One of the most popular breeds in the U.S., the Golden Retriever is a sturdy, athletic dog known for his intelligence and eager-to-please attitude. The Golden Retriever is patient, kind and loves everyone. His keen nose makes him an excellent hunting companion, and his gentle nature suits him well for therapy work or being a service dog for the disabled. The Golden needs daily exercise and regular grooming.
DID YOU KNOW? The Golden Retriever was developed in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s by Lord Tweedmouth, who crossed a “Yellow Retriever” with a now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel found on his estate. Later, the Irish Setter and Bloodhound were integrated into the breed. Three Golden Retrievers were the first dogs to achieve an AKC Obedience Champion title.
ALSO KNOWN AS: Retriever
The need-to-know
- Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
- Basic training required
- Enjoys vigorous walks
- Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
- Large dog
- Some drool
- Requires grooming every other day
- Non hypoallergenic breed
- Quiet dog
- Not a guard dog
- Great with other pets
- Great family dog
Personality
The Golden Retriever is a gentle dog with a level disposition, and usually adapts well to family life. They love to be involved in all matters, whether indoors or outdoors. They are foremost a retriever and will attempt to drag, pull or carry anything they can fit into their mouths. They also love water and care should be taken to ensure their safety when any form of water is nearby. Golden Retrievers are, however, worriers, and great care should be taken during training, ensuring sensitivity is maintained at all times.
History and Origins
Sir Dudley Marjoribanks (Lord Tweedmouth) took a liking to the yellow colour of the retriever and acquired a dog called 'Nous' from Brighton, England, in 1865 and used him on a Tweed Water Spaniel bitch, which was a liver-coloured retrieving dog. In 20 years of further breeding, and bringing in Labrador Retrievers, Red Setters and possibly a Bloodhound or two to improve scenting and add bone, the Golden Retriever dog breed was developed. In 1908 it was registered and shown as Golden Flatcoats until 1913, when the listing was changed to Golden or Yellow Retrievers until finally, in 1920, they took the name they bear today.
Nutrition and Feeding
Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The Golden Retriever is prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk.
Exercise
Adult Golden Retrievers require a reasonable amount of exercise to keep them in peak condition. As puppies, do ensure they are not over-exercised or bone/joint problems may develop. A couple of hours of daily exercise should be sufficient for a fit adult, though this dog will happily accept more if you can offer it! Like many gundogs, they can easily become overweight if not given enough exercise - especially as they love their food!
Other Information
Health and common issues
As with many breeds, The Golden Retriever can suffer from various hereditary eye disorders, and hip and elbow dysplasia (joint conditions that can be painful and lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.
Space requirements
At heart this is a country dog that loves the great outdoors and long walks in the countryside. They can adapt to smaller spaces as long as they have a garden and plenty of daily exercise.
Training golden retrievers
Golden Retrievers are great dogs to train - whether in obedience or more traditional gundog work - as they are smart and enjoy pleasing their owners. They need sensitive reward-based training to help them gain confidence and excel. As well as walking exercise, they excel in any games that use their natural retrieving abilities and love working with their owners.
Best family dog breeds
The Golden Retriever is an ideal dog for families as they love everyone, are gentle and enjoys being involved in all activities. They’ll happily come along for car rides and go visiting as they’re highly social. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
Did you know?
- The Golden Retriever is one of the most versatile breeds and they can be found doing all kinds of jobs including, disability assistance, guiding, search and rescue, working trials, obedience and agility.
- One Golden Retriever worth mentioning is Bear – the first dog on the scene after the World Trade Centre disaster. He and his handler John Gilkey worked at the site for three months trying to locate people buried in the rubble.
- Golden Retrievers are said to have extremely soft mouths, so soft in fact that they can carry a raw egg in their mouth without cracking the shell.
- Due to their high intelligence and willingness to please, Golden Retriever’s are often used in films and TV shows, some famous ones include Buddy from Air Bud and Shadow from Homeward Bound.
- They are thought to be the 4th smartest dog breed in the world.