| "> | | | | cream goldens, which can look almost white, are |
| The golden retriever could be the most popular | | | | becoming more popular in America outside the |
| family dog in the world. These noble dogs also | | | | show ring. There are physical differences as well. |
| make great service and hunting dogs. With pets | | | | The British or European golden has a wider and |
| and dogs, in general, gaining in popularity, these | | | | shorter muzzle, and more of a 'blocky' shaped |
| days even The Oracle of Delphi is often asked | | | | head. The European dogs have shorter tails and |
| for golden retriever information. | | | | legs and a stockier body. The American dogs |
| The natural glow of the golden retriever's coat | | | | often have longer coats. |
| seems to radiate friendliness. These dogs are | | | | Golden retrievers are large, healthy dogs, but |
| known for their friendliness for their owners and | | | | there are some health issues that are common to |
| for strangers. That is why they don't make great | | | | the breed. Most golden health problems are |
| watchdogs. Goldens are gentle around children and | | | | related to genetics, so they have been made |
| other pets. It is easy to see why goldens are | | | | more common by bad breeding. The best way to |
| such popular family dogs. The other things that | | | | avoid these problems in your dog, is to check the |
| stand out are that these dogs are large, high | | | | pedigree of a puppy's parents. Hip dysplasia is the |
| energy dogs that love human interaction. | | | | most common ailment for goldens. Other |
| Prospective owners should generally be active | | | | common health problems are bad elbows (elbow |
| people or families. It is also important to have a | | | | dysplasia), heart problems, and eye problems such |
| sizable yard, as daily exercise is part of a healthy | | | | as cataracts. The number one cause of death for |
| 'diet' for these dogs. Being adaptable, apartment | | | | goldens is cancer. Quality breeders will have the |
| living is possible. However, it would help to live | | | | health of their dogs certified for these specific |
| near a park and being committed to spending | | | | ailments, and will have the paperwork to verify it. |
| time with your golden is a must. Golden retrievers | | | | Golden puppies have a lifespan between 10 and 15 |
| are intelligent dogs. They love games and tasks. | | | | years. These dogs are generally not good for |
| Goldens often excel in obedience and agility | | | | people with allergies because of shedding. Some |
| competitions. These dogs were bred to be the | | | | grooming is suggested for goldens, namely |
| perfect hunting retrievers and they love the | | | | brushing twice per week. |
| water. Having a great sense of smell, goldens also | | | | Golden retrievers were bred to be perfect |
| make excellent service dogs. | | | | hunting dogs to retrieve shot waterfowl and birds. |
| Golden Retrievers in America are a little different | | | | It is why they love to swim and were bred to |
| from European or British goldens. A dark copper, | | | | have a 'soft' mouth. Originally golden retrievers |
| mahogany or 'red' color is considered acceptable in | | | | were bred by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, later |
| America for the breed, but not in Europe. A | | | | known as Baron Tweedmouth in the 1800's. They |
| cream or light cream color is acceptable in Europe, | | | | were developed on his highland estate in Scotland |
| but not in the American show ring. Nonetheless, | | | | near the banks of Loch Ness. |