Golden Retrievers

Golden Facts:

Temperament: Friendly, Devoted and Loyal

AKC Popularity: Ranked 3 out of 193 breeds

Life Expectancy: 10 -12 years

Weight: Males- 65 - 75 pounds, Females- 55 - 65 pounds

Height: Males- 23-24 inches, Female- 21.5 – 22. 5 inches

AKC Group: Sporting Group

General Appearance-

AKC describes the Golden Retriever as “A symmetrical, powerful, active dog, sound and well put together, not clumsy nor long in the leg, displaying a kindly expression and possessing a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. Primarily a hunting dog, he should be shown in hard working condition. Overall appearance, balance, gait and purpose to be given more emphasis than any of his component parts. Faults-Any departure from the described ideal shall be considered faulty to the degree to which it interfereswith the breed’s purpose or is contrary to breed character”.

About the Golden Retriever-

The Golden Retriever is a medium sized, muscular dog that is well known for its famous golden coat that it is named after. Their heads are broad, with brown, intelligent eyes, short ears and a straight muzzle. The motion of the Golden Retriever is smooth and its powerful gait is described as having a “merry action” with a feathery tail. Even into adulthood they maintain their playful energetic approach to life.

Important Health Testing

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animal's (OFA) mission is to focus on the diseases that can affect animals which include hips, elbows, patella, eyes, cardiac, thyroid and genetic diseases. It is a useful online tool that stores information/test results for both breeders and buyers to view using either an animals AKC registration number or name.

What health tests are recommended for Golden Retrievers?

OFA works with the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) in recommending the following basic health screenings for dogs who will be bred. Golden Retrievers who meet the basic health screening requirements (hip, elbow, eye & cardiac evaluations) will be given Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. CHIC certification is a good way for potential buyers to be informed that the breeder takes the health of their dogs into consideration when making breeding decisions. The list below is breed specific for Golden Retrievers.

Hip Dysplasia testing options:

OFA X-ray Evaluation (Dogs less than 24 months will be given preliminary results and over 24 months of age will be given official results)
PennHIP Evaluation (At least 4 months of age)