Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a perennial Top Ten popularity breed for many reasons. The normally calm demeanor, active but gentle nature and eager to please attitude combine with intelligence and trainability. They are friendly, reliable and trustworthy.
What this means to the average owner – you need to actively TRAIN them. They are eager to learn and seek to be busy. They need mental stimulation – toys, games, activities – to keep from being bored and destructive. They want to please and learn new tasks.
It is said that the Golden Retriever traces his heritage to Scotland. A yellow puppy from a litter of black wavy coated retrievers was used as payment of a debt, and ended up in the hands of Lord Chichester Marjoribanks, who took the pup to Scotland where he maintained a kennel of Hunting Dogs. Searching to create an outstanding dog suited to the Scottish climate, ground and game, he later bred the yellow pup to a Tweed Water Spaniel, a breed that no longer exists except for as a trace of the Golden Retriever. These offspring were bred with Tweed Water Spaniels and a red setter, but it was mostly the golden pups kept. Marjoribanks was a breeder with a vision, and these initial pups, born in the late 1860s, appear much as the Golden Retriever does today.
Working ability was of great practical importance, much like the other Scottish breeds of dogs. There was little room or funds for “free-loaders” – dogs had to pay their way. In the early 1900s the dogs made their way to shows as a “Retriever – wavy or flat coated, any other color” but in 1920 officially named Golden Retriever. In 1932 the AKC recognized the breed here in the U.S.
Currently by the standard males are 23-24 inches with females slightly smaller, with dogs 65-75 pounds and females 55-65. Those interested in showing may find the physical standard at http://www.akc.org/breeds/golden_retriever/ – and it bears noting that many dogs are used for more than showing.
Like several other large breeds the Golden Retriever is subject to some hereditary diseases. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hereditary cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), eyelid problems, a heart disease known as subvavular aortic stenosis, thyroid disorders, seizure disorders and other health issues which affect all breeds. Many of these hereditary disorders can be found by testing, and animals that show signs of these diseases should not be used for breeding. Unfortunately, many lower priced puppies do not have breeders who test for these disorders so often you don’t know what you are truly getting. While the breed can easily live to over 10 years old, one statistic reports just over 60% of older goldens being affected by cancer – something that bears watching in your older dogs.
Select your puppy with longevity in mind. This is a breed that can have 8-10, sometimes 12 puppies – and a dozen growing little mouths is a lot of time to raise them properly.
Regular grooming is essential for this breed. Their distinctive coat is for outdoor activities but regular brushing is needed. Also, some Goldens get matts in the fine hairs especially near their flanks, on the chest and behind the elbow. Trimming these out before they get down close to the skin makes for a happier dog. Regular grooming keeps the burrs and other material out of the coat also. Nail trimming and dental care is needed, as with any dog.
Many naturally love water also. As with some other retrievers, take care that the dog does not become overweight, which can lead to other health problems. For a larger breed they don’t eat as much as some people expect, and can easily become overweight, which shortens their life.
The selection for intelligence and function has developed a dog that today suits many needs in a wide variety of activities. From a beautiful and energetic show dog to a calm service dog, a hunter, a K-9, search and rescue, dog freestyle, agility, flyball, tracking and many other activities the Golden is a breed that seeks to perform and please.
While as a K-9 they aren’t likely to have the drive to take down a criminal, their use is for other important tasks. Their nose, developed for Hunting, can still be used in the field today hunting and retrieving birds. Goldens are also highly visible for searching for lost people.
An example of what these amazing dogs can do is displayed in dogs like “Austin,” a Golden Retriever inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame as well as honored with the US Search and Rescue Dog of the Year from the AKC. A group of hunters found Austin, lost in the woods near Houston, and the pup was turned over to a breed rescue then trained as a hearing and service dog. His life took another turn when he became a cop. Certified in advance tracking, area and evidence search, cadaver search and air operations, Austin can search for lost people, can calmly helicopter in and with his handler dangle off the edge of a cliff.
Golden Retrievers have been on the front lines of disasters such as the Oklahoma City bombing, the World Trade Center attacks, hurricane Katrina as well as many other natural and man-made disasters around the world.
