Fall 2011

The Golden RetrieverYour Guide to Responsible Ownership

Education andHealth Research

Also inside:• More about membership benefits• Special offers from the brands you trust• Exclusive merchandise from the GRCA Store

www.grca.org

• Healthcare• Nutrition• Grooming• Exercise• Training• Rescue

Table of Contents

Acquiring a Golden ................................................ 2Breed StandardBreed History

Healthcare .............................................................4Preventive CareHealth Concerns

Nutrition ................................................................. 8GroomingExercise

Training ..................................................................12Obedience

Rescue ..................................................................14Placement

Health Research ....................................................16Education

Membership ........................................................... 18Donations

GRCA Store ........................................................... 22PublicationsSponsors

Disclaimer: Although we make every effort to only accept trusted and proven brands, the Golden Retriever Club of America does not endorse or recommend

any commercial products or services. Therefore, the mention of them in this publication cannot be construed as an endorsement or recommendation.

The Golden Retriever Club of America is a proud member of The American Kennel Club

Over 70 Years of Research and Education

The Golden Retriever Club of America Since 1938 the Golden Retriever Club of America has been dedicated to responsible ownership of the Golden Retriever. We advance and protect the interests of the breed through education, health, events, the Golden Retriever Foundation, and research and rescue.

We are the largest parent breed club in the US and the most active in canine cancer and health research.

Our responsibility is also to promote the temperament, appearance, soundness, natural retrieving and hunting abilities of the Golden Retriever. Our members are dedicated to the responsible breeding and ownership of the Golden Retriever.

The Golden Retriever Club of America has put forth an extensive effort throughout the years regarding education of Golden Retriever fanciers. The club has a wealth of information to disperse to those who are open to learn.Learn more about the Golden Retriever Club of America at www.grca.org

The Golden Retriever Foundation Funded by the GRCA, our mission is to foster public knowledge and understanding of diseases, assist in the development and dissemination of educational materials and rescue, rehabilitate and place displaced Goldens.

The Golden Retriever Foundation has dedicated significant resources to improving Golden health, and is actively supporting numerous research

studies investigating cancer in the breed.

Learn more about the Golden Retriever Foundation at www.goldenretrieverfoundation.org

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Acquiring a Golden, Breed Standard, History

slightly greater than height at withers in ratio of 12:11. The weight for dogs should be 65-75 pounds and 55-65 pounds for females.

Breed HistoryThe Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s and was used predominantly for hunting. The breed was developed by Lord Tweedmouth, whose goal was to create a superb retriever suited to the Scottish climate, terrain and available game. He crossed his original “Yellow Retriever” with the Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct) found on his estate. Later integrations of Irish Setter, Bloodhound, and more Tweed Water Spaniel produced the retriever we know today.

For more information go to: www.grca.org

Acquiring a Golden, Breed Standard, History

Acquiring a GoldenYou may have acquired 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.

Temperamentally, there is little difference between the sexes in Goldens. Neither sex is harder to housetrain, and both are equally intel-ligent and affectionate. Both are excellent with children, and both make excellent companions. Neutering a male before a year of age will eliminate the risk of tes-

ticular cancer and lower the risk of prostate problems. Since there is no responsible reason NOT to neuter a female (just being consistent with male) (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.

Breed StandardThe Golden Retriever, with its intelligence and eager to please attitude, is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. The working ability that has made the Golden Retriever such a useful hunting companion also make him an ideal guide, assistance and search and rescue dog. The golden-colored coat is the hallmark of this versatile breed, and can range from light to dark gold.

The Golden is a symmetrical, powerful, active dog, sound and well put together, not clumsy nor long in the leg, displaying a kindly expression and possessing a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. Primarily a hunting dog, he should be shown in hard working condition. Overall appearance, balance, gait and purpose should be given more emphasis than any of his component parts.

