Characteristics of a Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is typically athletic, well balanced,
and symmetrical in appearance. This is reflected in
its merry outgoing temperament; in fact you will not
find this dog sulky or aggressive. This large breed
looks very similar to the yellow Labrador retriever,
especially when young. The most obvious difference being
that the Golden Retriever's coat is luxurious and varies
in shades of gold yellow.
The breed was first developed in the British Isles by
Lord Tweedmouth of Scotland. He wanted to breed the
perfect dog. He wanted characteristics of a dog that
was intelligent, loyal, attractive, perceptive, and
a powerfully-built, agile, hunting dog that could retrieve
waterfowl in extreme wet and cold conditions. The end
result was the Golden Retriever.
The Golden Retriever has feathered, medium-length, cream
to golden-colored coat which may be straight or moderately
wavy. They are beautiful, sturdy and well-proportioned
dogs. Their coat is water-repellent and the undercoat
is dense and lies flat against the belly . It is characterized
by a strong, broad head, a tapering wide, powerful muzzle
and a scissor bite with a clear frontal stop. Black
nosed, and soft, dark eyes that are brown with dark
rims, ears that are medium-sized and pendant in shape,
the neck and thighs are muscular and they are broad
chested with long, straight tails.
Golden Retrievers will generally reach their full height
at about one year of age and they attain full weight
by the time they are two years old, although their puppyish
nature may stay with them for life. The standard height
is around 56-61 cm (22-24 in) at the withers for males,
and around 51-56 cm (20-22 in) for females. Proportionately
the weight is 29-34 kg (65-75 lb) for males, and 27-32
kg (60-70 lb) for females.
Today's Golden Retrievers fall into two groups: English
and American. These are merely variations of the Golden
Retriever breed as a whole, and the difference lies
only in the aesthetic look. The English dogs are easily
recognized as they have long, light cream-colored coats
which appear white at times. They are big-boned, short,
with a square head/ muzzle. These are more common in
Europe. A Golden Retriever of English breeding can have
coats in all shades of gold or cream, but not red or
mahogany. A few white hairs on the chest are acceptable.
On the other hand, the American Golden Retrievers vary
widely in color. They retain the standard of their field-hunting
ancestors and have a lanky appearance characterized
by a tall body and long limbs. Their coats are in darker
shades of gold than the English Golden and are fairly
similar to that of the Irish Setter.
Typically, this breed of dogs likes to be around people
and they are happiest then. But isolated from human
contact, or left alone for long, the Golden Retriever
may become mischievous and quite capable of tearing
things up around the house. They are known to be over-exuberant
and easily distractable.
But because they care so much, owners find that they
make superb companions and are very easily trainable.
Many schools that train guide dogs for the blind choose
the Golden Retriever for their qualities. Keep your
Golden Retriever pup happy by keeping it close to you
and you will benefit and enjoy the obedience training
sessions and the bonding that you experience with your
dog. Good luck!
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