Golden Retriever
Description
The Golden Retriever is a beautiful, sturdy, well-proportioned dog with a feathered, medium-length, cream to golden-colored coat. (The coat is not suppose to be red.) The outer coat is water-repellent and the undercoat is dense. The head is broad, with a tapering, but wide, powerful muzzle. It has a scissors bite and a clear frontal stop. The nose is black and the kindly eyes are brown with dark rims. The ears are medium-sized and pendant. Its neck and thighs are muscular and the chest is broad. The tail is long, but never curled.
Temperament
These are lovable, well-mannered, intelligent dogs with a great charm. They are easily trained, and always patient and gentle with children. Loyal, confident, sweet and eager to please. It is active, loving and an outstanding family dog. Golden Retrievers enjoy pleasing their masters, so obedience training can be fun. They excel in obedience competitions. Friendly with everyone, including other dogs, the Golden Retriever has very little, if any, guarding instincts. While unlikely to attack, Goldens make good watchdogs, loudly signaling a stranger's approach. This breed needs to be around people to be happy. If isolated from human contact, or left alone for long periods of time, the Golden Retriever may become mischievous. They can be over-exuberant and distractible. Some of the Golden's talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. These dogs also love to swim.
Height, Weight
Height: Dogs 22-24 inches (56-61cm.) Bitches 20-22 inches (51-56cm.)
Weight: Dogs 60-80 pounds (27-36kg.) Bitches 55-70 pounds (25-32kg.)
Health Problems
Prone to hip dysplasia and congenital eye defects. OFA and CERF certification are important from both parents. Parents should also be checked for Von Willebrand's disease and heart problems. Skin allergies are common in Golden Retrievers and require immediate veterinary attention.
Living Conditions
This breed will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a medium to large yard.
Exercise
The Golden Retriever needs daily exercise, but likes to retrieve balls and other toys, so exercising is fairly easy. Be sure to exercise this dog well and do not overfeed, as he tends to put on weight.
Life Expectancy
About 10-12 years
Grooming
The smooth, medium-haired double coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, paying particular attention to the dense undercoat. Dry shampoo regularly, but bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
Origin
The Golden Retriever was first developed in the British Isles, probably from crosses between a yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, light-coated Tweed Water Spaniels, other spaniels, setters and even the Newfoundland and possibly the Bloodhound. In fact the breed was first shown as a Golden Flat-Coat. The Golden is one of the world's foremost family companion dogs. Many of the top obedience competition dogs in the country are Golden retrievers. The Golden is also a fine bird dog on both land and in the water. He has an excellent nose and has been used not only for hunting and tracking, but also for narcotics detection. Because of his great desire to please and capacity for love and learning, the Golden Retriever is also used as a guide for the blind, therapy dog, and service dog for the disabled.
Group
Gun Dog, AKC Sporting
Recognition
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
I think they are good dogs.
2006-09-18 11:10:07
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answer #1
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answered by Sheryllikeyeah. 3
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They are very friendly. They are also large, kinda excitable, and very furry (shed like crazy). They are not good watch dogs, preferring to lick strangers to death. They require daily grooming to avoid mats, plenty of exercise, daily play time with their family, annual vet visits including dental visits.
It's a big commitment in terms of time and not inexpensive. However, if you decide you can provide all this and make the investment of time and money you will be delighted with a golden retriever as your new best friend. I was for 15 1/2 years.
2006-09-18 12:37:24
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answer #2
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answered by bttrswt1 3
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Getting a dog is not something that you should be unsure about. You need to be 100% committed before the purchase so that you are able to care for the dog adequately for the next 14 years. If you aren't sure, don't get one. This is one of the main reasons why animal shelters are overflowing with dogs and cats. People think it is cute and all fun and games but do not understand the responsibility that goes with taking on care of another life.
2006-09-18 10:42:22
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answer #3
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answered by Country Girl for Life 5
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I had one for 8 years, the greatest dog I ever had. You should definetly get one. When I was about 6 years old she saved me from a king snake. They make great guard dogs, they are great with children, i've never met one that would bite unless it was protecting someone it loved, they are really easy to train, they obey, and they are over all just good friends. I say if your going to get any breed make it a golden retreiver.
The only down side is that the are a large breed, and do tend to shed.
2006-09-18 11:59:13
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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Okay i have one and i love him to death... My children also get along with bob great!!1 BOB is our golden retrievers name . Hes a very loving dog but you also have to raise the dog the right way too so look into it a bit more and if your ready then i would say go for it !! :)
2006-09-18 10:59:21
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answer #5
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answered by brutalA 3
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YES get one big dogs are awsome becuase you can love and hug them!!! and they arent so scared all the time like little dogs and golden retreivers are very nice because they are good jogging dogs and are VERY FRIENDLY!!
2006-09-18 10:43:52
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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They usually are friendly dogs, and its up to you if you like them get one. If they fit yur life style and you have the time they are great dogs.
2006-09-18 11:53:03
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answer #7
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answered by TritanBear 6
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I know people who have these dogs and goldens are really nice, docile critters. They tend to have bad breath though. That's about their biggest flaw.
2006-09-18 11:23:59
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answer #8
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answered by tarro 3
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If you don't know, why don't you find out? Do some research. It's not just for scientists anymore.
2006-09-18 10:54:08
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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well i think about it if you think they are cute get one but if you think they are uglu than dont do it. dont buy 1 just because your best friends has 1
2006-09-18 10:40:34
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answer #10
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answered by Double A 3
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