Golden Retriever

[Troy]

The Golden Retriever

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=176 )

Group: Group 3 (Gundogs)

General Appearance: Symmetrical, balanced, active, powerful, level mover; sound with kindly expression.

Characteristics: Biddable, intelligent and possessing natural working ability.

Temperament: Kindly, friendly and confident.

Head And Skull: Balanced and well-chiselled, skull broad without coarseness; well set on neck, muzzle powerful, wide and deep. Length of foreface approximately equals length from well-defined stop to occiput. Nose preferably black.

Eyes: Dark brown, set well apart, dark rims.

Ears: Moderate size, set on approximate level with eyes.

Mouth: Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. Upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck: Good length, clean and muscular.

Forequarters: Forelegs straight with good bone, shoulders well laid back, long in blade with upper arm of equal length placing legs well under body. Elbows close fitting.

Body: Balanced, short coupled, deep through heart. Ribs deep, well sprung. Level topline.

Hindquarters: Loin and legs strong and muscular, good second thighs, well bent stifles. Hocks well let down, straight when viewed from rear, neither turning in nor out. Cowhocks highly undesirable.

Feet: Round and cat-like.

Tail: Set on and carried level with back, reaching to hocks, without curl at tip.

Gait/Movement: Powerful with good drive. Straight and true in front and rear. Stride long and free with no sign of hackney action in front.

Coat: Flat or wavy with good feathering, dense water-resisting undercoat.

Colour: Any shade of gold or cream, neither red nor mahogany. A few white hairs on chest only, permissible.

Sizes: Height:

Dogs 56-61 cms (22-24 ins) at withers

Bitches 51-56 cms (20-22 ins) at withers

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog, and on the dog�s ability to perform its traditional work.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of the Golden Retriever

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever Breeders

Golden Retriever Puppies For Sale

[GoldenWei]

I can't believe there hasn't been any responses to this thread yet. Well I will add some info from my personal experiences.

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I've owned goldens for the past 15 years now... having said that I am only on my third so haven't owned that many.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland and England in the late 19th century for the purpose of retrieving wildfowl on land and water fowl.

3. How common is it in Australia?

VERY. They have been over-bred by puppy farmers and backyard breeders unfortunately.

4. What is the average lifespan?

10-12 years, however cancer is becoming more prevalent in the breed and is decreasing this. My first golden died of cancer just short of 12 years, my second is now 11.5years and seems to be going strong.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Happy, friendly dogs. They mature mentally quite slowly, mine have been very puppyish until atleast 2 years, Sascha my first didn't settle down until Indy came along at 3. They will more likely lick an intruder then bite. Having said that, Phoenix doesn't like strangers approaching the yard and will bark if he thinks they are up to no good. However he is unlikely to follow through if someone actually did take him on. They usually play well with other dogs and are quite social.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Depends on the dog. One of mine would be happy with with a short daily 30 min walk. The other needs a lot more exercise to keep him satisfied and not bounce off the walls.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Again, it depends on the dog. Phoenix would probably be ok with a first time owner, he was so much easier to train and live with as a puppy then the other two. Sascha was my first dog, and I deliberatly chose the mischievios one as I had a misconception that they were a very placid dog. She was a horror, she'd pull clothes off the line, dig holes, and generally be very naughty. I made a lot of mistakes with her, but learn't a lot as well. I'd never trade her in, however for a first time dog owner, she probably wasn't the ideal choice.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

If they don't have something to occupy themselves with they will get up to mischief. They can bark a lot, dig holes and man can they chew!!! My almost 12 year old will still find sticks to chew on given half a chance. They were bred to retrieve, and as such are very mouth oriented, they generally like to have things in their mouths!

