The Famous Golden Retriever

!±8± The Famous Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers maintain distinct qualities such as friendliness towards humans and other animals, high affection levels, playfulness and trainability. For these traits, this breed is one of the popular dog breeds in the United States. This breed is in fact, famous among dog enthusiasts and is registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). It is listed as the second most popular breed in the country.

This breed originates from Scotland and was first registered and recognized with the AKC in the year 1927. Although valued for its hunting abilities back then, this breed have become a popular preference for a household pet. This breed is also a known show dog winner.

Because of its friendly temperament, this breed has been popularly known as "everyone's friend". This is most evident in family settings were its companionship is valued.

Dogs belonging to this category are highly physical dogs and require exercise otherwise the lack of activity might lead to behavioral problems. There have been known cases where poor breeding practices result to overly excitable and boisterous behavior evident especially during absence of the owner. Properly bred dogs on the other hand, will be energetic when given the opportunity to play yet will remain calm.

Caring for Your Golden Retriever

Similar to most breeds of similar body build, a Golden Retriever must have its daily exercise. A regime may include long walks on the leash and lively runs through the beach. This breed has originally been used as gundogs which retrieve fowl during hunting. Thus, they would enjoy a game of fetch or similar retrieving games.

A Golden Retriever can live either outdoors or indoors however, it would prefer living indoors. Dogs belonging to this breed prefer companionship and human interaction. Owners should do well to make room for their pet in the house in order that interaction and love are open to the rest of family as much as possible.

Must Know Health Information

Pet owners who plan to raise their Golden Retrievers from puppies should be aware of major health concerns know to this breed. These include hemangiosarcoma, CHD, lymphoma and a variety of skin disorders like ear infections, hot sports and allergies. Minor issues on the other hand, include elbow dysplasia, mast cell tumors, hypothyroidism and seizures. Pet owners should also watch out for potential eye disorders.

Additionally, veterinarians suggest specific testing be done on Golden Retrievers and these include testing for elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, thyroid disorder, cardiac issues and eye problems.

A healthy Golden Retriever can live up to 13 years of age.

The Famous Golden Retriever

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Reveal Your Dog's Breed Makeup With New DNA Tests

!±8± Reveal Your Dog's Breed Makeup With New DNA Tests

Ever been curious about your mixed breed dog and wondered whether she's really Corgi-Dachshund like you've believed all these years? Fortunately there is now a low-cost and accurate way to find out with a simple genetic test that involves just a cheek swab and a few days' wait. No visit to your veterinarian, no blood sample. Easy.

Why Knowing Your Dog's Breed Heritage Is Important

Why would you want to know your mixed breed dog's makeup? Aside from just plain curiosity, knowing your dog's "heritage" breed can help you understand health and wellness issues related to that breed. The urban myth that mixed breed dogs don't get genetic diseases is not true. So, for example, if your dog is found to be primarily Labrador Retriever then you and your veterinarian might keep an eye out for joint-related health problems (hip dysplasia).

Another valuable benefit is that you gain a better understanding of your dog's temperament and behavior. Every dog breed has a different overall temperament so when you discover that your gentle mixed breed is great with kids it's because she's primarily Golden Retriever!

The Canine Heritage Breed Test

The Canine Heritage Breed Test (www.canineheritage.com) analyzes your mixed breed dog's DNA against 38 breeds that represent about 75% of dogs. What you get back is a certificate stating, in order of genetic influence, what your dog's primary breed, secondary, and "in the mix" breeds are. Your dog will only have a primary breed listed if one of his parents is purebred. It's important to note that the Canine Heritage test may not be accurate for mixed breed dogs outside of North America.

The Canine Heritage Breed Test currently costs plus a small amount for shipping the test kit out to you.

The Mars Wisdom Panel Test

Another similar test that will be available shortly is the Mars Wisdom Panel (www.whatsmydog.com). The Wisdom Panel test requires a visit to your veterinarian and a blood sample. This test detects 130 AKC-recognized breeds and thus is more precise than the Canine Heritage test. But it is a much more expensive test and is harder to administer.

Pricing is determined by the individual veterinarian but is expected to be around 0. The Mars Wisdom Panel is slated for release July 2007, ask your veterinarian for more information.

Reveal Your Dog's Breed Makeup With New DNA Tests

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!±8± mi pure-bred red adenoids pit sassy

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How to Choose the Right Breed For Your Lifestyle

!±8± How to Choose the Right Breed For Your Lifestyle

When choosing a dog many people have certain criteria in mind. They want a small dog, a furry dog, or perhaps a dog with floppy ears. But before deciding on what kind of traits you want in a canine companion, you first must evaluate your own lifestyle in order to see which breed fits your family best. Breed traits are generalities, and there are always exceptions to the standard, but you will be better off knowing your dog fits your lifestyle rather than risking having to give up your dog due to incompatibility. Here are some things to consider, when trying to find the right breed of dog for your lifestyle.
Where do you Live?

Do you own a home, or rent an apartment? Do you have a big back yard, or do you live in a bustling city? Where you live is perhaps one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a breed of dog. Some breeds need more space to run and play, while others do better as indoor dogs. If you rent there could also be restrictions on the size, type, and number of dogs you can have. Check with your landlord to see what is permitted.

Where you live is also important because many cities now have breed specific laws against breeds considered "dangerous" such as the pit bull and Rottweiler. Whether or not these laws are fair, they are in effect and could impact you if you live in a town where such laws exist. Check with your local city hall to be sure.
How Active Are You?

Some breeds were bred to a specific purpose, and as such are classified as working dogs. These dogs: such as German Shorthaired Pointers, Australian Cattle Dogs, and Golden Retrievers are extremely intelligent animals who need constant physical and mental exercise in order to maintain their health and good behavior. If you like hiking, sports, or physical activities then these working breeds are good for you. If you are more of an indoor person then you should probably consider a breed that was created for companionship, such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Japanese Chin. It may seem that there is a split between small and large dogs here, and that is true to some degree, but remember that terriers, generally small dogs, were bred as rodent killers and can be mighty restless if cooped up inside.
Do you Have Children?

Children, especially smaller ones, can have a major impact on the pets in your household. To some breeds, the quick movements and loud noises of small children can be terrifying, and a scared dog has the potential to bite. If you have children you need a calm breed that is not easily scared and doesn't mind being tugged on every once in a while. Large breeds tend to be less scared of children, though some smaller breeds like the Bichon Frise and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be good companions for children.

It is always important to research the breed you are interested in before you select a companion for your family. There are a multitude of helpful books outlining the traits of every breed you could possibly think of, and most are written in a very engaging and conversational manner. Also, don't forget to check out your local shelter for a friend who might not be purebred, but who surely has a heart full of love. Be honest with yourself when answering the above questions, because nothing is more heartbreaking than having to take your dog to the pound, for any reason. The choice may be difficult, but all the time you spent researching will be rewarded with true love, and that's something no amount of money can buy.

How to Choose the Right Breed For Your Lifestyle

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