Golden Retriever

Retrievers came into prominence because of the desire for a medium-sized dog that would do well in wild-fowling, both waterfowl and upland game. In developing the Golden Retriever, a Tweed Water Spaniel was used. Also, a small, lighter-built Newfoundland, Irish Setters, and other water spaniels. Water retrieving was very important and hunters needed a strong dog that could withstand cold water, would be a good swimmer, and could fend with the heavy vegetation in which upland game was found.

Yellow or Golden Retrievers became popular in England toward the end of the 19th century. The first win of a field trial by a Golden Retriever took place in 1904. Golden Retrievers were first shown in England in 1908, and were listed as Flat-Coats (Golden). Others were exhibited in 1909 and 1913. In 1913 they were given a separate status by color and shown as Golden or yellow Retrievers.

Travelers had taken some of the dogs with them on visits to America, and it is known that there were Golden Retrievers in the United States and Canada during the 1890's. Goldens from Great Britain and Canada were brought to both the East and West Coasts of the United States in the 1920's and 1930's.

The first registration of a Golden Retriever by the American Kennel Club was in November 1925. While there had been Goldens registered before that date, they had been registered as Retrievers with some description to color. Goldens were furthered in the United States in the 1930's and 1940's. The dogs were mainly used as hunters, though some were shown on the bench.

The darker dogs were favored but there were some medium gold colors as well. Both dark and light dogs were run in English field trials and seen in the show ring in Scotland and England. The first dogs of any breed to achieve the AKC Obedience Champion title, the available in July 1977, were all Golden Retrievers.

Goldens are friendly, reliable and trustworthy. They are wonderful with children and very eager to please. Males tend to be 23-24 inches tall, 65 to 75 pounds. Females 21-22 inches tall, 55-65 pounds. Grooming a Golden is fairly simple. Regular bathing and brushing, nail trimming and ear cleaning. Their feet may need trimmed from time to time as well as the hair on the back legs around the rear. Some Golden Retrievers tend to have a great deal of coat and will need much more grooming than others to keep down the shedding.

Golden Retriever puppies can be very hyper if not properly trained. Obedience training is recomended, and an owner who will be active in the dogs life so that he can vent his energy. Some can also be very destructive, especially if left alone for long periods of time.

Due to the size and strength of the Golden Retriever, it is very important that you teach them to walk properly on a lead starting from when they're young puppies. If this is not done, your Golden may drag you around everywhere and could possibly even injure you when on walks. With the majority of Goldens, obedience training is best in order to help teach them how to properly behave as well as guide you in further training the dog.