What Health Problems Do Golden Retrievers Tend To Have?

Although they are generally good natured and docile dogs in many ways, golden retrievers bring their own unique package of challenges.

LIke most large pure bred dogs they are prone to skeletal problems, especially hip and elbow displasia (misalignment in the respective joints).  Pedigree dogs should be hip scored on their likelihood of developing problems.  It's also helpful if they get most of their exercise on soft ground (not concrete, tarmac).

Retrievers are chewing dogs by nature.  This makes them prone to choking risks, as they will nibble on and end up swallowing most anything.    What's worse, something could get stuck in their intestinal tract, requiring an expensive emergency operation to remove it.

Some family lines are prone to cancers.  Many lines are prone to skin disorders, including baldness and bursars (which can develop into open sores).

Eye problems are also common in the breed, including cataracts -- which can start in puppyhood, and progressive retinal atrophy (an inherited deterioration in sight which eventually causes blindness).