petcareinsurance.com
 

Dog Breeds - Golden Retriever

Return to Top Ten Breeds Insured List

The Golden Retriever was originally developed during the late 1800’s in Scotland at the estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks. He received a rare yellow colored puppy from a litter of black wavy-coated retrievers as a debt payment. This rare dog was bred with a now extinct breed called the “Tweed Water Spaniel” to create the first litter of Golden Retriever puppies. This breed was originally intended to use for hunting which their great sense of smell makes them excel at. Golden Retrievers must receive proper obedience training or they may become too energetic and rowdy. They tend to be eager to please with a strong will to learn making obedience training enjoyable for both the dog and its owner. Provided they recieve proper training, Labs are a very patient and gentle breed which makes them an ideal pet for families with younger children. Golden Retrievers are not instinctively guard dogs as they are extremely friendly and sociable around both people and other animals

Besides being wonderful companions for children, Golden Retrievers are great company for the elderly and are often used as therapy dogs in hospitals and retirement facilities. They are also used as service dogs for the disabled. Their keen sense of smell and willingness to learn make them very successful rescue and narcotic search dogs. Golden retrievers are also used frequently as guide dogs for the blind. Their friendly nature makes them crave interaction with humans or other animals to be happy. If they are left alone for long periods of time they can become destructive. Golden Retrievers require constant grooming and should have their ears cleaned regularly to prevent ear infections. As their name reveals, Golden Retrievers love to retrieve things! This natural talent was originally put to use to retrieve fowl shot by hunters. Golden Retrievers love to swim; retrieving items on land or from water can occupy a Golden Retriever for hours!

Return to Dog Breed Details

Golden Retriever Breed Information

Breed Group

Sporting Group

Coat

Straight or slightly wavy firm outercoat, dense undercoat

Color(s)

Varying shades of rich gold

Size

21-24 inches

Weight

55-75 lbs

Exercise:

Requires a lot of exercise

Temperament

Intelligent, well-mannered, loyal, eager to please, friendly

Trainability

Easy to train

Average Lifespan

10-13 years

Common Health Problems

Cancer, Cataracts, Congenital eye defects, Hip dysplasia, Skin problems, Heart disease, Epilepsy, Urea cycle defect

Most PetCare Clients Insure Golden Retrievers with:

QuickCare Gold for Dogs





Dear PetCare - I can´t express how wonderful to give the gift of a longer life to our elderly cat. He is 18, has had an eye removed for cancer, and thanks to PetCare is continuing to be stronger. (I have to add an endorsement for pet foods like Pets4Life, which has helped him recover and resist illness. His digestion and health have made a complete turn for the best). Nipper has grown along my son and is such an important member of our family. I am so grateful that PetCare does not discard our older pets and in effect shares our view of them as cherished parts of us. How tragic to ever think of letting them die because of lack of money.

Client: Lynne Moquin, Toronto, ON