Why do Golden Retrievers get cancer?

Golden Retrievers have a higher rate of cancer compared to some other breeds because of their genes. The genetics causing the higher risk of cancer are likely due to the small breeding pools and the “popular-sire” effect; essentially, when a dog with desirable traits is repeatedly bred, genetic mutations, both good and bad, can be passed down to their offspring and quickly spread throughout the gene pool. Sometimes, these mutations can even become permanent within a breed.