Breed Specific: The Glamorous Golden Retriever

People love Goldens because Goldens love people.

Personality: They are devoted to their owners and friends. They are serious workers bred for hunting and herding, but also outstanding as guide dogs for the blind and search-and-rescue workers. They are exuberant and excel at obedience training and other competitive events. Playful and full of joy, they love swimming and fetching when they are not working.

Males              Height: 23-24 inches                Weight: 65-75 pounds

Females          Height: 21.5-22.5 inches          Weight: 55-65 pounds

Feeding/Treats/Weight: Discuss an appropriate diet with your veterinarian. Some Goldens are prone to weight gain, so watch their calorie consumption. Treats make great training aids, but take care to give them in moderation. Human food, especially cooked bones and high-fat foods should be avoided. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Grooming: Goldens have a silky coat that requires moderate grooming. Brush them once or twice a week, more often when shedding, to keep their long silky areas looking their best and to avoid mats and tangles. If they don’t wear down naturally, trim their nails  at least once a month. Brush teeth daily to prevent tartar build-up and periodontal disease as Goldens can be prone to dental issues.

Exercise: Goldens love to play with their friends, so hiking or walking with them daily or setting up play dates for them is essential. Plan to give them at least one hour of good exercise a day, which could also be found by playing a good game of fetch.

Training: As with any puppy, start socializing your Golden early with obedience classes to channel their exuberance in a positive way. While they are intelligent and highly trainable, they can be headstrong. Goldens are food-motivated; low-calorie training treats are a necessity. They want to be loved, so they can overwhelm a frail person or a small child. It’s imperative to train them not to jump up. They also love to chase. Avoid unfortunate sitautions such as knocking down a cyclist or running into the street after a cat, by keeping them on a leash in unfenced areas until you know they will respond to your commands without fail.

Thank you to the AKC’s Golden Retriever Page for much of this information.

BASIC FACTS

Over the Golden Retriever’s 10-12 expected years, you and your vet will create a health plan to evaluate and catch any conditions that may arise.

MEDICAL CONCERNS

• Orthopedic/bone issues
• Elbow issues
• Cancer
• Heart problems
• Vision decline
• Dental issues

Pikes Peak Vet has the goal of healthy longevity for your Golden.

Wellness Exams and Vaccinations

• Every 6-12 months until age 6, as advised by your veterinarian, full physical exam including routine bloodwork
• Pets age faster than us and tend to hide symptoms. At age 6, we recommend routine exams and bloodwork every 6 months to catch anything unexpected before it gets too firm a hold.

Other Exams and Screenings

• PennHIP evaluation
• Joint x-rays
• Regular eye exams
• Chest x-rays
• Routine dental cleanings

Reach out for more information by phone or text at 719-475-1747, or through our Pikes Peak Vet app!