Meet the Golden Retriever
Best Fur Friend
Pawfect Playmate
High Doggy I.Q.
Best Fur Friend
Pawfect Playmate
High Doggy I.Q.
If you’re looking for a sweet pup who’s eager to become part of your big, active family, I just may be the family dog for you! Smart and friendly are the two words that come to mind when people think of me. I love being around all people and even other pets, so it’s no surprise I’m one of the most pupular dog breeds in the United States. When it comes to goofy, fun-loving dogs, we take the gold!
The best home for me is one where I can get plenty of exercise. (I get bored and grouchy without it.) From swimming to playing fetch in the backyard, I’m game for any type of physical activity. I also love puzzle games that test my problem-solving skills (especially when there’s treats to be found!). I’m also an extremely hard worker and easy to train, which is why I’m often asked to go on hunting trips, help people with disabilities, and join search and rescue expeditions. To top it all off, I’m a fast learner, so teaching me new things will be a walk in the park. Did I say walk in the park? Woof – let’s go!
Ready to learn more about me? Let’s dig in.
Smart
Friendly
Loyal
About Me
Personality
Group
Sporting
Origin
Scotland
Life Span
10-12 years
AKC Breed Popularity
Length Range
21.5-24 inches
Weight Range
55-75 pounds
Dark Golden
Light Golden
Golden
My Many Looks
Training Ability
Kid-Friendly
Intelligence
Affection Level
Pet-Friendly
Health Issues
Exercise Needs
Grooming Effort
Barking
Shedding
My Breed Characteristics
We Goldens have appeared on the big screen many times, but one of the most famous ones among us is Air Buddy. In 1989, Kevin DiCiccio found Air Buddy as a stray in Sierra Nevada and took him in. He taught him how to play all sorts of sports – soccer, football, baseball, even basketball! Air Buddy appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman multiple times and in 1997, he became a movie star when he was cast as the lead role in Disney’s Air Bud.
Furbulous Fact
Puppy
I’m very attached to my humans! Give me lots of love and encouragement so I can learn new tricks and grow into a confident, social dog.
2-3 Months
Adult
I’m a teenager now so I might get moody with other dogs or become anxious. Let me play with other dogs often so I can be a team player.
2-4 Years
Senior
I’m slowing down, but I still need exercise. Watch for new health issues and take me to the vet regularly so we can maximize play time!
9-12 Years
As you can see, we Golden Retrievers age pretty gracefully. Here are a few key milestones in my growth and development to be aware of as I grow up from a pupper to an adult and senior!
As I Grow Up
History of My Breed
Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord of Tweedmouth, started breeding us in the Scottish Highlands during Queen Victoria’s reign in the mid-19th century. He worked hard for 50 years to breed us into the perfect gundogs to help him hunt geese and deer at his Guisachan estate in Scotland. He wanted us to thrive both in the rain and in the area’s rugged terrain, so he crossed his “yellow retriever” with the Tweed Water Spaniel, which is now extinct. Later, Irish Setters and Bloodhounds would join our party. Thankfully, Lord Tweedmouth and the other gamekeepers at Guisachan kept a record of how we hunting dogs developed. These records were released to the public in 1952 by Tweedmouth’s great-nephew. Stories about our origins had been passed down for generations and now we finally had some proof of how our pawesome breed evolved!
The world was first introduced to our breed in 1908 at a British dog show. Then, we started arriving in America. We had to travel through Canada to get there – it was cold, but worth it! We were immediately loved for our sportsmanship, hunting abilities, beautiful stature and coat, and of course, our sweet and patient temperament. Although we were a hit from the start, our popularity really took off in the 1970s during President Gerald Ford’s time in office – where one of our own, Liberty, actually lived in the White house! Liberty even gave birth there in 1975 and President Ford kept one of the puppies and named her Misty – now that’s a presidential pup!
Our fantastic tempers and high levels of intelligence make us the pawfect service dogs, therapy dogs, and family pets.
Golden Retrievers were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 and are the AKC’s 78th breed. The Golden Retriever Club of America was founded in 1938.
