The Golden Retriever is a medium-large sized dog of the Retriever breed.
They are renown for their abilities as gun dogs, or hunting dogs.
What makes them great hunting dogs is there ability to retrieve delicate small game without damaging it.
Golden Retriever History & Background
Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland during the mid 1800’s.
At the time they were bred, bird hunting was very popular among wealthy Scotsmen.
These hunters were in need of a dog that could retrieve the hunted game from water and land.
This is when water spaniels were cross-bred with other retrievers, such as Labrador Retrievers.
With the cross-breeding of these two breeds came the creation of the Golden Retriever.
Golden Retrievers did not become a registered breed of dog in America until 1932.
They are now the second-most popular dog breed in america, behind Labrador retrievers.
Golden Retrievers saw a rise in popularity during President Gerald Ford’s term at the White House.
President Ford kept a Golden Retriever in White House during his presidency. The Presidential pet’s name was Liberty.
Golden Retriever Physical Characteristics
Golden Retrievers have long coats, with a dense inner coat.
Their inner coat gives them warmth in cold climates.
They have an outer coat that’s primary use is to repel water.
Their outer coat repelling water is the main reason why they are such good swimmers.
Golden Retrievers only shed during certain times of the year.
But when they do shed, they shed large amounts of hair.
Their times of shedding usually take place during the changing of the seasons.
With the large amount of shedding, they will frequently need a good brushing.
Golden Retrievers are quite similar in size to their Labrador counterparts.
Male Golden Retrievers stand 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh 65 to 75 pounds on average.
Female Golden Retrievers stand 21 to 22 inches tall and weigh 55 to 65 pounds on average.
Golden Retrievers usually don’t reach their full height and weight until they are two years old.
Personality
The trademark of the Golden Retriever breed is their loving and fun personality.
All Golden Retrievers need a fun name to match their fun personality.
Golden Retrievers were originally bred to work with people.
With this being their original purpose, they want to always please their owner.
Like all dogs, Golden Retrievers need great raising and training to make the most of their heritage.
One can liken a Golden Retriever’s personality to that of an Alaskan Malamute.
Since they have such a friendly personality they do not make great guard or watch dogs.
Despite being very playful around their owners, they can be very poised and patient when need be.
The main time Golden Retrievers show their patience is when hunting.
This is among the many other reasons that make them great hunting companions.
Golden Retrievers are also very intelligent.
They are among the most intelligent breeds in Stanley Coren’s ‘The Intelligence of Dogs.’
Health
Golden Retriever’s are a generally healthy breed of dog.
But like with all breeds, some health concerns may arise with age.
They are often subject to dyspasia in the elbow and hip, so they will need to have those checked often.
Sometimes Golden Retrievers will develop cataracts at a young age.
There ears and teeth need to be checked frequently for infection.
Taking good care of their teeth should prevent any infection from arriving.
However the biggest enemy to Golden Retrievers is cancer.
Cancer is the leading cause of death among Golden Retrievers.
According to a study in 1998, cancer was the cause of 61% of Golden Retriever deaths.
Golden Retrievers have an average lifespan of 11 to 12 years.
