Golden Retriever

Breed:

The Golden Retriever breed is primarily a hunting dog breed. Active, alert, and self-confident, this strong animal loves the outdoors.

This strain found itself going in two breeding directions. One camp that bred the dog for its original purpose of hunting and retrieving, and they were bred for qualities which were useful for the task. The other camp bred the Golden Retriever for exhibition and were more interested in the beauty of the dog. The Golden Retriever still ranks as one of the most popular dogs in many households around the world.

Origin:

Country/region of origin: Scotland

The Golden Retriever most likely descended from the same strain as the Labrador and was developed through various crosses (of the yellow Flat-coated Retriever from Newfoundland with Scottish water spaniels and other breeds). In 1868, Tweedmouth mated a now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle to a Yellow Wavy-Coated Retriever named Nous. The resulting four puppies formed the origin of the present day Golden Retriever. The dogs first arrived in North America in 1900 through Lord Tweedmouth's two sons.

Some believe that the Golden Retriever was born by crossing the Bloodhound with yellow dogs from the Caucasus Mountains - Russian Yellow Retrievers - used in Scotland to retrieve wounded game.

Personality:

The Golden Retriever is a beautiful, lively, large, and active breed. They are strong, well proportioned, and are well known for their hunting abilities on land and in the water. The Golden is observant, sharp and agile.
Golden Retrievers are loveable, polite, and highly intelligent. They are the world's leading family pet and companion. They are eager to please and are devoted family companions.
They might become destructive and mischievous if left alone for extended periods of time. They have a tendency to be overly energetic, but are always gentle and patient with children. They are friendly with other pets too. They require a large amount of human interaction and companionship.
They are easily trained and some of them make good watchdogs.

Home Adjustment:

If you do not have a lot of time to spend with your dog, if you are looking for a protective dog, a Golden Retriever is not for you.
Their happy-go-lucky, social nature make them wonderful family pets, not watchdog material. Exercise-oriented, playful outside and calm indoors, they are great with children and other dogs.
They are extremely easy to train, they love to learn and are fast learners. They are best for active families as they require daily time to run and roam outdoors.

Care:

The Golden Retriever requires daily and thorough brushing with a firm brush as it sheds all year round. Daily brushing also helps prevent knots. They should be dry shampooed regularly, and bathed only when necessary with a mild shampoo.
It is important not to over feed the Golden Retriever, as they have a tendency to gain weight.
Make sure you or someone is there at home willing to spend an hour or so a day playing with and exercising the dog.
Be informed about the health problems associated with this breed: hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, congenital heart disease, epilepsy, thyroid disorders and allergies.

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