Who doesn’t want to be better informed about the golden retriever breed? Known for their intelligence, friendliness, friendliness, loyalty, and willingness to work, Goldens are a favorite breed with families. Their strong attributes make them excellent hunting dogs, guide and service dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Their distinctive golden coat gives the golden retriever a natural shine. This versatile breed is famous for its high energy and playfulness.

The golden retriever is a member of the sporting group. They are large, stocky dogs that stand between 20 and 24 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. The American Breed Standard calls for the coat to be any shade of gold, except for coats that are too dark or too light. British standards allow for lighter shades of gold, known as cream colours. A red or mahogany ‘golden’ color is allowed under US standards, but not under British standards. American dorados tend to be taller and slimmer and have longer fur. British Hounds are stockier with shorter tails and legs.

Originally, the Labrador retriever came from Newfoundland. Fishermen brought the breed to England around 1800. In the 1800s, golden retrievers were developed in Scotland on the highland estate of Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, later Baron Tweedmouth. Golden retrievers were originally used as hunting dogs to retrieve game birds and waterfowl. They were bred to be excellent hunting dogs with waterproof coats, an excellent sense of smell, and soft mouths that do not harm game. The breed was first created by the golden retriever crossed with a now-extinct tweed water spaniel. The breed was later infused with black wavy-coated retrievers, Irish setters, bloodhounds, and the Newfoundland St. John’s water dog.

A dog legendary for its gentle and friendly manner, the golden retriever does not make a good watchdog; they are known for their affection towards both their owners and strangers. This breed thrives on human company. Goldens are energetic and active dogs. Exercising every day is important for your health. Bred to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl, dorados love to swim. Active and large in size, this breed is not the ideal apartment dog. Although they are adaptable, a prospective owner should live near a park and be willing to spend a lot of time with his dog. Otherwise, dorados need sizable backyards to be healthy. Known for their intelligence, these dogs enjoy learning tricks, playing, retrieving and catching balls, and exercising with their owners. It is not uncommon for dorados to win obedience and agility competitions. Energetic and devoted, this breed also makes an excellent working and service dog. With an excellent sense of smell, dorados have been employed in alpine search and rescue, and as police dogs for drug detection. Very active, this breed may not be the best dog choice for the elderly. However, golden retrievers are great with children and other pets, and they make a wonderful family pet.

Golden retrievers can generally expect to live 10-15 years. Unfortunately, poor breeding for profit has led to a number of common health problems. The most common of these conditions is hip dysplasia. Cataracts is another common ailment. Cancer represents the main cause of death for dorados. To help avoid these health problems for your golden retriever, it’s important to know a dog’s pedigree and buy dogs from a reputable breeder. Each dog must be tested by OFA or by PennHIP. These evaluations involve x-rays to evaluate a dog for dysplasia and hip disease. Grooming (brushing) twice a week is recommended. They may not be a good choice for those with allergies due to shedding.

Golden retrievers are an energetic and enthusiastic breed that loves and craves the company of humans. These qualities along with a gentle and friendly nature make this dog wonderful for families and active people looking for a companion.