Nickname        : The World’s Most Popular Dog

Breed Origins : England (1800’s)

Breed usage    : Hunting Small Game - retrieving

Dog Weight     : 60 - 80 Pounds

Dog Height      : 21 to 25 inches to the shoulder

History
Golden Retriever comes from England (1800’s) and was bred originally to hunt small game - retrieving. This dog is classified as one of the Sporting Dog Group.The Golden Retriever was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1925. The Golden Retriever is believed to descend from the old Black Wavy coated retriever which is known to occasionally have produced yellow, or gold, puppies. Much of the improvement to the breed can be attributed to Lord Tweedmouth at the end of the 19th century, the breed drew considerable attention when they were first being exhibited in 1908. There is believed to be elements of the Newfoundland, setter and spaniel in this breed. There is a story that the Golden Retriever actually originates from 8 Russian Sheepdogs who performed in a Circus Troupe - although it is impossible to find any historic evidence of this legend.
Dogs in the Sporting group, which include the Golden Retriever, can be divided into three main categories - Retrievers, Pointers and Setters. These dogs were bred primarily to work with people to hunt game birds. Some of these dogs work in water whilst other dogs are more suited to work on land and many of the dogs in the Sporting dog category are comfortable and capable of working in either land or water environments. Sporting dogs, including the Golden Retriver, are particularly suited to wood and field activities. The Retriever, Pointer and Setter dogs and their main functionalities are as follows:

• The Retriever dog - Retriever dogs find and return killed game to the hunter. Some Retrievers are especially equipped, for instance with a water-repellent coat and webbed feet, for retrieving downed waterfowl.
• The Pointer dog - Pointer dogs stand in front of their quarry, with their nose and body rigidly still , thus directing (or pointing) the hunter to its location.
• The Setter dog - Setter dogs were originally trained to set, or crouch, in front of game preventing the escape of the quarry. The hunter would make the capture with a net.

All Information and Tips About This Dog :

• Coat and Colours information
  The Golden Retriever’s coat is normally a shade of gold or cream. The coat is normally flat or wavy, dense with a waterproof undercoat.

• Health information - potential problems
  Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Golden Retriever, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Golden Retriever can include:
  • Hip Dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints)
  • Epilepsy
  • Eye problems
  • The life expectancy for this particular breed is 10 – 12 years.

• Grooming and Care
  Golden Retriever requires weekly care and grooming. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible.