Variety:
Golden Retriever
Country of origin:
Great Britain
Destination:
Domestic dog, bird dog
Colours:
Cream to gold
Character
Calm, sensitive, affectionate, sweet, patient, alert, loyal, affectionate, agile, excellent companion and family pet
Height:
55-61 cm
Weight:
24-35 kg
Longevity:
10-13 years
Other names:
Golden Retriever
Hypoallergenic:
No
Litter size:
6-10 puppies
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever has won the title of Best Family Dog. We have to agree that it is well deserved – this breed is quite calm, gentle, affectionate and very patient. They are eager to play with children and forgive them for all sorts of wrongs. Golden Retrievers get on well with other animals and can get along with cats. This breed is more likely to express joy through barking than anger. The Golden Retriever is usually chosen as a great human companion, but can also help people with disabilities.
History of the breed
It is not known exactly how the first Golden Retrievers were bred, but it is believed that the breed was the result of a combination of the Smooth-haired Retriever and the Water Tweed Spaniel (the latter is now extinct). Later, they were also mixed with other breeds – bladhounds and setters. Golden Retrievers were bred at the end of the nineteenth century and had their first show in 1908. The breed was registered a little later, in 1925. These dogs were bred to be able to swim well and to pull birds shot out of the water. The first Golden Retrievers came to Lithuania not so long ago, in 1996. today it is one of the most popular breeds in our country.
Golden Retriever: Appearance
Golden Retrievers can be both lighter and darker: their coat colour varies from cream to golden, and as they get older their coat becomes lighter. The head is quite large, in proportion to the body, and the top of the head is broad and convex. The jaws are strong and wide and the bite is scissor-like. Interestingly, the Golden Retriever was bred to retrieve shot waterfowl, so its bite is very soft. The lips are open and the nose is large and black. The body is strong and muscular, with a very dense coat on the hind paws. The ears of the Golden Retriever are medium-sized and drooping. The eyes are spaced apart, triangular in shape and dark brown in colour. The neck is of medium length, firm and muscular. Males are taller and larger than females, with a height of 58-61 cm at the withers and a weight of 29-35 kg. Females are between 55 and 57 cm tall and weigh between 24 and 29 kg.
Golden Retriever: Character
The Golden Retriever is a rather calm dog that likes to be as close as possible to its owner. It is not an intrusive pet – as long as the owner is busy, the Golden Retriever will snooze peacefully at his feet. Of course, adults should supervise children’s behaviour with the dog – boundaries must be drawn as to what is allowed and what is not. Although Golden Retrievers are patient, it is important to make sure that the dog feels comfortable. Like other dogs, Golden Retrievers need early socialisation and training, which should start as early as possible. This breed requires a fair amount of physical activity – they need to unload their pent-up energy on a daily basis. Mental activity is also required – Golden Retrievers can really boast of their intelligence. Quick and willing to be trained, a properly trained Golden Retriever can be completely unresponsive to external stimuli.