According to the AKC Registration Statistics, the Golden Retriever was the 4th most popular dog breed in the United States in 2008. The Golden Retriever is self confident, friendly and energetic. This breed is ideal for working in search and rescue, as well as assistance work due to his eager to please attitude. The Golden Retriever is a member of the Sporting Group, which means he may have a high distractibility, making some training exercises more difficult.
History
The Golden Retriever originated in the late 1800’s in the Scottish Highlands. He was mostly used for hunting purposes. The Golden Retriever was developed by Lord Tweedmouth. He was trying to create a breed well suited to the Scottish climate and terrain. In his efforts he also brought about later integrations of the Bloodhound, the Irish Setter, the original Yellow Retriever, and the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel.
Appearance
The Golden Retriever has a feathered, medium-length coat. It can be golden of various shades. The feathering may be lighter than the rest of the coat. His coat is water-repellent with a rich undercoat. This makes him a great hunting companion on land and in the water. The coat may be straight or wavy. There should be moderate feathering on the underbody as well as the back of the forelegs. There should be heavier feathering on the chest, the underside of his tail and on the back of the thighs.
Dog Training Tips
The Golden Retriever is a highly active dog. He requires daily physical and mental activity. Your local dog trainer will tell you that you need to display good leadership skills. Without this, your pooch may become high strung, ill-behaved, or overly exuberant. His eagerness to please will allow him to be trained easily. However, since the Golden Retriever belongs to the Sporting Group, he may have a hard time focusing during training. This may make it difficult for him to perform such tasks as a sit-stay. The Golden Retriever is also known to be insensitive, which makes them more difficult to correct. This also makes them better companions for children. It is necessary to begin obedience training at an early age in order to keep your pooch happy and healthy.
Golden Retrievers as Pets
If you are looking for a friendly companion with a fun-loving and energetic attitude, the Golden Retriever is the dog for you. The Golden Retriever is a great family dog suitable for most any living condition. He requires daily exercise and regular grooming. He has been a favorite breed for centuries and will continue to be for many more.
