What Kind of a Dog Is a Golden Retriever?

A golden retriever is a medium-large breed of dog. This breed has a broad skull with a straight and slightly tapering muzzle. The color of the nose can be either black or brownish black, while the color of the eyes are dark brown. The ears are fairly short hanging down near the cheeks. The coat of the breed is thick and water resistant, and can be straight or wavy. The coat color ranges from cream to deep golden.

  1. Origin

    • The golden retriever originated some time in the late 1800s in the Scottish Highlands. The breed was developed by Lord Tweedmouth when he crossed the flat-coated retriever with the tweed water Spaniel. The resulting offsprings were then crossed with the bloodhound, Irish setter and tweed water Spaniel. This new breed was known as the golden flat coat, but later on the name changed to golden retriever.

    Temperament

    • The golden retriever is a family dog known for its intelligence and obedience. It can be easily trained and is calm around children. The breed loves to please its master, so it enjoys obedience training and competitions. Though the golden retriever is know for attacking people, it makes an excellent watchdog. If the golden retriever does not receive its daily dose of physical and mental exercise, it can be destructive and hyperactive. Behavioral issues can be tackled by being calm, firm and confident with the dog.

    Health Issues

    • Unfortunately, this breed is prone to some health problems, like cancer, hip dysplasia, cardiac problems, Von Willebrand's disease and congenital eye defects. Even skin allergies are common which would require veterinary intervention. The golden retriever can put on weight rather easily; hence the breed should not be overfed.

    Exercise

    • The breed needs exercise every day, be it a long brisk walk or jog. It also enjoys retrieving toys and balls. Exercise is a must, otherwise it will become hyperactive and destructive. It loves the water and enjoys spending time in a swimming pool. The breed loves to participate in outdoor activities with the family, like camping and hiking.

    Grooming

    • The dog's thick coat needs brushing every day. A firm bristled brush will help groom the thick undercoat. The breed sheds its fur, but the shedding is average. It requires dry shampooing regularly, but a bath only when required.

    More about the Golden Retriever

    • The American Kennel Club recognized the golden retriever in 1925. Today, besides being a loving family pet, the golden retriever is also trained for obedience competitions, hunting, tracking, detecting narcotics, being a guide to the visually challenged and being a service dog for the disabled.