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One of the most popular breeds in the U.S., the Golden Retriever is a sturdy, athletic dog known for his intelligence and eager-to-please attitude. The Golden Retriever is patient, kind and loves everyone. His keen nose makes him an excellent hunting companion, and his gentle nature suits him well for therapy work or being a service dog for the disabled. The Golden needs daily exercise and regular grooming.
DID YOU KNOW? The Golden Retriever was developed in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s by Lord Tweedmouth, who crossed a “Yellow Retriever” with a now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel found on his estate. Later, the Irish Setter and Bloodhound were integrated into the breed. Three Golden Retrievers were the first dogs to achieve an AKC Obedience Champion title.
ALSO KNOWN AS: Retriever
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Weight: | 27–34kg |
| Height: | 51–61cm |
| Colours: | The Golden Retriever comes in various shades of gold from light to dark |
| Size: | Large |
| Kennel Club group: | Gundog |
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 5/5 |
| Easy to train: | 5/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 1/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 5/5 |
| Energy level: | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 4/5 |
| Shedding: | 5/5 |
The Golden Retriever is a gentle dog with a level disposition, and usually adapts well to family life. They love to be involved in all matters, whether indoors or outdoors. They are foremost a retriever and will attempt to drag, pull or carry anything they can fit into their mouths. They also love water and care should be taken to ensure their safety when any form of water is nearby. Golden Retrievers are, however, worriers, and great care should be taken during training, ensuring sensitivity is maintained at all times.
As long as they have been introduced to cats and other furries as a puppy, they will happily live with all other household animals.
The Golden Retriever will suit an owner or family who are active and love the great outdoors, and who want a friendly trainable large dog who needs lots of exercise and will join in with all activities with joy - and love everyone.
Sir Dudley Marjoribanks (Lord Tweedmouth) took a liking to the yellow colour of the retriever and acquired a dog called 'Nous' from Brighton, England, in 1865 and used him on a Tweed Water Spaniel bitch, which was a liver-coloured retrieving dog. In 20 years of further breeding, and bringing in Labrador Retrievers, Red Setters and possibly a Bloodhound or two to improve scenting and add bone, the Golden Retriever dog breed was developed. In 1908 it was registered and shown as Golden Flatcoats until 1913, when the listing was changed to Golden or Yellow Retrievers until finally, in 1920, they took the name they bear today.
