Golden Retriever

Nous sitting with keeper

Mrs Winifred Charlesworth

At Sticker Lumis Golden

Golden Retrievers dark and light

FTCB181207

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a large-sized breed of dog that was originally bred in Scotland in the late 19th century. Known for its friendly, tolerant attitude, the Golden Retriever is a popular family pet. This breed is also utilized in roles such as guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf, hunting dogs, detection dogs, and search and rescue participants because of their obedient, intelligent, and versatile nature.

History

The Golden Retriever was first developed near Glen Affric in Scotland, at the highland estate of Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth. The breed was created by crossing the now-extinct Yellow Retriever with the Tweed Water Spaniel and later included the Bloodhound, Irish Setter, and more Tweed Water Spaniel in the mix. The goal was to develop a breed that was excellent at retrieving game from both water and land, as the hunting of waterfowl was extremely popular among the Scottish elite at the time.

Characteristics

Golden Retrievers are well known for their dense, water-repellant outer coat with a thick undercoat. Some coats are wavy, some are straight. The breed's friendly, gentle mouth is perfect for retrieving game without damage. Golden Retrievers are also known for their intelligence and versatility as working dogs.

Temperament

Golden Retrievers are noted for their intelligence, ranking fourth in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs. This makes them easy to train and they are often very compatible with children and other pets. Golden Retrievers are not "one-man dogs" and are generally equally amiable with both strangers and those familiar to them. Their trusting, gentle disposition makes them poor guard dogs.

Health

Golden Retrievers are susceptible to specific ailments, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, various types of cancer, and genetic disorders. They are also prone to obesity, with a love for eating that can lead to overfeeding. Regular exercise and a well-balanced diet are important for their health. The average lifespan of a Golden Retriever is about 10 to 12 years.

Activities

Golden Retrievers excel in a variety of canine sports, including agility, competitive obedience, and dock jumping. They are also known for their work as service dogs and in search-and-rescue missions. Their intelligence, physical ability, and friendly nature make them versatile and capable participants in these activities.

Popularity

The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Its friendly, tolerant attitude makes it a fabulous family pet, and its intelligence makes it an easy breed to train. The breed's versatility makes it suitable for a variety of roles including assistance, search and rescue, and in competitive events.