Golden Retriever Lifetime Study

A Golden Opportunity to

Improve the Health of Golden Retrievers

Morris Animal Foundation's Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is a groundbreaking effort to learn how to prevent cancer and other diseases. It is the largest and longest observational study ever undertaken to improve the health of dogs. The study will enroll up to 3,000 Golden Retrievers and will last 10 to 14 years.

Why Should Your Dog Participate?

• Cancer is the #1 cause of death in dogs over the age of 2, and more than half of all Golden Retrievers die of the disease.
• It will identify the genetic, nutritional and environmental risk factors for cancer and other diseases affecting Golden Retrievers.
• This study is expected to provide valuable information into prevention strategies, early diagnosis and new treatments for cancer and other canine diseases.
• The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study will help to improve the health of future generations of Golden Retrievers and will help create a healthier tomorrow for all dogs.

Who Can Participate?

• Highly committed Golden Retriever owners living in the continental United States.
• Owners who are over the age of 18.
• Dogs that are healthy and under 2 years of age at the time of enrollment.
• Dogs that have a three-generation pedigree.

What Is Expected of You?

• Agree to participate for the life of your dog
• Select a veterinarian who agrees to participate with you
• Complete online questionnaires regarding your dog's food type and feeding habits, environmental exposures, behavior/temperament, disease events, etc.
• Visit your dog's veterinarian for annual exams and sample collection (blood, urine, feces, hair, and toenail clippings)
• When applicable, allow collection of tumor samples for evaluation
• Be willing to consider a necropsy (post mortem examination) when your dog's life ends

Note: You are responsible for all costs associated with the annual exam, sample collection and laboratory test results. Morris Animal Foundation will reimburse you for up to $75 of these costs per year after verification that the exam and sample collection has been completed. 

If you choose, you may also donate this compensation directly back to Morris Animal Foundation to support the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.

Click here to learn more about what's required of participants.

To determine if your dog is eligible for participation in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, you must first register for the Canine Lifetime Health Project. After you sign up for the Canine Lifetime Health Project, you will be notified by email if your dog qualifies for the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study or any studies managed through this project.