Research Activities

The Golden Retriever Foundation funds health studies that further the understanding of the diseases, genetic defects, injuries and other ailments that afflict dogs in general and Golden Retrievers in particular.

GRF Leads Fight Against Canine Cancer

The statistics are chilling. Sixty-thousand Goldens -- more than the total number to be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) -- are at risk of being lost this year to lymphosarcoma. That’s one Golden Retriever out of every eight. There’s more. One in five Goldens is at risk for developing hemangiosarcoma.

“Cancer is rapidly overtaking our beloved breed,” says Dr. Mike Lappin, veterinarian and Golden Retriever Foundation (GRF)  vice president.  That is why the GRF, in cooperation with the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is funding several research studies addressing these and other critical health issues impacting Golden Retrievers.

The GRF is one of the most active breed organizations in canine health research. Since its inception, the GRF has awarded health related grants exceeding a total of $248,000. By working with the CHF, expenses are often shared with other breed clubs with similar health issues and we receive CHF-subsidized grants. Once the CHF approves proposals from research scientists, it forwards them to the GRF for consideration. The GRF relies on advice and counsel received from the GRCA’s Health and Genetics Committee, chaired by Ann Hubbs, DVM, PhD. The committee evaluates the proposals and summarizes their strengths and weaknesses based on several criteria, including relevance to Golden Retrievers, strength of the preliminary data, abilities of the researchers and quality of the facilities, scientific approach and the strength of the hypothesis.

In 2005, the GRF initiated the second breed health survey in order to identify additional areas of focus. The survey was developed by Judy Rasmuson, former GRF director and Roger Fuller, former GRCA board member. In addition the GRF continues to be a sponsor of the annual CHF canine cancer conference for the academic community. 

Future research will benefit from the 2005 mapping of the canine genome, which now is enabling many new approaches to canine cancer studies, according to one of the GRF’s research sponsored scientists, Dr. Matthew Breen of North Carolina State University. “The beauty of having the canine genome sequenced is that we can then take the entire dog genome, align it with the human genome and perform detailed comparisons at the DNA level, “he said. “This means that whatever genetic research we do in humans, we can do in dogs and vice versa. We’ll have reciprocal benefit.” 

Donations to the Zeke Cancer Research Fund support canine cancer studies in some of the nation’s foremost research facilities. There currently are twelve studies in progress. Donations to the General/Health Fund support comprehensive studies of the Golden Retriever population, such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroid disease, and other diseases and conditions relative to Goldens.

Information regarding canine cancer studies to which the GRF is contributing may be found under List of Grants.


Stuart Helfand, DVM, School of Veterinary
Medicine, Oregon State University

Golden Retriever Research:

A Legacy of Hope

With your generous financial support, the Golden Retriever Foundation funds a diverse range of health research studies investigating diseases such as several types of cancers, swallowing disorders, cataracts, SAS, and other issues of importance to the breed. In order to succeed, several of these studies require the cooperation of owners and participation of affected dogs.

For some studies, it is important that the dogs NOT be started on any medications prior to enrollment, or that biopsy or surgical samples be prepared in a specific manner, so please make contact as soon as possible when a diagnosis is suspected. Remember also that dogs owned by non-GRCA members are eligible for these studies, and please consider referring other Golden owners when possible.

We recognize that it takes great courage to look beyond one’s own sorrow when a special dog is diagnosed with a devastating disease, and we applaud the owners who participate in these research studies. Sometimes in the midst of sadness, helping to work toward a better future allows our beloved dogs to leave a legacy of hope to the next generation.

For more information, questions, or assistance
Contact the GRCA Research Facilitator:
 Rhonda Hovan, rhondahovan@aol.com, 330-668-0044

As of June 30, 2005, the GRF has granted over $228,000 to various canine health research activities at major research universities and cancer research centers.