Golden Retriever

The most important name in the early history of the Golden Retriever is Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord Tweedmouth, who developed the breed in the Scottish Highlands during the reign of Victoria. For the 50 years between 1840 and 1890, Tweedmouth kept scrupulous records of breedings effected to create an ideal gundog for use at his Guisachan estate in the Highlands, Inverness-shire, Scotland. Tweedmouth wanted a dog suited to the rainy climate and rugged terrain of the area, so he crossed his “Yellow Retriever” with a breed that is now extinct, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Irish Setter and Bloodhound were also added to the mix. “Through several generations of clever breeding,” an admiring historian wrote, “Tweedmouth created a consistent line of exceptional working retrievers.” With a little more refinement after Tweedmouth’s time, the Golden Retriever came forth as an enduring gift to dogkind from a hunt-happy aristocrat. The Golden was first seen at a British dog show in 1908, and good specimens of the breed began arriving in America, by way of Canada, at about the same time. Sport hunters appreciated the breed’s utility, show fanciers were enthralled by their beauty and dash, and all were impressed by the Golden’s sweet, sensible temperament. The Golden was popular from the beginning of its American history, but the breed’s popularity really took off in the 1970s, the era of President Gerald Ford and his beautiful Golden named Liberty.

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. Primarily a hunting dog, he should be shown in hard working condition. Overall appearance, balance, gait and purpose to be given more emphasis than any of his component parts. Faults-Any departure from the described ideal shall be considered faulty to the degree to which it interferes with the breed’s purpose or is contrary to breed character.

A high-quality dog food appropriate for the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) will have all the nutrients the breed needs. Some Goldens can become overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. If you choose to give your dog treats, do so in moderation. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Give table scraps sparingly, if at all, especially avoiding cooked bones and foods with high fat content. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.

Goldens heavily shed their thick, water-repellant double coat once or twice a year, and they also shed more moderately on a continuous basis. Most of the time, a good brushing-out with a slicker brush once or twice a week will remove much of the dead hair before it has a chance to fall onto the furniture. During times of heavy shedding, these brushing sessions turn into daily affairs. Baths help to loosen the dead hairs, but the dog must be completely dry before brushing begins. Otherwise, Goldens only need occasional baths to keep them clean. As with all breeds, the Golden’s nails should be trimmed regularly.

Like most Sporting breeds, Goldens need plenty of daily exercise. A Golden who doesn’t get enough exercise is likely to engage in undesirable behavior. Goldens make great companions on long runs and bike rides, although consultation with a vet is recommended before starting strenuous or high-impact activities that might cause stress to the dog’s bones and joints. Many Goldens happily get their exercise on hunting trips or at field trials, as well as by participating in canine sports such as agility, obedience, and tracking.

As with all breeds, early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. Gently exposing the puppy to a wide variety of people, places, and situations between the ages of seven weeks and four months will help the Golden develop into a well-adjusted, well-mannered adult. Puppy training classes serve as part of the socialization process and help the owner learn to recognize and correct any bad habits that may be developing. Obedience training strengthens the bond between dog and owner—a Golden wants nothing more than to please his human. Golden Retrievers are outgoing, loyal, and eager to do your bidding, which makes them very easy to train.

Goldens are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders will screen their breeding stock for health conditions including elbow and hip dysplasia; eye conditions such as juvenile cataracts, pigmentary uveitis, and progressive retinal atrophy; and certain heart diseases, including subvalvular aortic stenosis. The Golden’s ears should be checked weekly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often.

Sporting

Long ago in the Scottish Highlands, Lord Tweedmouth crossed a Yellow Flat-Coated Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel in the late 1800’s, then crossing that dog with a Bloodhound, Irish Setter, and another Tweed Water Spaniel and he called the dog a Golden Flat-Coat. Sometime later the dog breed was renamed the Golden Retriever. The fifth most popular dog breed according to AKC registration statistics, is the Golden Retriever and was first recognized by the AKC in 1925.

Medium to large size, 20-24” at the shoulders; weight 55-80 pounds. Bred to have a soft mouth and a natural love of water, they were originally developed to retrieve waterfowl during hunting parties. They have a water repellent outer coat, with a dense under coat to provide warmth. The coat has feathering on the back of the legs, the front of the neck, the belly and underside of the tail. The coat comes in cream and shades of gold. Still a hunting dog today, the Golden Retriever is also used for tracking, search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, epilepsy detection, guide dog, therapy and psychiatric therapy dog. Often used as a surrogate mother for other species. Also excellent at dock jumping and flyball.

The Golden Retriever has a life expectancy of 10-12 years. This breed is also prone to cancer, skin allergies, thyroid problems, congenital eye issues and hip dysplasia.

The Golden Retriever is a funny, charming, friendly, gentle, confident, silly jester. They’re athletic, agile, wanting to play and enjoy life. They’re a highly intelligent breed, easy to teach and eager to learn. Because of their high energy, the Golden Retriever does need daily mental and physical exercise, or this breed can become nervous and destructive. Work with the Golden Retriever using positive motivation training and you’ll see how fast this breed learns.

Very active walks & running. Requires a daily brisk walk combined with running in the yard.

 Grooming Requirements:   Several times each week, comb and brush the Golden Retriever's double coat with a firm bristle brush. Bathe only when necessary and use dry shampoo between baths.  Coat: Fluffy and full  Shedding: Average Shedding  Hypoallergenic: No, due to shedding  Apartment Living: Suitable for an apartment if exercised daily with both walks and aerobic running.  Lap Dog: Thinks so, but the answer is No  Good With Children: Yes, highly social and excellent with children.  Good With Other Pets: Yes, friendly and fun loving with other pets.