The Golden Retriever is a clever medium-sized dog, originally bred for hunting. Its ability to bring back the game intact is what brought it the name Retriever. Golden Retrievers have a warm, golden or cream coat, they love water and exercise, and they are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. Retrievers have been used not only as gundogs, but also search and rescue dogs, police dogs, guide dogs for the blind or deaf or drug detector dogs. However, they are also one of the most popular family pet breeds in America, the Retriever is the fourth most popular registered dog breed.
The Retriever was originally bred in Scotland, around the 18th century. Its impressive ability to retrieve from water and land made the Retriever one of the most appreciated hunting dogs at the time. The dogs appearance differs slightly depending on its type the British Retriever has shorter legs and tail, and is generally heavier than the American type. The Canadian retriever has thinner and darker coat than the American type. However, all types have golden, water resistant coats that look a bit wavy. Puppies are usually lighter than adults, whose coats have various shades of gold. They do not have very long hair characteristic that could interfere with their hunting abilities.
Golden Retrievers have a very friendly and patient temperament, which makes them great family pets and perfect companions for children. Because they are very gentle and equally friendly with owners and strangers, they are not very effective guard dogs. A real Retriever is considered to be very calm, extremely intelligent and lacking aggressiveness. Because they are very clever and patient, they are also very easy to train. Their long history as hunting dogs explains their excessive energy and love for outdoor activities.
Loved and properly taken care of, the Golden Retriever can live up to 11 years. However, its health is threatened by various ailments, including genetic disorders, hip dysplasia, cancer, heart disease, eye, joint or skin diseases. Regular check-ups are necessary in order to diagnose possible health conditions early and treat them properly. Paying attention to what and how much you feed your pet is also important, because the Retriever has a predisposition for obesity.
Retrievers need regular grooming - once or twice a week, and more frequently during shedding periods. A bath once every two months is also recommended. Because these dogs are prone to ear infections, cleaning their ears regularly is another basic grooming requirement.
Retrievers are lovely family pets, very loyal and affectionate. Offering them plenty of occasions to run, swim or play can make them grow into very happy and satisfied pets. Because they are very active and energetic dogs, they need a lot of outdoor activities and opportunities to prove their hunting abilities. Retrievers are very eager to please their owners and they have impressive patience with children. Either as family dogs, or trained hunting dogs, Retrievers do their best to win the love of their owners. For old or disabled people, the Golden Retriever is the perfect partner and a valuable help.
