Golden Retriever

Lifespan: 10 - 13 years

Height: 22 - 24 inches

Weight: 55 - 75 pounds

History

Developed in England along the Tweed River in the middle 1800s.
Lord Tweedmouth wanted to create a dog with the strength to push through heavy cover, stamina to swim tirelessly, toughness to brave cold water, and gentleness to retrieve game unharmed.
The original Goldens, then considered to be a yellow variety of Flat-Coated Retrievers, were a mixture of Wavy-Coated Retriever, Tweed Water Spaniel, setters, black retrievers, and even a Bloodhound.
In England, the breed was originally recognized in 1903 as Flat Coats-Golden. In 1912 the name was changed to the Yellow or Golden Retriever.
Although they were in America by 1900, the AKC did not recognize them until 1927.
Goldens are among the most successful guide and assistance dogs. They also work in search and rescue.
U.S. President Gerald Ford owned a Golden named Liberty.
A Golden Retriever starred in the two Homeward Bound movies.
The Golden Retriever has been one of the most popular breeds in America for decades.

Makes a playful and trustworthy child's companion.
Eager to please, but can be overly exuberant.
A happy dog, not easily bothered by things.
Does best with reward-based training involving food or retrieving.
Its aptitude for learning, combined with its happy attitude and quick responses, make it one of the top breeds for obedience competition.
Outgoing toward strangers.
Gets along well with other pets and dogs.
Loves to retrieve, to the point of seeming compulsive.
Loves to swim.

Coat is straight or wavy, and dense. It is of medium to long length. Neutered or spayed individuals tend to have longer coats.
Color varies from very light cream to dark mahogany.
Brushing twice a week is adequate; more frequent brushing is necessary during shedding seasons.
Shedding is average to above average.

Goldens have a tendency to become overweight.
Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight.
Puppies should be fed a large-breed growth food, which slows their growing rate, but not final size. This may decrease the incidence or severity of hip dysplasia in adults.