The Golden Retriever: America's Favorite Blond

One of America's long-time favorite dog breeds is the Golden Retriever. Born on the border of Scotland in 1868, this breed was developed by Lord Tweedmouth who bred a yellow retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel. Tweedmouth's goal was to create a hunting dog well suited Scotland's wet climate and rough terrain. The dogs needed to be able to push through heavy vegetation, brave cold water and swim strongly, while gently retrieving waterfowl or other game.

Over time Lord Tweedmouth would introduce black retrievers, an Irish Setter and a Bloodhound into his breed's lineage. The resulting canines are the beautiful blonds we know and love today. Originally considered a variation of the Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retrievers were officially recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club in 1925.

Temperment

Ample energy makes this breed a perfect companion for active owners. Daily exercise is required to keep these dogs healthy and happy. They appreciate long walks, running alongside bikes or rollerblades, and going swimming. They are also fond of playing games like fetch that make use of their retrieving instincts.

The Golden Retriever's love of people and eagerness to please makes them not only terrific sporting dogs but ideal guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs for the unwell, and search and rescue dogs for the lost. As family pets, they generally get along well with children and other animals. Docile in nature, these dogs are rarely aggressive; however due to their size and energy level they can be intimidating to arriving houseguests so proper obedience training is required.

Size

Golden Retrievers are a medium to large breed with females ranging from 20 to 22 ½ inches and weighing in at 55 to 65 pounds. Males, on the other hand, range from 23 to 24 inches and can weigh up to 75 pounds. Requiring plenty of room to run and play, the ideal environment for these dogs would include a large backyard or access to a nearby dog park. It is not advisable to keep Golden Retrievers in small apartments.

Maintenance

In terms of maintenance, the Golden Retriever needs regular grooming. Their fur consists of two separate coats. The long flowing outer coat is waterproof; whereas the fluffy undercoat keeps the dog warm. Brushing is recommended at least twice per week, and considerable shedding is to be expected with the changing of the seasons. Also, despite the fact that Golden Retrievers are generally a healthy breed, annual checkups at the vet are required. Their greatest health concern is a propensity to develop hip and elbow dysplasia.

In short the Golden Retriever is a companion animal in the truest sense of the word. They live to love and love to live. However, special consideration should be given to their grooming and environmental needs. This breed is particularly compatible with active families and working jobs that put their energy and instincts to good use.