Characteristics of the Golden Retriever

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     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!