Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever

General

 The Golden Retriever is a very popular Gundog breed and is employed today for its compatibility in companionship, showmanship, obedience and field trials. The breed performs as well in water, due to its dense undercoat, and over land because of its long, powerful strides.

History	:	The Golden dates back to the latter half of the 19th century and owes much of its development to Sir Dudley Marjoribanks (Lord Tweedmouth). His records were meticulously kept and form a good basis of origins. Marjoribanks took a liking to the yellow colour and acquired a dog called 'Nous' of that colour from Brighton, England in 1865 and used him on a Tweedwater Spaniel bitch, which was an English retrieving dog, close & curly-coated and a light liver colour. These are now extinct. Through structured line breeding over a period of 20 years, and bringing in Labrador Retrievers, Red Setters and possibly a Bloodhound or two to improve scenting and add bone, the Golden was developed and in 1908 became 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.
Intelligence	:	Goldens are extremely intelligent dogs with an intense desire to please. Therefore they make superb candidates for fieldwork, showing, obedience, companionship and assistance for the disabled. Never treat them harshly or harm can be done to their accommodating and sensitive natures.
Show Characteristics	:	All pigmentation should be preferably black. Coats should not be excessively long, open, limp or soft. Red or mahogany is not allowed. White markings and black hairs are not acceptable. The head is broad and arched with a well-defined stop. Jaws should be strong with a perfect, regular scissor bite. The eyes are medium large, set well apart with dark pigmentation. The ears should neither be small nor large and set on at the approximate level of the eyes. The neck is long, clean and muscular, and merges into well-laid-back shoulders. The body should be well-balanced and short-coupled with deep well-sprung ribs and a level topline. The forelegs should be straight with good bone and the hindquarters strong and muscular with good second thighs. Hocks must be well let down and straight when viewed from behind. The feet are round and cat-like and the tail set on and carried at back level, reaching to the hocks without curling up at the end.
Country Of Origin	:	Great Britain

Average Puppy Price

:

£300-500

Lifespan

:

9 - 15 years

Average Litter Size

:

8

General Physical Description

:

This breed is known for its lustrous, golden coat of resilient quality and medium length. The Golden Retriever has a friendly and intelligent expression with perfect symmetry and superb, flowing movement covering the ground with long, powerful strides.

Size Category	:	Medium
Weight Height Range	:	Dogs' height at withers is normally between 56 - 61cms and bitches' between 51 - 56cms. The weight for dogs is normally between 30 - 34kgs and bitches 27 - 32kgs.

Energy	:	Medium
Overall Exercise	:	80 - 100 minutes
Distress Caused if Left Alone	:	Medium
Personal Protection	:	Low
Suitability As Guard Dog	:	Low
Risk of Sheep Worrying	:	Medium
Tendency to Bark	:	Medium
Ease of Transportation	:	High
Level of Aggression	:	Low
Compatibility With Other Animals	:	High
Suitable For Children	:	High
General Character And Temperament	:	The Golden is a gentle dog with intelligence and a level disposition and because of this is an ideal dog to have as part of the family. They adore children and love to be involved in all family matters, whether indoors or outdoors. They are foremost a retriever and are therefore very orally fixated. Goldens 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. Goldens are however worriers and great care should be taken during training, ensuring sensitivity is maintained at all times.