over the years resulted in indiscriminate breeding, the Golden Retriever is now susceptible to several genetic diseases. Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of these.

Hip dysplasia is quite common in large breed dogs and is caused by the ball and socket hip joint being loose. As the dog runs or jumps, the ball and socket impact. This continual trauma causes soreness which in turn leads to severe arthritis. Once at this stage nothing will reverse the changes in the joint. Hip dysplasia is partly genetic and partly dependent on the dog's upbringing. Purebred animals intended for use at stud should be tested for hip dysplasia. Tested dogs are given a 'score' and potential buyers should ask to see the documentation on hip dysplasia testing. Dogs with the condition should not be used for breeding as this just perpetuates an ongoing problem.

The most common cause of joint problems is an all meat diet. Overfeeding exacerbates joint problems. Puppies under three months should be fed three times daily only, using a mix of canned and dry foods. Alternatively serve meat and vegetables mixed with pasta or rice. Once over three months of age, feeding twice a day is the rule.

Correct feeding and exercise will benefit all dogs, not just those genetically disposed to the condition. Puppies should be discouraged from excessive jumping to and from high places. The impact from such jumping makes pups more susceptible to hip dysplasia. The Golden Retriever also has a high incidence of elbow dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia commonly affects both elbows. Elbow dysplasia may vary from intermittent lameness to severe crippling.

Cataracts are the most common eye defect of the Golden Retriever and can also be screened for. Skin problems, usually due to allergies, are other problems to be aware of. The average life span is around 10 to 12 years.

The Golden Retriever is bred to retrieve and may spend some of his time walking around carrying a favourite object. He has a soft mouth and can be depended upon to bring in his quarry without a mark on it. Highly intelligent, he can learn several hundred commands, can focus on the task at hand to the exclusion of other distractions and loves the water. He is eager to please, fun-loving, athletic and thrives on consistent training. He will thoroughly enjoy doing whatever task he is trained to do.

Although quite laid-back, he is a working dog and will be much more content if he receives plenty of exercise. He will not be happy left on his own for long periods. Lack of exercise exacerbates his proneness to obesity too.

If you are considering a Golden Retriever, make lots of enquiries first to ensure you find a reputable breeder. Always consider a rescue dog as, in the main, these make admirable pets. Many dogs end up at rescue centres through no fault of their own and an ideal companion will often be found at a rescue centre at a fraction of the cost of a purebred animal.

There have been several Golden Retrievers featured on Blue Peter and the Australian Prime Minister has a Golden Retriever as has Oprah Winfrey, although at last count, Oprah had three. If you want a great-looking dog with a friendly personality, and you have time for some grooming and exercise, you might end up with three too. In which case you'll have three times the pleasure!

Sources:

www.akc.org

www.burkesbackyard.

en.wiki.org

Learn more about this author, Judy Evans.
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