Golden Retriever

Pet Road Tests > Dogs

Golden Retriever

Breed: Golden Retriever
Temperament: Friendly, trusting
Cost: $650
Lifespan: 13 years
Recommended for: Families

The Golden Retriever is one of Burke's Backyards' top family dogs with a reputation for sound temperament.

Appearance: A male Golden Retriever stands about 56-61cm (22-24".) while females are smaller at 51-56cm (20-22"). They are a medium-large dog weighing between 27-37kg (60-80lb).

The coat is wavy, double and water-resistant. Colours range from shades of cream to deep gold. While pups are quite pale, the colour of tips of the ears can indicate its final adult colouring.

Temperament: The Golden Retriever has been described as an ideal family pet, good with children, loyal, eager to please and easy to train. They are intelligent, docile and should not be aggressive. Some animal behaviourists believe Golden Retrievers may have suffered from rising popularity and indiscriminate breeding may see snappiness detected in some lines.

Health:

Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are debilitating bone diseases. Only buy pups after seeing screening certificates. Even this is no guarantee the pup will be disease-free. Obesity can aggravate hip problems. Cataracts can be a problem and screening is available.

Grooming: Many pet owners find a thorough 10 minute brushing once a week is adequate. A monthly bath shouldn't dry the coat of its natural oils.

Housepet potential: Golden Retrievers are happiest when inside with their families, however, be aware the coat does shed a lot of hair, more as the seasons change. Young dogs may chew furniture.

Training: Golden Retrievers thrive on structured training programs and are consistent top performers in obedience and agility trials.

Space & exercise: Not a breed for the flat or terrace as these dogs do like to romp and explore a backyard. A daily walk will benefit the dog and keep its weight in check.

Useful qualities: Golden Retrievers are used in Pets As Therapy schemes and as guide dogs for the blind overseas. In Australia they are primarily pet or companion dogs, although a few enthusiasts still use them in gundog and tracking trials.

History: The Golden Retriever appears to be a mixture of many breeds. While some people still think they are longhaired Labradors - and they probably have a shared ancestry - the Golden Retriever was recognised as a breed in its own right in the UK about 1913.

While originally developed as a gundog, today they are now one of the world's favourite family pets. Golden Retrievers are now Australia's third-most popular registered purebred.

Further information

NSW
Golden Retriever Club of NSW Inc
Secretary: Claire Kaspura
St Clair Street
Bowral NSW 2576
Phone: (02) 4862 5164
eMail: ckaspura@bigpond.net.au

NT
North Australian Canine Association
PO Box 375321
Winnellie 0821
Phone: (08) 8984 3570

QLD
Golden Retriever Club of Queensland
Secretary: David McKittrick
Phone: (07) 5546 3940

SA
Golden Retriever Club of SA
Secretary: Irene Nicholl
Phone: (08) 8296 7334

TAS
Tasmanian Canine Association
PO Box 116
Glenorchy 7010
Phone: (03) 6272 9443

VIC
Golden Retriever Club of Victoria
Secretary: Jennie Coutlemanis
Phone: (03) 9752 9137

Puppy inquiries officer
Sharney Marmo
Phone: (03) 9742 6697

WA
Golden Retriever Club of WA
Secretary: Sue Hobcraft
Phone: (08) 9572 1892

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Disclaimer: Burke's Backyard and Backyard Blitz do not accept payment to promote products. All recommendations are genuine. Details on the fact sheets are accurate at the time of publishing, however prices and contact information are not updated and may change.