BREED: Golden Retriever
ORIGIN: Great Britain
HISTORY: It is believed that the Golden Retriever is a descendent of the Labrador, improved by in breeding with yellow flat coated Retrievers from Newfoundland and with Scottish water Spaniels, or that it originated from cross breeding the Bloodhound with Russian Yellow Retrievers used in Scotland for retrieving wounded game. The breed was stabilized in England in the nineteenth century. Priory used for hunting in waterfowl it is now also a very popular pet.
DESCRIPTION: Large dogs. They weight between 25 and 31kg and stand 51 to 61cm high. The double coat is long and slightly wavy, with feathering on the tail and legs. Colours include shades of cream and gold. Red and mahogany is not acceptable.
CHARACTER: Active and vigorous, the Golden is an excellent retriever both in thickets and water. A good tracker but less methodical than the Labrador. Not being aggressive, he rarely barks and is not a good watchdog. They are calm, even tempered and very intelligent. They are always patient and gentle with children and very good with other pets. They make very loyal companions. Can be used as hunting dogs, guide dogs, for wreckage search drug detection as well as pets.
WHAT TO CONSIDER ON ACQUIRING A GOLDEN RETRIEVER: The Retriever is a heavy shedder and can not be kept in an apartment as they are very active and need lots of exercise. They are prone to hip dysplacia, cataracts, and skin allergies. It diet is very important, as they have a tendency to gain weight.