Golden retriever is a bit new popular breed of dog. It was breed for hunting wild fowl by folks. But today is the time for this funny animal. It is one of the most popular family dogs since it is easy to take care, handle, very tolerant and does not ask too many things to the owners. Such routine veterinary check-ups, regular food and exercises are what it needs. That’s all! It is often called as Golden or Yellow retriever. Golden retriever is usually friendly with people and common other dogs. It will bark over something but other than that it will melt since it has friendly nature. It is loved due to their friendly nature which means easy to socialize with people and kids.
Appearance
Golden is unique and strong. Its body is well balanced, athletic (strong feet), and symmetrical. Its body is longer but not too high. Its outgoing temperament is very fascinating and intriguing. Folks will be tempted to play around with it for hours. The appearance must reflect its merry and friendly nature. This is a large breed similar in appearance to yellow Labrador retriever. The clear different between them is the unique coat of the golden.
Coat and Color
Dense and waterproof, those words describe the unique coat characteristic of golden. It can be straight or moderately wavy, depending on the breed. It should not be wooly or silky. It is lie flat against the body. People can also call its coat as the ‘mahogany’ color. When the golden grows older, their coats will become darker shades or lighter tints of brown.
Size
Its size should be 22-24 inches at the withers for males and 20-22 for females. Their weight is about 66-76 lb for males and 58-72 lb for females. The golden reaches their full height around one year of age and full weight then they reach two years old.
Temperament
If you are the type of person that want to have such fancy pet, golden retriever is the answer. They are active and fancy but also outstanding. Their patience is lovable. This dog will sit accompanying its master without hassle for hours and all day long. It is very faithful pet. The characteristic related to their hunting skills are the love for water activity and the size that is suitable for seizing. Their tolerance of children is one of the good reasons why parents love to own it. They are known for their affection and friendly nature towards human. They are fancy and clowns. It makes they are demanded to be a great therapist used in hospitals and retirement houses. Due to their intelligence, people can make them as the real assistance in doing certain things. Their scenting abilities make them as one of the best hunters like rats. As the name suggests, the golden retriever loves to retrieve stuff. It can retrieve stick, flying disk, balls, etc. You can be accompanied and entertained for hours. It can be bored because of you. The only thing that stops it playing is hunger and tiredness.
The Groups
Basically, golden retrievers are divided into 2 main groups: show dogs and field dogs. The show golden group has commonly bigger boned, heavier, and longer. The big difference is the long flowing coat and the champagne color. On the other side, field golden group tends to be smaller, longer legged, and more reddish shade. Nowadays, many breeders are trying to unite these 2 groups into all-purpose golden retrievers.
Health
Hip dysplasia is common health condition occurs if we are careless in breeding our retriever. When buying puppies, make sure that the parents have healthy hips and have been examined by PennHIP or OFA. The diseases common in the breed include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's disease
- Cataracts
- Epilepsy
- Allergies particularly skin allergies
- Various congenital heart defects, including Subvalvular aortic
- Stenosis, and Cardiomyopathy
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Trichiasis
- Distichiasis
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
- Arthritis
- Various forms of Cancer
No comments:
Post a Comment