Staying up to date with common, let alone rare, health risks in susceptible dog breeds can be difficult. In this regular feature, our Educational Partner, International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) signposts resources on a particular breed and highlights breed-specific diseases.
Meet the Golden Retrievers – Update Your Knowledge!
Veterinarians worldwide know Goldens as a common, well-loved breed. However, there are similarities, differences, and new information across regions and developments in, eg, genetics. Some owners, cherishing the lovable temperament of Goldens, may not fully appreciate the need for training, care, and exercise for this fundamentally working breed.
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Interestingly, popularity is plateauing in some countries, while continuing to rise in others. Despite high numbers, and reasonable genetic diversity compared to many breeds, the Golden population shows signs of inbreeding from use of popular sires.
Differences exist between show and performance lines, and across regions. Breed clubs, internationally, consistently identify key conditions for health and screening programs. Orthopedic/locomotor problems, ie, hip and elbow dysplasia top the lists and can result in euthanasia at young ages. It is generally recommended to screen for eye problems with both clinical examinations and genetic tests. See the IPFD Get a GRIHP! on Golden Retrievers article for international population and disease statistics, information on health and genetic tests, and links to further resources for veterinarians and their clients.
Golden retrievers are recognized as having a high risk of cancer, but this clinical perception may be magnified by the commonness of the breed. Where there are valid population-based estimates, e.g., from Sweden, it is confirmed that Goldens often die of cancer, but many breeds have a higher risk and may die at younger ages (see Figure). Goldens are a relatively healthy breed, but the breed will benefit from attention – now – to maintain and improve genetic diversity, reduce common, debilitating, and life-threatening disease, and gather further data on rates of disease and death across regions, including from longitudinal studies e.g., at Morris Animal Foundation.
The International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) is a non-profit working for dog health, well-being, and welfare. This article has been prepared by its CEO, Dr Brenda Bonnett, DVM PhD
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