Welfare

The welfare and well-being of all Golden Retrievers is of paramount importance to the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland Executive Committee and to the Membership as a whole.

Where ever possible the Club will promote and encourage members of the Club and indeed a wider audience to have accurate information with regard to the correct breeding standards for the Golden Retriever.

Goldens are generally a healthy breed, who, if fed well, exercised appropriately and cared for with sensible animal husbandry will live on to lead long healthy and happy lives.

However. like most breeds Golden Retrievers can be subject to some genetic disorders, and potential owners who are new to the breed should take the time to research what these are and be sure to choose a puppy from a respectable knowledgeable breeder, or in the case of taking on an older dog – be very aware of what the meaning of these disorders are.  Don’t be frightened of these disorders, they are under control if you choose your puppy from a good breeder and not from the internet nor a puppy farm.  Often you don’t know your puppy has been born on a puppy farm.. Details of what to look out for and what to ask can be found in more detail within the Buying a Puppy section.   Above all please remember, the Golden Retriever’s fabulous attitude to life and temperament is the breed’s biggest asset, something good breeders will also take into consideration when choosing a stud dog for their bitch.

Golden Retrievers are subject to Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia and Hereditary eye disease – health schemes organised jointly by the Kennel Club and the British Veterinary Association are in operation for these diseases.

Please refer to the ‘Health Tests explained’ section of the website  for more detailed information to help you.