Spotlight on...The Golden Retriever
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
The Golden Retriever
Size: Large, 55-75 lbs.
Grooming needs: Heavy shedding requires daily brushing.
Exercise: Requires at least one good walk daily, and time to explore off leash. Instinctive love of water.
Environment: Adaptable, but some time outdoors is important.
Temperament: Playful, Affectionate.
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years.
Interesting fact: In the early part of the 19th Century, interest in hunting created demand for a bird dog to navigate water and land with relative ease. The Setter, Water Spaniel, and Curly Coated Retriever were cross-bred to create the Golden Retriever.
Appearance: Golden Retrievers are large dogs with silky, medium-length hair. The coat is thick and water repellent, with feathering on legs, chest and underbody. Coat color varies from white to dark golden or red. Retrievers are fairly tall and have drop ears. They have a smooth gait and a generally friendly attitude.
Personality: Owners often describe their Goldens as energetic goofballs full of love! These very popular and fun dogs usually enjoy swimming, romping, and soaking up attention from people. A very athletic breed, Goldens often like Frisbee, fetch, and activities that strengthen the bond between owner and dog. They are known as devoted and eager to please. When compared to a Lab, many owners cite the Golden as a calmer cousin.
Common Health Problems: Susceptible to hip dysplasia, prone to various eye issues.
Best Match: Goldens have a working side to their nature that needs to be satisfied; daily exercise and play can meet typically their needs. A potential family should be prepared for lots of sweeping or vacuuming, as shedding is usually the one complaint from owners.
Featured Adoptable: Alice
“I am looking for my forever home. I am four years old, weigh about 60 pounds, have all my shots, and am in excellent health. I came from a family with children and another dog, but no cats. I am super active and need a good, fast run once or twice a day. I am very loving, and my human is the most important thing in my life. I want to be with him/her (although somewhat more inclined to a ‘him’) all the time. I have good house manners and readily obey basic commands (come, sit, down). I’m not very good at ‘stay,’ especially if my human walks away. I like to search the kitchen for anything that might be handy, but I’m obedient when told “Out.” I want to pull on leash, but walk well with the help of a Gentle Leader. I like to ride in the car and I wait quietly while my human does errands. I tremble and shake at loud noises and thunder. If you think I might fit into your family, please contact Golden Bond Rescue at Goldenbondrescue.com.” Love, Alice.
Megan Mahan lives in Eugene with her boyfriend, Jacob, their adopted yellow Lab Maddie, many saltwater fish, and two miniature Silver Appleyard ducks, Louie and Olive.