Golden Retriever Lifetime Study

The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is one of the largest, most comprehensive prospective canine health studies in the United States. The Study’s purpose is to identify the nutritional, environmental, lifestyle and genetic risk factors for cancer and other diseases in dogs. Each year, with the help of veterinarians and dog owners, the Foundation collects health, environmental and behavioral data on 3,000+ enrolled golden retrievers.

Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Reaches 500 Diagnoses of 4 Major Cancers

This milestone, achieved 11 years after the Study’s inception, highlights Morris Animal Foundation’s commitment to advancing animal health research and finding answers to canine cancer.

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Connecting researchers with dog lovers and veterinarians to advance animal health.

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Veterinarians

Veterinarians

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Owners

Owners

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Researchers

Researchers

The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study will help identify nutritional, genetic and environmental risk factors for cancer and other important diseases in dogs. Results will provide comprehensive data on diseases and other health challenges, including cancer. Findings will be used as a launching point for multiple health studies in dogs.

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3,000+
Dogs enrolled
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60%
of golden retrievers are impacted by cancer

Request Study Samples and/or Data for Research – Bette M. Morris Data Commons & Biorepository

Qualified individuals may gain access to Golden Retriever Lifetime Study data and/or samples including but not limited to whole blood, urine, hair and toenails. These projects will contribute to the understanding of nutritional, environmental, lifestyle and genetic risk factors for cancer and other diseases in dogs.

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Data Commons

Data Commons is an open, free database available to the research and educational communities. Qualified individuals can gain access to data generated by the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, one of the largest and most comprehensive longitudinal studies ever conducted in veterinary health research. New data resources are available now.

Learn About The Data

Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Publications

If you'd like to read the many publications that have resulted from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, head over to our Data Commons.

Study Publications

Golden Zoomies

Have you had a chance to watch Golden Zoomies? The webinar series features presentations on a variety of canine health topics including cancer, nutrition and more. Watch all the webinars in the playlist on our Youtube Channel!

Visit the Golden Zoomies Playlist

Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Embedded Projects

Behavior
Assessing Pet Owner Influence on Multi-Year Study Success
Cancer
Assessing Blood Testing for Early Detection of Lymphoma
Can Trained Bio-Detection Dogs Diagnose Hemangiosarcoma?
Developing A Test for Early Detection of Splenic Hemangiosarcoma
Improving Early Detection of Canine Lymphoma
Looking for Risk Factors for Multiple Cancer Development in Golden Retrievers
Looking for Genetic Mutations Associated with Hemangiosarcoma in American Golden Retrievers
Studying Genetic Variants and Other Factors Associated with Lifespan and Cancer Diagnosis in Golden Retrievers
Studying Markers of Chronic Stress And Health Outcomes
Studying Toxin Exposures and Canine Lymphoma
Studying the Effect of Second- and Third-Hand Smoke on Cancer Risk in Golden Retrievers
Training Pathologist to Support Golden Retriever Lifetime Study
Understanding how Social Factors Impact Lifestyles Choices and Canine Cancer Risk
General Health
Investigation into the risk factors and veterinary prescribing practices for canine otitis externa
Investigating Urinary Incontinence in Dogs
Understanding Heartworm Medication Use
Understanding the Effect of PFAS ('Forever Chemicals') on Thyroid Function
Updating Normal Blood Testing Ranges
Infectious Disease
Gauging Parasite Risk in Golden Retrievers
Identifying Commonly Used Antimicrobials for Infectious Disease
Investigating Transmission and Disease Risk of COVID-19 in Dogs
Microbiome
Examining the Fecal Microbiome in Golden Retrievers
Looking for Links between Lifestyle, Gut Microbiome and Obesity
Nutrition 
Identifying Genetic Factors Associated with Obesity in Golden Retrievers
Looking at Diet and Heart Disease in Golden Retrievers
Understanding how social determinants impact Golden Retriever owner’s choice in feeding practices and exercise and how this impacts the risk of the development of neoplastic diseases
Understanding the Effect of Diet on Cognition
Reproduction 
Assessing Risks Related to Genomic Estimation of Inbreeding
Identifying Risks Associated with Inbreeding in Golden Retrievers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Have additional questions about the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study? Whether you're a participant or just interested in learning more, find answers to commonly asked questions about the Study.

FAQs

Golden Retriever Lifetime Study

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Make a donation to support the largest study of its kind to improve the health of dogs.

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Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Partners

GRLS Founding Partner

Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Partners

VCA, Petco Love, Blue Buffalo, V Foundation, Elanco, Purina Institute, Orvis

Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Partners

Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Gold Sponsors

Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Partners

GRLS Golden Champions Mars Boehringer
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