This booklet is intended for prospective owners of Golden Retrievers, and those who have their first Golden. It is intended to provide only the very BASICS. A list of books with additional information on a variety of subjects is presented in Appendix B.

You may be interested in a Golden Retriever for a variety of reasons . . . as a pet, a hunting dog, an obedience competitor, a show dog, or a combination of these things. Whatever your objective, you, as the dog's owner, will be responsible for the care and training that will enable your Golden to fulfill its potential.

If you want a watchdog, you shouldn't get a Golden Retriever. Although its size and initial barking might deter an intruder, the typical Golden is adaptable, friendly to everyone, gentle (although physically active), and committed to carrying things around in its mouth... including the intruder's flashlight.

If you are a fastidious housekeeper (or are married to one), you shouldn't get a Golden Retriever. Most Goldens shed somewhat throughout the year, and quite profusely in the spring, in spite of diligent daily brushings. Also, most Goldens love to get wet. If there is water on your property your Golden will be wet, and possibly muddy, a frustrating amount of time.

If you want a one-man dog, prefer cats to dogs, or aren't home much, you shouldn't get a Golden Retriever. Goldens are very people-oriented, and aren't happy alone in a kennel.

Most people prefer to get a young puppy and raise it themselves. This can be very rewarding, but also time consuming and somewhat frustrating. Other people prefer a dog that is out of puppyhood and has already been "civilized." This booklet will discuss the pros and cons of both, and how to select and care for a Golden Retriever of any age.

Our hope is that this booklet will help you select, train, care for and enjoy your Golden Retriever.

What Is A Golden Retriever?
The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland and England in the late 19th Century for the purpose of retrieving wildfowl on land and water. Its physical characteristics and its willing, adaptable, trainable nature have also fitted it for usefulness in many other endeavors. The Golden Retriever is a "natural" dog needing no surgical alteration to ear or tail, and no exotic grooming, to keep it looking characteristic of the breed (as opposed to some terriers, poodles, etc.). The Golden Retriever has a normal canine structure without distortions of leg, jaw or tail, and is characteristically a healthy, sturdy, adaptable animal. Basic grooming for a Golden Retriever should take no more than 20 to 30 minutes a week.

The mature male Golden Retriever is ideally 23-24 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs 65 to 75 pounds; Bitches, 21 1/2 to 22 1/2 inches, and 55 to 65 pounds. Variances of an inch in height either way are permissible, though less desirable. The build is sturdy and muscular, but neither massive like a Newfoundland nor as refined as a Setter. The head is broad, with short pendant ears, and a kindly expression. The coat, which is one of the most characteristic features of the breed, is a "double coat" with a thick weather-proof topcoat and a dense, soft undercoat. There are featherings of longer hair on the backs of the legs, on the neck and chest, and on the tail. The adult coat may range from light to dark golden, and a golden body color with lighter feathering is quite common. A predominant color of either ivory or setter-red, or white markings on the head, feet or chest, are not desirable in the show ring, but have no effect on the dog's usefulness for work or companionship. The physical characteristics of the Golden Retriever are described fully in the Breed Standard, contained in this book.

Choosing A Golden Retriever
What are you looking for in a Golden Retriever? A beautiful animal? A good family pet? A good hunting dog? A good obedience worker? There are Golden Retrievers that fit each description, and some that fit all of these descriptions. The Golden Retriever Club of America has hundreds of members whose interest in the breed has led them to develop the potential of the Golden Retriever in each of these areas. Goldens also work as guide dogs for the blind, as narcotics detection dogs, as tracking dogs, appear in commercials and advertisements, and are one of the"preferred" breeds of veterinarians. There is no question that the Golden Retriever is a versatile and remarkable breed.

Before you even start looking at litters of puppies, take time to learn about the breed. Attend dog shows and field trials, Golden Retriever club meetings, and local kennel club meetings, and talk with and question Golden owners. They are proud of their dogs and are happy to share their enthusiasm.

Look around. It is much easier to find a "puppy mill" or "backyard breeder" that knows and cares little about the welfare of the breed than it is to find a reputable breeder. Have patience and never buy impulsively. . .all puppies are cute. The Golden Retriever Club of America and many of its local member clubs can supply you with a list of conscientious breeders in your area who will help you in your search even though they may not have anything for sale themselves.

Read and REREAD the section of this booklet on health and hereditary problems. You want a sound, healthy puppy who will grow up to be a sound, healthy representative of the breed. Careful selection now will save heartache and money later. Poor quality puppies are produced by people who breed their pets just to have a litter, or by profit seekers who give little thought to quality, looks or temperament in the puppies they produce. Many of these indiscriminately-bred puppies have health problems, poor temperaments, and/or breed disqualifications. Remember, you are choosing a companion for the next ten to fifteen years.

PRICE
A poorly-bred, badly-raised puppy, no matter how cheap, is NO BARGAIN! Chances are that the parents were not screened appropriately for hereditary defects, that the puppies have had little, if any, veterinary care, and that the pups were not given the proper socialization and TLC that is needed to raise a healthy litter of Golden puppies. You should expect to pay a reasonable price for a sound, healthy, properly raised pet from good parentage sold on a spay/neuter contract and/or AKC Limited Registration. Show and breeding prospects may well be more expensive. Specific prices vary depending on the area of the country.

SEX
Temperamentally, there is little difference between the sexes in Goldens. Neither sex is harder to housetrain, and both are equally intelligent and affectionate. Both are excellent with children, and both make excellent companions. Problems of aggressiveness, which males of other breeds may exhibit, rarely occur in the Golden. Sex-related behavior such as mounting and marking may be exhibited by some male Goldens, particularly if other males are present or if the male has been used for breeding. Neutering a male before a year of age will not only help to alleviate these problems, but will also eliminate the risk of testicular cancer and lower the risk of prostate problems. Since there is no responsible reason NOT to neuter a bitch (unless she was bought from a serious hobby breeder specifically for showing or breeding), the estrous cycle in the female need not be a consideration.