Probably one of the most recognisable and best loved dogs, the Golden Retriever is known for their lustrous, medium-length golden coat and ever-wagging tail. This large retriever has a friendly expression with perfect symmetry and superb, flowing movement covering the ground with long, powerful strides.
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Weight: | 27–34kg |
| Height: | 51–61cm |
| Colours: | The Golden Retriever comes in various shades of gold from light to dark |
| Size: | Large |
| Kennel Club group: | Gundog |
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 5/5 |
| Easy to train: | 5/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 1/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 5/5 |
| Energy level: | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 4/5 |
| Shedding: | 5/5 |
The Golden Retriever is a gentle dog with a level disposition and usually adapts well to family life. They love to be involved in all matters, whether indoors or outdoors. They are foremost a retriever and will attempt to drag, pull, or carry anything they can fit into their mouths. They also love water and care should be taken to ensure their safety when any form of water is nearby. Golden Retrievers are, however, worriers, and great care should be taken during training, ensuring sensitivity is always maintained.
As long as they have been introduced to cats and other furries as a puppy, they will happily live with all other household animals.
The Golden Retriever will suit an owner or family who are active and love the great outdoors, and who want a friendly, trainable large dog who needs lots of exercise and will join in with all activities with joy - and love everyone.
Sir Dudley Marjoribanks (Lord Tweedmouth) took a liking to the yellow colour of the retriever and acquired a dog called 'Nous' from Brighton, England, in 1865 and used him on a Tweed Water Spaniel bitch, which was a liver-coloured retrieving dog. In 20 years of further breeding, and bringing in Labrador Retrievers, Red Setters and possibly a Bloodhound or two to improve scenting and add bone, the Golden Retriever dog breed was developed. In 1908 it was registered and shown as Golden Flatcoats until 1913, when the listing was changed to Golden or Yellow Retrievers until finally, in 1920, they took the name they bear today.
