Golden Retrievers are the darlings of the dog world. Soft, adorable, happy, playful, kind, and outgoing. What’s not to love?
Golden Retrievers come in many shades of colours – from a very light almost white colour to a deep red colour. Despite their colour, they all originate from the same bloodline dating back to the mid 1800’s in Scotland where Lord Tweedmouth bred a wavy yellow coated retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct) and the result was 4 females that are in every bloodline in existence today. Many people believe that there are “English goldens” and “American goldens”. This simply is not the case. All goldens stem from the same 4 original females – some are lighter, and some are darker – but they are all the same breed.
Golden Retrievers are PRIMARILY A HUNTING DOG. They are a double coated breed with a waterproof outercoat and a soft undercoat to keep it warm in frigid waters. Their coats are designed to withstand frigid waters. As a member of the Sporting Dog family, Golden Retrievers require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. They are full of personality, very smart, trainable and lovable. Most of all, their temperament is best described as biddable. If they are not friendly, they are not a golden! Goldens not only excel in show ring but also in the field hunting for upland game and waterfowl, in the obedience ring, in tracking, in agility and in scent work. Goldens also excel in search and rescue efforts, as guide dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs. But most of all, they excel in loving and snuggling with their pack – both human and animal. If you were to ask a golden what there job is they would likely tell you that it is to please its humans. They are very perceptive.
If you are thinking about owning a Golden Retriever, you should be aware of the following:
- They require a lot of exercise and stimulation. It is important to realize that you need to minimize exercise until your golden turns 2 years old when all its growth plates are closed to risk damage to its skeletal and muscle structures.
- Goldens SHED! You have to make sure you are comfortable with little dust bunnies in your house if you own a golden. And make sure you own a good vacuum cleaner!
- Like most dogs, goldens require training. The first 6 months is critical for basic manners and socializing. The effort that you put in at the beginning will pay off in the long run.
If you are willing to put in the time to train and groom your golden, you will have the most wonderful family member possible!