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Dog: |
65-75 lbs. (29.5 - 34
kg) |
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Height: |
56-61 cms (22-24 ins) at withers |
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Bitch: |
55-65 lbs. (25-29.5
kg) |
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Height: |
51-56 cms (20-22 ins) at withers |
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Colour: |
Any shade of gold or cream
(neither red nor mahogany) |
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Temperament: |
Kindly, friendly
and confident |
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With Other dogs &
Pets: |
Excellent |
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With Children:
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Excellent |
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Trainability:
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Excellent |
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Watchdog: |
Average |
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Exercise: |
Average |
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Grooming: |
Average |
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Life Expectancy:
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10 - 13
years |
The Golden Retriever is a gundog
that was developed by Lord Tweedmouth at his estate
near Inverness, Scotland, for the purpose of
retrieving upland game on land or water.
The Golden
Retriever with it's handsome looks, steady
& confident nature, intelligence and
willingness to please make it a great multi purpose dog
that does well in all areas of dog sports such as
Conformation, Obedience and Retrieving etc.
They are one of the most
popular family pets with one of their most outstanding
traits is their wonderful temperament - happy, confident, trusting and
friendly with all they meet. Golden Retrievers
should not be aggressive and most do not have much in
the way of guard instinct. They are a very social dog
and need companionship so they are happiest inside the
house and part of the family. A natural retriever they
love to carry things around. If they cannot find a
toy to carry around they will find your socks,
shoes or anything else (usually yours!) to hold in their
mouths! Most love water and don't be surprised when you
are out for a walk and they dive into the nearest puddle
they see, you may come home to find your hose or
sprinkler system chewed to bits because they know there
is water in there somewhere!
Even though a Golden may
give the impression of a big soft cuddly dogs. they are
a sporting dog, a large breed with an active
powerful body that requires a good amount of exercise to
keep them fit and healthy. Puppy classes and Obedience
training is a must with all dogs, not only are you
training your dog but it's a great place for your puppy
to socialize with many different breeds of dogs as well
as meeting lots of people. Your Golden should be on
a good quality diet and never over feed as this can lead
to obesity which may lead to many health problems.
They have a thick
double coat that is wavy or straight with coat colour
ranging from cream to gold with all the shades in
between. The coat does shed but is an easy
coat to care for with regular brushing of about 20-30
minutes weekly is generally all that is needed. At
grooming sessions it is a good idea to go through the
coat, feet and ears for grass seeds.
Golden Retrievers are
generally a healthy breed but like many other breeds
have some hereditary problems. Breeding stock
should have their health clearances for Hips and Eyes by
qualified specialists. Many breeders also test Elbows
and Hearts as well.
It is your right
when buying a puppy to ask to see certificates of
clearances or question anything you are concerned about.
Accept no excuses for these certificates not being shown
to you ! Check the name of the dog on the
certificate to ensure it matches the name of the parents
of the litter. Take details to ensure you are being
shown the correct certification.
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Hip
Dysplasia
& Elbow
Dysplasia
The dog must be at least 12 months
of age or older before assessment and only needs to
be done once in the dogs life.
All
Goldens Retrievers born after 1 January 2002 must have hip
certificates prior to being bred. These
certificates indicate how close to perfect the
parents are in regard to hip formation. Most
breeders only breed with dogs with a total score
of 20 or lower.
Hips - X-rays are scored by a panel
of specialists and each hip is assessed and a
score is given for each hip. The best score is 0/0
and the worst is 53/53.
Hip dysplasia is a developmental
disease in many different breeds, it is an
inherited defect which is believed to have a
polygenic mode of inheritance. The formation of
the joints can also be modified by environmental
factors such as over nutrition, excessively rapid
growth, and certain traumas during the growth
period of the skeleton.
OFFA - Other
Hip Dysplasia Registries—An Approximation
The phenotypic
evaluation of hips done by the Orthopedic
Foundation for Animals falls into seven different
categories. Those categories are normal
(Excellent, Good, Fair), Borderline, and
dysplastic (Mild, Moderate, Severe).
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OFA |
FCI (European) |
BVA (UK/Australia) |
SV (Germany) |
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Excellent |
A-1 |
0-4 (no > 3/hip)
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Normal |
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Good |
A-2 |
5-10 (no > 6/hip)
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Normal |
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Fair |
B-1 |
11-18 |
Normal |
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Borderline |
B-2 |
19-25 |
Fast Normal
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Mild |
C |
26-35 |
Noch Zugelassen |
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Moderate |
D |
36-50 |
Mittlere |
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Severe |
E |
51-106 |
Schwere |
Elbows - X-rays are submitted to a
panel of specialists for assessment and a score is
given for each elbow from 0 to 3, 0 clear
and 3 badly affected.