Males should be 23-24 inches in height at withers and females 21½-22½ inches. The length from breastbone to point of buttocks should be

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Healthcare, Preventive Care, Health Concerns

Preventive CareRoutine grooming, ear cleaning, teeth cleaning, and parasite control are also part of responsible Golden Retriever ownership. Brushing a Golden’s coat, providing an occasional bath, trimming nails, periodic tooth brushing, and weekly ear cleaning is generally easy. Nonetheless, many owners find that monthly or bimonthly appointments with a groomer are often helpful until they master the art of grooming. In addition, a useful guide covering some preventive health care information is available online (where?). Of course, the dog’s veterinarian is usually the best resource for information about an individual Golden Retriever’s health.

Obtaining a Golden puppy with healthy ancestors and close relatives, possibly pur-chasing health insurance, training the puppy, provid-ing proper exercise and nutrition, routine grooming, and outstanding veterinary care are all components of improving the odds for a long, healthy and wonderful relationship with a Golden Retriever.

Protecting yourself and your Golden from Fleas and TicksAn increasing number of diseases of dogs and their owners are classified as vector-borne diseases. This means that an insect or arthropod (such as a tick) carries the disease to the dog and/or the owner. The prevalence of these diseases varies dramatically in different geographic regions. One of the best known of these diseases, Lyme Disease, is a disease caused by a bacterium, but usually transmitted by ticks. The risk of Lyme disease is strikingly different in areas which may be separated by only a couple of hours driving or flying time. Preventing infection from Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases is important when showing dogs or taking an outdoor vacation with your dog in areas where infection is common. Tick prevention for your dog and for yourself should be discussed with your dog’s veterinarian and your physician.

Healthcare, Preventive Care, Health Concerns

HealthcareA good breeder will provide a genetic background and an early environment that maximizes the probability of producing physically and mentally healthy puppies. This will include careful evaluation and selection of health and temperament traits of the parents, optimal feeding, socialization, and preventive medical care to the litter. However, it is important for prospective owners to realize that the proper nutrition, veterinary care, preventive health care, socialization, exercise and training provided in the new home are also critical to developing young Golden Retrievers into healthy, well-mannered members of society.

In particular, puppy classes and basic obedience classes are wonderful opportunities for socialization and for owners to learn to communicate with their new canine family member. Such classes also permit training in the presence of other people and dogs. The age window for maxi-mum learning potential in the dog is limited so this should be a priority for every family with a new Golden Retriever. However, learning also continues throughout life, so most new owners will benefit from attend-ing several good training classes. A puppy class and basic obedience class in the first year of life, followed by a 6 to 8 week training class every couple of years is a goal that many owners find fun and doable in even the busiest schedules.

As with human members of our society, excess weight is a serious problem in dogs, and can be particularly damaging in puppies. Excess weight in puppies and dogs can cause an increase in the prevalence and severity of joint diseases and a number of other serious diseases. Excess weight can also decrease a dog’s lifespan. A general rule used by many breeders is that weight gain in a growing puppy should be slow and steady without growth spurts. The ribs should be easily felt but not prominent, and the food should provide what is needed for growth, but not enough extra to produce fat. Keeping puppies lean and fit ap-pears to play an important role in reducing hip dysplasia and extending lifespan, and is something every owner can do to protect their Golden Retriever.

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Health ConcernsHip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, various eye problems and heart disease are common inherited health issues in Golden Retrievers. There are screening examinations for each of these problems. GRCA recommends breeders perform standard health screening tests for these diseases on their breeding stock.

A puppy’s sire and dam can be screened for these health issues to mini-mize the risk that their puppies will be affected. A conscientious breeder will provide you the full AKC registered names or registration numbers of the parents as well as their test results.

A number of other health issues may affect Golden Retrievers, and some of the most common are allergies, cancer, and hypothyroidism. Potential buyers should feel free to ask the breeder about these or any subjects of concern to them. The exchange of such information is an expected and customary practice.

