One of the most obedient and intelligent dogs, Golden Retriever dogs are famous for offering their services in a wide variety of domains including hunting, field trials and conferring guidance and companionship to blind masters. In the early decades of the 1800's, hunting was popular among natives of England and Scotland. During that time, hunting was considered both as a way to gather foods and a mode of entertainment. With their flexibility and a medium-size, the Golden Retriever has the ability to move through the wild-fowling, both upland and waterfowl, in a smooth fashion.
In the history of the Golden Retriever, Lord Tweedmouth at Guisachan Estate, Scotland listed the first official record of breeding. However, it became known to the public only during 1952 when the great nephew of Lord Tweedmouth published few historical documentation concerning the estate and Lord Tweedmouth. In mid 19th century, the golden puppy, named Nous put his footsteps for the first time in the estate with his master, Lord Tweedmouth. In the estate, Lord Tweedmouth bred golden puppies with the most desired characteristics and mannerisms.
During that time, Tweed Water Spaniel dogs were used for the purpose of hunting and they were recognized for their true intelligence, boldness and vitality. While developing the breed of the Golden Retriever, Tweed Water Spaniel dogs played a significant role. Breeding between Nous and Belle, a female Tweed Water Spaniel dog, gave birth the first fours desired golden puppies. However in time, dogs like Bloodhound, Irish setter along with Tweed Water Spaniel were integrated in order to breed the Golden Retrievers of today.
At the end of 19th century in England, the popularity of the Golden Retriever increased significantly. In the year 1908, the first exhibition of Golden Retrieve was held in the Crystal Palace show, England. A separate status had been established with the formation of the Golden Retriever Club in the year 1913 in England. In 1920, these dogs put their footsteps in North America for the first time in the line of dog-breeding history.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) offered the recognition and listed them in the year 1925. During the time between 1930s and 1940s, the popularity of this breed became significantly increased. The Golden Retriever was the dog that achieved the crown of obedience, The Obedience Champ Title, from the AKC, while competing with many other varieties of dogs in the year 1977.
In early days, the capability of the Golden Retriever dogs was limited to their hunting instinct, but later on down the line they show their utmost talent in the domain of show ring as well.
One interesting fact is that the dark shade used to be the predominant public preference that went over the light shade coat in earlier times, which is quite uncommon in today's scenario.
ollowing the years of first breeding, the popularity of this breed has never failed and today this dog has obtained the utmost popularity as a truly intelligent, obedient and courageous dog throughout the world.
