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Golden Retrievers are listed under the Gun dog Group, because they were originally bred and trained to find live game such as ducks and other fowl. Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks (later Baron Tweedmouth) was responsible for starting the breed from his estate in Inverness-shire.Tweedmouth, was a keen hunter and as a result had a keen interest in sporting or hunting dogs.
The Baron was renowned for trying to perfect different breeds of dog. In 1868, he crossed a wavy coated retriever and a Tweed Water Spaniel (An ancient breed no longer in existence). The result was a litter of three golden wavy coated puppies and the Golden Retriever breed was born.
The British Kennel Club officially recognized Golden Retrievers as an authentic breed in 1911, described as Retriever yellow or Golden. In 1920 this was changed, and the breed became officially known as the Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are a purebred dog and as with similar lines may encounter breed related health issues.
You can minimise any health problems by making sure your dog comes from a registered breeder and that you see the puppy with its mother before you buy. Check the premises/home.
Common health problems in Golden Retrievers are;
Hip dysplasia – A heritable condition where the thighbone doesn’t fit correctly into the hip joint. The condition may show in one or both of a dog’s rear legs, but in many cases, you may not notice signs of any problems. As dogs get older, this problem can eventually lead to arthritis.
Elbow dysplasia – Also a heritable condition, more associated with larger breed dogs. Where different growth rates of bones in the elbow cause them to become misaligned, which can lead to cartilage damage and bone fractures.
If you are breeding, Golden Retrievers, they should be screened by x-rays through the BVA/Kennel Club Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme. If you are buying a puppy, you should ask for proof that the parents have been tested for hip and elbow dysplasia.
Eye Complications - Cataracts as with humans the lens of the eye clouds over. Dogs can function normally with mild cataracts, although severe cases can lead to impaired vision.
GPRA or Generalised progressive retinal atrophy. Gradual deterioration of the retina over time, which can lead to blindness.
Golden retrievers are intelligent, good companions and all-round family dogs. They are best known for being kind, friendly and confident. Unprovoked aggression is not in keeping with the character of the breed.They are happy to mingle with owners and strangers alike. As with most dogs, they benefit from training as puppies to socialise and obey commands. They need plenty of opportunities to exercise and play.
The Golden retriever needs 2 hours a day exercise and like to be active, although they will keep going until they collapse, so take care not to overwork them.
As they grow older sleeping becomes more attractive. They love a cuddle but they do shed hair so they must be groomed on a regular basis with the occasional bath.
Their medium to long length coat can be a problem if you are asthmatic or have an allergy. In these circumstances it is sensible to check that this dog is suitable for your household. More information can be found on the Kennel Club Website
There are many suitable brands of dog feed on the market, most supply feeding guides. The first item on the ingredients list will tell you how much of the main ingredient is in the food e.g. Chicken, beef salmon etc. Your vet will advise if a special diet is needed. There are some foods that you should never give to any dog for example Chocolate, grapes, sultanas , onions. Golden Retrievers usually like their food so take care not to overfeed, although their soft brown eyes can be hard to resist.
The Golden Retriever Loves people, is sociable, and good with other pets if introduced in the right way. When young they can be boisterous and want to play which may intimidate a small pet at first meeting. They are intelligent, loving and a happy addition to most pet loving owners and families.
Golden retrievers love children, and aren’t the slightest bit bothered by the noise and commotion created by a young family. If socialised properly from a young age, they will be tolerant and easy going. Golden Retrievers are not often barkers, a good trait in a busy family.
Most problems arise from poor socialisation and boredom so include children in a training regime. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he's sleeping or eating or to try to take the dog's food away.
Important: Always make sure you go and visit the breeder of the puppy you are buying. Never send money for a deposit/full payment in advance of meeting them.
Any Golden Retriever owner will know how almost human they are. We saw this video and couldn't resist sharing it!
The Golden Retrievers lifespan is around ten to twelve years, although some can live much longer. (The oldest recorded age being twenty). According to the UK Kennel Club nearly 40% of Golden Retriever deaths are due to cancer.
When choosing dog insurance for your Golden Retriever, pay special attention to the age at which an Insurer will either no longer quote or require an additional payment when it comes to settling any claim.
One of the most common complaints about pet insurance is the increase in renewal premium. There are a number of reasons your premium may increase, but the most common reason is your pets age. From an Insurers point of view the older your pet, the higher the risk of a medical issue.
Whilst cheaper policies with lower levels of cover are available, the graph below illustrates the average monthly premium increases as your dog gets older. The quotes are based on male Golden Retriever aged between 1 and 10, and a lifetime policy with vet fees cover of at least £6,000 per year.
Not every dog owner will need or want a Lifetime Policy. The Graph below illustrates the difference in cost between the average Time limited, Maximum Benefit and Lifetime policies, based on a 5 year male Golden Retriever and up to £2,000 of vet fees cover.
Time Limited policies are the cheapest form of Dog Insurance because as the name suggests, any claim is limited to a maximum of 12 months. If you aren't worried about long term illness, but would like to cover one off conditions, then this is a policy you should seriously think about.
