Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever Appearance

Golden Retrievers’ expressive eyes reflect their good-natured hearts. They carry themselves proudly, with plumed tails wagging merrily and their noses always sniffing out a new adventure. Their feathered coats come in different shades of gold, from light golden to dark golden. As they age, some Goldens develop a white-golden color—especially around their sweet faces.

1. Ears

   Golden Retrievers' floppy ears cover their ear canals. They tend to be a gentle V shape.

2. Eyes

   Their eyes are dark- to medium-brown with a friendly and intelligent expression.

3. Nose

   Their noses are typically black or brown. The pigment may fade in cold weather, turning their noses pink, in a benign phenomenon commonly called “snow nose.” The exact cause of snow nose is unknown, but generally it’s nothing to worry about.

4. Coat Length

   Golden Retrievers have a medium-length double coat that consists of two layers: a soft, insulating undercoat and a thick, water-resistant outer coat. They typically have luxurious feathering on their legs, bellies and tails.

5. Coat Color

   The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes dark golden, golden and light golden as the standard coat colors for Golden Retrievers, but Goldens come in many shades ranging from cream to deep red. For example: English Cream Golden Retrievers are simply Golden Retrievers who have been selectively bred for a light-colored coat. Field-bred Golden Retrievers, Goldens who have been selectively bred for their athletic ability, often present more red in color. You might see advertisements for “black goldens,” but this is genetically impossible in purebred Golden Retrievers. The Flat-coated Retriever, a gundog breed from England, is often confused as a black Golden Retriever, but it’s a distinct breed.

6. Tail

   Goldens carry their long, feathery tails with a "merry action," a term used by breeders to describe the lively and joyful way the dog moves their tail.

How to Care for a Golden Retriever

As adaptable and easygoing as Golden Retrievers are, they’re not low-maintenance. They need daily exercise, regular brushing and training.

Golden Retriever Health

Golden Retrievers have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but the Golden Retriever lifespan can vary greatly depending on many variables, such as weight, fitness level and illness. Some dogs can live to 14 without issue, while others can develop health problems well before that. The best thing you can do is follow preventative health protocols and know what those potential health problems are, so you can recognize and treat the signs quickly.

• Cancer: The biggest health issue for Goldens is cancer, with up to 65% of them dying of cancer-related causes. Two of the most common types of cancer seen in Golden Retrievers are lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma. Your vet will help determine the appropriate course of treatment if your pup is diagnosed with cancer. It might include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or palliative care/medications.
• Skin Infections and Allergies: The Golden Retriever breed’s thick undercoat can attract skin-irritating bacteria, resulting in rashes or hot spots. This can be further complicated by underlying seasonal or food allergies. If you notice your pet itching excessively or redness/rashes on their skin, please make an appointment with your veterinarian.
• Hip Dysplasia: Roughly 8.5% of Goldens have hip dysplasia, which is a deformity of the hip joint that occurs during puppyhood, resulting in looseness of the joint and eventually degenerative joint disease and arthritis. Treatment options may include joint supplements, medication, and in severe cases, surgery.
• Heart Conditions: They are also prone to certain heart conditions, like subaortic stenosis, which is a narrowing of the area just below the aortic valve (the valve where blood leaves the heart and travels to the rest of the body). This can sometimes be detected as an audible murmur during a veterinary exam. If a murmur is detected, your veterinarian will likely refer your pup to a veterinary cardiologist for an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart).
• Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid hormone production is a common condition in Golden Retrievers. Symptoms can include lethargy, hair loss and weight gain. If concerned, please see your veterinarian for blood tests. Treatment is typically a daily medication.
• Eye Conditions: Pigmentary uveitis is an inherited condition where cysts develop on the eye and can lead to cataracts and glaucoma. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is another genetic eye condition that can lead to blindness. If your pup is having any issues with their eyes such as redness, cloudiness, bulging, squinting, pain or trouble seeing, please contact your veterinarian immediately.