This lovely golden breed was developed in Great Britain. In the mid-1800s, Lord Tweedmouth of Guisachan bought his first yellow retriever, a male, whom he bred to a Tweed Water Spaniel in hopes of developing an
even better bird dog. Through the years, cross-breedings were made to other Tweed Water Spaniels,
Irish Setters, other retrievers, and, it is said, even a Bloodhound. Lord Tweedmouth’s gamekeepers kept
records of breedings from 1835 until about 1890. These records detailed the beginning of the breed
that was later to be called the Golden Retriever. Goldens stand from 21.5 to 24 inches tall and weigh about 50 to 80 pounds, with females smaller than males. Their expression is kind, eager, and alert, with dark,
friendly eyes and soft, dropped ears. The body is strong, giving the appearance of being able to work
in the field all day. The coat is dense and of medium length, not coarse or silky. There is a ruff
around the neck and down the front of the chest and feathering on the legs and tail. The undercoat is soft. Colors range throughout the spectrum of gold, from light to dark, although extremely pale and extremely dark golds are less preferable. Grooming a Golden is not difficult Image Source
but needs to be done on a regularbasis, as the feathering can mat,
especially if it gets wet or picks up
burrs or foxtails. Brushing and combing
the dog twice a week is usually
fine, although additional effort might
be needed in the spring and fall when
shedding is at its heaviest. The ears
should be cleaned twice a week, too.
Goldens are very active, and when
they don’t get enough exercise, they
can get into trouble. Linda Hughes,
a Golden breeder and owner of twocertified Golden Retriever therapy
dogs, says, “My dogs get two good
walks a day, morning and evening,
plus playtime. When it’s time for
their walk, they will bug me until we
go!” Hughes says that even when her
dogs go on a therapy dog visit with
children, they still demand their
exercise walks and playtime.
Goldens, by temperament, are friendly with just about everyone. Hughes says, “Goldens love all mankind! Snickers would rather you pet her than throw the ball, and the ball is her favorite toy.
The breed can also be funny and silly; Goldens enjoy trick training and love to show off. Althoughthey will bark when someone comes to the house, they cannot be counted on to be watchdogs orprotectors.Training is necessary so that the Golden puppy learns the household rules and correct social behaviors. In addition, the breed needs the mental stimulation and challenge of training. A bored Golden will get into trouble; a Golden with training and a job to do is a happy dog. Goldens also thrive in performancesports, including obedience competition, agility, flyball, flying disc, and hunt tests, as well as tracking and search and rescue. Their temperament is perfect for therapy dog work. Goldens are excellent family dogs, although puppies can be rowdy and need to learn to be gentle with small children. They are usually quite good with other small pets. Do not trust the breed with birds! Health concerns include hip dysplasia, allergies, and eye disorders.
Source: The Howell Book of Dogs
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