Golden Retriever

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• GroomingBrush a few times a week

  Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Living spaceHouse with room

  Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment10–12 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hip dysplasia · Cancer · Heart disease

The Golden Retriever is one of the gentlest, most trainable family dogs — patient with children, eager to please and endlessly good-natured. Like the Labrador it is an active sporting breed that needs real daily exercise and a job to do, whether that is fetch, swimming, training or dog sports, and it thrives on being included in everything the family does; a lonely, under-exercised Golden becomes bored and can develop anxiety. The beautiful golden coat sheds heavily and needs brushing two or three times a week, more during the big seasonal moults, plus attention to the ears, which are prone to infection. Health is where Golden ownership demands eyes open: the breed has an unusually high rate of cancer, so choose a breeder who breeds for longevity and screens their lines. Also screen for hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease (subaortic stenosis) and eye disease, and watch the weight, since Goldens gain easily. Keep it lean, exercised and loved, keep up preventive vet care, and a Golden is a devoted, gentle companion for ten to twelve years.

• How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need?

  High. Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• How much grooming does a Golden Retriever need?

  Brush a few times a week. Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Is a Golden Retriever suited to apartment living?

  House with room. Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Is a Golden Retriever a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Golden Retriever live?

  10–12 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Golden Retriever?

  Keep an eye out for Hip dysplasia, Cancer, Heart disease. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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