Eye Disease
The dog must be at least 12
months of age or older before assessment, Examination by a veterinary
ophthalmologist of breeding stock should be done
annually.
Hereditary cataracts are a common eye problem in
the Golden Retriever. In Goldens, cataracts
develop at varying ages, and at different lens
locations, usually without visual impairment. At
least one type of cataract does appear at an early
age in affected Goldens and some do progress into
severe or total loss of vision.
A few families of Goldens carry genes for Central
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA) which is
progressive deterioration of the light-receptive
area (retina) of the eye, and may result in
complete blindness at a fairly young age.
Eyelid and eyelash problems also may occur in the breed; some have an
hereditary basis, and some are due to other
factors. Entropion and ectropion are the turning
in or turning out of the eyelids. Trichiasis and
distichiasis involve eyelashes or hairs rubbing on
and irritating the eye. Surgery may be needed to
correct these problems, and while it is a fairly
simple procedure, such dogs should not be bred.
Heart Disease
Examined by certified
Veterinary Cardiologist only needs to be done
once in the dogs life.
Hereditary heart disease, most
commonly Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS). With
this condition the main artery from the
heart (the aorta) is narrowed just where it
leaves the heart and to push enough blood past
this constriction the heart has to work harder. If
a valve is faulty or a blood vessel constricted,
the abnormal sounds produced are called heart
murmurs. This disease can be fatal from an early
age. Certificates should be checked to ensure the
dog is clear from any disease and they should hold
a clearance AFTER the age of 12 months. A puppy
clearance is not a clearance to verify suitability
for breeding.
DNA Profiling
*Positive identification
*DNA
typing (profiling) to provide parentage testing
*Genetic status determined for hereditary disease,
where specified.
Golden Retrievers in Australia have no hereditary
diseases that are available for testing by DNA at
this time, DNA profiling is used to provide
*parentage testing*. For more information
visit:
http://ausngrc.org/images/DNA%20profiling.pdf
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It is your right when buying
a puppy to ask to see certificates of clearances
or question anything you are concerned about.
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Main &
Limited Register
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Main
Register ~
Dogs registered on the main register
pedigree (blue
certificate). Dogs
listed on this register can compete in
conformation shows. A dog listed on this
register may have their progeny
registered. |
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Limited Register
~
Dogs registered on the limited
register pedigree (orange certificate). The dog is pedigreed but
cannot compete in conformation shows.
Progeny of this dog cannot be registered.
They can compete in obedience
& agility trials and in Golden Retriever
club fun days and you can become members of the
Golden Retriever club. |
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Limited register
can be transferred to the Main register (where
these things are permitted) with written consent
of the breeder and subject to breeders conditions
and agreements.
If you intend to
show or breed with your Golden Retriever,
(this should be discussed with the breeder and
both parties should be very clear on your
intentions with this dog), you should then receive
a blue pedigree (Main Register) from the
breeder. If the pup is to be a pet then it usually
up to the breeder whether it is registered
on the Main or Limited Register. To transfer the
dog into your name the breeder and yourself should
fill out the transfer form on the back of the
pedigree and submit this to the
S.A.C.A.
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A
puppy bought on the Limited register is just as
good as a puppy bought on the Main register, but a
dog bought as a pet is not always a show dog and
nor every dog should be bred from no matter how
good the pedigree is. |
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Read
Before Buying A Puppy
We have
provided the information below in regard to what you may not be
aware of
when you are looking into
buying a puppy.
DEPOSIT
Sometimes a
breeder will ask for a deposit for a puppy.
Some breeders state that the deposit is non-refundable if you change you mind. Be
sure that you are completely happy with
everything before you commit and that
you have a receipt for the deposit.
PURCHASE PRICE
Puppies are not to
leave the breeder before 8 weeks of age
You
will be making a significant financial, as well as
emotional, investment in purchasing any puppy.
There will be variation in the prices being
charged even by reputable breeders, who will take
a variety of factors into account in setting their
sale price.
You
may find that ‘pet shop’, ‘back yard’ or ‘puppy
farm’ breeders may sell their puppies slightly
more cheaply. But remember that the purchase price
is just a very small portion of the total outlay
on your puppy, and that veterinary bills are
likely to be far greater for a less sound or less
robust puppy than one whose parents, as well as
themselves, have always had optimal care and
nutrition and are demonstrated to be sound.