Golden Retrievers have served as heroes of other kinds too. Their work with autistic people, as service dogs with a wide range of duties and as guide dogs are but a few ways they help people. Searching for drugs, explosives and other illegal things makes use of the breed’s intelligence and discernment.
Probably the most recognized celebrity of the breed is “Duke”, the mischievous opportunist seeking to sell the secret recipe for Bush’s beans on television commercials. “Liberty” was a White House dog, as President Gerald Ford’s dog. “Victory” was another presidential dog, beingowned by Ronald Reagan. Christopher Reeves had a Golden as an assistance dog.
Among the celebrity ties in the breed is Oprah, Dean Koontz, Jim Belushi, Mary Chapin-Carpenter, Tom Cruise, Billy Ray Cyrus, Neil Diamond, Ron Howard, Paul Newman, Conan O’Brien, Joe Pesci, Jane Seymour, Martha Stewart and Alan Thicke are but a few celebrities with Golden Retrievers.
Equally, the list of Golden Retriever heroes is long. Many have saved people from fires. A 15 year old Golden saved the life of a three week old baby by alerting his owners something was wrong with the child. The AKC awarded this hero with special honors – sadly, less than a year later Bullet lost his life to cancer. Goldens have also saved their owners from bears, choking, snakes, carbon monoxide, cancer, coyotes, drowning and freezing. One sniffed the owner’s brain tumor while another alerted to a heart attack.
These are all expressions of the loyalty from the breed and help explain why so many people love this breed. Ranking fourth nationally in 2007, they were first in Honolulu. They rank second in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Buffalo, Charlotte, Cleveland, Columbus, Denver, Minnepolis-St. Paul, Portland, Raleigh, Seattle and St. Louis. They were also listed third in Dallas, Des Moines, Little Rock, Nashville, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, San Diego and San Francisco (tied).
The Golden Retreiver is truly a people’s dog. A dog of many hats but with the same dedication, loyalty and willingness to please as a hundred years ago, they are a breed for a wide range of living situations providing the owners understand the breed, provide training and exercise and treasure the dog. Treasure him not as a human, which demeans him and takes away those special things dogs can do that we can’t, but as a creature who seems to understand we are flawed and worships us anyway.
David Beart
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/golden-retriever-713844.html
Golden Retriever?
I am planning on getting a dog for my four year old son and I. I was thinking of getting a golden retriever puppy from a breeder. This will be our first dog. Any suggestions? Is this a good dog to have for my son? Is there any pros and cons to having this type of dog? Thanks in advance.
Golden Retreivers are wonderful dogs. You just have to remember that they like with most all puppies are very hyper. They will need lots of training especially if you have small kids. This will be be a lot of responsibility and you have to ask yourself if you will have time for both a puppy and a 4 yr old.
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Golden Retrievers are great, but they have alot of hair and shed alot. A good alternative might be a Yellow Lab…I have one…Not too much hair and good with kids.
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i think you should get a smaller breed cause your son is small and it might hurt him. Also they get really big really fast
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they are GREAT w/ children usualy and your son will most likely love the dog, just puppys are verrry hyper so when you first get the dog make sure to help it understand to be carefull with your son and just keep an eye on them when they are together for a while.
but they really are one of the best choices for kids!!
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Golden Retrievers are just about the sweetest dogs i’ve ever had contact with. If you wanted to find a suitable dog for you and your 4 year old then you’ve found it!
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Goldens Retreivers are wonderful dogs. We had one. make sure you send it through training and that the dog knows YOU are boss. don’t let him get away with anything. That will be the hard part cuz the dog is SO CUTE. You will definately need a brush, their hair gets long on the back end. Feed him a high quality diet with less corn and wheat. I fed science diet. it was good and she never got fat off it. Good Luck.
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44 years of animal companionship. Currently owned by 3 cats, a parrot and some walking stick bugs.
Golden Retrievers are very quick learning dogs, and just need to be taught good behaviours up front. They are extremely loyal and protective, and one of the few breeds that will let a young child pull their hair or poke them without growling or being poor tempered. Just don’t let the dog feel abandoned, because they want to really feel like part of the family. Keep in mind they are a sports dog, and need lots of excercise. They are good swimmers and love the beach.
Hope this helps.