About Me
In addition to purebred Golden Retrievers like me, there are tons of pawfectly sweet mixed-breed Goldens that are looking to find their furever homes. You can learn where to find your next pet below!
Pawesome Pups to Parent
1
Don’t skip your puppy wellness evaluation.
Some Golden pups are born with a heart condition called aortic stenosis, which causes murmurs. This will be evident early on in their puppy wellness exams, so make sure you get your evaluation scheduled when you bring your pup home. If a murmur is detected in your young Retriever, have a doggy cardiologist evaluate your puppy and determine a treatment plan.
2
Get health screenings your vet recommends.
It’s important to get regular screenings throughout your pup’s life to catch things like hip dysplasia and cardiac issues early on. You won’t always be able to catch signs and symptoms on your own, so make sure you get your pup checked out by the vet on a regular basis throughout their lifetime.
3
Seek veterinary care if you notice signs of hypothyroidism.
Golden Retrievers become more prone to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) as they age. If you observe any lethargy or unexplained weight gain without any changes to their caloric intake, get in touch with your vet and start a treatment plan.
1
Teach your Golden to be gentle around little ones.
Golden Retrievers are a famously friendly breed – but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to spend as much time training them to be obedient at a young age. Always supervise dogs with small children, toddlers and babies. Don’t assume that if you have a Golden they’re going to be fine with kids! Use delicious treats and positive reinforcement to promote the good behaviors you want to see more of.
2
Get your Golden used to grooming at a young age.
Brush your Golden’s fur a little bit each day, accompanied by treats. As they grow into their adult coat, it’s important for your Retriever to have a level of comfort with grooming. You can also get them used to nail care while they’re young, by trimming one or two nails at a time, then rewarding them with treats and a nice game of play in the backyard when you’re done.
3
Train your pup to respond to cues – the first time.
As you teach your Golden pup verbal cues like “come,” “sit,” “stay,” and the like – only give the verbal cue once. If you give the same cue twice, you may inadvertently be teaching your pup to ignore you the first time. If they’re being stubborn, use your body language to create urgency. For example, try raising your hand in a closed fist as you give your cue – firmly and gently.
Training Tips
from Trainers & Behavior Specialists
While Golden Retrievers are a generally healthy breed, unexpected ruh-rohs can happen to any dog at any age. If your pup gets hurt or sick, pet insurance can help you say ‘yes’ to the best care, even when it’s costly. When it comes to shopping for this breed, you’ll want to choose insurance plans like Pumpkin's, which can help cover the costs associated with the hereditary conditions Goldens are prone to developing. While a reputable breeder will conduct genetic testing on your pup’s parents to help minimize the chances of passing down hereditary conditions – they can’t always be avoided. Let’s look at some common ones, and how Pumpkin Dog Insurance plans could help cover the cost of care!
Cataracts
Goldens are prone to genetic eye conditions, including cataracts. These opacities that form on the lens of the eye can show up as early as age two, or more commonly in aging adults. Depending on the rate of progression, vision impairment may be mild, or severe and call for costly surgery.
Elbow Dysplasia
Affecting 10% of Goldens, this orthopedic condition involves abnormal development of the bones making up the elbow joint, preventing them from fitting together properly. This results in pain, lameness, and arthritis. There are several forms of elbow dysplasia and surgery is often recommended.
Hip Dysplasia
An orthopedic condition where the ball and socket of the hip joint doesn't develop or work properly, leading to joint deterioration, pain, lameness, and/or arthritis. While mild cases can be managed with prescription meds and physical therapy, severe ones may require costly hip replacement surgery.
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
With this condition, the aortic valve of the heart is narrowed, making it harder for the heart to pump blood from this valve to the rest of the body. Some cases can be treated with medication called beta blockers, but more severe ones may require surgery, such as balloon catheterization.
Why Get Dog Insurance?
from Pumpkin®
*Example illustrates reimbursement of a covered vet bill at a 90% reimbursement rate, where the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual limit had not yet been met. Coverage and reimbursement results vary based on policy options.