9. How much grooming is required?

A really good brush and comb once a week usually would suffice, the longer coat type (American type) can matt if brushed properly, a trim around the feet, pads and ears to tidy-up when it starts to look like it needs it, their chest hair is trimmed for the show ring but I don't bother with it. The shorter, wavy coats (English type) are easier to deal with and I prefer this.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Usually yes. They need to be taught from a very young age not too jump, they will knock young children over. If they get the zoomies get out of their way, I've been knocked over several times by them running into me.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Unfortunately Hip and elbow displasia are common especially in those that are backyard bred. Progressive Retinal Atrophy, cataracts are becoming common as well as entropian. Cardiomyopathy is also common. A good breeder will do the four tests, Hips, elbows, eyes and hearts. Do not buy from a breeder who doesn't have eye & heart clearance certificates for the puppys parents, and the hip and elbow scores should be low, and even.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

I would want to see atleast one of the parents in the flesh. Definately ask what they test for. If they don't test for the above four walk away. I'd want to know how much socialisation they get. Ask what the temperment of the parents are like. A good breeder should be able to match the temperment of the puppy to your families needs.Depending on what you want the dog for, ask what their parents excel at, ie. confirmation/obedience/field work etc.

[Rusky]

excellent stuff Goldie girl

We have lived with Goldens for 35years

answering number 12

must see both parents and ensure that socialisation is taking place. I would run a mile if all hereditry tests were not available to see. However hip dysplasia is tricky. I loved Cindy (avatar) for 13 years, she had shocking hip dysplasia... the parents had very low scores.

[Arlizng]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Been owned by a golden boy when was i was 13 until 21. My family still has a 4 year old golden girl.

2.. What is the average lifespan?

It's a medium dog breed (15 years or more), my boy passed away when he was eight due to poisoning.

3. What is the general temperament/personality?

They are always happy to see you and want to close and just hang out with their human. They are cheeky too and get into mischief regularly. Both my goldies play well with other dogs. I think their motto was " Play? Play!" and then do zoomies.

4. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

It depends. My departed male was very energetic and i used to walk him for more than hour everyday after school. I suspect he was from English, field hunting lines. And even with hour long fetching games and rough housing, he could still find the energy to dig in the garden! ;)

So when the next time around, we chose a girl who was very mellow and laid back to suit our family and she's a treat! She still loves her walks, but is fine if u miss a walk or two. Or show her a ball and her eyes light up! That and my birkenstocks. She's from show parents and is very much shaggier than the boy.

5.Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

My family had dogs all my life but my first golden was my first dog that was truly all my own and i was responsible for everything related to him. Also i did plenty research before getting him. So i would say as with any breed, having someone is committed to the the responsibilities (i.e. grooming, walks, attention), it would be good. But it's not an independent dog and just wants to be with its humans.

6.How much grooming is required?

A good brushing once of twice a week is good. They loove bath time. Golden + wash + grooming = bliss.

7.Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

I trained my goldies not to jump, and my three year old niece adores my girl goldie, as she is a live sized plush toy, is so mellow and allows her to get away with murder! That said, be wary and keep an eye out always. Its easy for a happy excited goldie to knock a child or even grown up over easily if untrained.

8.Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Hip dyplaysia. PRA. Backyard breeders.

9.When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder?

View both parents, so you can gauge the temperaments , etc. Health tests of course, hip scores.

I'm still learning things so dont be afraid to ask questions. This dog will steal your heart for sure.

Edited August 17, 2009 by Arlizng

[Odin-Genie]

Answering some of the questions:

(From personal experience only. I don't have specialised knowledge of the breed)

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Have owned a goldie for 15 months.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Very friendly. However, goldies are not the independent type and love close contact with their pack (my goldie loves to sleep with her head in my lap). They do tend to bark.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

My goldie gets about two hours of exercise everyday (zoomies, ball retrieving at dog park and walks).

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Yes, if they are willing to train and keep the dog with the family.

9. How much grooming is required?

I brush my dogs atleast twice a week. However, once a week should suffice.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Yes. Goldies jump and can be highly boisterous when they are young.

Edited October 13, 2009 by Odin-Genie

[Bubitty]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I own 2 goldens, a 4 yr old boy who I adopted when he was 11 months old and a 5.5 month old girl puppy who lived with us from 8 weeks.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Very stable, very easy going, extremely tolerant, eager to learn and very kind. They are very peaceful if left on their own (when we are not home) but if we are home they MUST be included in all the action as they are very nosey and will kick up a fuss if left out of the family action. However if you just let them hang out in the same room as you, they will just flop down somewhere and watch you attend to your tasks.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

My boy gets about 2 hours a day. This includes a jog, steady paced walking and lots of free zoomie time in the park.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Yes I think my puppy has been very easy to raise but I think the key is putting in all the groundwork at the beginning to ensure that pup does not get up to mischief or learn bad habits.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Yes, my boy was an only dog for 3 years. He lived inside by himself when we were at work, had full access to the house and has never caused us any grief.