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Golden Ret. are PERFECT family dogs. I have a 9& 5 yr. old and we got them both g.r. 3 yrs. ago! They have been the best pets besides my chi’s that we have ever owned! With puppies though make sure you have plenty of toys, I don’t mean dog toys either, they want your shoes, socks, happy meal toys(be very careful with!) Things they are not normally supposed to have. So go through your closet and pick some old things that are not choke hazards and enjoy your new Golden!!!!
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This type of dog has a GREAT disposition and excellent beauty and personality, like I said, but the downs of it are the shedding, because they shed ALOT! I recamend Standard Poodles becasue the are great guard dogs, (believe it or not) ABSOUUTELY GREAT with other animals and kids, and they DON’T shed.
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Occasionally breed standards.
4 year olds do not need dogs they are not old enough to understand how to care for them correctly. Puppies are especially hyper and do not listen do you really have time to clean up after a puppy and a child? Try an older pet from a shelter.
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I have grown up with ONLY Golden’s they are wonderful dogs but they do shed. I have 2 young kids of my own and well my dog and my parents dog(both Golden’s) ARE GREAT WITH THEM! They will ultimately be your child’s best Friend and protector!! Oh and they are wonderful with other animals I also Have 2 cats!
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You’ll have to supervise your son with the dog pretty much at all times. Kids don’t know boundaries at that point and a dog just seems like a big stuffed animal. Young kids love to touch the animal’s eyes, pull its tail, mess with its nose, etc.
Goldens can be great dogs, but they are also highly prone to heriditary diseases. Using a good breeder will help to minimize those risks.
Getting a puppy will be like having another baby. You’ll need to be home all the time so that you can potty train it, keep it entertained, and give it guidelines for living.
Tons of Golden and Lab pups are in shelters. Are they not an option? http://www.petfinder.com
I urge you to do more reserach on the breed. This site is known for bad information on dogs. You’ll want to read all of this: http://www.grca.org/acquiring.htm
It’s one of the best sites out there.
Good luck to you. : )
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Golden retrivers are wonderful with kids. They are very people friendly and tolerant of small kids and rough play. They are large enough to accidentally knock down a child if play gets too rough, so supervision and training is important. But I’ve had them specifically because they are people (including kids) and animal friendly.
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Owned goldens for years – all loved kids.
There isn’t a nicer dog out there (I’m being prejudice I know). They are lovable, intelligent and friendly to everyone. They are big however. When my son was 2 years old ours use to knock him over with his wagging tail. There are no cons to this dog. Just keep him clean, brushed, fed, vetted and played with and you’ll all have a best friend.
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no, i think that golden retrievers are a mans dog and not worthy for a small child! they like to chew things up a lot as a young pup. I would prefer a smaller dog like a poodle or shitzu or in that area
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I think you need to keep in mind that you are really getting a dog for you. No 4 year old is ready to take on the responsibility of taking care of a dog by themself. They can help and will love the dog, but you will be the caregiver. That being said, a golden retriever is a very good dog with children, but requires a lot of attention. The more they get, the better they like it, and the better they learn. If you have the time and desire to spend with the dog, (it’s a lot of work, but rewarding), then I think you will be happy with your choice. If you don’t, you will have a bored puppy making a nuisance of itself.
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They are the best dogs you can ever get!But during the summer they shed alot.I am going to get one!!!!!
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We had a Golden for 13 years before it died last summer. A great dog, very loyal and great around kids of all ages. He was very easy to care for, and was tolerant of the kids hanging all over him.
My kids grew up with him and it was sad to see him go. I’d highly recommend a Golden.
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I love Goldens. They are good dogs.
However, they have lots of energy. They will need excercise, along with play and attention.
Ya know, there are many golden rescues you could look into. A shelter dog might not be right for you, but you could look.
Pros~lovable balls of fun.
cons~ Need a lot of excercise and play.
NOTE~ Make sure to teach your son how to be humane and kind to all animals, and never to pull or poke a dog.(My dog would let kids do that but always be careful, you never know)
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Golden retrievers are beautiful and friendly dogs.
I had one for 10 years and she was so lovely, tolerant of children (like pulling her tail etc!), energetic and loyal. perhaps a little dim, but still amazing!
I dont know what it is about them but i have never met an unfriendly golden retriever.
