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INFORMATIONThank you for your interest in Golden Retrievers. The Golden Retriever Club of Victoria (inc.) is an organization of over 300 members whose shared interest is to further the well-being of the Golden Retrievers in our care and to maintain the best features of the breed. The Golden Retriever was first developed at the Scottish country estate of Lord Tweedmouth during the 1860's to assist in the retrieving of upland game and waterfowl. The British Kennel Club officially recognized the Golden Retriever as a breed in 1920 and they were first imported and registered with the Victorian Canine Association (formerly the Kennel Control Council) during the 1930's. The instinct to retrieve is still an important characteristic of the breed, however the Goldens willing, adaptable nature and physical attributes make it exceptionally versatile. Goldens are an extremely versatile breed that can be used in a wide range of activities, such as Gundog , guide dog for the blind, pets as therapy, obedience and/or show dog. Their desire to please us is legendary. They are noted for their gentle, loving disposition and make wonderful family pets. The Golden Retriever is a medium to large dog. The mature male ideally weighs between 32 to 37 kilos(70 to 80lbs) and stands from 56 to 61 cm (22 to 24 inches) tall at the shoulder. Bitches are generally slightly smaller, weighing between 27and 32 kilos (60 to 70 lbs.) and standing between 51 to 56 cm (20 to 22inches) tall. Despite these differences in size, males and females are equally intelligent and affectionate and easy to house train. The Golden Retriever should be an active, powerful dog with a kindly expression. The adult coat may range in colour from cream to dark gold that may already be indicated in the puppy by the colour of its ears. Although they are a long hair breed, regular brushing will prevent the coat from matting; they are easy to keep well groomed. It is a good idea to check for ticks, fleas, grass seeds or any skin irritation while you are brushing your dog. Goldens are very sociable dogs and need companionship; they are not happy left alone in the backyard for too long and may become destructive. It is your responsibility as an owner to make sure that your dog is never allowed to roam free unsupervised. To maintain the good health of your Golden yearly vaccinations, correct feeding and regular worming are essential. With the right care your Golden may be expected to live from 10 to 13 years. Basic training is an important part of responsible dog ownership. Your dog will learn to be a better companion, establishing a stronger bond with you and generally acquiring the good manners and obedient responses that will make it a social asset rather than a nuisance. Classes ranging from puppy to advanced obedience trialing level are available in most areas through local obedience clubs. The Golden Retriever Club can help with obedience and retrieving advice at our members Competitions that are held five times a year. Notice of these and other meetings and activities are published monthly in our Club Newsletter. If you have now decided that a Golden Retriever is the dog for you, have patience. Don't purchase impulsively - all puppies are cute and adorable, but not all are necessarily the best choice. It is advisable to look for a responsible breeder, who has the interest of the breed uppermost in their mind, and should be as interested in you as a potential buyer of their puppies. The breeder should be able to display a good knowledge of Goldens, be willing to discuss freely all aspects of the breed and aim to produce and raise puppies only to uphold and improve the breed's quality and temperament. When you visit the breeder you should find a clean environment, healthy and well socialized puppies and a dam with good temperament. Information on the sire should also be available on request. The breeder should provide you with a complete record of worming and vaccinations, feeding and care instructions, the puppy's pedigree and proof of the sire's and dam's examinations for hereditary defects. You should avoid a breeder who allows careless handling of puppies as there is a significant risk of disease or injury. Also avoid puppies showing signs of timidity, or those in an obviously neglected condition. The Club recommends that no dog with a serious genetic defect should be bred from. The Golden Retriever, in common with most dog breeds, is subject to some problems that may be passed on from parent to young. These defects can include Hip Dysplasia (HD) a malformation of the hip joint that can cripple or cause pain, and eye problems. Poor temperament may also be a problem passed from the parent to puppy. Before you select a puppy you should check that both the sire and dam have current (annual) clear eye certificates from a Veterinary Ophthalmologist or a Veterinary Surgeon. Also make sure that the sire and dam have been x-rayed and scored according to the Club's accredited hip scoring schemes. The current official breed average hip score for Golden Retrievers in Australia is 19.3 on a scale of zero (perfect) to maximum of 106. This one factor cannot however be taken in isolation. Due to the very nature of genetics there can be no guarantee. Responsible and dedicated breeders try to do the best they can for the betterment of the whole breed. Finally, you should consult your vet for any additional information about these and other health problems. Additional information about Golden Retrievers is available from a variety of sources. There are some good books on the breed and as a Club member the library will be available to you. For more information about the Club contact our Secretary. |
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The opinions expressed in any material on this web site are not necessarily those of the GRCV. The GRCV does not represent or warrant that the information, statements or representation
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