AKC Golden Retriever ?A Rundown Of The American Kennel Club Standards

     Description of the AKC Golden Retriever will include an overall view as well as breed standards and reasons for disqualification in the conformation ring. They describe the Golden Retriever as a dog that is eager to please and very intelligent. It is also classified as one of the most popular United States breeds. This is according to statistics of the AKC registrations. A useful and vigorous hunter and an ideal assistance, search and rescue and guide dog.

Originating in Scotland, the AKC Golden Retriever is a cross between the extinct Tweed Water Spaniel and the yellow retriever in the late 1800's. In later years the Irish Setter, Bloodhound and more of the Tweed were integrated to produce the dog we know as the Golden Retriever.

The AKC Golden Retriever is an active and very energetic sporting breed. It is adaptable to most lifestyles, but does require daily exercise. Regular brushing will help with the year round shedding and keep your strikingly beautiful dog in prime condition and a joy to anyone that owns one.

According to the AKC standard the dog is active, sound, powerful and symmetrical. It is not clumsy but rather self-confident and possessing a kind expression and an eager to please personality. The dog will be balanced in gait. Any departure from this will be considered a fault and contrary to character.

The size of the dog for males is 23-24 inches; females 21?-22?inches. Any variance over one inch will be considered a fault. Weight of the dog will be 65-75 pounds and bitches 55-65 pounds. The length of the dog from breastbone to buttocks will be a little greater than the height at the withers.

The head will be broad and arched slightly longitudinally and laterally with no prominence of the forehead. The foreface is wide and deep and close to the skull in length. The muzzle is straight. The eyes will appear friendly and will be medium to large in size and dark brown in color. If the eyes are slanted or narrow, they are considered a fault as is dysfunction of the eyelashes or eyelids in an AKC Golden Retriever.

The ears are short and fall close to the cheek. When the ears are pulled forward they cover the eyes. Hound type ears are not acceptable. Nose is brownish black to black. Pink nose or one that is lacking in pigmentation is faulted. Teeth have a scissor bite. Any overshot or undershot bite is faulted.

This friendly, trustworthy and reliable dog will exhibit a free, powerful, well-coordinated gait. Legs will not turn in or out. Showing the dog on a loose leash is recommended to allow the judge to see the gait.

The coat is dense and golden in color. The color can range from light golden to a deep gold. Any very dark or very light color is unacceptable for an AKC Golden Retriever.

The hindquarters are strong and broad. The pelvis slopes at a 30-degree angle. The femur and pelvis join at a 90-degree angle. The forequarters in an AKC Golden Retriever are muscular and capable of free movement. Shoulders are long and laid back with upper parts close at the withers.