Golden Retriever

HISTORY- Golden Retrievers were very popular during the late 1800's in Britain when bird hunting was popular. Goldens were good sporting dogs because of their versatility. They were used for water foul and upland game. Sir Dudley Majori, later Lord Tweedmouth, created these lovable creatures in the mid 1800's. Majori had a breeding program in Scotland.

He received a male yellow wavy coated Retriever in 1866. He named him Nous. Later on he got a Belle, a water spaniel who was known for her swimming ability, intelligence, and good temper. Belle and Nous mated and they made a Golden Retriever. All Golden Retrievers are unique because of the different kind of water spaniel in them. The first Golden Retrievers were registered in England in 1904 a at Kennel Club. When they got them they were listed as either wavy or flat coats and separated by color; golden or yellow.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE- Golden Retrievers are very athletic dogs. They are powerful, active, sound, and well put together. Golden Retrievers are not clumsy. They are eager, alert and have a self confident personality. Goldens are good hunting dogs and like working under hard conditions. Male Golden Retrievers should stand about 23- 24 inches tall and 65 - 75 lbs. Female Golden Retrievers should be about 21 1/2 - 22 1/2 in. and 55- 65 lbs.

BODY PARTS- Head and Eyes- Golden Retrievers are broad in the skull. Their foreface is deep and wide, almost as big as the skull. They have straight muzzles that bend smoothly into the skull. The whiskers on the muzzle can be removed but it is usually not preferred. The muzzle should not be pointed but tapered.

Golden Retrievers eyes are friendly and intelligent in expression. They are medium large with close fitting rims. The eyes are deep in the sockets and preferred dark but medium brow is accepted in dog shows also. No white is visible when the dog is looking directly forward. A Golden Retriever’s eyes reflect the dog’s personality and character.If a dog has light eyes they look like they don’t have expression and have a harsh appearance very much unlike a Retriever.

Nose, ears, neck, and body- A Golden Retrievers nose is brownish black. The colors sometimes fade in cold weather. The ears are short and fall close to the cheek. If the ears are pulled forward the tips should cover the eye. Correctly sized ears are important for the whole look of the dog.

The neck is medium long and gradually merges into the laid back shoulders. A Golden Retriever has a sturdy, muscular appearance. This dog’s body is well-balanced and deep through the chest. The forelegs should be as wide as a man’s closed fist. They have long and well shaped but not barrel shaped ribs. The ribs extend to the hindquarters. The loin is short, muscular, wide, and deep. The back is strong and level.

Forequarters, feet, and hindquarters- The Golden Retriever has very muscular hindquarters. They are well coordinated with their back legs. The forequarters can move freely. The Golden Retriever has long shoulder blades and is very laid back. The upper arms appear as long as the shoulder blades. The elbows are close to the ribs with out looseness. The hindquarters are strongly muscled and broad. The pelvic bone slopes at about 30 degree angle. The Golden Retriever has medium sized feet and they are round.

Their feet are also compact, well knuckled, and well padded. If desired the hair around the foot can be cut so you are able to see the foot. You can also de-claw the forelegs but they are usually left on. If a Golden Retriever has flat feet it is not good because they don’t do good with exercise and the body will suffer.

Tail, Coat, and Color- The Golden Retrievers tail is well put on, think, and muscular. It is carried with a happy action. The tail usually has an upward curve. It should never be curled over the back or between the legs. Golden Retrievers wag their tails almost all the time. If the tail is carried low or tucked under the legs it may be spooked or shy, which are not Golden Retriever behaviors.

Golden Retrievers’ coats are dense and water repellent. The undercoat is not too coarse and not too silky. The coat is close to the body. It is rich and various shades of gold. The hair on their face and legs is straight. If a Golden Retriever starts getting gray hair around the face, it is just due to old age.