TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction 1
- Glossary of Dog Terms 3
- Chapter One: Understanding Golden Retrievers 9
- Facts About Golden Retrievers 10
- Summary of Golden Retriever Facts 12
- Golden Retriever Breed History 14
- Types of Golden Retrievers 15
- British Golden Retriever 16
- American Golden Retriever 16
- Canadian Golden Retriever 17
- Chapter Two: Things to Know Before Getting a Golden Retriever 19
- Do You Need a License? 20
- How Many Golden Retrievers Should You Keep? 21
- Do Golden Retrievers Get Along with Other Pets? 22
- How Much Does it Cost to Keep a Golden Retriever? 23
- What are the Pros and Cons of Golden Retrievers? 25
- Pros for the Golden Retriever Breed 25
- Cons for the Golden Retriever Breed 26
- Chapter Three: Purchasing Your Golden Retriever 29
- Where Can You Buy a Golden Retriever? 30
- Adopting a Rescue Dog 31
- U.K. Golden Retriever Rescues 32
- How to Choose a Reputable Golden Retriever Breeder 33
- Tips for Selecting a Healthy Golden Retriever Puppy 34
- Puppy-Proofing Your Home 36
- Chapter Four: Caring for Your New Golden Retriever 39
- Ideal Habitat Requirements for Golden Retrievers 40
- Supplies and Equipment to Have on Hand 41
- Exercise Requirements for the Golden Retriever 43
- Chapter Five: Meeting Your Golden Retriever’s Nutritional Needs 47
- The Nutritional Needs of Dogs 48
- Proteins 48
- Carbohydrates 49
- Fats 49
- Vitamins and Minerals 49
- Water 50
- Daily Energy Requirements 50
- How to Select a Quality Dog Food Brand 53
- Dangerous Foods to Avoid 55
- Chapter Six: Training Your Golden Retriever 57
- Socializing Your New Golden Retriever Puppy 58
- Housebreaking your Golden Retriever Puppy Using the Crate Training Method 59
- Overview of Other Popular Training Methods 61
- Chapter Seven: Grooming Your Golden Retriever 65
- Recommended Tools to Have on Hand 66
- Tips for Bathing Golden Retrievers 67
- Tips for Grooming Your Golden 68
- Brushing a Golden Retriever’s Coat 69
- Trimming a Golden Retriever’s Fur 69
- Other Grooming Tasks 71
- Brushing Your Golden Retriever’s Teeth 72
- Trimming Your Golden Retriever’s Nails 73
- Cleaning Your Golden Retriever’s Ears 74
- Chapter Eight: Breeding Your Golden Retriever 77
- Basic Dog Breeding Information 78
- Tips for Caring for the Pregnant Golden Retriever 81
- Whelping Golden Retriever Puppies 83
- Raising Healthy Golden Retriever Puppies 86
- Chapter Nine: Showing Your Golden Retriever 89
- Golden Retriever Breed Standard 90
- American Golden Retriever 91
- British Golden Retriever 93
- Canadian Golden Retriever 94
- Preparing Your Golden Retriever for Show 95
- Chapter Ten: Keeping Your Golden Retriever Healthy 99
- Common Health Problems Affecting Golden Retrievers 100
- Cancer 101
- Joint Conditions 106
- Allergies 109
- Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS) 110
- Pigmentary Uveitis 111
- Ear Infection 112
- Obesity 113
- Preventing Illness with Vaccinations 114
- Golden Retriever Care Sheet 119
- 1.) Basic Golden Retriever Information 120
- 2.) Habitat Requirements 122
- 3.) Nutritional Needs 123
- 4.) Breeding Information 124
- Index 127
- Photo Credits 135
- References 137
