subject: Golden Retriever Breed of Dogs [print this page] Golden Retriever Breed of Dogs Golden Retriever Breed of Dogs
Golden Retrievers are a popular breed of dog, mainly because they are a loyal, cheerful and an all around fun type of dog. This breed of dog was originally bred for its hunting ability and their capacity to endure the harsh weather of northern Europe. Golden Retrievers are a particular favorite with families, as well as being excellent search and rescue and service dogs for the handicapped. These dogs are well known for their lively personalities as well as certain other traits.
Usually their appearance is the first thing that comes to peoples minds when thinking about Golden Retrievers. This breed of dog is noticeably big, strong and very active. Under their lush coats, their bodies are bristling with muscle. Golden Retrievers were specifically bred as hunting animals, and their body structure enables them to track their prey through dense underbrush. On average, males can weigh between 65-75 pounds and reach 23-24 inches in height at the withers. Females are generally smaller at between 55-65 pounds and reach 21-22 inches in height. Despite their large size, Golden Retrievers have very friendly faces that charm everyone in their presence.
The Golden Retriever gets its name for the color of its coat, which come in a variety of golden shades ranging from cream to rust colored. These dogs have a thick, water repellent coat that protects them from the cold, harsh conditions of northern Europe where they were originally bred to hunt. They also require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy. Grooming twice a week is usually sufficient unless they are shedding, in which case daily grooming may be needed. They don't require clipping like other dog breeds, but stray hairs should be trimmed on a regular basis. A Golden Retriever's thick coat should lie flat against the body and it can be either wavy or straight. The hair on the tail is longer and feathered and should be trimmed neatly.
Originally bred in the Scottish Highlands, through the years distinct differences have evolved between the American and British types of Golden Retrievers. British Golden Retrievers are usually lighter in color and huskier than their American counterparts. The head, eyes and muzzles of the dogs are also unmistakably different. Canadian Golden Retrievers are a mix of both the American and British breeds. Their coats are darker than the British breed and they are comparable in height and weight to the American breed.
Most people think of Golden Retrievers as dogs with an engaging, outgoing personality. They are also one of the breeds that is most easily trainable. They can sit still for hours when hunting or work with search and rescue teams until exhaustion. The only detraction is that this breed is so friendly that they tend not to make very good watch dogs.
