Golden
Retriever Breed Information
Origins of the Golden
Retriever
The Golden
Retriever Breed was developed in the mid-19th century Britain
by a
Scotsman, Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, later known as Lord
Tweedsmuir. His goal was to develop the breed for use as both a land
hunting dog and a waterfowl retriever which was gentle and loyal and energetic and full of
spirit.
Breeding records show that the Golden Retriever
Breed comes from a mixture of other sporting dog breeds
including the wavy-coated Retriever, the yellow Tweed Water
Spaniel, the Irish Setter and the sandy-colored Bloodhound.
Golden Retrievers were officially recognized as a pure-bred
breed in Britain in 1913 and by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
in 1925. Today, while there is only one breed, there are two
"types" within the breed,
American
Golden Retrievers and
English
Golden Retrievers.
Characteristics
The Golden's
water-repellant coat may be a light cream through rich gold
all the way to red color. The coat is easy to care for and
generally only requires weekly combing and brushing except
when shedding. Male Goldens stand 23 to 24 inches tall at
shoulder height and weigh from 65 to 75 pounds. Females are
smaller and stand 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall at shoulder
height and weigh from 55 to 65 pounds.
The Golden
Retriever is one of the most versatile dog breeds known to
man. This retriever is a good hunting dog, guide dog for the
blind, narcotics dog, as well as an outstanding competitor
in agility, retriever field trial, and obedience
competitions. The versatile Golden manages all this while
being an outstanding family dog. Golden Retrievers are
compatible with other dogs, cats and most livestock.
The
list of superlatives that can be used to describe this breed
are endless, but the most obvious ones are: gentle,
confidant, loyal, cheerful, trustworthy, active, friendly,
intelligent, eager to please and very responsive to
training. The Golden Retriever's eagerness to please has
made them consistent top performers in the obedience and
agility rings rings. In fact, the first three dogs ever to
achieve the AKC Obedience Champion title, were Golden
Retrievers.
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