The four examinations which should be completed before Golden Retrievers are included in any breeding program:

1) Examination of hips for hip dys-plasia with certification free of the disease;

2) Examination of elbows for elbow dysplasia with certification;

3) Examination of eyes by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist;

4) Cardiac examination by a board-certified cardiologist.

Some Data of How Cancer Affects our BreedApproximately 50% of all Goldens will die from cancer. Human cancer is skewed lightly toward males, so it’s not surprising that dogs are too. For comparison, the rate of cancer in Goldens is just slightly less than double the rate of cancer in all dogs, which is estimated to be about one in three (and which actually is about the same as in humans).But even though our cancer rate is nearly double the all-breed average, it’s important to keep in mind that the average lifespan of the breed is still within the same 10-11 year range as all breeds.

Healthcare, Preventive Care, Health Concerns

For more information go the GRCA website at: www.grca.org

Protecting your Golden from HeartwormHeartworm is a preventable, but serious and potentially fatal, parasite. Heartworms can only be transmitted from animal to animal by mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, young heartworms called microfilariae enter into that mosquito’s system.

Within two weeks, the micro-filariae develop into infective larvae inside the mosquito; these infective larvae can be transmitted to another animal when this mosquito takes its next blood meal. The infec-tive larvae mature into adult heartworms in approximately six months.

During the first three months, the larvae migrate through

the animal’s body, eventually reaching the blood vessels of the lungs. During the last three months, the immature worms continue to develop and grow to adults, with females growing to lengths of up to 14 inches. The worms damage the blood vessels, and reduce the heart’s pump-ing ability, resulting in severe lung and heart disease. When the animal shows signs of illness due to adult heartworm infection, it is called heartworm disease.

Heartworm infection is almost 100% preventable. There are several FDA-approved heartworm preventives available in a variety of formula-tions. Your veterinarian can recommend the best method of prevention based upon your Golden’s risk factors and lifestyle. Of course, you have to remember to give your pet the preventive in order for it to work!

The preventives do not kill adult heartworms, and will not eliminate heartworm infection or prevent signs of heartworm disease if adults are present in the pet’s body. Therefore, a blood test for existing heartworm infection is recommended before beginning a prevention program to assess the pet’s current heartworm status.

There have been reports of pets developing heartworm infection despite year-round treatment with a heartworm preventive, so having your pet tested regularly is the best way to keep them protected.

Healthcare, Preventive Care, Health Concerns

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NutritionDon’t be fooled by the myth that if you want your dog to be big and strong, you must feed it lots of food. Each breed has different nutritional requirements. If you’re not sure how much food to feed your dog, check with a breeder or veterinarian.

Table scraps alone are unhealthy for your dog and may lead to an unbalanced diet.

If you think your dog needs to lose a few pounds, slowly cut down its caloric intake. “Crash diets” will only lead to nutritional deficiencies and are very unhealthy.

If you think your dog is not receiving enough vitamins and nutrients, consider adding a vitamin or mineral supplement to its diet. Consult your veterinarian.

Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not need variety in their diet. Use the same type of food every day, and if you want to change your brand of dog food, do so gradually.

Bad breath is a common problem with dogs. It can be created from food, tartar deposits on teeth, or from digestive problems. Feed your dog dry food and tartar-fighting treats to help reduce plaque.

Brush your dog’s teeth once or twice a week with a toothbrush and dog toothpaste. (Note: Never use human toothpaste.) You can also use a moistened gauze pad.

Just like humans, it is unhealthy for a dog to be overweight. Excess weight endangers the heart, lungs and joints and makes a dog more susceptible to other ailments.

An irregular eating schedule can affect your dog’s digestive system and ultimately cause chronic digestive disorders. Digestive problems can usually be improved by a change in diet.

If your dog’s feeding schedule is suddenly changed, don’t be surprised

if it still craves a meal at its old feeding time. Your dog is conditioned to expect a meal at a specific time, so biologically its internal alarm clock still produces a hunger drive.

Dogs don’t easily adjust to a time zone change or to daylight savings time. To prepare your dog for a time change, gradually adjust its eating schedule over a few weeks.