However, their’cousin’ the labrador seem to have a bit of a different personality, i was once bitten by a black lab. stick to golden retriever.
However, its always wise to remember that children can be vulnerable around big dogs, and though they can be super friendly, you cannot trust them 100%. there is always a chance they could bite etc.
Also, remember they require lots of walking as are very energetic.
so be careful and good luck, be sure to see the mother and father dogs and get a feel for their personalities.
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Golden Retrievers are awesome family dogs. They are really smart and always willing/wanting to learn more. They do require daily exercises, brushing and training. Keep in mind large breeds get bored easily if not being challenged they WILL find something to keep him busy….chewing shoes/furniture, anything it can get its paws on! Overall with a Golden Retriever you have a friend for life.
Edit: I DO NOT recommend a Lab they tend to run away more often and will not come back home! They are not as tolerant of small children.
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Golden owner!
WELL LET ME TELL YOU I GOT A BABY GOLDEN RETRIEVER AT 7 WEEKS NOW SHE IS 6 YEARS OLD.AND MY DOG IS SO GOOD WITH THE FAMILY,AND AROUND YOUNG CHILDREN’S.SHE IS A BABY I LOVE HER SO MUCH.WHEN THERE ARE SMALL PUPPY SOME TIME IT GET ON YOUR NERVES CAUSE THEY JUMP UP AND DOWN ON YOU OR THEY MAKE BIG HOLES IN THE SAND BUT LOVE HER JUST THE SAME AND THEY ARE DOGS THAT LIKES THE OUT SIDE AND LOVE TO PLAY.WHEN THERE ARE OLDER THERE ARE SO MUCH NICE DOGS AND MY DOG IS IN SIDE MY APARTMENT NOT A OUT DOOR DOG.BUT SHE NEEDS SPACE TO RUN AND PLAY.THERE ARE SO NICE DOG THEY ARE REAL BABY.HOPE I HELP A BIT.
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AND DID YOU NO THERE WERE MEANT TO BE FOR BLIND PEOPLE,SO THATS WHY THERE ARE VERY GOOD DOGS.THIS IS MY OPINION.
First and foremost, children need to be taught how to interact with a dog and Goldens are no exception. Each year many children are victims of dog bites and this can be due to ongoing mistreatment of the dog by children or because the dog and family were not properly matched by the breeder or rescue. A responsible breeder or rescue organization will make sure that any puppy they place with children is temperamentally suited for an active family.
My babysitter had a Golden when I was able to walk I was aloud to walk him on a leash he was about 2yrs old and didn’t even try to pole me he walked right beside me in case I fell I think.
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http://www.grca-nrc.org/index.htm
I breed Goldens but am always reticent to let anyone with a very young child have one of my puppies unless the parents realise that the adorable little puppy they are wanting to buy for their child will not remain a sweet cuddly toy for ever.
Goldens grow very quickly and they can be quite boistrous when they are puppies. They jump up a lot and they scratch and this can really frighten a child and the parents then find themselves in a difficult situation in trying to placate a screaming child and at the same time dealing with a very boisterous pup. I have had puppy buyers asking me to have puppies back in the past for this very reason.
My advice would be, if you would like a Golden Retriever, then perhaps try and get an older dog for your son. When Goldens have finished their biting, jumping and scratching, you couldn’t ask for a more wonderful dog for a child. The child can happily cuddle a Golden of about 2 years old and the Golden will give it so much love in return.
If you would really prefer a puppy then I would seriously consider waiting until your little boy is older. It will save you a lot of stress. If, on the other hand, you are prepared to deal with the sort of situations I have mentioned then by all means go ahead with your plan. Just make sure you take the puppy to training class as soon as it is old enough and learn how to control the situations as they arise.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
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Golden Retriever Breeder
Had dogs all my life
Own 8 Goldens & 1 Springer
A Golden Retriever is a wonderful dog for your son. Pro:They are sooooooooo sweet. Con:They shed alot
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I’m assuming that when you said you’re getting the dog "for your son", you didn’t mean that you plan for your son to take care of it. I hope you know that you will be doing the majority of the care here.
Goldens make terrific dogs. If you go to a responsible breeder, your pup will be hopefully be bred with a great temperament, and they are typically very good family dogs. They’re also very intelligent without being excessively driven, and they are very good first time dogs.
