Golden Retriever Dog

The Golden Retriever breed is primarily a hunting dog breed. Active, alert, and self-confident, these strong animals love the outdoors.

Golden Retriever's Behavior

Source: Wikipedia.

Recommended for: family dogs, guide dogs

The Golden Retriever breed is known as being friendly, reliable, and trustworthy. Golden Retrievers generally show little hostility towards other dogs or people in normal situations. They are widely considered affectionate and especially good with children.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

Golden Retriever's Physical Characteristics

Here are the characteristics of the Golden Retriever breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

* Size: Males 23-24 inches; females 21½-22½ inches
* Coat: Dense and water-repellent
* Color: golden
* Eyes: medium large with dark, close-fitting rims, set well apart.
* Ears: short
* Skull: Broad, slightly arched
* Muzzle: straight in profile
* Nose: black or brownish black

Golden Retriever's Origins and History

Source: Wikipedia.

Country/Region of Origin: United Kingdom

Original purpose: hunting

Historical notes: The breed was originally developed in Scotland, at "Guichan", near Glen Afric, the highland estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks (pronounced "Marchbanks"), later Lord Tweedmouth. In 1952, Majoribanks' breeding records from 1835 to 1890 were published, ending the controversy as to Golden Retrievers' ancestry. A yellow-colored male, Nous, and a Tweed Water Spaniel female, Belle, were the original Adam and Eve of the Golden Retrievers.