Golden Retriever
Breed Profile
The Golden Retriever was originally bred in Scotland in the mid-19th century. At that time, wildfowl hunting was a popular sport for the Scottish elite. The Golden Retriever is a large-sized breed of dog bred as gun dogs to retrieve shot waterfowl, such as ducks and upland game birds, during hunting and shooting parties, and were named ‘retriever’ because of their ability to retrieve shot game undamaged.
Temperament
The temperament of the Golden Retriever is a hallmark of the breed, and is described in the standard as “friendly and self- confident”. Golden Retrievers make good family pets, particularly as they are patient with children. They are not “one-man dogs” and are generally equally affectionate with both strangers and their folks. Their trusting, gentle disposition makes them a poor guard dog.
Color & Coat
Coat: The topcoat is water-resistant and slightly wavy, and sheds in small amounts throughout the year. The undercoat is soft and keeps the retriever cool in summer and warm in winter; it sheds in the spring and fall. It usually lies flat against the belly.
Color: As their name suggests, their coats are light golden to dark golden.
Health
Golden Retrievers are known to have genetic disorders and other diseases. Hip dysplasia is common in the breed. Obesity is also a major health issue in the breed because Golden Retrievers are gluttons. Puppies should eat about three cups of food a day and adults three to five cups, depending on the food and how active the dog is.