Our Labs:
Our Goldies:
DiamondsBest
Golden and Lab Information
 |
 |
| Golden Retrievers | Labrador Retrievers |
Information on Golden Retrievers
Goldens are good with children
As a breed, Goldens tend to be good with children. However, as with any dog, it is not a good idea to leave puppies and children together unattended. Both tend to play hard and could accidentally injure one another. Goldens aren't likely to intentionally hurt anyone but could knock a small child over while playing. Also puppy teeth can be rather sharp, and while grabbing for a toy they could break the skin. Children also play roughly and can be cruel in their play. As a parent, it is your responsibility to teach both the child and puppy how to behave around each other.
Goldens are active dogs
If a Golden does not get enough daily exercise, they will find a way to use the energy up themselves. It will probably be in a destructive manner, which is why people think they are hyper. A Golden with correct temperament is not hyper. Field Goldens tend to have more energy then those bred from show lines. Goldens are active dogs, especially in puppy hood. Goldens often do not mentally mature until around 2 years of age. So they will have adult size but still act like a puppy. Planning to spend time daily exercising your dog will make for a calmer pet.
Goldens are a versatile breed
Many Goldens are used as Service and Therapy dogs, assisting handicapped persons in leading normal lives. They have been used as Search dogs for bombs, narcotics and people. But the average Golden will excel in obedience, tracking, agility, or any activity the owner wishes to train for. They are a very versatile breed whose only wish is to please their owners.
Goldens shed
Goldens with proper coats have a soft, downy undercoat and a longer outer coat. Generally Goldens shed their coats in the spring and fall. Called "blowing coat", it can be helped by bathing in warm water and blow drying to remove the dead coat. House dogs do not grow as much undercoat as dogs who spend more time outside, but tend to shed slightly year round. If hair in the house is a problem a golden is not the breed for you.
Goldens need regular grooming
Goldens must be groomed regularly. Their coat will tend to matt if not kept brushed especially behind the ears and in the feathering. You should groom a puppy so they learn to enjoy the attention and will be easier to handle when grown. Grooming about once a week will help keep the hair out of the house, more often if the dog is shedding. After a walk in the woods or field, you should check for burrs and tangles in the coat and remove them with a comb.
Tools for grooming a golden are a slicker brush for the body coat and a pin brush for the longer hair on the tail, legs, and chest. A comb to help remove foreign matter for the coat and a set of nail clippers are also needed. If unsure how to trim nails ask your veterinarian.
A Golden can be bathed monthly; just use a good dog shampoo. A conditioner can also be used to help keep the tangles down. You must dry them after a bath, especially in humid weather, or they may develop a "hot spot". "Hot spots" are a bacterial infection that the dog scratches or chews until it is bloody. Veterinary intervention is needed to stop this quickly before the dog does too much damage.
On the whole, Goldens are pretty easy to care for if they are regularly groomed.
Goldens are not a noisy breed
If left alone outside some Goldens have been known to become excessive barkers. Goldens often tend to pick up a toy in their mouth to greet visitors with. So it is real hard to bark loudly with a stuffed toy in your mouth. And no, they do not make good guard dogs.
Goldens love to swim
Not all Goldens take to the water like a duck, but once discovered, they love it. Introducing your Golden to water should be done at a young age; never force them to swim. An older dog can show a young pup how to swim but if a puppy is unsure just allow him to wade around at the edge. Access to an inground swimming pool should be supervised, as dogs can't climb ladders and will need help learning how to get out safely.
Both males and females make excellent pets
Either sex make good pets. In general, male Goldens are more devoted, and females are a little more independent. For example, if you are watching TV and leave the room, your male will follow but your female will get up and take your place on the couch. Females if not spayed can be "moody" while males will be distracted if a female is in season. Both of these are good reasons to have your pets spayed and neutered. I have found males to be easier to train but they usually have more energy than most females. Either one will give you years of love and devotion.
Goldens are a popular breed
This means there are a lot of people breeding Goldens. With careful research you can find a breeder who has a goal when breeding, other than the mighty dollar. The average price for a properly bred puppy is about $600-$1000. These puppies will be from a breeder who has all breeding stock screened for genetic problems, and usually shows their dogs in conformation, field, or obedience. They have taken the time to study pedigrees and have chosen what they feel will be the best breeding, not just the Golden next door because he has "papers".
CKC (Canadian Kennel Club)
The CKC is a non-profit membership organization incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act and has been in continuous operation since 1888 as the primary registry for purebred dogs in Canada.CKC has jurisdiction over all official Dog Show and Trial Events held in Canada.
