The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, conducted by Morris Animal Foundation, is among the largest, most comprehensive studies regarding canine health in the United States, especially in the field of dog cancer. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the Golden Retrievers’ lifestyle, genetics, nutritional, and environmental risk facts for not only cancer, but for other conditions as well. Thus far, the foundation collects data on over 3,000 Golden Retrievers each year.
About the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study
The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study was developed in 2012 and began with over 3,000 dogs at full enrollment in 2015. The primary cancer types found in the study are lymphoma, high-grade mast cell tumors, osteosarcoma, and hemangiosarcoma.

However, other conditions are also followed including other cancers and diseases. The study is so comprehensive it is often utilized by universities, nonprofit organizations like us, and even government organizations.
Health Series from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study
The Morris Animal Foundation has developed a series for those with Golden Retrievers to learn from based on their experience in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. We would like to share those with you here. The series is particularly helpful if you have a Golden Retriever, but even those with other breeds can benefit from this series.
Caring for Your Senior Dog
Canine Nutrition
Study Data and Samples at Work
Aging and the Microbiome
The Human-Animal Bond
Scholarly Journal Articles
There have been a number of journal articles released with the data from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. These can also be helpful for dog lovers with Golden Retrievers or who are considering adopting a Golden.
Several of them can be found here:
Population Characteristics of Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Enrollees
Access the Data Commons
The Data Commons is a comprehensive database that aids veterinary and biomedical researchers in discovering and understanding risk factors in dogs, as well as serving as a model for same risk factors in humans.
Data Commons makes historical data from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study cohort available to anybody in the world, encompassing 11 important subject areas: activity, behavior, dentistry, disease diagnoses, diet, environment, grooming, geographical locations, medications, physical exams, and reproduction.
To access the Data Commons, click here.
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