It's important for both parents of a litter to have their hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts examined, to have typical Golden Retriever temperaments, and to be healthy as described in the Code of Ethics. You should also discuss, with your breeder, any health guarantees offered, as many good breeders will offer to take a puppy back, for health reasons, within a specified period of time.
Excess weight is an ongoing issue with dogs, and can affect joints and decrease life span. Growth, in puppies, should be slow and steady.
Regular grooming, teeth cleaning, ear cleaning and nail trimming is essential.
Sadly, as with many other breeds, Golden Retrievers are susceptible to cancer. Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive and fast-growing form of cancer seen in dogs overall and in Goldens in particular. It arises from the blood vessels and can be diagnosed microscopically in its early stages. Other forms of cancer often seen in Golden Retrievers include Lymphosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, and Mastocytoma. The key to prevention and successful management of these conditions is vigilance. As with all cancers, improved outcomes are associated with early detection.
Like other large breeds, Golden Retrievers are at risk for a variety of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and circulation. Among the most common and most damaging is subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS)—a narrowing of the vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. Narrowing or partial blockage of the aorta causes the heart to work harder than it should and can have serious effects, including death.
Another issue for Goldens is Pigmentary Uveitis, or PU. Click on the link to read more about this progressive eye disease
Excess weight is an ongoing issue with dogs, and can affect joints and decrease life span. Growth, in puppies, should be slow and steady.
Regular grooming, teeth cleaning, ear cleaning and nail trimming is essential.
Sadly, as with many other breeds, Golden Retrievers are susceptible to cancer. Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive and fast-growing form of cancer seen in dogs overall and in Goldens in particular. It arises from the blood vessels and can be diagnosed microscopically in its early stages. Other forms of cancer often seen in Golden Retrievers include Lymphosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, and Mastocytoma. The key to prevention and successful management of these conditions is vigilance. As with all cancers, improved outcomes are associated with early detection.
Like other large breeds, Golden Retrievers are at risk for a variety of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and circulation. Among the most common and most damaging is subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS)—a narrowing of the vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. Narrowing or partial blockage of the aorta causes the heart to work harder than it should and can have serious effects, including death.
Another issue for Goldens is Pigmentary Uveitis, or PU. Click on the link to read more about this progressive eye disease
