Golden Retriever

What is a Golden Retriever?

A medium-large gundog of 25-34kg bred in Scotland to retrieve waterfowl. The defining trait is soft-mouthed willingness - a Golden wants to carry something, bring it to you, and be told it did well.

History and origins

Developed at Guisachan in the Scottish Highlands by Dudley Marjoribanks, first Lord Tweedmouth, from a yellow retriever crossed with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, with later Irish Setter and Bloodhound. Recognised by the Kennel Club in 1913.

Appearance and size

51-61cm. A dense water-repellent double coat with substantial feathering, in any shade of gold or cream. "White" and "English cream" are marketing terms for pale gold, not separate types, and should not carry a premium.

Temperament and personality

Even, friendly and slow to anger. They are poor guard dogs and excellent companions. Adolescence is long and physical: expect a large, enthusiastic teenager from about eight months to two years.

Intelligence and trainability

Very high. Goldens work as assistance, therapy and detection dogs. They are soft - they respond badly to harsh handling and beautifully to reward-based work. Retrieve games are the obvious outlet and also the most useful training currency you have.

Children and other pets

Among the best breeds for a family with children. Tolerant, gentle and sociable with other animals. The main risk is boisterousness rather than temper.

Health problems

• Hip and elbow dysplasia - scores and grades on both parents.
• Eye conditions - annual eye certificate plus GR_PRA1 and GR_PRA2 DNA clears.
• Ichthyosis - a skin condition; DNA test available.
• Heart - subvalvular aortic stenosis; parents should be heart-tested.
• Cancer. UK studies put lifetime cancer incidence in the breed high, with haemangiosarcoma and lymphoma prominent. It is the leading cause of death. There is no test; the practical responses are keeping the dog lean, insuring properly and knowing what to look for.
• Also: hypothyroidism, ear infections, and bloat.

Daily care routine

Two hours of exercise including swimming where possible, plus retrieve and scent games. Dry the ears after water. Check for lumps monthly as part of grooming - early detection is the one lever that genuinely helps with the cancer risk.

Grooming and coat care

Brush three times a week and daily in moult. Feathering behind the ears, on the legs and under the tail mats first. Trim the feet and around the ears; do not clip the body coat.

Exercise needs

Two hours a day for a healthy adult, built up gradually through the first 18 months. They are happiest with a mix of walking, swimming and work.

Feeding and diet

Two measured meals, £45-£70 a month. Weight control is directly linked to joint health and to lifespan. Avoid exercise around meals - deep chest, bloat risk.

Price

£1,000-£2,000 from fully tested KC-registered parents; working lines can be more. Setup £400-£650; ongoing £100-£170 a month. Insure well and early - this is a breed where a lifetime policy earns its keep.

Buying advice

Hip score, elbow grade, current eye certificate, PRA1 and PRA2 DNA results, heart test. Ask about longevity and cause of death in the grandparents; a breeder who tracks that is a breeder worth buying from.