Goldens can have health problems
Hip-dysplasia can be a problem as with any large breed; so be sure to ask breeders if they have "cleared" their dogs for hip-dysplasia. Even Goldens from clear parents can have hip dysplasia; this is not a guarantee. But Goldens from clear parents have a better chance of not developing problems than from unknowns.
Eye problems are also present in Goldens. The parents should be examined yearly by a veterinary ophthalmologist to screen for PRA, retinal folds, and cataracts. Again this is not a guarantee your dog will not develop problems, but not all eye problems will lead to blindness.
Heart problems have been found in some Goldens. Most breeders have all their adult dogs screened by a cardiologist for problems before breeding. Some breeders also have the litter pre-screened before sending them to their new homes. Sub-aortic stenosis is the main heart problem in Goldens.
Goldens can be prone to "hot-spots" especially in humid climates. Caused by moisture collecting near the skin and allowing bacteria to grow; it causes itching and inflamed skin. Allergies can also cause skin problems in some Goldens. Ear infections are a common problems with ears that hang, especially if a Golden spends a lot of time in the water.
Choosing your breeder carefully will help to eliminate most of these problems. Be wise and be informed.
Looking for a breeder
Reputable breeders will want to ask you a lot of questions before allowing you to visit their kennel. These questions help them determine the proper placement for each puppy. You should ask to see the clearances for the parents; also ask to meet the parents. A lot of breeders use stud dogs owned by someone else so they may not be available to see. There may be relatives to the litter that you can meet. You can determine a lot from the adult dogs, as puppies are cute, but what you see in the adults will be closer to what your puppy will eventually grow up as.
The environment the puppy is raised in will be important. They need to have a lot of human interaction; this creates the bond that will last a life time between you and your dog. All the puppies should be outgoing and bright. They should be clean and look well cared for. Most breeders raise the puppies in the house; this allows them to be exposed to everyday noises and activity.
Choosing a puppy
You need to decide what sex you prefer, what you are planning to do with the dog, and what kind of temperament you'd like. Once you have answers to those questions, discuss your ideas and wants with breeders. After talking to or visiting with breeders, choose one you feel comfortable with. Most breeders take the time to evaluate each puppy and help you select the puppy that is right for you. You may have to wait to get a puppy; most breeders have a waiting list for upcoming litters. Be patient; this is a big commitment of both time and money . Goldens live to be 12-15 years old. So don't rush into choosing a puppy if you feel its not exactly what you are looking for.
Information on Labrador Retrievers
Labradors have trainability
The average Labrador will excel in obedience, tracking, agility, or any activity the owner wishes to train for. They are a very versatile breed whose only wish is to please their owners. They have been used as service dogs for years helping to guide the Blind, assisting as therapy dogs, as well as being used as Search dogs for bombs, narcotics and people. A well trained pet is not born; but made through training.
Labradors are active dogs
Field Labs tend to have more energy then those bred from show lines. If a Lab does not get enough daily exercise, they will find a way to use the energy up themselves. It will probably be in a destructive manner, which is why people think they are hyper dogs. A labrador with correct temperament is not hyper. Labs do not mentally mature until they are about 3 years of age. This means you have a dog that is mentally a puppy with an active energy level you must control. You must plan to spend time daily exercising your dog. This will make for a calmer pet.
Labradors shed
Labradors have a very thick double coat, they have a soft, downy undercoat and a harder outer coat. Labradors usually shed their coats twice a year. Called "blowing coat," it can be helped by bathing in warm water and blow-drying to remove the dead coat. House dogs do not grow as much undercoat as dogs who spend more time outside, but tend to shed slightly all year round. Although they have a shorter coat it still sheds through out the house; if this is a problem, maybe you should reconsider getting a dog.
Labradors don't need much grooming
Brushing your Labrador once or twice a week with a shedding blade or slicker brush will help keep the dead coat from shedding in the house; especially when they are blowing coat. Bathing should be done about once a month; a good shampoo made for dogs should be used. A proper Labrador coat repels dirt but a good bath is still needed to keep the dog clean. Labradors should have their nails clipped regularly. If unsure of how to clip their nails, your vet will be able to show you the proper way.
Labradors are good with children
Labradors are great kids dogs, but as with any dog should not be left unattended with a small child. Most labs are active dogs and could accidently injure a child in play. Also puppy teeth can be rather sharp, and while grabbing for a toy they could break the skin. Children also play roughly and can be cruel in their play. As a parent, it is your responsibility to teach both the child and puppy how to behave around each other.
