Late in the eighteen hundreds, the yellow Flat-Coated Retriever and the Tweed Water
Spaniel were bred and the results brought about the first of the Golden Retriever breed. The Scottish Highlands was the first birthplace of this very lovable dog. It was in 1925 that the AKC recognized the Golden Retriever and this breed has proven to be capable of assisting their owner in several different ways.
Many people own these great dogs as pets while others use them for their hunting and tracking needs. These dogs can hunt birds in the water as well as on land. They are used as drug sniffing dogs and as service dogs to assist handicapped people. Many people who are blind use the dogs to help in their therapy.
The Golden Retrievers are considered to be a medium to large sized dog. Their coat is one of the aspects of this breed that make them so attractive. The coat is water resistant and they have a wavy or straight outer coat that feather naturally. The coat ranges in color from a light cream color to a very rich golden color.
These dogs make wonderful pets because of their great personalities. They are very well mannered, very intelligent, and very lovable. Training them is a fairly easy task as they can pick up on your direction and always try to please their owners. They are very gentle and patient around children so they make great pets for families with children of all ages.
Golden Retrievers are not known for their desire to be a guard dog and in most cases, this instinct never appears in these dogs. While they do not typically try to guard things, they will make their owners aware of someone that is approaching if they are not familiar with them. They can blend well in a family that has another pet as they are very good with other dogs.
Some behavioral issues can surface when the Golden Retriever is not exercised both physically and mentally on a daily basis. They may become high strung and destructive if this occurs. They do need a lot of exercise on a regular basis in order to maintain the wonderful temperament that they are known for. They will look to you as their pack leader so be strong and show them that you love them and will take them to get the exercise that they need.
While some Golden Retrievers are known for having hip problems like hip dysplasia, there are some things that can be done to help them. If you are able to maintain a healthy weight, which is between fifty-five and eighty pounds, the hip problems that plague this breed will be less likely to occur.
Once you have welcomed your new pet into your home and have begun a schedule of regular exercise and a lot of love, you are sure to realize that you have found a best friend and companion for many years to come.