We have picked some of the best time limited polices. Quotes are based on a 1 year old male Golden Retriever with a minimum of £2,000 vet fees cover
Top Picks
Insurance Provider
Excess
Primary Cover
Guide Price
Type:Dog
Cover:Per Condition Time Limited
Age: 1
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Group: Gundog
95
Per Condition Time Limited 4,000
Complimentary Treatment 4,000
Dental 4,000
Death from Accident 1,250
Death from Illness 1,250
Theft or Straying 1,250
Advertising and Reward 800
Third Party Liability 1,500,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Maximum Benefit Time Limited
Age: 1
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Group: Gundog
99
Maximum Benefit Time Limited 2,500
Complimentary Treatment 500
Dental 2,500
Death from Accident 250
Death from Illness 250
Theft or Straying 250
Advertising and Reward 250
Third Party Liability 2,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Maximum Benefit Time Limited
Age: 1
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Group: Gundog
99
Maximum Benefit Time Limited 3,000
Complimentary Treatment 500
Dental 3,000
Death from Accident 1,000
Death from Illness 1,000
Theft or Straying 1,000
Advertising and Reward 1,000
Third Party Liability 2,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Per Condition Time Limited
Age: 1
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Group: Gundog
100
Per Condition Time Limited 5,000
Complimentary Treatment 250
Dental 5,000
Death from Accident 750
Death from Illness 750
Theft or Straying 750
Advertising and Reward 750
Third Party Liability 1,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Per Condition Time Limited
Age: 1
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Group: Gundog
90
Per Condition Time Limited 2,500
Complimentary Treatment 2,500
Dental 2,500
Death from Accident 500
Death from Illness 500
Theft or Straying 500
Advertising and Reward 500
Third Party Liability 1,500,000
Maximum benefit cover can be a good alternative to Lifetime Insurance. There is no time limit on claims. The only limiting factor is the amount of benefit. Some high level benefit policies actually cost more than lifetime policies.
Our recommendation is to research the most common complaints that Golden Retrievers suffer from and how much they cost to rectify and choose a level of benefit to match. These are a selection of Maximum Benefit quotes based on a 1 year old male Golden Retriever and a Vet Fees benefit of at least £2,000.
Top Picks
Insurance Provider
Excess
Primary Cover
Guide Price
Type:Dog
Cover:Maximum Benefit Per Condition
Age: 1
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Group: Gundog
99
Maximum Benefit Per Condition 2,000
Complimentary Treatment 500
Dental 500
Death from Accident 500
Death from Illness 500
Theft or Straying 750
Advertising and Reward 750
Third Party Liability 1,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Maximum Benefit Per Condition
Age: 1
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Group: Gundog
99
Maximum Benefit Per Condition 4,250
Complimentary Treatment 500
Dental 4,250
Death from Accident 500
Death from Illness 500
Theft or Straying 500
Advertising and Reward 500
Third Party Liability 1,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Maximum Benefit Per Condition
Age: 1
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Group: Gundog
100
Maximum Benefit Per Condition 4,000
Complimentary Treatment 1,000
Dental 0
Death from Accident 1,000
Death from Illness 1,000
Theft or Straying 1,000
Advertising and Reward 2,000
Third Party Liability 2,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Maximum Benefit Per Condition
Age: 1
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Group: Gundog
95
Maximum Benefit Per Condition 4,500
Complimentary Treatment 4,500
Dental 4,500
Death from Accident 1,250
Death from Illness 1,250
Theft or Straying 1,250
Advertising and Reward 800
Third Party Liability 1,500,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Maximum Benefit Per Condition
Age: 1
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Group: Gundog
60
Maximum Benefit Per Condition 4,000
Complimentary Treatment 1,000
Dental 4,000
Death from Accident 1,500
Death from Illness 1,500
Theft or Straying 1,500
Advertising and Reward 1,000
Third Party Liability 2,000,000
Lifetime policies offer the most comprehensive cover in respect of Vet Fees, because provided the policy renews, the yearly limit is reinstated and can be used again even on the same condition. Especially useful if your breed of dog is prone to suffering an ongoing condition such as Diabetes, which requires long term care.
Listed below are a selection of Lifetime policies based on a 1 year old male Golden Retriever with a minimum of £3,000 lifetime vet fees cover.
Top Picks
Insurance Provider
Excess
Primary Cover
Guide Price
Type:Dog
Cover:Lifetime Maximum Benefit
Age: 1
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Group: Gundog
80
Lifetime Maximum Benefit 3,000
Complimentary Treatment 750
Dental 3,000
Death from Accident 500
Death from Illness 0
Theft or Straying 500
Advertising and Reward 500
Third Party Liability 2,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Lifetime Maximum Benefit
Age: 1
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Group: Gundog
250
Lifetime Maximum Benefit 4,000
Complimentary Treatment 1,000
Dental 1,000
Death from Accident 1,000
Death from Illness 1,000
Theft or Straying 1,000
Advertising and Reward 0
Third Party Liability 2,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Lifetime Maximum Benefit
Age: 1
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Group: Gundog
100
Lifetime Maximum Benefit 6,000
Complimentary Treatment 1,500
Dental 6,000
Death from Accident 1,500
Death from Illness 1,500
Theft or Straying 1,500
Advertising and Reward 1,000
Third Party Liability 2,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Lifetime Maximum Benefit
Age: 1
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Group: Gundog
90
Lifetime Maximum Benefit 10,000
Complimentary Treatment 1,000
Dental 10,000
Death from Accident 1,750
Death from Illness 1,750
Theft or Straying 1,500
Advertising and Reward 1,000
Third Party Liability 2,000,000
Type:Dog
Cover:Lifetime Maximum Benefit
Age: 1
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Group: Gundog
100
Lifetime Maximum Benefit 6,000
Complimentary Treatment 1,500
Dental 6,000
Death from Accident 1,500
Death from Illness 1,500
Theft or Straying 1,500
Advertising and Reward 1,500
Third Party Liability 1,000,000
To compare all dog insurance policies visit our Dog insurance comparison page. You can also read about individual Insurers and what we found during our review process.
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