Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever Dog Breed Information
The Golden Retriever is possibly the most popular dog in the United States. Energetic, strong, and intelligent, they were first bred in England for retrieving birds for hunters. However, because of their genial nature, they soon became beloved family pets. Golden Retrievers love people and really enjoy active play.
Description
Height in dogs is measured to the withers, which is the tops of the shoulders.Males
- Height: 23 - 24 inches (58 - 61 cm)
- Weight: 65 - 76 pounds (29 - 34 kg)
- Height: 20 - 22 ½ inches (51 - 57 cm)
- Weight: 55 - 65 pounds (25 - 29 kg)
- Color: any shade from light blond to reddish blond, but generally looks golden in the sunlight
- Coat: long, wavy or flat hair, thick and water-resistant
History
Golden Retrievers were first bred in the 1860s in England. Lord Tweedmouth discovered a yellow pup from a litter of black Flat-Coated Retrievers. He crossed this dog with a liver-colored Water-Spaniel. He eventually bred in a Newfoundland, Irish Setters, and other Water Spaniels until he had created a breed that could carry a bird in its mouth without damaging it, sniff out a bird that fell out of sight, and swim in cold water to get a bird. Indeed, Goldens love the water and will not pass up an opportunity to dive in.
Golden Retrievers were imported to Canada in 1881, and in 1894, the United States. The American Kennel Club (AKC) started registering Goldens as a separate breed in 1925, and in Canada, 1927. Now, 65,000 are registered every year with the AKC; and, many more than that are born and not registered.
Usage
Some of the uses that people put Golden Retrievers to include; hunting, seeing-eye or guide dogs, police dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and, of course, family pets. Golden Retrievers do not make good guard dogs because they are so friendly. Police use them to sniff out drugs or bombs or for search-and-rescue.
Care and Feeding
If you are thinking of owning one, be sure you are ready to play a lot! These medium to big sized dogs need plenty of daily activity to keep them active and happy. The mouth on a Golden Retriever looks as if he is smiling and his tail wags almost constantly. A Golden Retriever is ready to play at all times and will pass food or sleep in order to play. Be aware of the amount of food it takes to keep a dog of this size active, about a pound (1/2 kg) of dry dog food a day. The golden coat will need brushed out every week. A good-sized yard is desirable, but not a requirement, if there is a large park near by. All dogs should have some toys and a rawhide bone. The rawhide bone is healthy for the teeth. Any dog the size of a Golden Retriever should have some basic obedience training. Your guests will appreciate not being accosted by your inquisitive pet!