With a sunny disposition to match it’s beautiful golden coat, the Golden Retriever makes a loyal, affectionate and trustworthy companion.
Originally used as a soft-mouthed retriever for wild game hunting, the Golden Retriever breed has become extremely popular as a treasured family pet and has also been used widely as a guide dog for the blind.
Golden Retrievers were developed in the 1800’s in Britain – a mix of various sporting breeds as well as Bloodhound to sharpen the breeds’ scenting skills. The Golden Retriever was recognized as a pure breed by the English Kennel Club in 1913, and has since found it’s way into the hearts and homes of dog lovers world-wide.
Extremely loveable, well-mannered and eager-to-please, Golden Retrievers excel in field trials, hunting, tracking, agility and obedience. They adore children and get along well with other dogs and family pets.
Goldens stand from 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder and weigh from 60 to 75 pounds. The dense, water-repellent coat comes in various golden shades and requires weekly brushing to keep it silky and shiny. Golden Retrievers do best in homes with a large yard or country homes where they are given plenty of outdoor exercise.
If you are looking for a fantastic family dog, you can’t go wrong with a Golden Retriever puppy – there’s a reason they are North America’s #1 dog breed!
Golden Retriever Breed History:
The most glamorous of the retriever family, the Golden Retriever was developed in the mid-19th century by a Scotsman, Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later Lord Tweedmouth.
The romantic story that first unfolded concerned Sir Dudley visiting a circus and being so taken with a troupe of Russian sheepdogs that he bought them all. But when his breeding records were made public, they revealed the Golden Retriever was all sporting blood.
It had been created by crossing the wavy-coated Retriever with the yellow Tweed Water Spaniel. The offspring were crossed with the Irish Setter and the sandy-coloured Bloodhound.
Line breeding finally created the Golden. It was first granted breed status in Britain in 1913. Among the most ingratiating of breeds, the Golden Retriever’s manners win friends for him wherever he’s seen.
Golden Retriever Breed Description:
Height/Weight: Strong and upstanding Golden Retriever males measure from 23-24 in (58-61 cm) at the shoulder and weigh from 65-75 lb (29.5-34 kg). Females are somewhat smaller.
Coat: The Golden Retriever has a dense and water-repellent coat that lies flat against the body and may be straight or wavy. It is firm and resilient. There’s moderate feathering on the back of the forelegs and heavier feathering on the front of the neck, back of thighs and underside of tail.
Color: The Golden Retriever is golden, of course, but in various shades of gold.
Golden Retriever Breed Temperament:
As a family pet, especially with children, the Golden Retriever breed has few equals. The Golden Retriever is noted for being friendly, reliable and trustworthy. In addition to being a gentle-mouthed retriever, the Golden Retriever excels in obedience and shines as a guide dog for the seeing-impaired.
Golden Retriever Breed Exercise Requirements:
A powerful and active dog, the Golden Retriever does well in suburban or country environments where he gets lots of outdoor exercise, but keep him well-fenced for his own protection.
Golden Retriever Breed Grooming Requirements:
Regular brushing is the only grooming required for the Golden Retriever outside of the occasional bath.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 Years
Good with Children: Yes
Dog Breed Group: Sporting Dogs Group
Size Group: Large