Golden Retriever

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Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever
Country of origin
Scotland
Common nicknames
Golden
Yellow Retriever
Goldie
Classification and breed standards
FCI: Group 8 Section 1 #111 Stds
AKC: Sporting Stds
ANKC: Group 3 (Gundogs) Stds
CKC: Group 1 - Sporting Dogs Stds
KC (UK): Gundog Stds
NZKC: Gundog Stds
UKC: Gun Dog Stds

The Golden Retriever is a popular breed of dog, originally developed to retrieve downed fowl during hunting. It is one of the most common family dogs as it is easy to handle, very tolerant and normally very happy and friendly. They are a low-maintenance dog and thrive on attention, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups. Golden Retrievers are usually compatible with all people and other dogs. They typically bark when startled, but their friendly nature generally makes them poor watchdogs. Golden Retrievers are particularly valued for their high level of sociability towards people and willingness to learn. Because of this, they are commonly used as Guide dogs and Search and Rescue dogs. [1]

Contents

[edit] Appearance

The Golden should be athletic, well balanced, and symmetrical. Its appearance should reflect its merry and outgoing temperament, and should never look sulky or aggressive. This large breed is similar in appearance to the yellow Labrador Retriever, especially when young. The most obvious difference is the Golden Retriever's luxuriant coat, which varies in shades of goldish yellow.[2]

Today's Golden Retrievers fall into two groups: English and American.

English Goldens are easily recognized by their longer, light cream-colored coats, which sometimes appear white. This type is bigger-boned, shorter, with a more square head and/or muzzle. They are more common in Europe, so breeders of this type in America may import their dogs to improve bloodlines. A Golden Retriever of English breeding can have a coat colour in the colour range of all shades of gold or cream, but not including red nor mahogany. A few white hairs on the chest are acceptable. For details of the UK Golden Retriever Breed standard, visit this web site, Golden Retriever Breed Standard

American Goldens retain the standard of their field-hunting ancestors and appear lanky with a tall body and limbs. Their coats come in much darker shades of gold than the English Golden (similar in color to the Irish Setter). These two types are merely variations of the Golden Retriever breed as a whole, and differ only in aesthetics.

[edit] Coat and color

Color ranges from nearly blonde to this dark golden coat.
Color ranges from nearly blonde to this dark golden coat.

The coat should be dense and waterproof, and may be straight or moderately wavy. It must lie flat against the body and should not be silky, hard, or wooly. The American Kennel Club (AKC) standard states that the coat is a "rich, lustrous golden of various shades", disallowing coats that are extremely light or extremely dark. This leaves the outer ranges of coat color up to a judge's discretion when competing in conformation shows. Judges may also disallow Goldens with brown or pink noses, though these are very rare. The Golden's coat can also be a 'mahogany' color, referred to as 'redheads' in people. As a Golden grows older, its coat can become darker or lighter tints of brown, along with a noticeable whitening of the fur on and around the face.

This male Golden has the profuse coat typical of dogs from show bloodlines
This male Golden has the profuse coat typical of dogs from show bloodlines

[edit] Size

Golden Retrievers reach their full height around one year of age and full weight around age two, though they may retain their puppyish nature for life. The height standard is 56 - 61 cm (22-24 ins) at the withers for males, and 51 - 56 cm (20-22 ins) for females. The weight standard is 29 - 34 kg (65-75 lb) for males, and 27-32 kg (60-70 lb) for females. The weight and sizes standards determine whether dogs can compete in sanctioned dog shows; individual Goldens may be larger or smaller, but may not compete.[2]

[edit] Temperament

Typically, Goldens are fairly unruly as puppies. However, once they reach maturity, Goldens remain active and fun-loving while developing an exceptionally patient demeanor, as befits a dog bred to sit quietly for hours in a hunting blind. Other characteristics related to their hunting heritage are a size suited for scrambling in and out of boats and an inordinate love for cool water. Some poorly bred and inadequately socialized Goldens may have aggressive tendencies, but they are rare. In The Book of Lists, the Golden Retriever is at the top of a list of nine breeds of dogs that are least likely to bite.

Most Goldens enjoy active entertainment, such as dog agility.
Most Goldens enjoy active entertainment, such as dog agility.

They are noted for their affection for people, and their tolerance of children. Because of their gentle temperament they are great therapy dogs to use in hospitals or retirement homes. Most Goldens require lots of companionship to be happy. Due to their intelligence, they do well in obedience trials and make excellent assistance dogs. While they might not do quite as well in field trials as Labrador Retrievers, they are excellent hunters known for outstanding scenting ability. However, many Golden Retrievers will not express their desire to "fetch" until adulthood.

The Golden Retriever loves to retrieve. Retrieving a thrown stick, tennis ball, or flying disc can keep a Golden occupied and entertained for hours, particularly if there is also water involved.

[edit] Care

Goldens are very active, and will appreciate as much exercise (and in many cases more) as their owner(s) can provide. Goldens are not as prone to obesity as Labrador Retrievers, but as with any dog their weight should be watched closely. This is especially true for elderly or less active dogs.

