About Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are by far one of the most recognizable dogs breeds in existence. Used for decades as hunting and upland game retrievers, the Golden has become a fixture in many homes. Known for their intelligence and gentle disposition, the Golden has also become a popular search and rescue breed and a service dog breed. The grace and beauty of the Golden Retriever makes it easy on the eyes, while the breed's compassionate nature keeps owners loyal to this versatile breed.

  1. History

    • Development of the Golden Retriever began in the mid 1800's. Sir Dudley Marjoribanks and Baron Tweedmouth are the most notable figures in the breed's rich history, and are both credited with developing the earliest strains of the breed. Marjoribanks purchased a yellow puppy by the name of Nous that was later bred with a Tweed Water Spaniel bitch by the name of Belle. This produced a litter or four puppies that were crossed with other sporting breeds of the time such as the St. John's Water Dog, the Irish Setting and even a Newfoundland to create the modern Golden Retriever. The first Golden was registered with The American Kennel Club in 1894 and The Kennel Club of England in 1903 and has ranked as one of the most popular breeds since its creation.

    Identification

    • The Golden Retriever is one of the most recognizable breeds, with it's moderate build and long, golden coat. The Golden is a medium-sized breed, with males standing approximately 24 inches tall and weighing 75 pounds, and females slightly smaller at an average of 21 inches and 50 pounds. Golden Retrievers have long, strong limbs and a rectangular body with a well-fringed tail. The Golden's coat varies from short and thin to long and full, with working dogs carrying a shorter coat and show-bred dogs having a much longer, plush coat. The color of the Golden's coat ranges from a light, wheaten color to a rich, golden burgundy.

    Types

    • Golden Retrievers are typically broken down into the American type and the British type, although they continue to remain one breed. The American style of Golden is longer through the body, with finer limbs and a lighter, more refined head. American-bred dogs are taller than British dogs and are much leaner, with lighter muscling and lighter bone. Color of the American Goldens is much more varied, with everything from the lightest cream to the riches mahogany acceptable. The British-bred dogs are much heavier, with denser bone and more coat than American dogs. British dogs tend to be more moderately colored, favoring the original golden-coated dogs and frowning upon light or dark extremes.

    Considerations

    • The Golden has been a popular breed since it's inception, and this popularity has introduced a host of problems into the breed. Overbreeding and inbreeding has produced a number of health problems into the breed, with hip and elbow dysplasia ruining a number of previously healthy lines. Goldens are also a heavily coated breed, and a considerable amount of grooming is necessary to keep the dog clean and avoid clumps of hair throughout your home. Daily brushing and monthly bathing should be enough to keep the thick coat in check and avoid a smelly and matted dog.

    Warning

    • Goldens are an extremely intelligent breed, and potential owners should be aware of this. A bored Golden will invent things to do, and these distractions can often take a destructive turn. Golden Retrievers are working dogs and should be kept well-stimulated to avoid a troublesome dog. Agility, flyball and hunting trials can provide your Golden Retriever with enough work to keep her busy. If performance sports are not available, daily workout sessions with a ball or favorite toy, as well as frequent walks can keep your dog stimulated and out of trouble.