Posts Tagged ‘golden retriever’

Quick Facts about the Golden Retriever

• Breed Group: Gundog, Sporting Group
• Weight: Male: minimum 60 to 80 pounds; Female: minimum 55 to 70 pounds.
• Height: Male: 22 to 24 inches; Female 20 to 22 inches.
• Life Expectancy: About 10-12 years.
• Litter Size: 6 to 10 Golden Retriever puppies
• Other Names Known By: Yellow Retriever, Golden Flat-Coated Retriever
• Terms To Describe: Powerful, active, kind, self-confident, eager, alert, reliable, friendly, trustworthy,

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

• They make a medium watch dog.
• Sensitive to moods of owner.
• Wants to please.
• Wants to be friends with everyone.
• Very gentle.
• Very obedient.

SPECIAL BAD POINTS:

• They make a poor watch dog.
• May shed a lot.

Characteristics:

The Golden Retriever is a highly intelligent, people loving dog. She is the fourth most popular pure bred dog in the United States. She is loyal, eager to please, takes obedience like a champ and loves children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog. She is generally good with other dogs and makes a great family pet.

Special Health Considerations:

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Golden Retriever is no exception. Be on the lookout for Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), epilepsy (common in dogs), allergic skin problems (immediate Veterinary care required), congenital eye defects and Von Willebrands disease (a problem with blood clotting), kidney problems, Lymph Cancer. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and checkup. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and checkup. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for checkups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming:

The Golden Retriever has a dense and firm, water repellent outer coat and a medium inner coat. She is a shedder so brush regularly but only bathe her when necessary. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

History:

The Golden Retriever comes from Great Britain. A Lord Tweedmouth was said to have interbred Yellow Retriever to a Tweed Water Spaniel to develop the Golden Retriever. Some say that the Newfoundland and possibly Bloodhound were also involved. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1925.

Popularity:

Liberty, the presidential pet of President Gerald R. Ford, was a Golden Retriever. The breed has also featured in a number of films and TV series, including: Air Bud and Air Bud: Golden Receiver, Full House, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey and Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco, Fluke, Napoleon, Up, Pushing Daisies and The Drew Carey Show. The Golden Retriever also features in Pedigree commercials.

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Today I have something really funny for everyone.

I came across these videos and totally enjoyed it. I knew I had to share it with everyone because this is wonderful stuff.

These videos are of a pet dog called Ginger. The expressions of this Golden Retriever are simply amazing. He will actually make you believe that those hands are his.

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