.
As long as they have been introduced to cats and other furries as a puppy, they will happily live with all other household animals.
The Golden Retriever will suit an owner or family who are active and love the great outdoors, and who want a friendly, trainable large dog that needs lots of exercise and will join in with all activities with joy — and love everyone.
Are Golden Retrievers lazy?
No, Golden Retrievers are known to be high energy and very active so if there are signs of laziness, they might be experiencing medical issues or emotional distress. However, it’s best to always contact the vet if you notice anything unusual happening with your Golden Retriever.
Do Golden Retrievers bark a lot?
It’s unlike a Golden Retriever to be making a lot of noise as they won’t bark very often and will keep quiet most of the time. When they do bark, however, it mostly sounds like a friendly bark instead of a menacing one.
Is a Golden Retriever good for beginners?
Absolutely, Golden Retrievers make great pets for any potential owner, regardless of the experience they have with pets. They’re reliable, intelligent, and forgiving, so training them will be a breeze.
How many times a day does a Golden Retriever need to be walked?
Depending on age, a Golden Retriever would need between 15 minutes and 2 hours of daily exercise.