9. How much grooming is required?

Probably a good brushing twice a week.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

The puppies are pretty boisterous but they learn very quickly so will develop excellent manners if taught well and taught early. However they are naturally quite “exhuberant”. My adult boy is just a saint and is uber mellow.

[aussielover]

I have seen some very white looking goldens- is that acceptable in the breed standard? They are very beuatiful looking dogs!

[nicolatu]

Yeah i love the white coloured ones as well!! I saw a beautiful white boy which won the best puppy award.

[OwnedByGoldens]

I have seen some very white looking goldens- is that acceptable in the breed standard? They are very beuatiful looking dogs!

Yeah i love the white coloured ones as well!! I saw a beautiful white boy which won the best puppy award.

The 'white' Golden Retrievers are known as cream and are acceptable in the breed standard. Colours If you got to this site and choose publications there is a picture of the range of colour permitted for Goldens in the UK which would be similar to what is permitted in Australia. Golden Retrievers are generally lighter coloured as pups and gradually darken with age. My boy was very pale as a puppy but has coloured up a lot into a darker cream now at 7 years of age. You also find if you stand a cream Golden next to a breed of dog that is actually white the colour difference is easier to see.

Hope this helps.

[Russkie30]

I just replied then my internet cut out just about when I went to post my reply, when I get more time I wil redo it!!! arggggg

[Russkie30]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Had goldens since I was 14, been the owner of 4 to date

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Awesome temperaments, love to be around people at all times. The males to me are more sookier than the females. There temperament should be unflappable but unfortunate we are seeing some that are shy and timid and also agressive.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

I have two my boy needs exercise every day. The girl although would be quite happy to sleep on the couch all day. I do feel though they need to get out at least once a day.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Yes although every dog has it's own personalities just like us. Some are more active than others.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Yes, they are quite happy to be by themselves. My girl was by herself for 2 years and coped fine. But they do love the company of other dogs

9. How much grooming is required?

A really good brush at least once a week. Depending what type of coat they have, some have more than others and tend to get matted. so depending on the coat type. I generally wash them every 2 weeks.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Some puppies can be but Goldies are so tolerant. My girl grew up with my son she was born 7 months before him, she did however use to knock him over a bit but he survived and she is the best dog around kids. You will find if kids get too much for them they will generally walk away when they've had enough.

[PaddyForever]

