Golden Retriever
History
- Developed in England along the Tweed River in the middle 1800s.
- Lord Tweedmouth wanted to create a dog with the strength to push through heavy cover, stamina to swim tirelessly, toughness to brave cold water, and gentleness to retrieve game unharmed.
- The original Goldens, then considered to be a yellow variety of Flat-Coated Retrievers, were a mixture of Wavy-Coated Retriever, Tweed Water Spaniel, setters, black retrievers, and even a Bloodhound.
- In England, the breed was originally recognized in 1903 as Flat Coats-Golden. In 1912 the name was changed to the Yellow or Golden Retriever.
- Although they were in America by 1900, the AKC did not recognize them until 1927.
- Goldens are among the most successful guide and assistance dogs. They also work in search and rescue.
- U.S. President Gerald Ford owned a Golden named Liberty.
- A Golden Retriever starred in the two Homeward Bound movies.
- The Golden Retriever has been one of the most popular breeds in America for decades.
Golden Retriever Behavior Concerns
- Makes a playful and trustworthy child's companion.
- Eager to please, but can be overly exuberant.
- A happy dog, not easily bothered by things.
- Does best with reward-based training involving food or retrieving.
- Its aptitude for learning, combined with its happy attitude and quick responses, make it one of the top breeds for obedience competition.
- Outgoing toward strangers.
- Gets along well with other pets and dogs.
- Loves to retrieve, to the point of seeming compulsive.
- Loves to swim.
Golden Retriever Suggested Exercises
- Makes a calm housedog, but only if given adequate exercise.
- Needs daily walks, jogs, hikes or play sessions.
- Swimming and retrieving are favored methods of exercise.
- Obedience training or other mental games are also important.
- Goldens enjoy hunting, and many owners compete in field events with them.
Golden Retriever Grooming
- Coat is straight or wavy, and dense. It is of medium to long length. Neutered or spayed individuals tend to have longer coats.
- Color varies from very light cream to dark mahogany.
- Brushing twice a week is adequate; more frequent brushing is necessary during shedding seasons.
- Shedding is average to above average.
Suggested Golden Retriever Nutritional Needs
- Goldens have a tendency to become overweight.
- Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight.
- Puppies should be fed a large-breed growth food, which slows their growing rate, but not final size. This may decrease the incidence or severity of hip dysplasia in adults.
