Is the Golden Retriever the right breed for you?
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History: Dating back to 19th century Scotland, the Golden Retriever was bred for the purposes of retrieving wildfowl, which was a popular activity among Scottish nobility. In order to retrieve in the diverse marshlands of Scotland, retrievers were bred with the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel to create the breed that exists today. The breed was developed in Glen Affric at a wealthy estate from 1835 to 1890 by a Scottish nobleman and avid hunter named Sir Dudley Majoribanks. During this time, Majoribanks sought to create a breed that was a talented hunter and more attentive to its owner than the existing retriever breeds. Modern Golden Retrievers have a natural love for water, keen sense of smell, and a soft grip, traits that they inherited from their 19th century ancestors. The Golden Retriever was first registered in 1903 in England, and soon after in the United States in 1925.
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Origin: Scotland
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Weight: Male 65–75 lb (29–34 kg) Female 55–65 lb (25–29 kg)
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Height: Male 22–24 in (56–61 cm) Female 20-22 in (51-56 cm)
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Coat: straight or moderately wavy
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Color: any shades of gold or cream
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Life span: average 10-12 years
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Moderate Maintenance: Regular grooming is required to keep your dog's fur in good shape. Occasional trimming or stripping needed.
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Moderate Shedding: Routine brushing will help. Be prepared to vacuum often!
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Easy Training: The Golden Retriever is eager to please and known to listen to commands and obey their owner. Expect fewer repetitions when training this breed.
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Fairly Active: Your dog will need regular exercise to maintain his or her fitness. Trips to the dog park are a great idea.
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Good for New Owners: This breed is well suited for those who have little experience with dog ownership.
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Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.