Golden Retriever Breed Information

The Golden Retriever is a member of the Sporting Group and was first recognized by the AKC in 1925. The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland and England in the late 19th Century for the purpose of retrieving wildfowl on land and water. Its physical characteristics and its willing, adaptable, trainable nature have also fitted it for usefulness in many other endeavors.

The Golden Retriever is a "natural" dog it doesn't need any surgical alteration or exotic grooming, to keep it looking characteristic of the breed. The Golden Retriever has a normal canine structure without distortions of leg, jaw or tail, and is characteristically a healthy, sturdy, adaptable animal. Basic grooming for a Golden Retriever should take no more than 20 minutes a week. The mature male Golden Retriever is ideally 23-24 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs 65 to 75 pounds; Bitches, 21 1/2 to 22 1/2 inches, and 55 to 65 pounds. The Golden Retrievers coat, is one of the most characteristic features of the breed, is a "double coat" with a thick weather-proof topcoat and a dense, soft undercoat. There is feathering of longer hair on the backs of the legs, on the neck and chest, and on the tail. The adult Golden Retriever coat may range from light to dark golden, and a golden body color with lighter feathering is common.

Golden Retrievers are used for many things like obedience, field, agility, rescue work and are even great for handicapped people. Golden Retrievers are easy to train and strong, however they do have a higher energy level than some other breeds and so they require more attention and activity to keep them from becoming board and possibly destructive! If you have the to time for a higher energy dog the Golden Retrievers temperament can't be matched! This is their most outstanding trait "character". They are outgoing and devoted companions to all sorts of people, happy and trusting. It has also been said that on occasion they can be protective, however I have yet to experience it!

The Golden Retriever is known for being the "ideal" family dog. However like any good dog trainer or veterinarian will tell you, they are still an animal and should always be supervised when they are with small children. Golden Retrievers are known to be very pushy with their affection.

There is no question that the Golden Retriever is a versatile and remarkable breed.