Goldens should be groomed several times a week, more when shedding which normally happens in the spring as the dog loses its thicker winter coat. They also need to have their ears cleaned regularly, otherwise an ear infection might occur.

[edit] History

The Golden Retriever breed was originally developed in Scotland, at "Guisachan", near Glen Affric, the highland estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks (pronounced "Marchbanks"), later Baron Tweedmouth. For many years, there was controversy over which breeds were originally crossed. In 1952, the publication of Majoribanks' breeding records from 1835 to 1890 removed doubt about a romantic story concerning the purchase of a whole troupe of Russian sheepdogs from a visiting circus.

A young Golden Retriever showing the breed's broad face and wide muzzle.
A young Golden Retriever showing the breed's broad face and wide muzzle.

The original cross was of a yellow-coloured dog, Nous, with a Tweed Water Spaniel female dog, Belle. The Tweed Water Spaniel is now extinct but was then common in the border country. Majoribanks had purchased Nous in 1865 from an unregistered litter of otherwise black wavy-coated retriever pups. In 1868, this cross produced a litter that included four bitch pups; these four became the basis of a breeding program which included the Red Setter, the sandy-coloured Bloodhound, the St. John's Water Dog of Newfoundland, the Springer Spaniel, and two more wavy-coated black Retrievers. The bloodline was also inbred and selected for trueness to Majoribanks' idea of the ultimate hunting dog. His vision included a more vigorous and powerful dog than previous retrievers, that would still be gentle and trainable. Russian sheepdogs are not mentioned in these records, nor are any other working dog breeds. The ancestry of the Golden Retriever is all sporting dogs, in line with Majoribanks' goals.[1]

Golden Retrievers vary widely in color
Golden Retrievers vary widely in color

Golden Retrievers were first accepted for registration by the The Kennel Club of England in 1903, as Flat Coats - Golden. They were first exhibited in 1908, and in 1911 were recognised as a breed described as Retriever (Golden and Yellow). In 1913, the Golden Retriever Club was founded. The breed name was officially changed to Golden Retriever in 1920.

The Hon. Archie Majoribanks took a Golden Retriever to Canada in 1881, and registered Lady with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1894. These are the first records of the breed in these two countries. The breed was first registered in Canada in 1927, and the Golden Retriever Club of Ontario, now the Golden Retriever Club of Canada, was formed in 1958. The AKC recognized the breed in 1932, and in 1938 the Golden Retriever Club of America was formed.[3]

[edit] Health

A three year old.
A three year old.
Two light-coloured Goldens
Two light-coloured Goldens

Breeding Goldens can be profitable for puppy mills and backyard breeders; as a result of careless breeding for profit, Goldens are prone to genetic and other diseases. Hip dysplasia is very common in the breed; when buying a puppy its parents should have been examined by the OFA or PennHIP for hip disease.

Common diseases in the breed include:

[edit] Rescue efforts

Two rescued Golden Retrievers.
Two rescued Golden Retrievers.

Because of the prevalence and prominence of the breed, high demand results in many Goldens being abandoned each year by owners who can no longer care for them. Puppy mills — large-scale commercial breeding operations sometimes shut down for poor conditions — are another source of orphan Golden Retrievers. These dogs — often old or in need of medical support — may end up in animal shelters.

Kia, a rescued Golden.
Kia, a rescued Golden.

In response to the numbers of orphan Goldens, volunteer organizations work to rescue, care for, and adopt abandoned Golden Retrievers. These rescue groups usually accept dogs from owners and establish agreements with local animal shelters to ensure that dogs will be transferred to their care rather than euthanized. Once rescued, Golden Retrievers are placed in foster homes until a permanent home is found. It is common for rescue groups to screen prospective adopters to ensure that they are capable of providing a good home for the dog. Golden retriever rescue groups have utilized the world wide web to raise funds and advertise rescued Goldens to adopters.

[edit] Golden Retrievers in popular culture

Gerald Ford and Liberty in 1974 in the Oval Office
Gerald Ford and Liberty in 1974 in the Oval Office

[edit] Gallery

An 8 weeks old puppy

A 2 month old male

A 5 month old male

A 3 year old male

A 4 year old

Two dark-coloured Goldens

A Golden Retriever with a Shih Tzu

One year old enjoying water

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b The Versatile Golden Retriever. Buzzle.com. Retrieved on February 4, 2007.
  2. ^ a b AKC Golden Retriever standard. American Kennel Club. Retrieved on February 4, 2007.
  3. ^ History. Golden Retriever Club of America. Retrieved on February 4, 2007.
  4. ^ a b The Golden Retriever Club of America, National Health Survey: 1998-1999 (PDF). The Golden Retriever Foundation. Retrieved on February 4, 2007.
  5. ^ a b c Acquiring a Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever Club of America. Retrieved on February 4, 2007.
  6. ^ a b c d Golden retriever. University of Prince Edward Island. Retrieved on February 4, 2007.
  7. ^ Project Outline: Golden Retriever Hemophilia A Study 2004-2005. Golden Retriever Club of America. Retrieved on February 7, 2007.by jessi harvey

[edit] External links

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