I have owned Goldens, or more accurately, they have owned me, for over 16 years now. I lost my beautiful boy, Patrick(Paddy) on 25/1/10, aged nearly 16 years. I own his Grandson, Bozwell, aged 4 1/2 years and at the moment have a litter of 10 Paddy Grand-babies. Patrick was C.D.X. obedience titled, was a working animal actor, and a rep for The Responsible Pet Ed Program Of Vic. I am a dog trainer of many years experience, an obedience instructor and trial competitor with several different breeds, and I have found the Golden, in general, one of the easiest breeds to train. I have four children, who I supervise at all times with the dogs, but the Goldens that I have are by far the gentlest breed with them. It is more my children that I have to be the most vigilant with, kids can do some really strange things...! Patrick was an incredibly naughty puppy, who destroyed just about everything I owned, including ring-barking trees, and who, despite his C.D.X. title and Best In Trial titles, would take off at almost every opportunity when I wasn't looking! Boz is bigger, quieter and impeccably well-behaved, though no-where near the obedience dog Paddy was, he's too laid back. As far as large dogs go, they are probably the first breed that I would reccomend for people with children. All dogs need obedience training and need to be taught 'acceptable' behaviours. Likewise, children need to be supervised AT LEAST up to their teens with any dog, and need to be taught the correct responses to a dog's behaviour, and to be instructed by the adult in charge on how to interact with the dog, correct commands, etc. Children are never as good at reading a dog's body language and also need constant reminding by a vigilant adult as to what the dog may be trying to tell them. That being said, all of my Goldens have been excellent with my children, and that includes the dogs that I have bred which have come to visit from time to time. This is a breed reknowned for it's gentle temperament. Yes, they grow very quickly, as does any large-breed puppy, and most will go through a 'Testing' stage, usually between the ages of 6-15 months in my experience. At this time, they may jump all over you with big teen-age paws, test you in obedience training, probably consider not coming back off-lead. But most breeds will go through something similar. They do not TEND to be a very dominant breed, although there are exceptions, and good socialisation from birth is as important with them as any other breed. Mine have all been excellent with dogs of other breeds, and are well-known locally by the people in my community. They have all been very people-orientated. Although Paddy was very independant, he adored people and loved to be the centre of attention. Paddy prefered to be an out-side dog, though he came in more towards the end of his life. My others have all prefered to be inside, although they love to be outside throughout the day, and all have been active. Every dog, regardless of breed, will be an individual with his/her own personality traits, and the Golden is no exception. Potential buyers need to be aware that despite a breed's deservably good reputation, that all dogs will need care and training, and that this takes a varying degree of time to produce the desired results. I have been lucky, so far, with good hip/elbow/eye results, but these are something a prospective owner should be mindful of. The parents should have had their hips/elbow xrays done, with good low scores, and you should ask a vet AND the breed club, if you are unsure about what is 'good'. Any dog can have eye problems, so parents eyes should have tested clear, and many breeders are having heart-testing done now, too. The best thing about Goldens is probably how well they usually interact with children and other animals, and if an owner is willing to put in the time and training any dog needs, then I cannot reccomend this breed highly enough.

[CharlieandGus]

Speaking generally -

Golden retrievers are great dogs and lots of fun to be around. From my experience (2) they are gentle, loyal and want to be one of the family.

We had a female and she was quite anxious but very intelligent, and a male who we still have. I think they prefer others of the same breed for company but get along okay with other dogs.

Our female had a couple of health problems (hips) and it was at this point we were glad we had pet insurance, as golden retrievers can be quite costly animals! Very rewarding though.

[BelgianPup]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

First time golden owner.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

Developed to retrieve water birds for hunters.

3. How common is it in Australia?

Very common, with the misconception that they are the ideal family pet (they are fantastic but like all dogs need training and boundaries) they have been over bred by puppy farmers.

4. What is the average lifespan?

11 - 14 yrs

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Enthusiastic and outgoing. Always friendly and eager to please. Can be whingy and demanding at times (maybe that's just our boy! He only 18months.)

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

20 - 40 min. Our boy is happy if we walk and happy if we don't. (If we don't walk him we play with him and train him, also he lives with a very active Belgian so maybe his physical activity needs would be different if he didn't have her egging him on!)

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Yes, provided they are prepared to train them and are aware the puppy phase lasts a few years!

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Yes. They sleep a lot but in their awake periods need to have something to occupy themselves with - give them something acceptable or they will become destructive.

9. How much grooming is required?

Twice weekly brushing but in shedding times or hot weather it is daily.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Due to their size and general enthusiasm they are definitely too boisterous if not trained. At 18months our boy loves kids but occasionally forgets his size and crazy tail!

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Hips and elbows.

Edited November 12, 2010 by BelgianPup

[magi]

Hi, I am looking for Golden Retriever puppies breeded from US lines. Any recommended breeders? preferrable located in NSW.

[chicko]

Anyone a good breeder in perth?

[Aidan3]

Hi, I am looking for Golden Retriever puppies breeded from US lines. Any recommended breeders? preferrable located in NSW.

I believe there are, might be best to ask in the Retrieving and Field Training thread in Training.

I know of some good lines which have recently been introduced to Japan and New Zealand, but best to wait to see how they develop.

[chicko]

was supposed to be 'know' a good breeder in perth?

A friend of mine are looking for a Goldie, around 6-12 month mark

[GoldenWei]

was supposed to be 'know' a good breeder in perth?

A friend of mine are looking for a Goldie, around 6-12 month mark

First port of call would be Liz Molnar - Dobro, also Carla O'Donnell - Aneiraby

[chicko]

thanks Goldenwei