ADDITIONAL GOLDEN RETRIEVER PICTURES
Family: Retriever
Breed Group: Gun Dog, AKC Sporting
Origin: Scotland
Date of Origin: Late 19th Century
Originally used for: Hunting dog
Used today: Companion, sporting
Other Name(s): Yellow Retriever, Golden, Goldie
History of the Breed: The Golden Retriever originated in the Highlands of Scotland in the late 1800s and owes its development to
Dudley Marjoribanks. He purchased a yellow puppy near the town of Brighton in southern England. Mr. Marjoribanks brought the puppy to his
estate in Scotland, to add to his kennel of sporting dogs. Marjoribanks was very interested in the breeding of dogs
and he wanted to develop a superb retriever suited to the unique Scottish environment. He bred this yellow dog with a Tweed Water Spaniel
and this resulted in several yellow pups that became the foundation for a distinctive line of yellow Retrievers. Descendants of these dogs
were combined with wavy and Flat-Coated Retrievers, another Tweed Water Spaniel, and a Red Setter. Marjoribanks kept primarily the yellow
puppies to continue his line. These yellow retrievers were used by gamekeepers and as a gentleman's gundog. Working ability was always
paramount. These dogs became known as Golden Retrievers. The breed was officially recognized by The Kennel Club in 1911 as "Retriever-
Yellow or Golden" and finally, "Retriever- Golden" in 1920. Early Golden Retrievers had appeared in Canada and the U.S. some years before
their official recognition by either the Canadian (1925) or the American Kennel Club (1932).
Today they are one of the most popular breeds in North America.
General Appearance: A medium sized athletic dog with a broad skull that has a well defined stop and a wide and deep foreface that
is nearly as long as its skull. The muzzle is straight and blends strongly into the skull. The medium large eyes are dark brown and set well
apart. Ears are short and fall close to the cheek. The nose is black or brownish black. The body is well balanced, short coupled and deep
through the chest. The golden coat has moderate feathering on the back of the forelegs with heavier feathering on the front of the neck, the
back of the thighs, and on the underside of the tail. The tail is thick and muscular at the base and carried level or slightly upwards.
Height & Weight:
Height 21.5-24 Inches
Weight 55-75 Pounds
Coat: A double coat. The undercoat is dense and water repellent. The outer coat is firm and resilient and lies close to body and can
be straight or wavy. The coat has moderate feathering on the back of the forelegs and heavier feathering on the front of the neck, the back of
the thighs, and on the underside of the tail.
Color: Golden of various shades. Feathering may be lighter than the rest of the coat.
Grooming needs: Medium
Temperament of Breed: They are very tolerant of children and typically require lots of companionship to be happy. They make great
family pets.
Friendly with children: Excellent with children
Friendly with other dogs: Yes, they get along well with other dogs
Suitability as a watchdog: Yes
Exercise Level: Medium, they should have daily exercise
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hereditary cataracts, hereditary heart disease
Minor:
Life Expectancy: 12-13 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: 4
First Registered by the AKC: 1925
Registries: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
Golden Retriever Club of America
Golden Retriever Club of Canada
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