The Golden Retriever was first developed in the British Islands. The breed comes from crosses between the Flat-Coated Retriever, Spaniel breeds, Setters, the Newfoundland and possibly the Bloodhound. This breed was first shown as the Golden Flat-Coat.

Highly obedient, the Golden Retriever as been used for many tasks like hunting and tracking, but also for narcotics detection, guiding blind people and service dog for the disabled.

The Golden Retriever can come in any shades of golden and feathering can be lighter.

The Golden Retriever’s outer coat is lying close to body, stiff and tough, but never coarse. It can be straight or wavy with moderate feathering on back of forelegs and under the body. Feathering is heavier on back of thighs, under the tail and front of the neck. Hairs on the front of legs, paws and on the head are short and smooth.

These lovable dogs are known for their great charm and their high intelligence. In fact, the Golden Retriever, eager to please, is very easy to train and excels in obedience competitions. Well-mannered, sweet, patient and gentle with children, this breed makes an outstanding family dog.

The Golden Retriever is loyal and confident, loving and cheerful. This dog is friendly with everyone which makes it a poor guard dog. It constantly needs to be around people to be happy.

The Golden Retriever is prone to hip dysplasia, congenital eye defects and skin allergies. The parents should be checked for heart problems. The Golden Retriever is very easy to take care of. It needs to be brushed, combed and dry shampooed regularly, but bathed only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

The Golden Retriever will thrive if the training is done softly. As it is eager to please its master, this breed is very easy to train and excels at obedience competitions.

The Golden Retriever is a very energetic dog that needs daily vigorous exercise. It will enjoy activities like running alongside you or your bicycle, swimming or retrieving.