Golden Retriever

Goldens are easy to train and strong, but their most outstanding trait is character. They are outgoing and devoted companions to all sorts of people, happy and trusting. They make great hunting companions, also.

Golden Retriever breed facts

The most complete records of the development of the Golden Retriever are included in the record books that were kept from 1835 until about 1890 by the gamekeepers at the Guisachan (pronounced Gooeesicun) estate of Lord Tweedmouth at Inverness-Shire, Scotland. These records were released to public notice in Country Life in 1952, when Lord Tweedmouth's great-nephew, the sixth Earl of Ilchester, historian and sportsman, published material that had been left by his ancestor. They provided factual confirmation to the stories that had been handed down through generations.

Golden Retrievers are used successfully in field trials, hunting, obedience, and as guide dogs for the blind.

Golden Retrievers were first shown in England at the Crystal Palace show in 1908, and were listed as Flat Coats (Golden).

Information you should know before owning a Golden Retriever

Renown for its reliable temperament, the Golden Retriever makes a great hunter, family pet or show dog.

Although they can adapt to living in a small apartment they need to be given plenty of exercise daily.

The Golden Retriever's dense water repellent coat ranges in color from light to dark shades of gold.

In the early 1800s game was plentiful in England and Scotland, and hunting was both a sport and a practical way of obtaining food. Retrievers came into prominence because of the desire for a medium-sized dog that would do well in wild-fowling, both waterfowl and upland game. During the 19th century, gamekeepers at the Guisachan estate of Lord Tweedmouth at Inverness-Shire, Scotland, kept records of the development of the Golden.

Lord Tweedmouth bought his first Yellow Retriever in the mid-19th century. The location of Tweedmouth’s estate on the Tweed River had a direct bearing on the program pursued by the Lord to produce the characteristics he desired in his Yellow Retrievers. Along the shores of this river was the light-colored Tweed Water Spaniel, the hardy type of spaniel used for retrieving and known for their intelligence, courage and ability. The Tweed Water Spaniel had tremendous influence on Tweedmouth’s developing breed, as he bred his original stud "Nous" to "Belle," a Tweed Water Spaniel, to produce four yellow puppies. Later on down the line, cross-breedings integrated Irish Setter, Bloodhound, and more Tweed Water Spaniel to obtain the Golden Retriever we recognize today.

Yellow or Golden Retrievers became popular in England toward the end of the 19th century, and they were first shown in England (listed as Golden Flat-Coats) in 1908. In 1913 they obtained separate status when the Golden Retriever Club (of England) formed, and the breed arrived in North America in the 1920s. The first Golden was registered by the AKC in 1925, and the breed flourished in the 1930s and ’40s. Used predominantly as hunters, Goldens proved strong in the show ring also, although unlike today, the darker gold colors were initially favored over the light. Over the years, the Golden Retriever has grown to become one of the most successful, recognizable, and popular breeds in history in all areas.

Is this a vulnerable breed? Yes, No	No
What size is this dog? Small, Medium, Large	Large
How much excercise is required? 30 mins a day, 1 hour a day, Over 2 hours a day	Over 2 hours a day
How long is this dog's coat? Short, Medium, Long	Medium
How much grooming is required? Once a week, More than once a week, Every day	More than once a week
Does this dog shed? Does shed, Does not shed	Does shed
What area is this dog best suited to? Town, Country, Either	Either
What size house is required for this breed? Flat/Apartment, Small House, Large House	Small House
What size of garden is required? Small Garden, Large Garden, No Garden	Large garden

	General Appearance Symmetrical, balanced, active, powerful, level mover; sound with kindly expression.
	Characteristics Biddable, intelligent and possessing natural working ability.
	Temperament Kindly, friendly and confident.
	Eyes Dark brown, set well apart, dark rims.
	Mouth Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
	Neck Good length, clean and muscular.
	Forequarters Forelegs straight with good bone, shoulders well laid back, long in blade with upper arm of equal length placing legs well under body. Elbows close fitting. n
	Body Balanced, short-coupled, deep through heart. Ribs deep, well sprung. Level topline.
	Hindquarters Loin and legs strong and muscular, good second thighs, well bent stifles. Hocks well let down, straight when viewed from rear, neither turning in nor out. Cow-hocks highly undesirable.
	Feet Round and cat-like.
	Tail Set on and carried level with back, reaching to hocks, without curl at tip.
	Gait / Movement Symmetrical, balanced, active, powerful, level mover; sound with kindly expression.
	Coat Flat or wavy with good feathering, dense water-resisting undercoat.
	Colour Any shade of gold or cream, neither red nor mahogany. A few white hairs on chest only, permissible.
	Size Height at withers: dogs: 56-61 cms (22-24 ins); bitches: 51-56 cms (20-22 ins).