Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a widely loved and recognized breed of dog known for its intelligence, good nature, and fetching abilities. They are often characterized by their beautiful golden coats, friendly disposition, and love of water. The Golden Retriever breed was first developed in Scotland during the mid-19th century by Dudley Marjoribanks, also known as Lord Tweedmouth. He aimed to create a breed that was adept at retrieving game from both water and land, as the hunting methods of the time were becoming more varied. The original cross was of a Yellow Retriever with a now extinct breed, known as the Tweed Water Spaniel. Irish Setter and Bloodhound were also added to the mix later
- Origin
- Scotland
- Alternate Names
- Golden
- Life Expectancy
- 10-12 years
- Average Male Height
- 23-24 inches
- Average Female Height
- 21.5-22.5 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 65-75 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 55-65 pounds
- Coat Length
- Medium
- Coat Type
- Double
- Coat Colors
- Dark Golden, Golden, Light Golden
- Coat Pattern
- Solid/None
Genetic Predispositions and Health
Golden Retrievers can suffer from juvenile cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, progressive rod-cone degeneration, pigmentary uveitis, elbow and hip dysplasia, subvalvular aortic stenosis, hypothyroidism, mast cell tumors, osteosarcoma, seizures, lymphoma hemangiosarcoma, and skin problems. Genetic testing for conditions such as ichthyosis (type1 and type 2), neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 5, degenerative myelopathy, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, exercise-induced collapse, muscular dystrophy, and osteogenesis imperfecta can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and proactive care, as well as help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.
Personality and Behavior
Golden Retrievers are often described as friendly, reliable, and trustworthy. They are extremely friendly, reliable, and trusting dogs with a playful nature. They get along well with strangers and are great with children, making them excellent family pets. They are also intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable and a popular choice for work as a guide dog or in search-and-rescue teams.
Fun Facts
President Gerald Ford had a Golden Retriever named Liberty.
Golden Retrievers are the third most popular dog breed in the United States according to AKC rankings.
They are excellent swimmers, and their water-resistant coat and webbed feet assist in their swimming ability.
Golden Retrievers are mouthy by nature, which means they love to carry things in their mouth. This habit harks back to their original purpose of retrieving game for hunters.
References
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/
https://www.ukcdogs.com/golden-retriever
https://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/111g08-en.pdf
https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_golden_retriever
https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/breeds/75/