Labradors are not usually barkers
Labradors in general do not bark except as a warning to let you know something is different. If confined outside alone all day some have been known to become excessive barkers. As watch dogs they will inform you of an intruder but that's about all. Don't expect your Labrador to be a guard dog. They will also bark while playing but on the average are a fairly quiet breed.
Labradors love to swim
Most Labs take to the water like a duck but if they are unsure do not force them. Usually an older dog can show a puppy how to swim. If they are still not sure about the water just let the puppy play in the shallows until they are more confident. Sometimes playing a game of retrieve will get the dog to go into the deeper water. Access to an inground swimming pool should be supervised, as dogs can't climb ladders and will need help learning how to get out safely.
Choosing a colour
Labradors come in Black, Yellow and Chocolate. Yellows come in various shades from very light almost white to fox red which can be quite dark. I have not found any major differences in behavior or temperament in any of the colours of Labrador Retrievers I have owned.
Some people have been known to incorrectly refer to yellow Labradors as "golden Labradors"; but the Golden Retriever is a separate breed.
Either sex make good pets
Males tend to be more devoted and willing, females are a little more independent and if not spayed they can be "moody". Unneutered males will be distracted if a female is in heat. Both good reasons to have your pets spayed or neutered. Either one will love you for you and give you years of devotion. People ask what the differences are between them and I give the example, that if you are watching TV and leave the room, your male will follow you but your female will get up and take your place on the couch. Males do have more energy than most females so more daily exercise is needed.
Labradors are popular
They have been the top breed registered with the CKC . With careful research you can find a breeder who has a goal when breeding, other than the mighty dollar. The average price for a properly bred puppy is about $600-$1000. These puppies will be from a breeder who has all breeding stock screened for genetic problems and usually shows their dogs in conformation, field, or obedience. They have taken the time to study pedigrees and have chosen what they feel will be the best breeding, not just the Lab next door because he has "papers."
CKC (Canadian Kennel Club)
CKC is a non-profit membership organization incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act and has been in continuous operation since 1888 as the primary registry body for purebred dogs in Canada. It also has juristiction over all official Dog Show and Trial Events held in Canada.
Labradors can have health problems
Hip-dysplasia is a problem as with most large breeds, so be sure to ask breeders if they have "cleared" their dogs for hip-dysplasia. Even Labs from clear parents can have hip dysplasia; this is not a guarantee. But Labs from clear parents have a better chance of not developing problems than from unknowns.
Eye problems are also present in Labs. The parents should be examined yearly by a veterinary ophthalmologist, to screen for PRA, retinal folds, and cataracts. Again this is not a guarantee your dog will not develop problems, but not all eye problems will lead to blindness.
Labradors in humid climates can be prone to "hot-spots" which are bacterial infections that the dog scratches or chews until it is bloody. Veterinary intervention is needed to stop this quickly before the dog does too much damage. Allergies can also cause skin problems in some Labs. Ear infections can be a problem with ears that hang, especially if the Lab spends a lot of time in the water.
Being wise and informed when choosing your breeder will help eliminate some of these concerns.
Looking for a breeder
Reputable breeders will want to ask you a lot of questions before allowing you to visit their kennel. These questions help them determine the proper placement for each puppy. You should ask to see the clearances for the parents; also ask to meet the parents. A lot of breeders use stud dogs owned by someone else so they may not be available to see. There may be relatives to the litter that you can meet. You can determine a lot from the adult dogs, as puppies are cute, but what you see in the adults will be closer to what your puppy will eventually grow up as.
The environment the puppy is raised in will be important. They need to have a lot of human interaction; this creates the bond that will last a life time between you and your dog. All the puppies should be outgoing and bright. They should be clean and look well cared for. Most breeders raise the puppies in the house; this allows them to be exposed to everyday noises and activity.
Choosing a puppy
You need to decide what color and sex you prefer, what you are planning to do with the dog, and what kind of temperament you'd like. Once you have answers to those questions, discuss your ideas and wants with breeders. After talking to or visiting with breeders, choose one you feel comfortable with. Most breeders take the time to evaluate each puppy and help you select the puppy that is right for you. You may have to wait to get a puppy; most breeders have a waiting list for upcoming litters. Be patient; this is a big commitment of both time and money. Labradors live to be 12-15 years old. So don't rush into choosing a puppy if you feel it's not exactly what you are looking for.