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Golden Retriever Dogs
Breed Rating (3 Reviews)
| Appearance | |
| Friendliness | |
| Hardiness | |
| Garden |
History
The Golden Retriever was originally bred by Lord Tweedmouth from Scotland in the mid 19th century. He needed a strong dog capable of retrieving game through dense undergrowth. After crossing a Newfoundland with a Labrador/ Water Spaniel cross and then later crossing with Setters, the Golden Retriever was born. A strong dog, in it's element bounding around, with very soft mouths suitable for retrieving, and not damaging, game. The fun for the breed is retrieving. One of the most popular breeds in Britain, Retrievers excel as companion animals. They are most commonly kept as pets, but also as Guide dogs, Hearing dogs for the Deaf, for sniffing out explosives and by search and rescue teams.
Behaviour
Golden Retrievers are a friendly, loyal and highly intelligent breed. They make wonderful pets and are good with children and other animals. They bond with the whole family and anyone else who comes into the house; useless as a guard dog. They have a need to please, making them one of the easiest breeds to train. They perform well in all aspects of competition and enjoy activities such as Flyball, agility and field trials. They love water and are very good swimmers; they are often used by Water Rescuers.
Golden Retrievers are playful, affectionate dogs, happy to fool around with the family. They are very gentle with children and other dogs and rarely aggressive towards people. Their boundless energy is well suited to long walks and lots of play. Games of fetch and mini training sessions will help keep their mind active. Allowing your dog to carry something in it's mouth is perfect, this is what they were bred to do and they will never tire of bringing things back to you.
Retrievers, like many dogs can suffer Canine Hip Dysplasia and allergies can be seen in this breed. They are greedy dogs so food intake should be closely monitored to prevent obesity.
Temperament
The Golden Retriever possesses a kind and loving temperament. A friend to everybody they meet, this dog will be dependable and friendly to anyone. Good with children, strangers, cats and other dogs it is hard to say that you will go wrong with a Golden Retriever. That is unless ofcourse you are after a guard dog, in that respect they will be beyond useless.
Very intelligent dogs that are easy to please the Golden Retriever excels in obedience when given the proper training.
Health Problems
Health problems that may affect Golden Retrievers include canine hip dysplasia (CHD), elbow dysplasia, cancer, skin diseases, progressive retinal atrophy (degeneration of retina which can lead to blindness), heart problems and luxating patella (dislocation of the knee cap).
Breed Details
- Status: Common
- Life Expectancy: 10 - 12 years
- Weight: 27 - 34 kg
- Height: Male 22 - 23" Female 21 - 22"
- Rare: No
- Coat: Medium
- Grooming Requirements: More than once per week
- Town or Country: Either
- Minimum Home Size: Large House
- Minimum Garden Size: Large Garden
- Breed Type: Gun Dog
- Size: Large
- Energy Level: Medium
- Exercise Required: Over 2 hours
More to love
Golden Retriever Pictures
Latest Reviews For Golden Retriever (3 of 3)
- Jenna,
My two Goldens are the most friendly, affectionate and lovable dogs you’ll ever meet. They do however have a stubborn streak and are definitely not people pleasers.
- Laura,
Very cute dog breed
golden retriever - Pauline,
I have 2 golden retrievers. They are great with kids and very loyal and loving. They love a muddy puddle and cast their hair all year round. But I still wouldn't be without them.