Golden Retriever

Description: They are powerful, active dogs, sound and well balanced. Golden Retrievers possess a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. A Golden Retriever is an ideal sportman’s companion, family pet, gundog, guide or service dog. Gentle with children, they enjoy the endless attention that children provide. Golden Retrievers love to swim and should be allowed to do so whenever possible. Though they will adapt well to a kennel environment, they prefer human companionship and are not happy in solitude. Type: Gun Dog

Other Names: Yellow Retriever

Height: 20 – 24 inches Weight: 60 – 80 lbs

Colors: Any shades of gold or cream. Coat: Flat or wavy with good feathering, dense, water-resistant undercoat.

Temperament: Golden Retrievers are responsive, alert, well-mannered, playful With Children: Yes, usually do well with children, best if supervised with younger children as they can be pushy with their affection. With Pets: Yes Special Skills: Field sports dog and family pet

Watch-dog: Medium Guard-dog: Low

Care and Training: Golden Retrievers shed a fair amount and should be groomed weekly with a firm bristle brush or comb. Bath as needed. Golden Retrievers needs long daily walks and the opportunity to run freely. Learning Rate: Very High, Obedience – High, Problem Solving – Medium.

Activity: Moderate – High Living Environment: A home with a fenced yard is essential either in the country or city for the Golden Retriever as they will adjust to either environment as long as daily exercise is given. Golden Retriever do not do well as an apartment dog, nor as a companion for the elderly as they are a very active breed. An owner of a Golden Retriever needs to be willing to give them the attention they require.

Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, hereditary cataract and epilepsy.

Life Span: 10 – 12 years Litter Size: 6 – 10

Country of Origin: Great Britain History: It is said that Lord Tweedmouth saw a troupe of eight Russian sheepdogs performing in a circus in the seaside resort of Brighton in England. He was so impressed that following the show purchased all eight dogs. The Golden Retrievers history is then documented by handwritten records of Lord Tweedmouth. In 1868, Lord Tweedmouth mated a Tweed Water Spaniel to a yellow retriever and this resulted in the foundation of the definitive yellow breed now known as the Golden Retriever. In 1881 Lord Tweedmouth’s son took two yellow retrievers with them to their family’s Texas ranch.

First Registered by the AKC: 1925 AKC Group: Sporting Group Class: Gundog Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 8), KC (GB), UKC