Golden Retriever
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The Golden Retriever is a relatively modern and very popular breed of dog. It was developed as a retrieving dog to use while hunting wild fowl. Today it is one of the most common family dogs as it is easy to handle, very tolerant and does not require very much of the owners, other than regular exercise, food and veterinary check-ups. It is often affectionately known as a Golden or "Yellow Retriever".
[ A light-coated Golden ]
What makes the Golden unique is its pleasing personality. This breed gets along well with people and other dogs, though after the seclusion from dog life it may develop human qualities and then may not be fond of other dogs. It will bark when startled but other than that it makes a poor watchdog due to its friendly nature. It is also easily trained because of the natural drive to please the master. This is a dog who wants only to be with people and is happy in the presence of people without being annoying or demanding.
Appearance
Color ranges from nearly blonde to this dark golden coat. Golden
Retrievers reach their full height around one year of age and full
weight around age two, though many owners comment that their dogs retain
their puppyish nature for life. This is a large breed very similar in
appearance to the yellow Labrador Retriever, especially when young. The
most obvious difference is the Golden Retriever's luxuriant coat.
Coat
The AKC standard states that the coat is a "rich, lustrous golden of
various shades", disallowing coats that are extremely light or extremely
dark. This leaves the outer ranges of coat color up to a judge's
discretion when competing in conformation shows.
[ Color ranges from nearly blonde to this dark golden coat. ]
Temperament
Most Goldens enjoy active entertainment, such as dog agility. Goldens
are active and fun-loving but also exceptionally patient, as befits a
dog bred to sit quietly for hours in a hunting blind. Other
characteristics related to their hunting heritage are a size suited for
scrambling in and out of boats and an inordinate love for cool water.
Like the Labrador Retriever, they are noted for their intelligence,
their affection for people, and their tolerance of children. They are
natural clowns, which characterizes them as great dogs to use in
hospitals or retirement homes. Golden Retrievers make great pets for
young children due to their nurturing instincts and gentle nature. The
other side of this is that they require lots of companionship to be
happy. They do well in obedience trials and make excellent guide dogs;
however, like people, not all of these dogs are this way. While they
might not do quite as well in field trials as Labrador Retrievers, they
are excellent hunters that are famous for their outstanding scenting
abilities. They are exceptionally eager to please their owners.
[ Most Goldens enjoy active entertainment, such as dog agility. ]
The Golden Retriever loves to retrieve. Retrieving a thrown stick,
tennis ball, or frisbee can keep a Golden occupied and entertained for
hours, particularly if there is also water involved.
Today's Golden Retrievers fall into two groups: show dogs and field
dogs. The Goldens in the show group are generally bigger boned, longer,
and heavier. The champagne color and long flowing coat are highly prized
in the show ring. On the other hand, field Goldens tend to be smaller,
longer legged, and be redder golden. These two strains derive from
famous goldens from the 1960s. Gold Rush Charlie moved the show Goldens
toward their present characteristics, while Holway Barty greatly
affected the field group. Presently, many breeders are attempting to
unite these two strains into the all-Purpose Golden Retriever.
History, Rescue Efforts and Famous Golden Retriever
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Golden Retriever".
