I am considering a golden retriever but don't they have a lot of health problems? Is it something we'll have to deal with when they get older? Can you tell if they are going to have health problems when they are a pup?
Answers:
I currently own a 4 year old GR. They are amazing dogs. And yes, they can have health problems, but so does every other dog. If you get your dog from a reputable breeder, make sure they have all the certification on hips, heart, eye, elbows. Do research and ask a lot of question. Don't buy the first cute face you see. Avoid pet stores and puppy mills.
But even with all those certifications, GR's can still have problems. They are also known for allergies and cancer. If allergies are ignored, you will have all kinds of ear and bowel problem and evidence is beginning to show that allergies ignored lead to seizures later.
GR's are amazing dogs, but they are high energy. They need A LOT of exercise. And a place to run. They are definitely not apartment/condo/townhouse dogs. They can not be chained outside. They are family oriented. They need to be well trained young because they grow big FAST. If these things are ignored, I guarantee you will have a golden with behavior problems.
I don't know if you've ever owned a dog, but being involved in rescue, I always add this caveat: "One other thing. puppies are not fun. Puppies are cute and adorable, but they are not fun. They are work and a lot of it. All the time. But if you take that time, if a couple of years, you will have a great dog."
Make sure when you get your golden you go through a breeder who has certification papers. And papers that show that their dogs are in good health. Make sure you ask to see them. A lot of breeders lie and say they have them and when you ask for them they just say, "Oh they're around here somewhere, I don't want to dig them up." That way you can make sure that there are no genetic diseases that are being passed on.
When buying an animal from a breeder, you generally get what you pay for. The dogs with no known health defects cost more for a reason=)
Yeah, make sure the breeder is good. They are the best dogs ever and you won't regret getting one! Mine is almost 12 years old, and although she has a little trouble walking, she can run no problem and is always really perky. They NEVER bite either and are great with kids.
I would recommend locating a reputable breeder. You want to find a breeder who freely answers all of your questions, encourages you to come see their kennels, and one who asks as many questions of you as you do of them.
Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplaia... which is common in most larger breeds. A responsible breeder will only breed a sire and dam who have their hips certified (which cannot be done until after 18 months old). Having clearances from both parents doesn't guarantee that your pup wouldn't have hip problems, but it certainly does lower the risk.
Golden Retrievers are excellent family pets. They are friendly and protective of their "pack". I would highly recommend this breed.
Good luck!
I have had several goldens and yes, they are prone to certain health problems, but then I've also found that other breeds of dogs (some of which I've owned) are prone to health problems as well.
The big ones that come to mind are hip dyplasia (common in many large breeds), heart problems and, later in life, cancer (I've lost one to cancer - but I also have two family members that have lost non-goldens to cancer as well). I also have a golden that is hypothyroid, but that is easily managed and not expensive or difficult to deal with. Hypothyroid is also common in many breeds, including goldens. I also currently have a golden right now that is healthiest dog I've ever owned.
The best thing you can do is get a high quality puppy from a breeder that screens parents for congential diseases (such as hip dysplasia) and works hard to ensure the health of the lines they raise.
As I've said, goldens are my breed of choice, and yes, there are some health conditions they are prone to, but I've found that to be the case with most breeds and goldens seem to be no worse than any other. It hasn't kept me from owning them.
Goldens are typically all round good dogs. Just make sure you get it from a quality breeder. A lot of larger dogs get dysplasia when they get older. But I look at it like people we all got to go sometime.
i have an 11yr old goldie and the amount of times he has been too the vet could probably counted on both hands having said that he has a ling term medical problem but i dont take him to the vet every time he is ill{he has a bowel disorder}as the i can do the same as the vet he has a check up twice a year he is still very spritely considering his age in his entire life he has maybe cost me 拢2,500 his problems started after he had major surgery at the age of 7 until then he was fine i think alot depends on their parentage as my goldens mum is still around at the very senior age of 16 and she has also cost his owners very little in money when mine was a pup there was nothing to say he was gonna have health problems but hey vet bills come as part of the parcel you take the dog you accept the vet bills its as natural as feeding them and if you did get a golden you wouldnt regret it
I don't think you would EVER regret getting a Golden !! They are the sweetest, gentlest, most eager to please dogs !!! Mine is 11 now, and slowing down a bit, but still SUCH a lovebug !!! As for health problems, I've had NO major problems. She once had a yeast infection in her big floppy ears, and since the Vet treated her and told me the reason was their ears tend to stay a little more "damp" than dogs whose ears stick straight up, I've been cleaning them with a mixture of 50/50 alcohol and white vinegar, (as he directed me to do) and I've not had a problem since. She had a couple of small seizures a few months ago, The doc said to watch for anymore, but no more so far. That's not bad for 11 years of her being my "baby"! All dogs have some health problems at one time or another but I don't think Goldens have anymore than any other dog. Besides...they make up for any trouble by being the BEST companion you could ever wish for !! Good luck in your quest, and DEFINITELY consider a Golden !
You must get your Golden Retriever from a good breeder who tests their dogs for hips, elbows, heart and eyes and these are all genetic problems effecting Goldens. You will also need to know if there are any traces of Cancer in the pups bloodline as Cancer is the #1 cause of death in Goldens. Check the Golden Retriever Club of America or the AKC website for good breeders.
Goldens are no longer healthy or hardy dogs. They are prone to the big four diseases effecting dogs - hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart disease and cataracts. All of which can be tested for, if the breeder decided to.
http://www.grca.org - Golden Club
http://www.akc.org - AKC website
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