Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers were originally seen in Scotland. Many people think that the original cross was with a blonde- colored retriever, a Tweed Water Spaniel, and an Irish Setter.

The Golden Retriever was created in hopes to create the ultimate hunting dog. The dog was intended to be the all in one dog that would excel in water sports, duck hunting, and retrieval.

Golden Retrievers make great therapy dogs, guide dogs, and search and rescue dogs, as well as family pets.

Throughout time, breed has been one of the more popular family dog breeds, as they are very loyal, intelligent, and people friendly.

Golden Retrievers range from an average 20 to 24 inches at the shoulder blade, and they tend to average at about 55 to 80 pounds.

The ideal Golden Retriever is athletic and well-balanced.

It's coat is very dense and water repellant, which is what aids them in the water. The coat ranges from straight to moderately wavy.

Golden Retrievers come in various shades to include cream, gold, red, mahogany, and white. Although the red, mahogany, and white shades are usually not accepted in the show ring.

Golden Retrievers are typically bad puppies! They are extremely destructive, as they chew everything in sight. Once they are at full maturity, which may take up to two or three years, they remain active and fun-loving, but no longer as destructive.

Golden Retrievers love to work, so you may want to find some sort of "job" for your Golden, or he may get bored rather easily. In most cases, if you keep up training, which can evolve into agility and tricks, you will be able to keep you dog actively working his brain towards good behaviors versus destructive ones.

This breed is very trainable because of their desire to please, so by all means TRAIN!

Golden Retrievers are great with children, but you must always supervise playtimes because the dog may accidentally injure the child due to its larger size.

Because it is a retrieving dog, Golden Retrievers LOVE retrieving, so bewared of the breed's addiction to playing fetch. But remember that the unconditional love that a Golden can provide should be worth the sore arm.

The average lifespan for a Golden Retriever can average between 10 and 13 years if the dog is kept at optimum health and care. But, you can't prevent every illness...

Hip Dysplasia is very common amongst the breed, but if you purchase the pup from a reputable breeder, he will be able to show you that both the pup's parents have been tested by either the OFA or the PennHIP for any hip diseases and disorders. This testing is different from the average vet check up. It is an official test, so make sure that you understand the difference between the vet shot records and an official OFA or PennHIP test paper.