| AKC Group: | Sporting |
| A.K.A.: | N/A |
| Functions: | Therapy, Retrieving, Agility, Companion |
| Year of Origin: | 1800s |
| Country of Origin: | Scotland |
| Life Span (yr): | 10 - 13 |
| Colors: | Golden |
| Height (Inch): | 21.5 - 24 |
| Weight (lb): | 55 - 75 |
| Size: | Large |
| Hair Length: | Medium |
| Energy: |  |
| Playfulness: |  |
| Ease of Training: |  |
| Exercise Needed: | |
| Self Protection: |  |
| Grooming: | |
| Shedding: | |
| Watch Dog: | |
| Living Area: | |
Appearance:
The Golden Retriever is one of the most loved dogs in America – many people take one look into his friendly eyes and are immediately smitten. They are relatively large and dark in color. The ears are actually on the short side – given the size of the dog. The Golden Retriever has a dark nose, which complements the richness of his eyes. His coat has a double layer. It is thick and repels water, perfect for a cold weather hunt. Although it appears as though it would be silky in texture, in reality it is quite hard. It can also be perfectly straight or have a wave to it.
Temperament:
The Golden Retriever is quick to make friends. He can gain the trust of his owners without reservation and is very dependable. He typically gets along well with other dogs and most other people. Unless there is a good reason, he is never bashful or frightful. He is generally a happy dog, although he can be overly affectionate, thereby frightening young children. He is also very enthusiastic which can make him a chore to train – as his attention is quickly diverted to matters he finds much more interesting. The Golden Retriever enjoys spending time with his family in the outdoors.
Health:
The Golden Retriever can live a long life with the proper veterinary care and routine physicals. He is prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, two conditions which have the potential to make him unable to move as arthritis affects his joints. He may also face eye issues, such as cataracts, and entropion (the eyelid rolls causing a concern for infection). Other lesser common concerns for the Golden Retriever include distchiasis, heart disease, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and allergies. Rarely, but still reported conditions include epilepsy, cancer, and gastric torsion. Tests and genetic screening can be performed to determine whether most of the above mentioned conditions are probable.
Maintenance:
The Golden Retriever should be brushed on a regular basis, at least once or twice each week. A good brushing does wonders to reduce shedding and prevent matting (although his fur is not likely to mat regardless of whether he is brushed). He can be shampooed with a dry formula routinely, but only needs a wet bath occasionally. The Golden Retriever loves to play outside. Some of his favorite activities include running, taking long walks, swimming, and, of course, retrieving. In fact, he will retrieve his favorite ball or a random stick for hours on end if given the opportunity.