Originating in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s, the Golden Retriever was developed by Lord Tweedmouth, by crossing the original yellow Flat-coated Retriever with the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel. He later crossed in the Bloodhound, Irish Setter and more Tweed Water Spaniel. The dogs were called the Golden Flat-coat and only later were they given the name Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds known today, not only as family companions but for obedience competitions, hunting and tracking, as a birddog on both land and in the water, narcotics detection, service dog for the disabled, a guide for the blind and as a therapy dog. The Golden Retriever was first recognized by the AKC in 1925.
Description
The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized to large, well-balanced dog with a distinctive golden-colored coat; small, drop ears; and a natural tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The correct relationship of length of body to height is 12:11. The Golden Retriever is a dog without exaggeration. The Golden Retriever should be evaluated as a working gun dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog’s ability to work.
The breed’s most readily identifiable characteristic is its rich, lustrous golden color. Another essential characteristic is proper temperament. A Golden Retriever is friendly, calm, compliant and compatible with people and other dogs. Goldens are particularly good with children. The Golden Retriever’s friendly temperament is reflected in his kindly expression. The Golden Retriever is a powerfully built dog, with a good nose for tracking, a soft mouth, and an eagerness to learn.
Features of Golden Retriever Dog
- Highlights
- Golden Retrievers shed profusely, especially in the spring and fall. Daily brushing will get some of the loose hair out of the coat, keeping it from settling on your clothing and all over your house. But if you live with a Golden, you’ll have to get used to dog hair.
- Golden Retrievers are family dogs; they need to live indoors with their human “pack,” and shouldn’t spend hours alone in the backyard.
- Golden Retrievers are active dogs who need 40-60 minutes of hard exercise daily. They thrive on obedience training, agility classes, and other canine activities, which are a great way to give your dog physical and mental exercise.
- Although they’re gentle and trustworthy with kids, Golden Retrievers are boisterous, large dogs that can accidentally knock over a small child.
- Goldens love to eat, and will quickly become overweight if overfed. Limit treats, measure out your dog’s daily kibble, and feed him in regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
- Because the Golden Retriever is so popular, there are many people breeding Goldens who care more about making money out of the demand for puppies than in breeding happy, healthy dogs. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they’re free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments.
Specification of Golden Retriever Dog
| HEIGHT | 21.5-24 inches |
| WEIGHT | 55-75 pounds |
| LIFE SPAN | 10-12 years |
| BREED SIZE | large (61-100 lbs.) |
| GOOD WITH | children seniors dogs cats families |
| TEMPERAMENT | gentle friendly willful outgoing playful |
| SHEDDING AMOUNT | frequent |
| EXERCISE NEEDS | high |
| ENERGY LEVEL | active |
| BARKING LEVEL | when necessary |
| DROOL AMOUNT | high |
| BREED GROUP | sporting |
| COAT LENGTH/TEXTURE | long medium |
| COLORS | cream gold / yellow |
| PATTERNS | saddle / blanket |
| OTHER TRAITS | easy to trainrequires lots of groomingtendency to chewhigh potential for weight gainloves watergood for first-time pet ownersstrong loyalty tendencies |
Prices of Golden Retriever Dog
$1000 – $2000