Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever

Background: The Golden Retriever is one of the most known dogs in the world and was developed in Loch Ness, Scotland in the 1860's by a man named Lord Tweed Mouth, who bred a dog with a love of water and a desire to retrieve (Animal Planet). Given the name the "Golden" they were recognized by the AKC in 1925. These dogs were bred to hunt and retrieve various preys such as birds like the water foul and ducks. With their webbed feet they are able to retrieve animals even in the water, retrieving these animals required them to have what people call a "soft mouth"; A soft mouth is basically when they can carry a raw egg in their mouth and not break it. 

Characteristics:

Weight: 55-80 lbs (depending on the sex)

Height: 20-24 inches (depending on the sex)

Lifespan: 10-12 years 

Temperament: Golden's have an excellent behavior, they are eager to please which is why they are easy to train and were the first  AKC (American Kennel Club) obedience trial champ in training. They are excellent family dogs and are ranked high and one of the most beloved dog breeds to bring into homes. They are ranked low with barking. They do however there are some bad reviews and now agression is a feature in some lines but not the entire breed, they were ranked 3rd in the national bite parade with 1st the german shepherd and 2nd the Chow Chow. They are excellent family dogs and are good for first time owners but not very good guard dogs. 

Coat and Color: A golden's color can vary from a very pale gold to a very dark copper like gold. They shed seasonally and heavily, their coat is a dense water repellent coat. 

Health issues: Like any other large breed they're prone to hip dysplasia, Cancer lyphnodes are common due to over breeding it would be best to buy from a breeder with a good line.Make sure they are given plenty of exercise because they can gain weight easily. 

Living conditions: Golden's is versatile and can adapt to almost anywhere.

Own Experience: Owning a Golden Retriever was an amazing experience, her name was Casey and I grew up with her from the age of 6-18, for 12 years of my life until she was put down due to health issues on January 2nd, 2012. She wasn't the best example of a Golden Retriever,not very active and hated the water she also didn't hunt much until she was in her older years but she was a great part of my life because she was an amazing companion to have by my side while growing up. She was calm and was protective of my brother and I so much so she would have a nightly routine of checking on us, and she always wanted to be with us. She was kind to everyone that walked in and was even brought to nursing homes a few times to visit both my great grandfather and other senior citizens, even though she was trained to she was calm and would allow anyone to pet her. Casey was that loving pet that everyone gave compliments to on how well she behaved and how kind she was. Golden Retrievers are a truly amazing breed that make amazing companions. 

Casey

 February 4th 2000- January 2nd 2012 

Dogs 101. (n.d.). Retrieved November 2012 , from Animal Planet : http://animal.discovery.com/tv-shows/dogs-101#all-videos