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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers have golden, or cream colored medium length coats. The undercoat
is dense and the outer coat is water resistant. When showing this breed, markings
are not allowed to be red, black, white, or mahogany. The broad head is arched with
a well-defined stop and a wide muzzle. The medium large eyes are well set apart
and the nose is black or brownish black. The pendent ears are medium in size and
sit at the same level as the eyes. The strong jaw has a scissor-like bite. The muscular
neck is long, merging into well laid back shoulders. The topline is level with a
broad chest and deep, well-sprung ribs. The legs are straight and the hocks should
be well let down. The medium feet are round, compact and have thick pads. Splayed
or hare-like feet are faulted. The tail is thick, muscular at the base and follows
the natural line. It should have a moderate upward curve and is never curled over
the back nor between the legs.
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Temperament
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Golden Retrievers are loyal, well-mannered, gentle, and confident family dogs. These
sweet dogs are eager to please and lovable towards everyone. However, they can be
over-exuberant and distractible. They are patient with even small children and enjoy
being a part of all aspects of family life. This breed has poor guarding instincts
however they are excellent watchdogs, notifying their owners when a stranger approaches.
Golden Retrievers love water and enjoy dragging, pulling or carrying anything they
can get in their mouth. They are huge "water babies" and love to swim. They are
excellent at obedience competitions. Golden Retrievers have also been used for hunting,
tracking, retrieving, narcotics detection, agility, and performing tricks. They
are also amazing service dogs. This breed does not do well if isolated from human
contact.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 22-24" ; Weight: 60-80 lbs.
Female Height: 20-22" ; Weight: 55-70 lbs.
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Health Problems
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This breed is prone to hip dysplasia and congenital eye defects. Both parents should
have their OFA and CERF certifications and should have been checked for Von Willebrand's
disease and heart problems. This breed is also prone to skin allergies.
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Living Conditions
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Golden Retrievers will do fine living in an apartment if they get enough exercise.
They do best with a large yard.
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Exercise
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This breed needs regular, daily exercise. They love to retrieve tennis balls and
other objects so exercise is easy. Care should be taken not to overfeed this breed
as they can become overweight.
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Life Expectancy
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About 10-12 years
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Grooming
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Golden Retrievers are easy to groom. Comb or brush with a firm-bristle brush and
remember to pay close attention to the thick undercoat. Bathe only when necessary.
This breed is an average shedder.
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Origin
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Golden Retrievers were mainly developed in the latter part of the 19th century by
Sir Dudley Marjoribanks (Lord Tweedmouth). He acquired a yellow colored 'Nous' dog
from Brighton, England in 1865. He then bred this dog with a Tweedwater Spaniel,
which are now extinct. The breed was slowly developed over the next 20 years with
the addition of Labrador Retrievers, Red Setters and Bloodhounds. The Golden Retriever's
line was finally registered in 1908. They were known as the Golden Flatcoats until
1913 when they were renamed the Golden or Yellow Retrievers. However, it was not
until 1920 that the name Golden Retriever became permanent. They are recognized
by the AKC and the UKC.
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Group
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AKC Sporting, UKC Gun Dog
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