The popularity of some breeds has meant that some
breeders produce large numbers of puppies purely
for commercial gain - such breeders often pay
little regard to the health or temperament.
Sometimes pups are taken away from their mothers
at an early age or are transported long distances
to be placed in pet shops - these pups can have
health problems & sadly may have poor
temperaments. Some of these breeders, commonly
called "puppy farmers" operate outside the law &
keep their dogs in appalling conditions; their
pups may or may not be registered with the Kennel
Club. They will go for the "hard sell" approach &
try to persuade enquirers to buy one of their
puppies quickly before they all go. Other
commercial breeders may be fully licensed &
register their pups with the Kennel Club - they
also may place enticing adverts in the local
papers, but this does not mean they are reputable!
The
reputable breeder will:
(a) Provide you with a receipt that outlines
exactly what you have bought. It should state that
this is a registered, pedigree dog, list the date
of birth, and what type of register the dog will
be placed on. Most reputable breeders will expect
pet puppies are registered on the Limited
Register. This is to ensure the puppy is going to
a loving family home and is not going to be bred
from or exported. You will be required to sign a
Limited Register Agreement form at the time of
purchase.
(b) Provide you with the puppy’s vaccination card.
Check that the dates on the card match the date of
birth etc of the puppy.
(c)
Provide you with the puppy’s microchip paperwork.
Check that the information on the paperwork
matches with your puppy.
(d) Provide you with details of the pup’s worming
history. This should include the dates and
products used as well as when the next treatment
is due.
(e) Provide you with a detailed diet chart. This
should include what food/products the puppy has
been raised on and the feeding schedule the puppy
is used to. This should assist you to make the
puppy’s transition into your family a smooth one.
Whilst puppies can have minor upsets with a change
of environment, they should readily adapt if
weaned fully BEFORE leaving the breeder.
(f) Provide back-up help & advice on a long-term
basis and will also make clear that if the owner
of one of their puppies is unable to keep the dog
for any reason, then they will take back that dog
& find it a new home.
A
responsible breeder will be only too pleased to
let you see not only the particular puppy in which
you may be interested, but the whole litter, as
well as the parents. In every case you should be
able to see the mother, and you should insist on
being able to do so. The breeder may have used a
stud dog which they do not own, so you may not
always be able to see the sire. The purpose of
seeing the dam (and if possible sire) of the
litter is principally to enable you to observe
their nature/behaviour and their condition. You
will also be able to see the physical condition of
the mother and pups. If the bitch has not been
well nourished and cared for throughout pregnancy
and after the birth of the pups, this impacts on
the health of the litter, and the pups may not be
as strong or healthy as they would be if the bitch
had been better cared for.
Golden Retrievers should be confident, out-going
dogs. You therefore need to be able to observe and
interact with the mother of the puppies, and to
see the litter and how the puppies behave in their
interactions with each other and with people. If
you are not allowed to see the mother and other
puppies in the litter (if there was more than
one), alarm bells should ring.
The
puppies should be clean as should their living
area. Common sense should tell you if this is the
case. They should also be outgoing and happy. Be
wary of puppies that are very timid or cringe away
from you. This is not typical of the breed. DO NOT
accept picking the puppy up from anyone but the
breeder. Insist on seeing their living environment
– this should give you insight into how the
puppies are housed and raised.
Do not accept a puppy who is on medication. There
is no reason why a puppy should go to a new home
unless it is fit and well. There should be no sign
of diarrhoea or vomiting.
When you collect your puppy it should be happy,
clean and robust. Breeders can't guarantee your
puppy will be perfect but SHOULD give a health
guarantee for 48 hours after you take your puppy
home. During this time you SHOULD take your puppy
to an independent Veterinarian to have it health
checked. If not found to be 100% fit and well,
return it to the breeder for a full refund. Ensure
you are given this in writing by the
breeder before you take delivery of your puppy.
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DO NOT RUSH INTO BUYING A PUPPY!!!
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CONTRACT OF
SALE
Sometimes a breeder will ask you to sign a
contract of sale when you purchase your dog. You
should read through the contract thoroughly and if
you are at all concerned about anything seek
professional advice before signing. Sometimes a
contract may stipulate conditions regarding
ownership, de-sexing, breeding rights, etc. of the
dog.