It is important that your dog’s water and food bowls are kept in the same place every day. If you have more than one dog, make sure each dog has its own food and water bowl.

Don’t worry about your dog getting hunger pangs between meals. Your dog only needs one or two meals daily if it is fed on a regimented schedule and receives a balanced diet.

Don’t leave your dog’s food out longer than 30 minutes. If your dog walked away from its bowl, it has probably had enough to eat. Discard the remaining food, since exposed dog food is unsanitary.

GroomingGolden Retrievers do not require an extraordinary amount of grooming. Weekly coat brushing is recommended, plus trimming hair between pads of the feet and around the ears once a month. This lowers the risks of encountering a matted coat, hot spots, and infected ears.

Cutting back toenails monthly will prevent toenails so long that your dog rocks back on its paws, possibly causing orthopedic problems as it ages.

Goldens are a double coated breed. They shed, but some basic main-tenance will significantly reduce the amount of hair you find throughout the house. The Golden Retriever’s double coat is designed to protect it during any season. Throughout the winter, the undercoat grows to protect them from the cold. As the weather warms, the undercoat sheds

Nutrition, Grooming, ExerciseNutrition, Grooming, Exercise

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as the Golden no longer needs it. Regular brushing with a quality bristle brush, along with regular use of an undercoat rake will significantly reduce shedding, which will make you and your Golden very happy.

Ear cleaning is a basic requirement in keeping your Golden healthy. Golden Retrievers have a tendency to get ear infections if they are not cleaned regularly. Clean your Golden’s ears weekly with a quality canine ear cleansing solution.

Golden Retriever’s require regular bathing. Yes, you can bath your Golden as often as you like without worrying about damaging the coat or skin. Use of a good quality canine shampoo is the key to keeping your Golden clean.

NEVER shave your Golden. As mentioned earlier, the Golden’s coat is designed to protect them in any type of weather. The only areas of hair that require grooming are on and inside the ears, the tail and the feet.

For more about grooming your Golden Retriever, or for a step-by-step DVD,

go to: www.grca.org and click on: All About Goldens

ExerciseGolden Retrievers are an active, energetic sporting breed. Daily walks or free exercise are important to their physical and mental health, as well as socialization with other people and animals.

It is especially important not to force exercise Golden Retriever pup-pies during their first two years. Bone growth plates are still growing and might be injured during hard exercise. Swims, daily walks on soft surfaces, and casual short hikes on flat ground are great exercise for puppies. Avoid jogging, biking, trotting behind a moving car or steep climbs and descents with Golden Retrievers under the age of two.

Consider your dog’s age, health condition and current activity level. Check with your veterinarian before beginning anything vigorous.

Make sure to keep your dog on a leash at all times when you are exercising in public. You don’t want your dog to get distracted by cars, people, or other dogs.

Letting your dog out in your backyard doesn’t qualify as exercise; how-ever, a good game of fetch may do the trick.

When exercising your dog, try to keep it on a grassy or earth surface. A hot sidewalk or sharp gravel surface is hard on paws.

If your dog begins to pant too rapidly, STOP exercising. Dogs can’t speak to tell you when they have had enough. Dogs can suffer from heat stroke, so you need to make sure your dog is not overexerting itself.

Pay special attention to your dog’s footpads and toenails. If there are any abrasions or cuts, stop exercising until they have completely healed.

Exercise can improve your dog’s physical and mental health, but it is important to research the best exercise routine for you and your dog.

Nutrition, Grooming, ExerciseNutrition, Grooming, Exercise

12 13

Training, ObedienceTraining, Obedience

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Rescue, PlacementRescue, Placement

16 17

Health Research, EducationHealth Research, Education

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Membership, Donations

New Membership & GRNews Subscription Application

I hereby apply for membership in the Golden Retriever Club of America, Inc.

