The Golden Retriever, also known as the Golden, is one of the most loving and beloved of all canine breeds. Known for its loyal and outgoing personality, the Golden Retriever is called “the perfect dog” by its many admirers. The Golden has changed very little over the years, other than a lighter coat color becoming increasingly popular. Golden Retrievers were recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of the Sporting Group in 1925.
The mature male Golden Retriever should stand from 23 to 24 inches at the withers; females should be 21½ to 22½ inches in height. Deviation in height of more than one inch in either direction is a disqualification under the American standard. Adults typically weigh between 55 and 75 pounds (the females are usually lighter and smaller than the males). Their lustrous double coat can be wavy or straight. They should be brushed regularly and need occasional bathing to eliminate a doggy smell. Their ears should be cleaned regularly as well to prevent accumulation of dirt and debris.
The Golden Retriever descends from dogs bred in the 1800s in Britain, when sportsmen wanted efficient retrieving dogs for both waterfowl and upland game. It is thought that almost all retrievers go back to the Saint John’s Dog of Newfoundland, an immediate ancestor of the wavy-coated retriever, which is behind both the Flat-Coated and the Golden retrievers. The best record of the breed’s origin is contained in a journal kept from about 1840 to 1890
The Golden Retriever is the classic family companion. They are obedient, playful, intelligent, well-mannered, great with kids, and kindly to strangers. They are good watchdogs, but make lousy guard dogs as they love people far too much to be effective. Golden Retrievers are always at the top of their obedience classes and are often the champions of sporting competitions. Hunters find them to be reliable bird dogs, and their keen sense of smell and desire
The AKC Standard states that the Golden Retriever is, “A symmetrical, powerful, active dog, sound and well put together, not clumsy nor long in the leg, displaying a kindly expression and possessing a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident.” They are sturdy, well-proportioned dogs with a medium length, feathered coat that may come in any shade of gold. They have broad heads with wide, but tapering muzzles. They sport black noses, brown eyes and
Golden Retrievers are moderately active dogs and require a reasonable amount of exercise each day, although exercise needs may vary depending on the individual dog and its age. They are a breed that is prone to obesity, even more so than the Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers should never be treated like a small dog, or sedentary house pet. Some dogs may be too active to be easily exercised by elderly owners.Golden Retrievers are very
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