Some breeders will suggest or
require that you enter into the purchase ‘on
breeder’s terms’ with the bitches. Breeder’s terms
usually mean you are tied down to a contract
giving the breeder your dog for litters. You have
no control over how your bitch is treated or cared
for during the time it is with the breeder. All
financial gain may to the breeder, they may expect
you to care for the bitch right up to whelping
which would be an enormous financial cost. Take
into account how your family will feel about their
dog being taken from them for weeks at a time and
the emotional and physical damage or even death of
your dog.
VACCINATION
CERTIFICATE
Your puppy should
come with a vaccination certificate. Puppies are
given a course of vaccinations with the first one
at 6-8 weeks of age The first vaccination
should have already been done by the
breeder. Your breeder will give you a vaccination
certificate and you will have to arrange with your
vet for the second booster usually done at 12
weeks of age.
WHAT DOES "ANKC"
AND "SACA" MEAN
*The ANKC
acts as a spokesperson on all canine related
activities on a National basis on behalf of State
Member Bodies and to pledge assistance and support
to the respective State Member Bodies.
*The
SACA is a State Member Body of the
ANKC
Some puppy sale adverts say that they are
members of the "SACA" and the pups have "pedigree
papers". Any one with a "purebred dog" with
"pedigree papers" can get a kennel
prefix, breed a litter and sell the pups with
pedigree papers. It has to do with lineage,
not quality, temperament or health.
Most dogs, even purebred with papers, should not
be bred. Many dogs, though wonderful pets, have
defects of structure, personality, or health that
should not be perpetuated. Animals used for
breeding should be proven free of these defects
BEFORE starting on a reproductive career. Breeding
should only be done with goal of IMPROVEMENT - an
honest attempt to create puppies better than their
parents. Ignorance is no excuse - once you have
created a life, you can't take it back!
BREED
CLUBS
The Golden Retriever Club of SA only
lists breeders on the club listing that have
handed in their hip scores and eye test.
They can only guarantee that the person has had
these two tests done, they can not guarantee
quality, soundness or temperament.
PEDIGREE
PAPERS
Please see *Limited and *Main
Register on this page........
LOOKING FOR A
PUPPY
A good place to meet breeders
and their dogs is to go to a dog show
or breed club fundays and open shows
you can find out when and where one is being held
by going to the South Aust. Canine Assoc.
or by getting in touch with a breed club for
information.
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Before looking for a pup ask
yourself a few questions:
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~ Are
you willing and able to provide for a dog for
possibly 10 - 15 years or more?
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~ Do you
have a safe environment with shelter and
well fenced in which the dog can
live?
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~ Do you
have the time to groom, care and spend quality
time with a
dog?
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~ Can
you afford the ongoing costs through out
the dogs
life?
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NO PET
SHOULD EVER BE BOUGHT ON IMPULSE OR AS A
GIFT |
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Golden
Retriever Sites Of Interest
Some of the links below are a great read
especially for new dog owners
Please
Click on the links below to go to the site of
Interest.
Australian
Titles
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Conformation
Titles
CH or
Aust CH - Australian Champion - (100
points gained in Australia)
GR CH -
Grand Champion
(1000points)
Dual and Tri Champion
- dogs who obtain the title of
conformation Champion plus one (Dual) or two (Tri)
other Champion titles in other areas such as
Obedience or Retrieving Champion.
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Retrieving
Titles
NRD - Novice Retrieving Dog
RRD
- Restricted
Retrieving Dog
RTCH
- Retrieving
Champion |
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Obedience
Titles
The C.D.,
C.D.X. and U.D. titles are used after the dog's
name OC before the dog's name. As higher
qualifications are obtained, the lower one is no
longer used.
CD
- Companion Dog
CDX - Companion Dog
Excellent
UD
- Utility Dog
OC - Obedience Champion
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Tracking Titles
The T. Ch. is used before the
dog's name, and T.D. and T.D.X. are used after a
dog's name, as higher qualifications are
obtained the lower one is no longer
used.
TD - Tracking
Dog
TDX - Tracking Dog
Excellent
T.CH - Tracking
Champion
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Endurance
Test Title
ET - Endurance
Test
Jumping Dog
Titles
JD - Jumping Dog
JDX
- Jumping
Dog Excellent
JDM - Jumping Dog Master
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Agility Dog
Titles
AD - Agility
Dog
ADX - Agility Dog Excellent
ADM - Agility Dog Master
Flyball Dog
Titles
FD - Flyball
Dog
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