The History of Golden Retrievers

Recognized for its grace, sweet disposition and intelligence, the golden retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds. The loyal breed is a valued family companion in many homes, and the medium-sized animal is a favorite breed for search and rescue dogs. The history of this breed is rich and filled with rumors about its true origin.

  1. Scottish Origin

    • The exact origin of golden retrievers is a mystery. Several breeds played a role in the creation of the golden retriever, such as bloodhounds, the tweed water spaniel, Labrador retrievers, Irish setter, St John's Water dog and Newfoundland dogs. In the 1800s, there was an increasing demand for hunting dogs in Britain. According to the Scottish aristocrat Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, the dog's origin can be traced back to when he bred a now extinct tweed water spaniel with a dark colored retriever. The first flat-coated retriever puppies were born and he continued breeding until a lovely light-colored dog was produced.

    Circus Dogs

    • In the 1950s, Lord Tweedmouth's breeding records were released to the public and they tell a different story. Dogs were bought from a circus for breeding purposes and this led to the wavy coat and light color. The puppies were crossed with several different breeds, such as St. John's water dog, the Irish setter and Newfoundland. Lord Tweedmouth was breeding dogs that would catch his game, but also be a good companion and friendly in large groups of people or animals. It is also possible that Lord Tweedmouth bought a golden retriever from a cobbler in Brighton, England. The dog, Nous, was born in 1864, and was the only yellow dog from a black litter.

    Registration

    • Flat coats - golden were first accepted for registration by Kennel Club of England in 1903. In 1911, they were recognized as a breed. The name was officially changed to golden retriever in 1920 as they were previously called retrievers - golden and yellow. The name golden retriever has been attributed to Lord Harcourt, who had a collection of dogs from the original matings at his estate at Nuneham Park, Oxford, England. He exhibited the breed at the Kennel Club Show in 1908, where they were described as yellow flat-coated retrievers.

    Introduction to North America

    • Golden retrievers came to North America in the 1890s, but were not shown in dog shows until the 1920s. Archie Majoribanks, a relative to Lord Tweedmouth, brought a dog, Lady, to North America and it was registered in 1924. However, the breed was not recognized until 1932. The first golden retrievers were used primarily in hunting. The first dogs were gold to dark gold to a copper gold. The lighter colors that are common today developed over time when the breed became popular in the show ring.