Greater Hickory Kennel Club
		Hickory, North Carolina

Answers! (G - L)

Golden Retriever Answers!

Temperament
Goldens are very confident, lovable, and intelligent dogs. They are friendly, reliable, and have very strong desire to please their owner(s). They love everyone in the family. They are not a one-man dog. They will tend to like the person who, at the time, is throwing them a tennis ball.

Reason to own a Golden Retriever Goldens love people and want to be with them constantly. They love children, adults, elderly, and usually other animals. They travel well and adjust to different environments.

They are a very loyal and lovable companions.

Reasons not to own a Golden
If your dog is going to be alone or left outdoors all the time, this is not the breed for you. Goldens do not do well alone. They require the companionship of people and/or other animals. Goldens do not do well left out in the yard, especially at night..

They are not a small dog and do take room in the home. Their wagging tails can clear off tables quickly. Not recommended for babies and very small children as Goldens are a large dog and can knock a small child down unintentionally.

Goldens require daily exercise.

Routinely Goldens require bathing and grooming. They are a long haired dog and do shed.

Size and appearance

Males 23-24 inches in height at withers; females 21 1/2 - 22 1/2 inches. . Weight for dogs 65-75 pounds; females, 55-65 pounds.

The color of Golden Retrievers may very from very light to a dark reddish-gold.

Golden Retrievers are primarily a hunting dog and should have good muscle tone. Golden Retrievers are also used for agility, obedience, conformation, service dogs, search and rescue, and companions.

Coat Dense and water-repellent with good undercoat. Outer coat firm and resilient, neither coarse nor silky, lying close to body, may be straight or wavy. Untrimmed natural ruff, moderate feathering on back of forelegs and on underbody; heavier feathering on front of neck, back of thighs and underside of tail. Coat on head, paws, and front of legs is short and even.

Basic Expenses
Expenses may include crates, leashes, collars, bowls, comb, brush, toys, shampoo and vet bills. Although Goldens are as healthy as most dogs, there are shots, annual check-ups, flea protection and heartworm protection required.

Training
Goldens are large lovable dogs who need manners. They love to jump and lick. They need to be obedience trained like any other dog. This will take the effort of the owner(s).

Potential Problems

Ears - Long floppy ears and are prone to ear infections. To prevent problems the ears need to be continuously cleaned and monitored.

Thyroid - Goldens are increasingly affected with hyperthyroidism. It is easily detected with a blood test and can be treated with medication.

Hip and elbow dysplasia - Goldens are sometimes affected with hip and elbow dysplasia. Make sure that the breeder you are purchasing your dog from has had screening done through the (OFA) Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and the sire and dam have these clearances..

Eye problems - Dogs can be tested annually for potential eye problems. Certifying numbers are provided to dogs cleared annually. CERF numbers are similar to OFA numbers except, since they must be repeated every year, they indicate the year and age of the cleared dog.

South Paw Kennels Bill and Diane Lyman Members of the Golden Retriever Club of America Member of The Greater Hickory Kennel Club President GHKC 2005-to present (Bill) (704) 462-1981 We will be happy to speak with you or recieve emails regarding Goldens

Ahwaga Goldens Michele & Brian Loy Members of Greater Hickory Kennel Club Past President GHKC (Michele)  2005-2006 Show Chairperson-Carolina Cluster (Michele) Member of the GRCA Member of the Sandlapper Golden Retriever Club (828) 464-3003

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Great Danes Answers!

Great danes are one of the "giant breeds". They are , in most cases -- friendly giants. A part of the family. Probably the largest "couch potato" around -- if allowed.

Colors -- Fawn (brown), black, brindle (brown with black barring),
blue, harlequin (white base with black splotches--not spots), mantle (sometimes called 'boston'), and merle (not desirable -- but they're out there)

We will gladly accept e-mails concerning breed info and or puppy availability. Ed & Jeannie Lane Newton, NC E-mail: Great Danes and Samoyeds --Puppies available only occasionally--

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Labrador Retriever Answers!

The Correct Labrador temperament is one that is happy and even-tempered.

Labradors are intelligent and athletic dogs and typically eager to please.
Labradors require a lot of time from family members. This breed will not be
happy left alone. They require lots of attention. If you do not give a
Labrador the means to exercise his brain and body he will find a way on his
own, one you may not prefer!

Labradors are very trainable dogs, but this does require time spent by the
owner attending obedience classes, etc. If you do not have adequate time
for obedience training, exercise sessions and general "family" time, then
the Labrador Retriever may not be the dog for you.

What about sex and color? In my opinion a "Well Bred" Labrador Retriever,
be it black, chocolate, yellow, male or female, can be a loving, intelligent
family companion.

Labrador Retrievers are prone to shedding, so if you want a dog that does
not shed a lot, then a Labrador is not the dog for you!

Genetic Problems in the Breed
Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TVD)
Osteochondrosis (OCD)

Breed Rescue Info
Lab Rescue of North Carolina

Cinnamire Labradors - A small hobby kennel dedicated to the betterment of the  Labrador Retriever. Our goal being to produce quality, well-rounded Labradors through  high ethical standards and our love for the breed. New owners, or those looking to add a Labrador Retriever to their family, may email me with questions about the breed. Renee Willis, email