One of the most important things for families who have young children and are considering dogs is to train your child. To dogs, kids are very scary things. They talk much louder than usual and in a higher pitch; they run very fast and they cry very loudly. To kids, however, dogs are just like giant stuffed toys. And although most Goldens are terrific with kids, every dog has his limits. You must teach your kid that a dog is not a jungle gym – that means no pulling of tails, no grabbing of snouts, poking eyes. Even the most docile of dogs will retaliate if his ears have been yanked one time too many. This is the best way to avoid accidents with your child.
As for pros and cons… There is a saying that goes something like: "There are pros and cons to every breed, until it is yours, then they are no longer cons." It’s true. A Golden would be a terrible dog for me because I don’t like much grooming, and they have long coats. I also don’t like the beach, but most Goldens adore swimming (though this is by no means an essential part of their lives). If you don’t mind grooming, if you have an active lifestyle, a Golden might be perfect for you.
Be careful of where you get your Golden. Due to their popularity they are extremely overbred and BYBs are churning them out. Go to the AKC website and look up the breeder referrals to find a good one, or look up your local Golden Retriever Club. GoldenGal, YA’s resident Golden Retriever expert, will probably stop by and give you a couple of tips as well.
Good luck.
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Golden Retrievers are the best. They are gorgeous dogs, and great with kids. Over the first couple of years they will have a tendency to jump on people out of exuberance. We have a male just over a year old. Make sure you get your pup from a reputable breeder that screens for health issues like hip, elbow and eye problems. Good breeders monitor these things closely in their program and try to breed out the health issues. This of course is no guarantee against health problems but at least it reduces the potential for future health issues. Getting a pup from someone who is just trying their hand at breeding gives you no assurance in this regard. Also do not buy from a pet shop — they typically support puppy mills in which dogs are not provided with the best care. "Serious Hobby Breeders" are considered the best place to get a purebred dog. I can’t say enought about our breeder — Adirondac Goldens — http://www.adirondac-goldens.com — they are in upstate NY and breed field line goldens, which are generally leaner, redder, and more athletic than the big fluffy yellow goldens. Our boy is only about 60 lbs. Their pups are not inexpensive, but neither are vet bills so it was worth it to us to pay more for a pup up front with more comfort that so much thought was put into the breeding and that so much love and care was given to our pup over his first 8 weeks.
Oh and one other thing, goldens need lots of excercise, so they are less ideal if you don’t have a fenced in yard or someplace to take them to run around. But once they’re tired they are ready for a good snooze.
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Please never forget that this is a dog, not a babysitter. There are many cases of unsupervised children being maimed because the child accidentally steps on the dog, pulls its fur, pokes it in the eye, etc. This is a risk with ALL dogs, no matter how ‘family-oriented’ or ‘kid-friendly’ they or their breeds are reputed to be. As a Chihuahua breeder, I would reccommend against the suggestion(s) above in regards to getting a small dog. Small dogs are often not disiplined because growling and snapping are sometimes considered ‘cute’ or ‘funny’ I have also found that they bite more readily due to their more ‘vulnerable’ size.
The 30+ Goldens I have met and worked with have all been gentle, loving dogs who don’t have a problem keeping all four feet on the ground. I recall one instance where four of these (young and excited) dogs milled around my boss’s six year-old granddaughter without even knocking her off her feet. I believe that a lot of that attitude is proper training, but the breed can’t go without some credit.
As a long-hair, the dog will require regular brushing or visits to the groomer (it doesn’t take a lot of time as long as it’s done every day) and as a young dog, it’s going to need a lot of excersize. While it’s a puppy, it will be able to get most of this through playing but once it’s a year old, the dog will need about thirty minutes of walking daily.
Again, this is a large dog and it will probably reach adult size before your child’s face gets out of wagging-tail-range, so you can expect that that there’s going to be a few instances of unintentional face-swatting and tears.
Talk to your breeder about Retrievers and see if they can give you a ballpark figure for monthly food and yearly vet expenses. Ask to see the parents and check out the temperment… would these dogs respond well to your child? Call local groomers and ask what a normal grooming cost would be for a retriever, and do the same with vets regarding shots, worming, etc.
I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
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Personal experience: kennel employee, dog owner/ breeder