I agree to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of GRCA and AKC, and further to promote the objectives of GRCA by:

(1) Breeding Golden Retrievers that possess the soundness, tem-perament, natural ability and personality as reflected in the stan-dard of the breed, and to do all possible to advance and promote the perfection of these qualities;

(2) Doing all in my power to protect and advance the interest of the breed through my sportsmanlike competition in all areas;

(3) To follow the rules of AKC;

(4) To be guided by GRCA’s Code of Ethics http://www.grca.org/thegrca/code.html.

Importantly, as related to the GRCA’s Code of Ethics, I realize my personal actions, including dog breeding practices, will be consid-ered upon submission of this application. I understand the subscrip-tion year is from January to December and that GRNews issues are not retroactive. All dues are on a calendar year basis, January to December. All applications are reviewed for acceptance by the GRCA Board of Directors and, if approved, will not be effective until 30 days after Board receipt. New applicants who are approved will receive a new member packet, acknowledging their membership approval.

The GRNews helps promote and protect the interest of the breed and serves as a means of communication and source of information to owners.

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The Club

GRCA Cares About the Golden RetrieverThe Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) is the largest AKC-affiliated parent breed club in the United States, having a membership of nearly 5,000 members. Since 1938, GRCA has focused its attention on the breeding, care, health, and training of the Golden Retriever, and the education of its members.

Responsibilities as a Member of the GRCA• Educate the public about the breed, keeping in mind that they and their

dogs represent the breed, the GRCA and the sport of purebred dogs.• Accept the written breed standard as approved by the American

Kennel Club as the standard description of physical and temperamen-tal qualities by which the Golden Retriever is to be judged.

• Maintain good sportsmanship at all events and competitions, abiding by the applicable rules and regulations set forth by the governing bodies for such events and competitions. Conduct should always be in accord with the purposes and intent of the GRCA Constitution and By-Laws.

Responsibilities as a Dog Owner• Ensure that your dogs are kept safe and under control at all times. • Properly train your dogs so that they are an asset to their community

and not a nuisance.• Maintain your dogs with their safety and good health in mind at all

times, including adequate and appropriate attention, socialization, grooming, feeding, veterinary attention, housing, routine care, exercise and training.

Membership Benefits• Help advance health research and education• Subscription to the GRNews which is the premier GR Magazine• Programs offering recognition awards through the club• Information to bring members the most current information on issues

As the leading authority on Golden Retrievers in the United States, GRCA and its member clubs nationwide continue to promote the health and welfare of the breed and the educational efforts by AKC. We seek to enable all dog owners to be responsible members of their communi-ties and to ensure the well-being of their dogs.

Membership, Donations

Go to: www.grca.org and click on The GRCA

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Donations

The Golden Retriever Foundation was created in 1997 by the Golden Retriever Club of America. The Foundation is a tax-exempt non-profit charitable 501(c) 3 organization, so your donation is tax deductable

Mission Statement• Foster and promote the public’s knowledge and appreciation of dogs

in general and Golden Retrievers in particular; • Further understanding of the diseases, genetic defects and other ail-

ments that afflict dogs in general and Golden Retrievers in particular;• Promote and assist the development, publication and dissemination

of educational materials about the proper care, treatment, breeding, health, development and training of Golden Retrievers;

• Foster and promote the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of dis-placed Golden Retrievers.

The Five GRF FundsThe General Fund supports comprehensive health studies of the Golden Retriever population, such as those concerning hereditary eye disorders, hip dysplasia, thyroid disease, and other conditions.

The Zeke Cancer Research Fund is dedicated to finding solutions to a devastating and prevalent disease that strikes up to 50% of all Goldens

Rescue groups often need financial support for extraordinary veterinary expenses incurred on behalf of individual dogs. The April Fund ad-dresses this need.

The Rescue Fund assists new Rescue groups with start-up costs, and provides funding for equipment and other infrastructure needs.

The Rachel Page Elliott Educational Fund supports public education by the GRCA or Golden Rescue groups and continuing education for veterinarians.

