Health Survey

In 1998 the Golden Retriever Foundation funded the first comprehensive Golden Retriever health study. The primary objective was to describe the frequency and pattern of occurrence of health related conditions and causes of death in Golden Retrievers. A secondary objective was to relate physical traits, diet, environment, and personality of individual animals to certain diseases and longevity.

The Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) Health and Genetics Committee and Dr. Larry Glickman from the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine developed the questionnaire used in the health survey. The GRCA mailed the questionnaire to all members and placed a copy on the Club’s web site in 1998. Each owner was asked to complete a separate questionnaire for up to five dogs that were alive on January 1, 1993. Seven hundred and forty six owners submitted usable responses directly to Purdue University for 1444 Golden Retrievers.

In 2005, the GRF funded a follow-up health survey that will strengthen existing data and provide more insight into the health issues of the breed.

The results of this 1998 survey may be seen here.