AKA: Golden, Yellow Retriever, Goldie

Description: The Golden Retriever is a well-balanced and well-proportioned dog that has a cream to golden colored coat, hence its name. It has an outer coat that is water repellant, and an undercoat that is dense. The head of the Golden Retriever is broad, and its muzzle is wide and powerful. Its nose is black, it ears medium-sized and pendant. The eyes are brown and have dark rims. Its teeth forms a scissors bite.

The Golden Retriever’s body is muscular, with a powerful muzzle and strong thighs. The chest is broad, and the tail is long and never curled.

Dynamics: The Golden Retriever is an intelligent and well-behaved dog. It is easily trained, sweet, confident, and eager to please. It makes for an outstanding family pet, always patient and gentle with children, and loyal and to its masters. This breed is people-oriented, and gets along with other dogs and pets, too.

The Golden Retriever makes a good watchdog. It is not very likely to attack strangers but it can give a bark to signal someone’s approach.

Breed Group: Sporting, Gundog

Weight: males 60-80 lbs (27-36 kg), females 55-70 lbs (25-32 kg)

Height: males 22-24 inches (56-61 cm), females 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)

Color: The Golden Retriever has a coat that ranges from cream to a golden color.

Country of Origin: The Golden Retriever originated in the British Isles. It was bred from crossing a yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, light-coated Tweed Water Spaniels, other spaniels, setters, the Newfoundland, and (possibly) the Bloodhound. The breed was actually first shown as a Golden Flat-Coat. It is now one of the most popular family companion dogs.

Activities: The Golden Retriever needs daily exercises and play sessions like retrieving balls and toys. The Golden Retriever’s talents include hunting, tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, competitive obedience, and trick performances. It is also used as a guide for the blind, therapy dog, and a service dog for the disabled. This breed is also good in water; it loves to swim.

Grooming: In grooming the Golden Retriever, there will be no difficulty. It is easy to groom the Golden Retriever. Combing and brushing the coat is enough. Bathe only when necessary. Dry shampoo regularly.

Other Info: The Golden Retriever has a life expectancy of about 10-12 years. Like most of the other breeds, it is also prone to hip dysplasia and congenital eye defects. Skin allergies are also common. The parents of the dog should be checked for OFA and CERF certification. They should also be checked for Von Willebrand’s disease and heart problems. The Golden Retriever will be fine in an apartment. However, it has to be taken outdoors from time to time and exercised sufficiently.

Photo: Sarbajit Sarbajna and Pharaoh Hound