The Golden Retriever Foundation needs the support of every Golden admirer! If you’ve ever cuddled a Golden puppy, shared your thoughts with a Golden listener, taken a walk with a Golden pal, or shared your life with a White-faced Golden - YOU should be a GRF supporter!

Membership, Donations

Donate today at www.GoldenRetrieverFoundation.org

Membership, Donations

New Membership & GRNews Subscription Application (Cont.)

For applications accepted after September 15, no dues are payable the following year.

Membership & GRNews Subscription:( ) Single: $65 includes dues, subscription to GRNews and application fee( ) Family: $70 includes dues, subscription to GRNews and application fee( ) First Class Mailing of GRNews (optional): $25.00 additional

Membership Only/Excludes GRNews:( ) Single: $30.00 includes dues and application fee only( ) Family: $35.00 includes dues and application fee only

Name Date

Email

Second applicant name (for family membership) Phone Number

Street and Number City State Zip+4

Applicant’s Signature Second Applicant’s Signature

Amount enclosed (or authorized to be charged to credit card): $________

Please mail completed form with fees to: Deb Ascher, Membership Administrator, P.O. Box 69, Berthoud, CO 80513-0069

Make checks payable to The Golden Retriever Club of America, Inc., or GRCA. For credit card payment, complete all information below.

( ) Visa ( ) MasterCard Card Number:

Expiration Date: / / 3-Digit Security Code:

Cardholder Signature Print Cardholder Name

$

Or download the Member Application at: www.grca.org and click on The GRCA

22 23

Publications

GRCA Publications include specialty items for learning about the Golden Retriever. All DVD’s and many of the books are only available through the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) Store.

If the book you want to purchase is not listed in the GRCA Store, then go to Amazon to search for the book.

Here are just a few of the publications available:• The Golden Retriever Handbook: a wealth of information on all aspects of purchasing, feeding, training, grooming, health and more.• Baily Bymyside: teaches people the values of patience, dedication, compassion, faithfulness, and joy as Baily protects her owner’s family and her young pups.•The Ultimate Golden Retriever: star-studded cast of specialists from around the world provide expert information.

Additional publications are available pertaining to: Training, health, care, behavior and psychology

*Videos and DVD’s are also available for the entire family to enjoy.

GRCA Store, Publications

The GRNews: The Premiere GR MagazineThe Golden Retriever News is the official publication of the Golden

Retriever Club of America and is available through membership.

Go to the Official Online Store and click on Bookstore: www.grca.org/store

GRCA Store, Publications

GRCA Store

The GRCA Store offers exclusive merchandise and the very popular Official GRCA Calendars. At the Official Online Store you can find quali-ty clothing for men and women, prints and a variety of gifts; all designed with the Golden Retriever owner in mind.

This is also the place you can find the GRCA Yearbooks, videos, color-ing books and other club merchandise.

• Ladies: Logo Jackets, Fleece, Tees, Sweaters• Men’s: Logo Jackets, Fleece, Tees, Shirts• Accessories: Hats, Gloves, Bags, Totes, Umbrellas• Gifts: Collars, Decals, Pins, Pens, Patches, Magnets• Marcia Schlehr Limited Edition Prints• Personalized Picnic Time Chairs• Books, Videos, CD’s, Cookbooks• Gift Certificates• Sale Items Children sizes are available for select items

Special orders are accepted and custom embroidery is available

on most items.

Go to the Official Online Store: www.grca.org/store

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By providing your e-mail address, you are requesting to receive convenient monthly e-mail reminders to apply a FRONTLINE Brand Product as well as receive special offers and pet care tips from Merial.

FOR VETERINARY CLINIC USE ONLY: Merial Account Number:______________________________ MERIAL® Rewards Staff ID #:____________________

Staff Member Name:__________________________________ Staff Member E-mail:__________________________

Veterinary Hospital:__________________________________________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________ City:____________________________________

State:________________________________ Zip:_____________________

*Consult with your clinic for eligibility requirements. †of the same product in the same size at one time.

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