Photo credit: Mary Haworth by Mike Baird, Creative Commons License

Golden Retriever

Area of origin: United Kingdom

Date of Origin: 1800

Original function: Retrieving

Today’s function: Retrieving, field trials, obedience…

Other Names: Yellow Retriever

HEIGHT: (Males) 22-24 in. (Females) 22-23 in.

WEIGHT: (Males) 64-76 lbs, (Females) 56-64 lbs.

History:

The wonderful Golden Retriever was created by Lord Tweedmouth, who lived near the Tweedmouth river. To create such a wonderful breed, he crossed a Yellow wavy-coated retriever, which was a descendant of a small version of the Newfoundland, and a type of Labrador. Black Retrievers, Tweed Spaniels, Setters, and even a Blood hound were bred to create the Golden Retriever! These dogs made great Retrievers, and today, in Canada and in the U.S, they remain one of the most popular breed!

Temperament:

Every body’s friend, the Golden Retriever makes an ideal pet. They are fun loving, obedient and devoted pets, but still require regular exercise. ( They love to play fetch.) Also, Golden Retrievers are excellent with kids. They might be the dog for you…

Color and Appearance:

As the name suggests, the Golden Retriever has a beautiful golden long coat, that comes in a light white goldish coat, to dark gold. There coat is straight or wavy. Golden Retrievers are large, and athletic breeds, that are great swimmers, they have waterproof undercoats, otter-like webbed paws, and have powerful bodies for swimming.

Looking after:

The coat of the Golden Retriever needs twice a week brushing. To keep these keep these dogs happy, give them attention and exercise. The shedding period happens normally during the spring and summer.

Puppy info:

Golden Retrievers are so adorable… they need lots of attention and playtime. To identify the color of your Golden Retriever, check his ears. If they are dark his coat will turn dark, too. Golden Retriever puppies are quick learners, training begins at 2 moths.

Health: Golden Retrievers are more prone to cancer than most breeds; more than 60% of Golden Retrievers die from it. Also, hip problems like hip dysplasia (and elbow dysplasia) is common. To avoid it, make sure you don’t have slippery floors.

AKC RANKING: 2

Life span: 11-14 years