Golden Retrievers

The Golden Retriever is probably one of, if not the most popular family dog in the world today. It was originally developed as a gundog to retrieve upland game and shot waterfowl during the hunting season; thus loving the water, and being able to retrieve their game without damaging it. They have been used for a variety of different things from illegal drug detection, to search and rescue dogs. They have also been known to help with the blind in guiding and directing. They are friendly to friend and foe and are especially good with children.

Where does it come from?

The Golden Retriever was originally bred in Scotland near Glen Affric. There was a lot of controversy over what breeds were crossed during this time to develop the Golden Retriever, but since then most myths (including Russian sheep dogs from a visiting circus) have been dispelled.

In the 1800s as gun development began to improve so did the need for something to help retrieve the game that was being shot down. Fowl were being hunted at greater distances and hunters were having much difficulty retrieving what they had shot down. This first started the development of the Golden Retriever.

Originally the color was a yellow colored Retriever. In 1868 Majoriebanks cross bred what is known today as the perfect hunting dog; the Irish Setter, the sandy colored Bloodhound, the St. John's Water Dog, and two wavy coated black Retrievers. The first Retrievers were accepted for registration by the Kennel Club of England in 1903 and first exhibited in 1908. In 1911 they were recognized as a Golden and Yellow Retriever. In 1913 the Golden Retriever club was founded and the name of the dog was officially changed to Golden Retriever in 1920.

English and American Golden Retrievers

There is somewhat of a difference between the English Golden Retriever and the American Golden Retriever. The differences are mostly reflected through the breed standards. The English type Retriever is bigger boned, shorter, and has a squarer head. They will also be somewhat heavier. Height is specified with English Golden Retrievers; however weight is not in the UK standard. The Kennel Club standards in England call for a level top line and straight hindquarters without slight rear angulation, which is found in American Golden Retrievers. English Golden Retriever eyes will be set closer together than that of the American Retriever. English Retrievers can also have a coat color of any shade of gold or cream.

For the American Golden Retriever, they are athletic, well balanced, powerful and extremely active. American Golden Retrievers are somewhat thinner and lankier than English Retrievers. American Retrievers also have a height and weight standard; males should be twenty two to twenty four inches at the shoulders and weigh between sixty five and seventy five pounds. Females should be twenty one and a half to twenty two and a half inches at the shoulders and weigh between fifty five and sixty five pounds. Their coats are thick and water resistant which makes them great swimmers.

The Golden Retriever is known to be kind, friendly and confident. They are trusting and gentle with strangers and friends therefore they do not make great guard or watch dogs. A typical Golden Retriever is very intelligent and biddable with an eagerness to please its master. They are excellent with children which is why it has become one of the most popular family pets in the world.

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