Physical Characteristics
– Bred in late 19th century by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks – Created for hunting and retrieving game birds – Officially recognized in 1911 by The Kennel Club of England – Popular in North America for hunting and companionship – Commonly used as service dogs
– Friendly, gentle, and intelligent – Loves to play, especially with kids – Gets along well with other pets and strangers – Eager to please, making them great for obedience training
– Start training when they're puppies – Use consistent commands and positive rewards – Encourage good behaviour with treats, praise, or playtime – Socialize them with various people, animals, and places – Be patient; training takes time and effort
– Set a routine – Use positive rewards for successful potty breaks – Supervise and confine your puppy to reduce accidents – Watch for signals of needing to go outside – Clean accidents thoroughly
– Brush weekly to remove loose hair – Bathe every 2-3 months or as needed – Trim nails every 4-6 weeks – Clean ears weekly with a dog- specific solution – Brush teeth daily with dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste
Grooming
– Higher risk of cancer – Hip and elbow dysplasia – Eye conditions (cataracts, PRA, glaucoma) – Skin allergies – Ear infections
– Average: 10-12 years – With proper care, some live beyond 16 years
Exploring The Golden Retriever Dog Breed: The Heart of Gold